Author Bio: David Wiley is an academic and also one of the co-founders of an organization that improves the educational aspects of adolescents through schooling facilities known as Lumen Learning. Wiley is also a fellow at Creative Commons where he specializes in Instructional Psychology and Technology at Brigham University. David has also been recognized for his outstanding work by receiving a grant from the National Science Foundation and also a fellowship for Shuttleworth. Wiley is also a social entrepreneur in which he founded Mountain Heights Academy in Utah, Lumen Learning, and Degreed. Wiley was also named one of the "100 Most Creative People in Business" in 2009 by the Fast Company.
Date/Context: This document was written during the expansion of technology in 2013. With technology growing and advancing, new interpretations of societies were introduced. The technology also offered new perspectives of people and civilizations along with the advancement of knowledge. With this new found knowledge, many historians and scientists reevaluated the past and the present and gave it new meanings and defined new aspects that were once unclear.
Summary: This article by David Wiley says that the term 'tribe' no longer has a meaning that is valid in the contemporary period. Wiley goes on to explain how the use of the words, 'tribe and 'tribalism' have been misinterpreted within Africa and have changed the way Africa is viewed by the people of the worlds. Many people believe it is being classified as a simpler state of being. As a result of this, the foreign policy was disturbed as well.
Key Quotation:
•"Finally, tribe is a source of misunderstanding the great diversity of rural Africa by labeling small hunting and gathering groups of less than 100 persons as a tribe as well as a far-flung, multinational Fulani trading group of millions of persons across circa 19 nations as a 'tribe.'"
"The term has no validity for describing the pre-colonial period...the term is as demeaning as ever."
Monday, September 28, 2015
Sunday, September 27, 2015
PDP 2 - All African People's Conference: Resolution on Imperialism and Colonialism, Accra, 1958
Author Bio: The All-African People's Conference was a conference held by the major political leaders of African countries in the 1950's as well as by delegates from African independence movements. They all shared a common goal of ending European colonialism and imperialism over African countries, and stated that such actions enforced by European powers were not only unlawful, but inhumane. Due to the fact that that the Conference was a collaboration of many important Africans taking a stand against European rule, I found that there was little to no bias within the Resolution written by them. Also, it should be noted that the African People's Conference was a group that worked together to create the Resolution on Imperialism and Colonialism so there is no specific author of the article.
Date/Context: During the late 1950's leading into the early 1960's, a group of African political leaders along with independence movement delegates formed the African People's Conference in an attempt to overcome the European forces of imperialism and colonialism that were ruining the lives of many Africans in several countries. This will to fight for dominance over their own continent shown by Africans was significant because in a way, it displayed the cruelty of Western powers and their strong desire for wealth and power. The document created by this group of Africans is essentially a list of common goals and guidelines for the group detailing what they wish to accomplish. The context of this article is very important because it puts our lives in perspective. I would never have though that a mere 65 years ago, many African countries were fighting for independence and freedom, while there are many Westerners that take their belongings and position for granted.
Summary: This document lists the desires and goals of the African People's Conference, including their thoughts about imperialism and colonialism. It is clear to identify the common goal of abolishing imperialism and colonialism due to the position many African countries have been placed in under European rule. The document also outlines ten rules that would soon be a reality for Africans after they gained their independence. These include that African military powers should not be abused or used for wrong-doing, but to stand for what is right and rid the continent of Western imperialism. Another key point is that the People's Conference wishes to preserve the rights of all Africans regardless of sex or origin, which was soon put into action once the countries gained independence.
Key Quotation:
"That the All-African People's Conference in Accra declares its full support to all fighters for freedom in Africa, to all those who resort to peaceful means of non-violence and civil disobedience, as well as to all those who are compelled to retaliate against violence to attain national independence and freedom for the people. Where such retaliation becomes necessary, the Conference condemns all legislations which consider those who fight for their independence and freedom as ordinary criminals."
PDP 2 - Charter of the Organisation of African Unity
Author Bio: The leaders of the independent African States wanted to draft a document that would promote peace and unity among all of the countries that had gained their independence and would gain their independence at a later time, they drafted this document to ensure that all member countries would sign it and agreee to its principles so that they could all work through this new independence together.
