Category: Essays

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Assignment 1.1: Conflicting Viewpoints Essay – Part I

Prewriting

Due Week 2 and worth 30 points

When looking for information about a particular issue, how often do you try to resist biases toward your own point of view? This assignment asks you to engage in this aspect of critical thinking by playing the “Believing Game.” The Believing Game is about making the effort to “believe” – or at least consider – the reasons for an opposing view on an issue.

The assignment is divided into two (2) parts.

In Part I of the assignment (due Week 2), you will first read a book excerpt about critical thinking processes: “The Believing Game and How to Make Conflicting Opinions More Fruitful” at http://www.procon.org/sourcefiles/believinggame.pdf. Next, you will review the Procon.org Website in order to gather information. Then, you will engage in prewriting to examine your thoughts.

Note: In Part II of the assignment (due Week 4), you will write an essay geared towards synthesizing your ideas.

Part I – Prewriting: Follow the instructions below for this prewriting activity. Use complete sentences and adhere to standard rules of English grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and spelling.

1. Select one (1) of the approved topics from the www.procon.org Website and state your position on the issue.

2. From the Procon.org Website, identify three (3) premises (reasons) listed under either the Pro or Con section – whichever section opposes your position.

3.For each of the three (3) premises (reasons) that oppose your position on the issue, answer these “believing” questions suggested by Elbow:

What’s interesting or helpful about this view?
What would I notice if I believed this view?
In what sense or under what conditions might this idea be true?”

The paper should follow guidelines for clear and organized writing:

Include an introductory paragraph and concluding paragraph.
Address main ideas in body paragraphs with a topic sentence and supporting sentences.
Adhere to standard rules of English grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and spelling.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA Style format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

Identify the informal fallacies, assumptions, and biases involved in manipulative appeals and abuses of language.
Create written work utilizing the concepts of critical thinking.
Use technology and information resources to research issues in critical thinking skills and informal logic.

Click here to view the grading rubric.

Abby is a 20-year-old female college student. For at least the last 3 months, Abby has experienced ongoing anxiety and worry without a specific cause for these feelings. She has been restless and has noticed that her muscles feel tense and that these symptoms are beginning to affect her behavior in a way that is causing her to become distressed and that is preventing her from being able to complete her normal tasks. Abby correctly believed that it was normal to feel a little anxious sometimes; however, as the semester has progressed, she has not begun to feel significantly more comfortable.

On the recommendation of a friend, Abby visited the university’s counseling center and talked to Dr. Smith. Dr. Smith was warm and welcoming and, after discussing the limits of confidentiality with Abby and obtaining informed consent, encouraged Abby to describe her concerns. Dr. Smith listened attentively and asked Abby a few questions. They both agreed on an appointment date and time for the next week. Dr. Smith gave Abby a homework assignment to keep a written log of the negative thoughts or assumptions she has during the week and the circumstances under which those thoughts occurred. Abby was asked to bring the log with her to her next appointment.

Short-Answer Questions

Answer the following questions based on the scenario above. Answers should be short and concise.

1. Which DSM-5 disorder matches the symptoms Abby is reporting?

2. Which theoretical model does the homework assigned by Dr. Smith match?

3. If Dr. Smith recommended medications only, which theoretical model would this match?

4. If Dr. Smith recommended medications in addition to therapy, which theoretical model would this match?

5. If Dr. Smith completed a free association exercise with Abby, which theoretical model would this match?

6. If Dr. Smith used unconditional positive regard in the treatment, which theoretical model would this match?

7. If instead of the symptoms listed in the scenario, Abby reported the following:

She had been in a car accident where she feared for her life. She had sleep disturbances including nightmares and became uncomfortable at the thought of driving, to the point that she avoided driving. She now believes she is a horrible driver, although her friends assure her this is not true. If these symptoms have lasted for longer than a month, which DSM-5 disorder label might match her symptoms?

8. If instead of the symptoms listed in the scenario, Abby reported the following:

Every day for the past 2 weeks she felt down or sad for most of the day, had noticed an increase in her appetite, had been unable to sleep or concentrate, and felt tired. Additionally, this was interfering with her goals and tasks, and she reported that she had never felt manic or hypomanic. Which DSM-5 disorder label might match her symptoms?

9. If instead of the symptoms listed in the scenario, Abby reported the following:

Every day for at least the past week she felt irritable with persistently increased energy and talkativeness, was easily distracted, did not seem to need sleep, and noticed that this behavior was interfering with her job. She reported that she has felt these symptoms before in her past and that she has also felt depressed sometimes. Which DSM-5 disorder label might match her symptoms?

