1,289 words

Metapoetic defenses of poetry in Moore and Campo's work

Both the first lines of "Poetry" by Marianne Moore and the title of the poem "The Next Poem Could Be Your Last" by Rafael Campo startle the reader from a moment of literary complacency into a new point-of-view about the language. "I too dislike it," says Moore, regarding the subject of poetry.

~7 min read

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938 words

O Brother Where Art Thou as modern anti-hero parody

Heroes have always been celebrated in mythology, literature and films as men of great courage and daredevilry. By very definition, therefore, a hero has to necessarily be sent off on a quest to achieve some goal and encounter all kinds of danger, adventure and obstacles on his way.

~5 min read

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1,201 words

Edward L. Deci's theory of autonomy and intrinsic motivation

Edward L. Deci's book structures on the hypothesis of an American school of psychology called "Humanistic Psychology." The most significant of all the other advocates of this school was the philosopher and psychologist Abraham Maslow, who lived and died between 1908 and 1970.

~7 min read

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4,109 words

Islam as a unifying force in medieval Islamic civilization

Perhaps more than any other religion in the world, Islam has put to work its less obvious sense in order to unify the peoples sharing the same belief.

~21 min read

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651 words

Personal experiences that inspired my pursuit of law

"Horrible," she began. "My uncle is suing me." Astonished at the audacity of a family member doing such a thing, I fished Sue for more details. She told me that her uncle was disputing her mother's will, which he contended held hidden monies that Sue was purposely withholding.

~4 min read

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371 words

Stauber and Rampton's critique of media propaganda and disinformation

Toxic Sludge is Good for You! Stauber, John, and Sheldon Rampton. Toxic Sludge is Good For You! Madison, WI: Common Courage Press.

~2 min read

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1,513 words

Collective bargaining processes in labor-management negotiations

Collective Bargaining in Labor Relations -- an Overview of Chapters 5-8 of Labor Relations, by Arthur a. Sloane & Fred Witney

~8 min read

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911 words

How intrinsic and extrinsic motivation engage middle school students

"Do students Care About Learning?" "What Engages Underachieving Middle School Students in Learning?" In "Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation in Schools: A Reconciliation," Martin V. Covington argues that both approaches can be effective if done well, and do not necessarily have to be incompatible.

~5 min read

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657 words

H.W. Brands' examination of the Gold Rush as transformative American history

Brands, H.W. The Age of Gold. New York: Doubleday, 2002. Get rich quick. This philosophy or fantasy can be seen everywhere today. It is seen in the eyes of the person who turns the slot machine in Atlantic City.

~4 min read

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1,347 words

Bernard T. Ferrari's power listening and workplace communication

We have all heard about the concept of 'power lunching' but the basic concept behind the book Power Listening by Bernard T. Ferrari is far simpler -- and also far more likely to promote effective work relationships.

~7 min read

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