Date/Context: In 1963, following the end of imperialsim in the vast majority of African countries which enabled them to become independent states, the heads of these newly formed States met in Addis Abba, Ethiopia to write a charter for all of the States then and in the future to abide by, the charter itself was designed to ensure that the countries would work together to remain independent and would work with one another in their newfound independence, this document cemented the fact thst the countriee that signed it were indeed no longer under European control and were truly independent.
Summary: The Charter of the Organisation of African Unity, is a document that was created in 1963 after a large number of African states gained their independence, the document outlines the principles from which the document was founded, and gives reasons as to why it is being constructed, since not all countries had gained their independence at this time there are provisions that allow countries in the future to become members and if they so choose renounce the charter. Its foundation comes from the United Nations charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Key Quotation:
Date/Context: In 1963, following the end of imperialsim in the vast majority of African countries which enabled them to become independent states, the heads of these newly formed States met in Addis Abba, Ethiopia to write a charter for all of the States then and in the future to abide by, the charter itself was designed to ensure that the countries would work together to remain independent and would work with one another in their newfound independence, this document cemented the fact thst the countriee that signed it were indeed no longer under European control and were truly independent.
Summary: The Charter of the Organisation of African Unity, is a document that was created in 1963 after a large number of African states gained their independence, the document outlines the principles from which the document was founded, and gives reasons as to why it is being constructed, since not all countries had gained their independence at this time there are provisions that allow countries in the future to become members and if they so choose renounce the charter. Its foundation comes from the United Nations charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Key Quotation:
- "Determined to safeguard and consolidate the hard-won independence as well as the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our States, and to fight against neo-colonialsim in all its forms"
- "Desirous that all African States should henceforth unite so that the welfare and well-being of their peoples can be assured;Resolved to reinforce the links between our states by establishing and strengthening common institutions;Have agreed to the present Charter."
Monday, September 21, 2015
SJS1 - The Russians of Estonia
SJS1 - "The Russians of Estonia"
Koora, Katja. "The Russians of Estonia." World Affairs 177.2 (1984): 66-73. Print.
Author Credentials: Katja Koort is an academic at Tallinn University, Estonia. This being said, he has extensive background and experience in his topic area, not only through an intellectual, but personal, stand-point.
Summary: The article looks at the effects of Russia and it's history in the Baltic States, most notably Estonia. It measures the impacts of Russian influence; media, language, and culture on Estonia's demographics. Koort utilizes his personal history and background to analyze the effects. Like how many in Estonia struggle with a cultural identity crisis. Embrace their Russian heritage and/or become uniquely Estonian? Such is the central question in the author's exploration. In the end, he sides with "...an independent and free estonia." Any Estonian issues must be solved by the way of it's constitution, and not Russia's or that of anybody of the West.
Analysis: I found Koora very persuasive. It is both good and bad regarding his first hand experience. On one hand, he provides very good details and evidence of his findings and opinions, however, on the other, such personal stake can lead to altering and emphasizing evidence. I doubt that this is true in this case, though. Being an intellect, and passionate about his cause, I thought his article was very cut and dry on his take for an independent Estonia. And I am line to believe him. For him, as he explains it, his people are at the forefront of this struggle. This author is a reliable source because it is a first hand backed with personal accounts on Russian/Estonian issues. And really, you could be neither pro-either because he really stakes a middle claim in that all issues should adhere to Estonian constitutional law. In effect, Koora provided an in-depth analysis of his findings and eventual opinion.
Koora, Katja. "The Russians of Estonia." World Affairs 177.2 (1984): 66-73. Print.
Author Credentials: Katja Koort is an academic at Tallinn University, Estonia. This being said, he has extensive background and experience in his topic area, not only through an intellectual, but personal, stand-point.
Summary: The article looks at the effects of Russia and it's history in the Baltic States, most notably Estonia. It measures the impacts of Russian influence; media, language, and culture on Estonia's demographics. Koort utilizes his personal history and background to analyze the effects. Like how many in Estonia struggle with a cultural identity crisis. Embrace their Russian heritage and/or become uniquely Estonian? Such is the central question in the author's exploration. In the end, he sides with "...an independent and free estonia." Any Estonian issues must be solved by the way of it's constitution, and not Russia's or that of anybody of the West.
