1,764 words

Moksha and Nirvana: liberation concepts in Hindu and Buddhist traditions

Both the terms and concepts of Moksha and Nirvana refer to liberation from the binding ties of Maya or earthly illusion. Both concepts are linked to the ideal of enlightenment and realization or spiritual awakening which leads to release from the suffering of continual rebirth or Karma.

~9 min read

View paper →

1,708 words

Farm subsidies as corporate welfare limiting agricultural competition

The subject of farm subsidies becomes convoluted when it is discussed in terms of the West, and in terms of third world nations in Africa, or elsewhere around the world.

~9 min read

View paper →

2,105 words

Jean Valjean's moral redemption and transformation in Les Misérables

Last night at approximately 2:30 A.M. police captured a man skulking through the dark with a bag of what they thought was stolen silver candlestick holders. The man was identified as Jean Valjean.

~11 min read

View paper →

1,598 words

Post-traumatic stress disorder in adolescents after witnessing violent crime

In the case of this young man, the feelings and behaviors he is exhibiting are far from 'abnormal.' In fact, it could be argued that it would be far more abnormal to have no appreciable reaction after witnessing such a traumatic event as a robbery and a murder.

~8 min read

View paper →

2,261 words

MS-13 and international terrorism: organization and violent tactics

The Mara Salvatrucha or MS-13 gang has been committing acts of terror for nearly two decades. The gang has its roots in El Salvador, starting as a street gang and eventually becoming one of the largest and most violent Central American terrorist groups in existence.

~12 min read

View paper →

1,095 words

The Anti-Imperialist League's opposition to American expansion in the Philippines

Anti-Imperialist League, formed in 1899 by prominent citizens such as Andrew Carnegie and William James, held the belief that American Imperialism went against the spirit of those that fought the Revolutionary War and participated in the creation of the Declaration of Independence (Halsall, 1997).

~6 min read

View paper →

1,248 words

Racial discrimination and disproportionate incarceration in criminology

Race is not only a biological determination of skin color and ethnicity. It is also a social construct, meaning that "it is defined and created by those in power in a society, and those definitions change as conditions change" (Apple and Aasen 65).

~7 min read

View paper →

1,215 words

Cultural transmission and tribal identity in Kenya

Culture is "a society's shared and socially transmitted ideas, values, and perceptions" (Chapter 2, p.25). Culture is how people make sense of human experiences and behavior. Culture is also the way that individuals make sense of themselves and others. Above all, culture is shared.

~7 min read

View paper →

1,158 words

Self and identity in postwar American literature: Salinger, Ellison, Plath, and Heller

Ambiguity in literature after World War II reflects explores issues of self and society. These two ideas often work against each other instead of coexisting to form a struggle-free existence J.D. Salinger, Ralph Ellison, Sylvia Plath, and Richard Heller illustrate this struggle with their works.

~6 min read

View paper →

1,298 words

The YMCA's mission, programs, and psychological benefits of exercise

YMCA represents one of the largest community service agencies in the world. It currently services nearly 45 million members through providing programs that promote a healthy mind, body, and spirit. YMCA membership is open to anyone, regardless of faith, socioeconomic status, age, or gender.

~7 min read

View paper →