Identify a geology?related issue likely to have a negative impact on your community within the next 50 years

Communicate the importance of understanding the science behind this issue to help prepare your community to minimize anticipated

• Identify your political representative – someone who has the potential to affect change with this knowledge – for your community
• We live on a dynamic planet and this ever?changing environment can have a negative impact on people and communities. Early civilizations developed near tectonic plate boundaries, oceans and rivers due, in part, to the wealth of natural resources in these locations. However, tectonic activity creates abundant natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis, and rivers flood. According to the U.N., about 40% of the world’s population lives within 100km of the coast and half the world’s population lives in urban areas, which rely on fresh water piped in from surrounding areas. What natural geologic issues could have a negative impact on your community?
• Human interaction with the environment has the potential to exacerbate existing hazardous phenomena (e.g., effect of urbanization on flood intensity) or to create new ones (e.g., the rise of earthquakes in regions with fracking and waste-­??water injection disposal). What human-­??induced geologic issues might be found in your community?

Assignment

Write a letter to your political representative or local decision maker about an important geoscience?related issue (natural or human-­??induced) likely to have a negative impact on your community within the next 50 years.

In this letter:

Identify the person to whom this letter is addressed including their title and mailing address (Note: you do NOT need to send this letter – it is not required for this assignment).

Write an introductory paragraph introducing yourself as a concerned constituent and, briefly, introducing the contents of the letter: that this geoscience?related issue may affect your community and what you will be requesting of them (1 paragraph)

Describe this geoscience-­related issue accurately, using correct terminology and communicated in a way accessible to the general public (i.e., a scientist is not your audience). In other words, explain the problem and provide enough detail so your argument is convincing but not so much that you overwhelm your reader. (1-­??2 paragraphs)

Describe the potential impacts (economic, social, and/or environmental) of this hazard on your community (for example how drought affects farming or urban water use/availability and cost, or how sediment build up behind dams decreases reservoir volume and thus water supplies/cost). In other words, why they should care about this issue. (1 paragraph)

Include a specific request of your policy maker – one that they have the ability to fulfill (e.g., cosponsoring a bill, taking a leadership role on an issue, funding a small informational education program). In other words, what would you like them to do to address the issue? (1 paragraph)

• End with a concluding paragraph that, briefly, summarizes the key points that you would like your reader to take away from this letter, includes an offer to discuss the information further, and thanks them for their attention to this (1 paragraph)

Be sure to cite the source of any specific information included in the letter

• Topics: The range of possible topics for this assignment is quite large; depending on how you identify your community, you can discuss a naturally occurring phenomenon (e.g., volcanic eruptions, coastal erosion) or human-­induced (e.g., land subsidence due to excess groundwater withdrawal, contaminated groundwater). Part of this assignment is to identify a local geoscience-­related problem and solution. As such, global effects of climate change will not be a particularly effective topic. Instead, addressing a particular impact of climate change (e.g., how sea level changes are affecting your particular section of the coast, or how an increase in annual temperature affects farming in your community) will be much more effective. Which is your political representative or local decision maker likely to find more compelling – a problem that impacts their constituency or one that may affect people outside of their sphere of influence? 

I am happy to talk over possible topics with you, either in person or via email.

• Tips for Science Communication

Columbia University – Science Communication (Links to an external site.)

• Nature: Communicating Science to Policy-makers (Links to an external site.)

Grading Rubric:

• (5 pts.) Written mechanics: appropriate grammar, correct spelling, clear sentences, etc. are used. This is clearly a proofread and polished piece of writing.

(5 pts.) Clarity and flow of the information: is your text organized, do you use topic sentences for each paragraph, does each paragraph feed off earlier paragraphs and facilitate later ones, do you include introductory and concluding paragraphs; does all information help to support the main point of what you are writing with none of the information being “extra” – i.e., do you have a paragraph that doesn’t contribute to the point of what you’re writing, etc.?

• (10 pts.) Strength of support: do you address a significant geology-related issue for this region, is your argument a sound one, do you describe the science correctly, do you conduct a thorough synthesis and analysis of information and include potential economic and other impacts on the community, does your request address the problem, do you use scientific data to support your argument, and do you illustrate how the use of science can help provide a solution to this local issue?

(5 pts.) Sophistication of argument: a simple argument supported by simple evidence can be sound, but I am also looking for evidence that you have taken things a step or two beyond this What is distinctive about your location that affects the geology-related issue? For example, you can say that “sea level is rising along coastal Virginia and this will probably cause flooding.” While this is true, your argument will be more sophisticated if you indicate the rate of local sea-level rise relative to other areas, as well as why the rates may differ.