10. If instead of the symptoms listed in the scenario, Abby reported the following:

Throughout her life, she has always been suspicious of others. She reports that she really would like to have good relationships, but even as a child she knew that others, including family members, could not be trusted. She feels that she needs to stay on guard to protect herself. Which DSM-5 disorder label might match her symptoms?

11. If instead of the symptoms listed in the scenario, Abby reported the following:

She began drinking when she was 18 and now needs to drink more or higher concentrations of alcohol to continue to function. She reports that she has lost her part-time job because of her drinking and is in danger of failing out of college. She was hospitalized last weekend due to experiencing delirium tremens during withdrawal, and the doctor explained to her that she could die from this disorder. Abby recognized that her drinking was interfering with her life, and she knew that she did not want to die. Which DSM-5 disorder label might match her symptoms?

12. If instead of the symptoms listed in the scenario, Abby’s former roommate reported the following:

During a significant portion of the past month, Abby had talked to herself out loud and told her roommate that she had heard voices telling her to harm herself. Her roommate reported that Abby had told her that she occasionally stated that she was Joan of Arc and that the school mascot was stalking her. Her roommate asked to change rooms, and now that Abby was living alone, she did not appear to have bathed in more than a week. This was not typical behavior for Abby, as she had been known to be meticulous with her appearance and hygiene. The roommate expressed her concern for Abby and stated that although she had noticed some of these behaviors since she first met Abby more than 6 months ago, the behaviors seem to have increased over the past month. Which DSM-5 disorder label might match her symptoms?

13. If Abby were 5 years old and, instead of the symptoms listed in the scenario, her symptoms included nightmares, physical complaints, recurrent separation-related fear, and a refusal to leave home, what DSM-5 disorder label might match her symptoms?

14. If Abby were 67 years old, and instead of the symptoms listed in the scenario, had no major medical issues, had never been diagnosed with a neurocognitive disorder, and her symptoms included a substantial decline in the cognitive functioning areas of memory and attention that interfere with her independence, what DSM-5 disorder label might match her symptoms?

15. Dr. Smith discussed the limits of confidentiality and required Abby to sign an informed consent form before treatment. These are examples of items used to protect the patient’s

DUE MONDAY FEBRUARY 8, 2016 @ 5pm eastern standard time!!!

3 Slide Powerpoint with Speaker Notes and at least 1 Reference!

TOPIC to be completely covered for A work:

Discuss how Schizoid Personality Disorder AND Anorexia are influenced by the legal system

Select an organization that both U.S. and international presences.

Write a 900- to 1,200-word paper in which you answer address the following:

What does the president and congress do to stimulate the economy? What does the president and congress do to contract the economy?
What does the Federal Reserve (FED) do to stimulate the economy? What does the FED do to contract the economy?
What motivates policymakers to stimulate the economy or contract the economy?
Based on your research, what are the FED’s current policy goals?
What do the FED’s recent actions say about the strength of the economy?
How does the strength of other economies outside of the U.S. affect your organization?
Based on your research and the economy, recommend changes in your organization’s competitive strategies.

Use a minimum of 2 peer reviewed sources not including your textbook

Compare and contrast the significant similarities and differences among the theories of goal setting, self-efficacy, and reinforcement. Specify the theory that you believe most closely aligns with your current or future approach to motivating employees. Support your response with at least one (1) example that demonstrates your approach to employee motivation

Choose a volcano found on other bodies of our solar system from the website below. Describe the volcano and its type, list its location and provide an example of a similar volcano here on Earth. Where might the extraterrestrial volcano be found if it was on Earth?

The lab introduction will give you some guidance in this

Use the same company from your Week 2 assignment.

Your company has decided to launch a new line of products.

Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word paper and include the following information:

Choose the target market for your product, and describe your target market in detail.
Create a new product which would appeal to your market.
Develop at least one question for each characteristic of the target market (demographic, geographic, psychographic, and behavioral) that will be important for you as you determine the marketing strategy for this new product.
Recommend the best methods of conducting marketing research to answer these questions. Be sure to include why you chose these particular methods.
Once you have finalized your product concept based on the findings of your market research, outline the steps you will take to bring your product to market from idea generation to commercialization, using a multi-step product development process.

Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines

Read the case scenario below. Based on the information presented in the case and the readings for this module, prepare answers to the questions provided after the case. You may find individuals in your company’s logistics or international compliance departments who are good sources of information.

Case Scenario

You are the Vice President of Sales for Detroit Mini Safe, a U.S. manufacturer of small fireproof safes with headquarters in Detroit, Michigan. You entered into a contract with Chinese Safe Distributors to supply model 1505 mini safes. Each safe weighs approximately 15 pounds. You just received a purchase order from China Safe Distributors for 2500 safes to be delivered to their warehouse in Jiashan.