Analysis: I found Koora very persuasive. It is both good and bad regarding his first hand experience. On one hand, he provides very good details and evidence of his findings and opinions, however, on the other, such personal stake can lead to altering and emphasizing evidence. I doubt that this is true in this case, though. Being an intellect, and passionate about his cause, I thought his article was very cut and dry on his take for an independent Estonia. And I am line to believe him. For him, as he explains it, his people are at the forefront of this struggle. This author is a reliable source because it is a first hand backed with personal accounts on Russian/Estonian issues. And really, you could be neither pro-either because he really stakes a middle claim in that all issues should adhere to Estonian constitutional law. In effect, Koora provided an in-depth analysis of his findings and eventual opinion.
Sunday, September 20, 2015
SJS 1 - The Global Crisis of the Nation State
Source:
Roshwald, Aviel. "The Global Crisis of the Nation State." Current History 114.768 (2015): 3-8. Print.
Author Credentials: Aviel Roshwald is qualified to write about this topic because he recieved his B.A. from the University of Minnesota in 1980, and recieved his Ph.D from Harvard University in 1987.
Summary: This article is about how, despite the rise of globalization, levels of nationalism and nation states are still on the rise. Roshwald goes into detail about the countries in the Middle East, such as Iraq and Syria, whos people have been combining into a "secular pan-Arab nationalism." He then talks about Spain refusing to let Catalonia become its own state, and how the Ukraine is trying to balance its economical and political orientation with Russia's.
Analysis: I believe that Roshwald makes a very good argument, by drawing on many facts and real-world examples happening today. Roshwald takes an extremely objective point of view on the topic, making his opinions scarce at best, but when he does make an opinionated statement, he is sure to distinguish it as his opinion.
SJS1 - "Scholarly Culture and Academic Performance in 42 Nations"
Source:
Evans. "Scholarly Culture and Academic Performance in 42 Nations." Social Forces 92.4 (2014):
1573-605. Print.
Author Credentials:
This author is qualified to discuss this topic since she has a Ph.D. in Sociology, and has many other publications about related topics.
Summary:
Children that grow up with books and a high culture, on average, have more years of schooling than
children growing up without books, and having a low culture. This means that children that grow up
with parents such as a college professor and grow up in a scholarly culture will, on average, be smarter
than a a child whose parent has no occupation, in a non scholarly culture. Regardless of place in the
world, this will always be true. The studies conducted state that the more books in a family home, allows
for a higher academic performance.
Analysis:
This author makes a strong argument with facts from 42 different countries, and over 200,000 cases
(from OECD's PISA). Most of the information stated in the text is facts derived from the results from
the 42 countries.
Evans. "Scholarly Culture and Academic Performance in 42 Nations." Social Forces 92.4 (2014):
1573-605. Print.
Author Credentials:
This author is qualified to discuss this topic since she has a Ph.D. in Sociology, and has many other publications about related topics.
Summary:
Children that grow up with books and a high culture, on average, have more years of schooling than
children growing up without books, and having a low culture. This means that children that grow up
with parents such as a college professor and grow up in a scholarly culture will, on average, be smarter
than a a child whose parent has no occupation, in a non scholarly culture. Regardless of place in the
world, this will always be true. The studies conducted state that the more books in a family home, allows
for a higher academic performance.
Analysis:
This author makes a strong argument with facts from 42 different countries, and over 200,000 cases
(from OECD's PISA). Most of the information stated in the text is facts derived from the results from
the 42 countries.
Monday, September 14, 2015
PDP 1 - Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples
Author Bio: The author of the document is United Nations and their goal is to continue spreading the movement of of fundamental human rights, equality of men and women, and nations that are large and small to progress social passage and better standards of living.
Date/Context: This fits our understanding of history and culture because it shows the progression of dependent national territories starting to move into territories that have freedom and allow other types of power besides sovereignty. Sovereignty is supreme power or high authority.
Summary: The main idea of this document is that all peoples' should be given freedom and independence no matter their race or color. Also, the lack of education, political, economic, or social readiness should not serve as a barricade for the hamper or delay of independence. The rapid progression of dependent territories turning into territories with freedom and independence have caused other regions that have yet to turn into free and independence areas to join this rapid advancement and start to recognize the power of having freedoms.
Key Quotation: "In Trust and Non-Self-Governing Territories or all other territories which have not yet attained independence, to transfer all powers to the peoples of those territories, without any conditions or reservations, in accordance with their freely expressed will and desire, without any distinction as to race, creed or colour, in order to enable them to enjoy complete independence and freedom."
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