• In each category, evaluation is noted as follows:

“5 stars” indicates an outstanding job, really knocked my socks off! (100% of available points) “4” indicates a solid job, may have a few flaws and room to improve (90% of available points) “3” indicates acceptable or adequate, with room for improvement (80% of available points), “2” indicates barely acceptable, with substantial room for improvement (70% of available points), “1” indicates below average performance, would benefit from significant revision (60%), “0” indicates unacceptable quality of writing and/or analysis, missing, and/or plagiarized (0-60%, as indicated, depending on quality)

Hence, if your comments indicate:

A. 5 stars, . 3b stars, C. 4 stars, D. 3 stars, or 5, 3, 4, 3

This would yield a grade of 22/25 (88%) – really solid but not quite in the A range, which normally will reflect construction of a solidly grounded analysis with some substance to it that is also clearly and logically presented.

This assignment is adapted from: 

Linda A. Reinen & Karen M. Kortz (2019) “Geologic issues: Community impacts and science communication”—An introductory geoscience assignment designed to help underrepresented minority students see value in the geosciences (Links to an external site.), Journal of Geoscience Education, 67:4, 400-416, DOI: 10.1080/10899995.2019.1630885

Reply:

Healthcare inequalities in the United States promote disparities among marginalized groups. The imbalances also impact individuals’ health outcomes and access to health services and insurance coverage. Changes in health prevalence, incidences, adverse health conditions, disease burden, and mortality rates trigger health disparities. The outbreak of COVID-19 exposed the treatment issues in the health system. The issues instigated the need for introducing reforms in the health sector. Hence, the enforcement of new policies and reforms promotes diversity in the nursing workforce and mitigates inequalities in healthcare systems.

Equity is a crucial factor influencing the well-being of individuals in the community. Policymakers should address social and economic determinants creating health disparities to foster equity in healthcare. Social determinants include financial stability, education, and environmental aspects. The factors have a direct and indirect impact on the health statuses of community members. The working, living, and playing conditions also affect individuals’ health (Jones, 2020). For example, COVID-19 has showcased health differences among racial groups. For instance, African Americans experienced health inequalities due to high poverty levels and limited access to health insurance (Jones, 2020). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “African Americans are twice as likely not to have health insurance” (Jones, 2020). The provision of housing, employment opportunities, and poverty reduction among marginalized communities would promote the provision of healthcare services and reduce inequality in society.

The demand for quality health care is proportional to high population rates globally. As a result, the government should invest in healthcare by increasing the quality of services and the number of care providers in facilities. Diversity in the nursing workforce would also help address health inequalities in society. Nursing administrators, leaders, and educators should accommodate a diverse population by encouraging culturally competent and quality patient care (Mason et al., 2020). For example, minority groups represent 14 percent of nursing faculty members compared to 39 percent of their national population, enhancing cultural diversity in healthcare systems (Mason et al., 2020). As such, the inclusion of racial and ethnic minorities in the nursing workforce would help address shortages and health care inequalities.

The prevailing health reforms will address inequalities in health care systems. However, policymakers should engage lobbyists, for example, American Nurses Association, in nursing organizations. Healthcare policies such as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) gained significant progress before 2010 due to other interested groups such as the pharmaceutical and insurance industries (Mason et al., 2020). Lobbyists develop strategies for such groups to present their interests. The nursing bodies are also vital in advocating for national health care and nursing practice policies (Mason et al., 2020). Health care reforms and policies will improve health safety and quality of care. Comprehensive coverage of health insurance would also cater to the needs of the marginalized and minority groups. As a result, the enactment of healthcare reforms is an appropriate approach to addressing healthcare inequality.

The enforcement of new policies and reforms promotes diversity in the nursing workforce and mitigates inequalities in healthcare systems. Fostering economic stability, suitable housing, and affordable care through reforms and effective policies among the marginalized communities would help tackle healthcare inequalities. In addition, increasing diversity in healthcare education and the workforce would help nursing systems address healthcare disparities.

Discussion # 2

The health care disparities in the African American and Hispanic population has been a long standing force that has caused many issues within the nation. The covid-19 outbreak and its disproportionate impact on people from some racial and ethnic groups is a stark example of these enduring health disparities. (Centers for disease control and prevention) [CDC,2022]. The obvious inequalities and discrimination has led to the mistrust of the healthcare system by African Americans and some Hispanic groups. It is my opinion , I feel that this is very sad and unfortunate for patients that have no choice other than to rely on the healthcare system and yet again, are failed. What exactly is being done differently that can cause such a low number in the other race but so high in the African American and Hispanic ethnic group?