Name of Company: Chinese Safe Distributors

Address: 35 Taishan Rd, E.D.Z., Jiashan, Zhejiang, China.

Description of Goods: 2500 qty Model 1505 Mini Safe with keypad combination

Price: $250.00 each

Based on the information provided in the case scenario, answer the following questions:

Q 1. The order made a request for payment on an open account. They are willing to consider other terms, but they do not want to purchase against documents unless they can inspect the safes to ensure quality and to locate any possible damage. What method of payment will your company find acceptable? Prepare a letter to the Chinese company explaining the best options, your company’s preference, and reasons why this option is fair to both parties. Provide information on how you can address their concerns about the quality and damage issues.

Q 2. The order specified that China Safe Distributors would like to consider the cost of shipping before they decide whether to handle the arrangements themselves. Using several of the most relevant international commercial terms (Incoterms), prepare a letter to your client providing the various methods and costs for transporting the safes. Suggest the most appropriate method of transportation, and provide transit times from Detroit Michigan to Shanghai, China. Assume that China Safe Distributors does not have any experience in this area and that it will be necessary for you to explain the responsibilities of all of the parties for your final recommendation and support your selection.

Q 3. What documents will be necessary for this shipment? Provide a brief description of the purpose and use of each document as well as the party responsible for creating the document.

Q 4. Assume that China Safe Distributors agreed to CIF terms. Detroit Mini Safe arranged for transportation by XYZ Ocean Carriers and purchased an “all risk” insurance policy from an American surety company. The 2500 Model 1505 Mini Safes were loaded into a container and placed onboard a U.S. flag vessel on June 1. Twenty-four hours after sailing, the vessel was hit by bombs from a terrorist attack. Because of the damage, the vessel sank to the bottom of the ocean. Evaluate the possible legal ramifications for each party resulting from the loss of the cargo.

Write the answers in about 3- pages in a Microsoft Word and Submit your document to the Discussion Area by Saturday, February 6, 2016

All written assignments and responses should follow APA rules for attributing sources.

Assignment 2: Course Project Task V

International Finance, Documentary Requirements, and Logistics

In this module, you will research information related to international finance, documents, and logistics.

Without financial resources, your company will not be able to purchase goods and services. In your opinion, how does a company finance international transactions?

When dealing with foreign countries, financial transactions can be risky. Before your company ships goods to a company located in La Republica de Caspa, you need to ensure that the foreign country will pay your company for the goods. Similarly, if your company orders goods from a company located in Russavia, you need to ensure that your company will receive the products it ordered instead of boxes filled with rocks.

Research letter of credit transactions, the uniform customs and practice for documentary credits (UCP), sources of trade financing, and other topics related to finance. Interview someone involved in international finance at your company. Prepare a paper evaluating the various methods of financing and the risks of financial transactions when buying and selling goods and services to foreign countries.

In addition, research the documents involved in international transactions. Provide the names and purposes of the most important documents. Analyze what are the legal requirements for these documents? Relate the use of Incoterms to import and export contracts. Considering the audience of your practical guide, include copies of documents for reference in your guide.

The final part of this module’s paper should address the transportation of goods. What laws govern the transportation of goods from one country to another? Analyze the roles and responsibilities of the buyer, seller, carrier and freight forwarder? Evaluate which party is liable in the event goods are damaged in transit. Interview someone from risk management at your company to obtain information related to insurance and risk management.

Also, analyze how finance, documents, and logistics are affected by culture, ethics, and e-commerce. Make note of any pending regulations or laws that could affect your company in the future.

Write a 2– pages paper showing your research on finance, documentary requirements, and logistics. Include links, references, and sources you have used and follow the proper guidelines for citing legal texts. Also provide a statement regarding which specific topics related to your research would be appropriate for inclusion in the International Business Law and Practices Guidelines document you are developing. Provide a rationale for your decisions.

Present your work in Microsoft Word document format and submit it to the

Discussion Area by Monday, February 8, 2016.

All written assignments and responses should follow APA rules for attributin

The purpose of this two-step exercise is for you to conduct inductive and deductive research using qualitative methods.

Note: it is important that you conduct the observations as two distinct events during this class; ‘recalling’ past observations is not the same as purposefully observing your surroundings from a sociological perspective, and applying two different types of reasoning to one observation will not be ‘truthful’ or successful.

The purpose of this exercise if for you to observe one social setting or social artifact to begin to detect patterns in human behavior – observance of norms and potentially behaviors that deviate from the norm. This week’s exercise includes two parts. First, without any prep work, you will need to go to one public place (or conduct content analysis with your social artifact) and observe the people/artifact for 25 minutes. Social Setting: Note people’s behavior, their demeanor, their reactions/interactions to/with each other. Social artifact: from second to second (for TV), or page to page (for print), Note themes, sounds (i.. music), texture of page (i.e. ads in magazine), etc. Second, you will develop a research design with research problem, hypothesis and operational definitions for variables; then you will conduct another 25 minutes of observations.
Disclaimer
Originality of attachments will be verified by Turnitin. Both you and your instructor will receive the results.

