ncu writing

Sunday, October 31, 2004

Tze Chuang's presentation

Tze Chuang's presentation
NCU
黃資娟 Tze-chuang Huang #15
Time: Am9:00~11:30
Presentation: Wed, 3rd Nov 2004/10/31

The reason
The presentation's topic is to compare two creations. For the reason, I think art is the best material to get start with, therefore, I choose this topic.

Source of material
A Short Guide to Writing about Art,4nd edition: Writing a Comparison
1.Outline 1.Introduction
(Thesis statement) Agostno’s relief is also gentle and delicate but it is in every respect more self-consciously "designed," more contrived, than Desiderio's. Both Madonnas are human rather than divine but Desiderio's is a natural, homely humanity while Agostino's is elegantly aristocratic and artificial.
2.Body
(Topic sentence) A.B.C. A.The differences between the two works may be brought out more clearly if we compare a few details. Consider the treatment of the hair.
(supporting ideas)a.b.
a. irregular lines and regular lines(not clean lines and clean lines)
b. the lines for their own sake or not
B. A comparison of the smiliarity positioned right forearms and hands of the two Virgins is most revealing.
(supporting ideas)a.b.
a. straight lines and curve lines
b. continuity C. The outline of the fleshy parts of Desiderio's figures- the head, arms, and shoulders of the Child, for example- are softer and more variable than those of Agostino's. This is true also of the modeling inside the contours.
(supporting ideas)a.
a. the lines of facial features- the center line of the nose, the outlines of the lips and the eyes
3.Conclusion
(concluding sentences) The crux of the matter is that in this work of Desiderio's the design is less obtrusive than it is in the Agostino.

2.Thesis statement
Agostno's relief is also gentle and delicate but it is in every respect more self-consciously "designed," more contrived, than Desiderio's. Both Madonnas are human rather than divine but Desiderio's is a natural, homely humanity while Agostino's is elegantly aristocratic and artificial.
3.Topic statement
A. The differences between the two works may be brought out more clearly if we compare a few details. Consider the treatment of the hair.
B. A comparison of the smiliarity positioned right forearms and hands of the two Virgins is most revealing.
C. The outline of the fleshy parts of Desiderio's figures- the head, arms, and shoulders of the Child, for example- are softer and more variable than those of Agostino's. This is true also of the modeling inside the contours.