    When I first entered the nursing field, I was young and very naïve to the different types of care provided to the different ethnic groups. In a previous class, in textbook, it was stated that African Americans will only go to the doctor if it was warranted. I feel that in certain communities, there should be more attention and dedication put into educating the community. More clinics, free testing for covid, htn, diabetes etc. Bringing awareness to the community, hosting health events, offering prizes and fun things to do in the community will help with getting people to come out and participate. Growing up as an African American myself, natural medication and home remedies is what we usually relied on growing up. Our food and diet varied, and lastly, many of our knowledge or “do’s and do nots’ would come from the matriarch of our family. Usually our grandmother, or eldest woman in the family.

On the contrary, many people feel that they will do whatever it is that they want to do. No one can tell them what to do. I will not say for everyone, but many people that I knew felt that they would never get covid. Many chose to continue to go out, party, not wear mask and etc. In the end, what will result from choosing to be careless. As a nurse, I always try to do my due diligence and educate my patients and there families. Some people get it, and then there are others that don’t and choose not to. At the end of the day, we all can clearly see the gap in between the healthcare system. It is our choice if we choose to learn and do better. Growing up, you have to unlearn many behaviors and ways that you deem as comfortable. If I am told from my healthcare provider that the covid 19 virus is very dangerous and killing people young and old, I will do my very best to protect myself ,my kids, husband and whomever I come into contact with . In life ,we choose our hard. Sometimes regardless of the circumstances we have to do what we feel is best and what we know, but if you aren’t given the opportunity to be better educated necessary tools and better access to a functioning healthcare system how can you be blamed for not knowing. So many factors and things to consider when looking from two different views.

You should not re-write the questions but rather just label which story you are responding to and then put your response/paragraphs underneath the title of the story.

For each post you should incorporate textual evidence as well as analysis and explanation about why you have the interpretation of the story that you do.

Formatting:

Make sure to label the story and author that you are answering questions about.

Example:

1. “Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin

Give your response of 350+ words including quotes to support your points.

2. “The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara

Give your response of 350+ words including quotes to support your points.

Repeat this so that you have your 4 story responses.

Each story has multiple questions. Make sure to address each question within your response. You can incorporate all of them into a few really well-written paragraphs and include textual evidence. Or, you can also answer each question as a separate paragraph by also using some textual evidence. The structure is up to you but what is important is that you have thoughtful answers to these questions.

Remember to include direct quotes in your responses.

Questions:

1. Jamaica Kincaid “Girl”

• What is the effect of fairly precise household rules alternating with comments such as “on Sundays try to walk like a lady and not like the slut you are so bent on becoming”? What do you think of the mother? What do you think of the daughter? What do your answers to these questions suggest about the nature of this mother-daughter relationship?
• What do you see as the central conflict in the story?
• Consider gender. Is it possible to re-imagine the story as advice from father to son? What does this in turn suggest about expectations placed on women versus those placed on men?

1. Jean Rhys “I Used to Live Here Once”

• Closely read Jean Rhys’s short story, “I Used to Live Here Once.” Reflect on the meaning of the last line of the story. What do you think that the girl “knew” for the “first time” at the end of the narrative? What evidence from the text leads you to think this?
• Remember, be specific —the girl certainly has feelings of loneliness and senses being “out-of-place,” but what does she realize that makes her feel this way? What does she realize that makes her feel “out-of-place?”
• Make an argument about what you believe that the girl “knew” for the “first time.” Be sure that you clearly enunciate a specific argument with a strong thesis and that you use appropriate evidence from the text to support your claims.

3. Kate Chopin “Story of an Hour”

• “The Story of an Hour” is a very short story with little action or dialogue. do you see the length of this story as a strength or weakness? Explain.
• Do you think Brently Mallard physically abused his wife? Did he love her? Did she love him? Exactly why was she so relieved to be rid of him? Can you answer any of these questions with certainty?
• Was the story’s ending unexpected or were you prepared for it? What elements in the story foreshadow this ending?
• What is the nature of the conflict in this story? Who, or what, do you see as Mrs. Mallard’s antagonist?

