One of the more traditional assignments that students encounter in an introductory Art History class is to go to a museum to observe an object(s) and write a paper that details its stylistic features. Since the Lowe Art Museum on the University of Miami campus has a very fine collection of Renaissance to Rococo paintings, select one painting from this time span to concentrate on. Once having selected the painting from the Lowe’s collection, pay close attention to stylistic features (i.e., composition, color, use of light/shadow, perspective, figures, pose, gestures, et al). Describe the object and compare/contrast it to pieces we have studied in class, whether in the PowerPoint lectures or in the textbook. When selecting objects to compare the museum piece to, be discerning. That is, try to find objects that share more characteristics than not. The aim of this assignment is for students to develop an eye for style and to locate the subtle differences that distinguish one technique or tendency from another. Organize the paper, which should be five to seven (5-7) pages in length, into an introductory paragraph, body, and conclusion. The introduction may include some general information (e.g., historical, economic, cultural) about the object’s specific time period, the technique utilized to create the object, etc. More importantly, the introduction should include a thesis statement about the object’s overall aesthetic. Then organize the body in a logical, analytic fashion, and conclude the paper with some remarks about the significance of the object — that is, how it fits into a larger Renaissance to Rococo art historical framework.

Analyze a current debate case.

Explain an argument that supports a position for or against the case.

Apply an ethical theory to your argument.

Instructions:

1. Read

More heat, less light

Actions

from the 2019 Texas Regional Ethics Bowl Competition.

QUESTION: Should social media companies such as Twitter or Facebook ban, remove, or otherwise control hateful speech on their platforms?

Write three- five paragraphs evaluating the ethical issues of the case and arguing FOR or AGAINST a position from the question. Make sure to pick ONE position (for or against), identify the stakeholders, address various ethical issues (e.g., freedom of speech, violation of rights, happiness of society, autonomy, etc.), give at least 1 argument that supports your position, and explain and reply to a possible objection.

FORMAT:

Paragraph 1: Summarize the scenario briefly, focusing on the elements that you will address in your argument and state your thesis (pick a position either FOR or AGAINST)

Paragraph 2: Give one argument that supports the thesis. Remember to explain your argument fully, using examples or scenarios.

Paragraph 3: Give another argument that supports the thesis.

Paragraph 4: Explain a possible objection to the thesis. Reply to that objection.

–Your goal is to give objective arguments to support a thesis.Use the theories that we have studied to support your arguments. One of your arguments must explicitly address one of the ethical theories we covered (Utilitarianism, Deontology, Cultural Relativism, Social contract theory, Egoism, Divine command theory). Think about what Mill or Kant would say.

–Make sure your arguments do not commit any obvious fallacy such as anecdotal evidence, emotional appeal, fallacy of assertion (stating beliefs or opinions), straw man, etc.

–Make sure you give REASONS for the position.

— Explain your arguments fully, using examples or scenarios. Pretend that your reader doesn’t know the case, and does not agree with you. Explain your argument fairly and sufficiently.

–Your last paragraph (or two) should explain a possible objection against your argument, and then explain your reply. Thus, if your thesis is FOR a position, explain an argument AGAINST the position, and reply to that argument.

There will be a final paper of approximately 2000 words (about 8 pages), double spaced pages to be submitted on the day the paper is due on a topic to be chosen by the student. You should provide at least six peer reviewed sources to help substantiate points made throughout you essays. Just as with the Mini Essays, you must use Chicago Style for references. At the beginning of your essay, please write out fully which prompt you will be writing about, as sometimes it is not always clear for me as a reader.

You are required to choose one of the following prompts for your final essay.

1- How has art influenced the development and understanding of Buddhism throughout history?

2- Buddhism has adapted to many cultural and societal changes as it spread around the globe throughout history. How have modernity and globalization influenced the message and expansion of Buddhism within recent history?

3- How are women perceived within the different schools of Buddhism? Have those perceptions changed over time? Why or why not?

4- Buddhism has often found itself involved in violent actions, and have even been known to develop skills in martial arts. How is violence perceived in Buddhism? Do warrior monks or even Buddhist forms of terrorism fit within the spectrum of Buddhist teachings? Why or why not?

5- What role does karma play in Buddhism? Who does it affect, and how does it affect them in this life, the afterlife, and the next life?
6- According to the second noble truth, greed/craving give rise to suffering. What did the Buddha mean by greed/craving and how do they cause suffering? How do these apply to love and compassion for others?

7- What is the Lotus Sutra and why is it so important to Japanese Buddhism?

Your essays will be graded on the following criteria:

1. a) evidence that the factual material called for in the question is presented and documented;
2. b) coherence of the essay in organization and structure;
3. c) ability to engage critically and analytically with the topic
4. d) evidence of creative thinking;
5. e) correct annotation of sources and presentation of bibliography;
6. f) correct spelling, punctuation and grammar.

i WILL LIKE MY ANALYSIS TO BE ON WAL-MART

Purpose of Assignment

The purpose of this assignment is to help students gain a better understanding of the financial statements used for corporate financial reporting and the key ratios used to make business decisions.

Assignment Steps

Select a Fortune 500 company from one of the following industries:

• Pharmaceutical
• Energy
• Retail
• Automotive
• Computer Hardware

Review the balance sheet and income statement in the company’s 2015 Annual Report.

Calculate the following ratios using Microsoft Excel:

• Current Ratio
• Quick Ratio
• Debt Equity Ratio
• Inventory Turnover Ratio
• Receivables Turnover Ratio
• Total Assets Turnover Ratio
• Profit Margin (Net Margin) Ratio
• Return on Assets Ratio

Analyze in 1,050 words why each ratio is important for financial decision making.

Submit your analysis as well as your calculations.

For your final you will write a 1200-1500 word essay in which you answer the following question.

How has reading/ learning about Latinx Literature impacted the way you think about Masculinity, Women, Family Relationship, and/or Yourself and your own personal identity? ( Reminder: You don’t have to identify as Latinx/a/o or Hispanic to do this)