4.Supporting ideas
A.
a. irregular lines and regular lines(not clean lines and clean lines)
b. the lines for their own sake or not
B.
a. straight lines and curve lines
b. continuity
C.
a. the lines of facial features- the center line of the nose, the outlines of the lips and the eyes
5.Concluding sentences
The crux of the matter is that in this work of Desiderio's the design is less obtrusive than it is in the Agostino.
7.Essay Two Low Relief Carvings from the Fifteenth CenturyWe turn now to two fifteenth-century Italian low relief carvings on the theme of the Madonna and Child. Desiderio da Settignano’s all too short thirty-five years of life (1430-64) began and ended durting the lifetime of Agostino di Duccio (1418-81). Yet although the two artist were contemporaries who almost certainly knew of each other's work, it would be difficult to find two artist who display a greater difference in the qualities of their lines. Desiderio's lines are full of minute changes of direction and breaks in continuity. They have a nervous delicacy, a gentleness, and quiet unassertiveness which is appropriate, in our example, to the character and mood expressed in a more directly psychological way in the faces of Mary and the Child.They are neither rhetorical nor merely decorative but describe the form and represent material qualities in a naturalistic manner. There is nothing arbitrary about them. For the most part they are not clear-cut lines; their depth and intensity varies and they have an irregular scratched rather than a sharp-edged quality. Many of them are little more than short incised "touches" with the chisel. Agostno's relief is also gentle and delicate but it is in every respect more self-consciously "designed," more contrived, than Desiderio's. Both Madonnas are human rather than divine but Desiderio's is a natural, homely humanity while Agostino's is elegantly aristocratic and artificial. If there is anything supernatural about Agostion's relief, it is a supernatural prettiness and sweetness.
The differences between the two works may be brought out more clearly if we compare a few details. Consider the treatment of the hair. In Desiderio's relief it is rendered as a vaguely unified plastic mass in which curls are merely hinted at by irregular incised lines. The hair of Desiderio's Child has a soft, downy appearance and merges with the form of the forehead without any clear line of demarcation. Agostino, on the other hand, has treated the hair as a highly stylized pattern of regular lines. These fall into graceful waves, and on the Child they twist round to form elegant tight little spiral curls. A similar difference pervades the drapery of the two reliefs. Desiderio's treatment is spare, full of irregularities, crumpled passages, and straightness. There are no lines which seem to be there purely for their own sake. Agostino's lines on the other hand are mostly decorative and are intended to be enjoyed for their own sake. They are full of graceful curves and elegant rhythms and counter-rhythems. Their linear design is confidently, even exuberantly, lyrical. A comparison of the smiliarity positioned right forearms and hands of the two Virgins is most revealing. Agostino makes one continuous curve of the upper line of the forearm and the hand and carries the line right through to the ends of the extended first finger and thumb. But the line of Desiderio's arm and hand changes direction abruptly where the hand broadens out at the wrist. And although there is a connction through from the arm across the hand and into the extended finger, it is a straight line, not an elegant curve, and it is not continuous. Notice, too, the contrast in the lines of the fingers themselves in the two reliefs.
The outline of the fleshy parts of Desiderio's figures- the head, arms, and shoulders of the Child, for example- are softer and more variable than those of Agostino's. This is true also of the modeling inside the contours. The line down the left arms of both infants clearly show the difference. Finally, the lines of the facial features- the center line of the nose, the outlines of the lips and the eyes- are sharper in the Agostino than in the Desiderio, where their softness contributes to the "dewy" look of the faces.
It would be wrong to conclude from all this that Agostino's relief is more carefully designed and that Desiderio’s merely describes the forms naturalistically. Desiderio's relief is in fact designed with extreme care and sensitivity. Indeed, according to John Pope-Hennessy, "in composition this is Desiderio's finest and most inventive Madonna relief." Pope-Hennessy dose complain , however, that its execution is "rather dry" and inferior to that of some of the sculptor's other works. The crux of the matter is that in this work of Desiderio's the design is less obtrusive than it is in the Agostino.
7.Comparison sentences
a. Agostno's relief is also gentle and delicate but it is in every respect more self-consciously "designed," more contrived, than Desiderio’s
b. Both Madonnas are human rather than divine but Desiderio's is a natural, homely humanity while Agostino's is elegantly aristocratic and artificial.
c. The outline of the fleshy parts of Desiderio's figures- the head, arms, and shoulders of the Child, for example- are softer and more variable than those of Agostino's.
d. The lines of the facial features- the center line of the nose, the outlines of the lips and the eyes- are sharper in the Agostino than in the Desiderio.
e. The crux of the matter is that in this work of Desiderio's the design is less obtrusive than it is in the Agostino.
8.Conclusion
Although the two reliefs have the same topic, they are different from many aspects in detailed. We also can judge these two carvings form the differences.
9.Summary
The two same topic relief carvings are diffierent from many aspects in the lines. The lines of Desiderio's relief is irregular,straight,not continuous,and don't have the owm sake for carving. Agostinos lines, on the other hand, are regular,curve,continuous,and have the own sake for carving.Besides,the lines are sharper in the Agostino than in the Desiderio.
10.References 1.The article
a. A Short Guide to Writing about Art,4nd Edition Section 3 :Writing a Comparison pp95~98
b. Relief Sculpture
2. Virgin and Child
a. Picture
http://www.philamuseum.org/collections/euro_dec_arts/euro-dec-eleven.html
b. Introduction
http://www.philamuseum.org/collections/euro_dec_arts/W1930-1-2.shtml
3. Virgin and Child with Four Angels
a. Picture
http://cgfa.sunsite.dk/d/p-duccio1.htm
b. Introduction
http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/people/A0802757.html

Wednesday, October 13, 2004

Yi Han

English presentation---
Understanding Cultural Differences
Camping Magazine, July, 2000 by Sandy Cameron
Department of Information Management
90144300
Yi Han

Outline
 Thesis statement
 Topic sentences
 Outline (article)
 Supporting ideas
 Concluding sentences
 Summary
 Conclusion
 Reference
 Q&A
Outline
 Communication differences
 meaning of a smile
 when to smile
 eye contact
 Language differences
 way of talking
 what to talk
 saying “no”
 Name and time recognition
 calling names
 punctuality
 About eating habits
 when to eat
 what to eat
 eating manners
Summary
 Learn other’s cultures to avoid misunderstandings.
 Be aware not to offend other’s cultures
 Respect other’s cultures

Conclusion
 We need to respect other people’s culture.