4. Toni Cade Bambara “The Lesson”

• In what ways, specifically, is Miss Moore an outsider in her own community? Which of her beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors distance her from the children? From other adults in the community? Is she able to overcome these barriers to full communication with her students and with Sylvia in particular?
• How, exactly, would you characterize Miss Moore? Can you identify attitudes and beliefs that connect her to African-American intellectual, political, or social movements of the late 1960s or early 1970s? (I realize that it may be difficult given that most of you were not born then, but you may have read about the period or seen movies about these decades, such as Selma.)
• Why does Sylvia feel both anger and shame while looking at the F.A.O. Schwartz toy store on Fifth Avenue? What exactly is she angry about? Sylvia connects the shame that she feels upon entering the toy store to her feelings when she and Sugar “crashed” the Catholic church during a Mass. Why? How are these two events related and why does Bambara establish this connection?
• Why, in your view, does Bambara choose to have Sylvia narrate the story instead of Miss Moore?
• Why doesn’t Sylvia go with Sugar to spend the money at the end of the story? What exactly is she attempting to think through on her own?
• Does her separation from her classmates and her desire to think things through alone indicate that she has learned or is beginning to learn the “lesson”? What is the lesson Bambara thinks she should learn?

5. William Faulkner “A Rose for Emily”

• Emily is clearly the story’s protagonist. In the sense that he opposes her wishes, Homer is the antagonist. What other characters – or what larger forces – are in conflict with Emily?
• Some critics have suggested that Miss Emily Grierson is a kind of symbol of the Old South, with its outdated ideas of chivalry, formal manners, and tradition. In what sense is she also a victim of those values?
• The narrator of the story is an observer, not a participant. Who might this narrator be? Do you think the narrator is male or female? How do you suppose the narrator might know so much about Emily? Why do you think the narrator uses we instead of I?
• This story takes place without a linear timeline – events are told out of order from the way they actually take place. Why do you suppose Faulkner presents these events out of their actual chronological order? And despite the story’s confusing sequence, many events are foreshadowed. How does foreshadowing enrich the story?

6. Shirley Jackson “The Lottery”

• What associations does the word lottery have for you? Are they relevant to the story?
• Tradition is very important to the townspeople in this story. Why do these people continue this tradition even though the consequences are deadly? Can you think of any traditions that also have a dangerous affect on people?
• Were you surprised by the ending of the story? If not, at what point did you know what was going to happen? How does Jackson foreshadow the ending? Conversely, how does Jackson lull us into thinking that this is just an ordinary story with an ordinary town?
• In what way does the setting affect the story? Does it make you more or less likely to anticipate the ending? What are some symbols in this story? Why is the “black box” battered, for example?
• This story was published in 1948. Are there any cultural or historical events that Jackson might be commenting on here? Is this JUST a story about this particular time and place, or is she trying to say something important about human nature?

This assignment is a powerpoint presentation of a film music course. For this one, you have to watch the film Rambo: First Blood. This film is about one hour and a half long, and you can find it when google watch Rambo:first blood online free

1. Presentation of Project. (100 pts, 6-8 well structured minutes, to be presented to the class). Your presentation should include:
   • A brief basic introduction to your film (year, director, composer, key plot elements, characters, etc.). Your presentation should assume no prior knowledge of the film from your audience. Do your best to succinctly orient your listener to the key information needed to understand the argument (thesis) you are making about the music.
   • A statement of your main point or thesis (see above)
   • A presentation of your supporting analysis of the films music. This must include at least two highly focused “close readings” different points in the films. You should include short video examples that support your close readings. (Make sure your analysis remains the main future of your presentation; even a 15-30 second clip can be enough to help your audience understand what you mean.) You will need to decide which slices of the film provide the best support for your main point/thesis.

   So for the close-reading analysis of the film, basically is that after you watch the film, you select at least two brief scenes, break them down into tiny time slots and analyze the musical component and style within those, I will attach a sample below

Below is an example of a selection of a brief scene of the film Citizen Kane, the thing you need to do is to do the similar thing for this for two scenes, time slow, actions that is going on during that time period, music, and meaning

• The following is some questions that you can explore and analysis and include in the powerpoint presentation
• does your movie have an original score, or some kind of compilation score? if a compilation score, why do you think the filmmaker chose these particular songs?
• if an original score, why is this musical style appropriate, or even necessary, to this film?
• what are the unconventional aspects, if any, to the use of music?
• to what extent is the music inaudible and invisible?
• is the music mostly nondiegetic, source music, or somewhere inbetween?
• how does the music enhance the continuity of your film? is it ever used under actual montage?
• how would your movie be different without the music? how would it be less of an experience?
• what instrument(s) is (are) involved, and how are the sounds appropriate to the film?
• how does the music mediate between the film and the viewer?
• does the music function more to enhance mood and setting, or more as a function of character development and narrative?
• how closely is the music coordinated to the action onscreen?
• what “cultural codes,” if any, does your score use, and for what purpose?
• does your score refer to any “exotic” cultures or places?