Part 1

1) Choose whether or not you will be conducting non-participant observation in a social setting, or content analysis of a social artifact

a. Social setting: this should be a public place such as a park, mall, restaurant, etc.

b. Social artifact: this may be ads in a particular magazine; one television show, a time-block of commercials, etc.

2) For your inductive approach, you will simply choose a time and location/artifact for where you are going to conduct your observations

3)

a. Social Setting: Go to the specified location and proceed with your observations.

i. You must be a keen social observer; a ‘peeping Tom’ in the sociological sense. Take handwritten (recommended) and/or mental notes of:

1. details about your chosen location (time of day, lighting, furniture, plants, sounds, temperature, smell, vibe/energy, etc)

2. the people around you, not only their behavior but general information about their sociodemographic characteristics (age, race/ethnicity, gender, SES, etc);

3. your thoughts and feelings while making observations

Social Artifact: At a specified time (i.e. when a particular show is), carefully observe your social artifact

i. Content analysis provides a sustained, systematic way to observe and measure the portrayal of that reality, as opposed to the quick, impressionistic way that we normally read consume media. Take handwritten notes of:

1. Details about the setting in the images you see (lighting, furniture, background, vibe/energy portrayed); if audio-visual (note sounds such as pitch of voice, music, etc)

2. Note details about the people portrayed, not only their behavior but general information about their sociodemographic characteristics (age, race/ethnicity, gender, SES, sexuality);

4) When you have returned from you observation, type up your notes. Review your notes for patterns in behavior, socio-demographic characteristics, etc.

5) Write-up your observations using ‘thick description’ of the location (i.e. building you were in (what is the architecture like), descriptions of people there (in terms of socio-demographic characteristics: age, race/ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status), sounds, smells, temperature, time of day and week, etc);

6) Analyze trends you identified in your observations/content analysis. What is a possible sociological/theoretical explanation for the trends you observed? This is best done by using sources to provide credibility to your analyses.

Part 2

7) Based on your initial observations and written analyses, develop a specific research problem/question to be further investigated (i.e. the variation in behavior of males versus females when entering a store with a glass store front)

8) Identify the key variables you are going to be investigating, and develop an operational definition for each of them (this should include at least two variables, but not more than four). Your operational definitions will help to provide parameters for how record variations in your observations.

9) Write a hypothesis for what you expect to observe in your second round of observations.

10) Repeat observations/content analysis

a. Social Setting – this should be done at the same social setting at approximately the same time of day (if you can do this one week later on the same day, it would be great!)

b. Social Artifact – this should be done at the same time (if commercial block), or with the same show, or with a different issue of the same magazine , etc.

11) When you have returned from you observation, type up your notes. Review your notes for patterns in behavior, socio-demographic characteristics, etc. and how they corresponded with your expectations/hypothesis

12) Describe observations using ‘thick description’ of the location (i.e. building you were in (what is the architecture like), descriptions of people there (in terms of socio-demographic characteristics: age, race/ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status), sounds, smells, temperature, time of day and week, etc);

13) Analyze your observations in terms of how they supported/did not support your hypothesis.

14) What is a possible sociological/theoretical explanation for the trends you observed? This is best done by using sources to provide credibility to your analyses.

15) Discuss the differences between your inductive observations and your deductive observations. How did the way you were observing change? How did what you observed change?

16) Briefly describe your thoughts/feelings in the two steps. Did you prefer one approach to the other? Why/why not?

Answer the following essay questions. Each response should be approximately 750 words in length (about three typed pages, double-spaced) and should reflect your reading of the assigned materials and your listening to the audiotape or viewing of the video program (as applicable). Mastery of the principles on which your response is based must be evident by your indication of which principle you are using and why you have selected this principle to support your response.

Essay Questions

Can you show how Jefferson’s theory of revolution (found in its shortest form in the Declaration of Independence) follows from John Locke’s theory of government? Could it follow from Hobbes’s theory of government? Under what circumstances?

Please watch video ethics in government. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGe-3U7WHkI

Where does patient autonomy leave off and professional expertise begin in the practice of medicine? In the video presentation “Does Doctor Know Best?” (Program 4), one physician is delighted to encourage the patient to question physician judgment, to make her (the patient’s) own decision, to take treatment into her own hands. Another physician argues that such deference is just “catering” or “pandering” to the patient and will delay treatment. What do you think?