The art of argumentation is not an easy skill to acquire. Many people might think that if one simply has an opinion, one can argue it effectively, and these folks are always surprised when others don’t agree with them because their logic seems so correct. Additionally, writers of argumentation often forget that their primary purpose in an argument is to sway the reader to accept their point of view. It is easy to name call, to ignore the point of view, or to accept one’s own opinion as gospel, even if the writer has not checked his or her premise in a couple of years. This is also true with many young writers who have not questioned the beliefs inherited from others.

Want to know what you think about something? Then, write an argumentative essay. Avoid writing about issues that cannot be won, no matter how strongly you may feel about them. Also, care should be taken that after thinking about one side of an issue, think through the other side as well. Far too many individuals only think about the side that they already believe in. This hurts the strength of the argument because they are not addressing the concerns of someone that does not agree with them or the people that they are trying to convince. You do not need to write about the opposing position. Instead, think about how to convince someone with an opposing viewpoint as you write the paper.

So, what do you write about? The paper will be based on a country from a non-western culture. You will watch news videos from a non-western country and find a topic of interest. The topic can be loosely tied to the video or can change somewhat with research, but you must start with a news video.

The issue must be an arguable claim that a reasonable person could disagree with. If it is not an issue that a reasonable person could disagree with, then it does not fulfill the requirement to persuade someone to this point of view.

A clear position taken by the writer with strong ethos. In the thesis sentence, state the position. You should not write: “I believe that the toilet crisis in India presents an opportunity.” Using the first person weakens your argument. Instead you should, write, “The toilet crisis in India presents an opportunity in the following ways…” In other words, take an authoritative stance on the issue. Avoid using first person (referring to yourself or the reader – I, me, you, we, us, etc.), as it weakens the authorial ethos.

A convincing argument. An argumentative essay does not merely assert an opinion; it presents an argument, and that argument must be backed up by facts that persuade readers that the opinion is valid. Use research to determine if the facts are really facts or just commonly held beliefs.

A reasonable tone. Assume that the reader will disagree or be skeptical. It is important, therefore, that the tone be reasonable, professional, and trustworthy. By anticipating objections and making concessions, it inspires confidence and shows good will.

Basic Guidelines for your paper:

This essay will be in MLA format. Use the Longman, Bedford Handbook, Purdue Owl web-site, MLA guidelines handout, and handouts from class.

This essay should be 1100 words written in 12 point Times New Roman font with standard Microsoft Word margins. If it is shorter than 1100 words, 10% will be deducted for each 50 words. Standard Microsoft Word margins (1 inch on bottom and top and 1 inch on sides). It should have standard double-spacing (check this under the layout /spacing tab. Should say 0 before and 0 after).

The paper must be turned in electronically. The essays are automatically put through plagiarism software. I will then grade the papers and return them. Often, I will return the papers in the order that I receive them, so it pays off to turn in the papers early.

The essay should not be a high school style report. We will discuss the differences between high school reports and college research papers and a large portion of the grade will be on fulfilling the requirements of a college level research paper (mainly using analysis, evaluation, and contextualizing the information from the research, while avoiding plagiarism).

This paper is required to have a minimum of 4 sources – All 4 sources need to be academic journals. 

MLA Guidelines for Paper Format

Set margins of your document to 1 inch on top and bottom, 1on the left and right. Set paragraph spacing to 0 Before, 0 After.

Create a header in the upper right-hand corner that includes your last name, followed by a space with a page number; number all pages consecutively with Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.), one-half inch from the top and flush with the right margin.

Double-space the text of your paper, and use 12 pt. Times New Roman font.

Do not make a separate title page for your paper.

In the upper left-hand corner of the first page, list your name, your instructor’s name, the course / assignment, and the date. Again, be sure to use double-spaced text with no extra spaces.

Double space again and center the title. Do not underline, italicize, or place your title in quotation marks; write the title in Title Case (standard capitalization), not in all capital letters.

Indent the first line of paragraphs one half-inch from the left margin.

Country List for Research

Southern Asia: Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, etc.

Northern Asia: China, Japan, Taiwan, North Korea, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Russia, etc.

The Middle East: Israel, Palestinian Territories, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Yemen, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, etc.

India / Pakistan Region: India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Burma, etc.

Africa: Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Libya, Chad, Niger, Mali, Eritrea, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Congo, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, etc.