Understanding Cultural Differences
Camping Magazine, July, 2000 by Sandy Cameron
As the United States population becomes more diverse and camps employ more international staff, the issue of communicating and interacting effectively with people from other cultures becomes more important. Having respect for cultural differences and learning basic characteristics of other cultures can help you avoid misunderstandings and unintentionally offending others.
Effective Communication
Communication is an area that can be especially challenging for those uninformed about cultural differences. A simple nod of the head or smile may be interpreted as something you had not intended.
For example, around the world a smile can relay many emotions, not just happiness or pleasure as in the U.S. In Japan, people smile when they are sad, angry, confused, and happy. Asians smile to show disagreement, anger, confusion, and frustration. Some people from Japan and Asia will not smile for official photos, such as passport photos, because these are considered serious occasions and they do not want to look as though they are not taking the situation seriously.
Eye contact varies around the world as well. If a staff member will not look you in the eye when speaking, do not take it as an insult. People from many Asian and Latin American cultures avoid direct eye contact as a sign of respect.

Supporting ideas:
A smile in the U.S. means happiness or pleasure while in Japan it may mean sad, angry, confused, and happy. Asians don’t smile for official photos. Looking in people’s eyes when speaking also might be considered impolite in Asia or Latin American.

Overcoming language barriers
Language differences can make communication difficult, but if you are creative you can find ways to communicate effectively.
Talk slowly and clearly. It may sound simplistic, but don't shout at people if they don't understand what you are saying. Restate the statement in a different way or repeat it more slowly. Use other methods of communication, such as making drawings, demonstrating or acting out, or using hand motions.
When speaking, avoid using slang and common idioms. Idioms, such as "in the long run," "no kidding," or "barking up the wrong tree," can cause confusion for non-native English speakers. Also, explain common camp phrases to staff members. Most probably won't be familiar with phrases you use every day.
Try to learn a few common phrases in the languages of your international staff and campers. This shows you are interested and helps them to feel more comfortable.
Many cultures have difficulty saying "no" to a request, and some internationals may say "yes" when their answer is really "no." Carefully phrase questions so that they can be answered positively. For example, say "What can I do make your time at camp more pleasant?" instead of asking "Do you like it here at camp?"
Supporting ideas:
Talk to foreigners in a slow and clear way. Try using other methods of communication if others don’t understand such as making drawings, demonstrating, acting out, or using hand motions. Avoid using slang and common idioms because foreigners might misunderstand. Be sure to let everyone know the common use camp phrases. Sometimes, using common phrases in the languages of your international staff or campers can show yours interests of making them comfortable. People saying “yes” in other cultures may mean “no” sometimes. It depends on how you ask them.
Names and Time
People in the U.S. generally call others by their first names, but this is not true of all cultures. Ask staff and campers how they would like to be addressed. Make sure to call them by their real name, not the U.S. equivalent or nickname unless they prefer it. If you have difficulty saying their name, ask for the correct pronunciation.
Explain your expectations in regard to time and punctuality. Cultural background influences what people consider to be on time, late, and early. Make sure up front that staff members know when you expect them to be at their job.
Supporting ideas:
Call people the way they like to be called. Being “on time” might not be recognized the same in different cultures., so make sure everyone understands right the time to come to work.
Food and Dining
What and when people eat varies around the world. Many cultures eat the main meal at midday and have a light meal in the evening.
Some traditional camp fare may seem unusual to international campers and staff. For example, marshmallows (and s'mores for that matter), watermelon (and spitting seeds), hot dogs, and corn on the cob may cause internationals to raise their eyebrows in curiosity. In many countries, corn -- especially on the cob -- is fed only to animals. Take the time to explain certain foods and the corresponding customs, and understand if staff and campers choose not to eat a particular item.
Just as you explain unfamiliar foods, ask about foods common in your staff's home country. Consider having a special evening where foods from their countries are served. Make an effort to have these traditional food items available for your international staff to eat, but keep in mind that the U.S. versions of many Chinese, Italian, and Mexican dishes are very different from what is served in those countries. Ask staff what foods they would like and, if possible, allow them to prepare the dishes themselves.
Some cultures will not take food the first time it is offered. Try offering the item at least two more times to ensure everyone has had a chance to try a dish. Also, many Asians and Saudi Arabians make noise when eating to show their appreciation for the food. Be sure to interpret this as a compliment, not as bad manners.
Supporting ideas:
Some culture prefer to eat their main meal at noon. Knowing what people “don’t” eat is also needed to be considered first before preparing the meal. Some cultures consider some food “uneatable”. Sometimes, we can have a special meal where all the dishes on the table are from the internationals’ home countries. Be aware that the “U.S. version” of international dishes might be different from the original international dishes. Let internationals to prepare their own food if allowed. Offer food for other’s more than once to ensure everyone can have a chance to try a dish because some conservative cultures don’t like to take things from others for manner reasons. Making noise when eating are considered as a compliment to the food maker in some cultures in Asia.
Learning about other cultures and having respect for differences can go a long way in creating successful relationships. Be objective, have an open mind, and your camp will benefit from an international influence.

Reference
 References:
 1. Beyond Translation - global training must consider cultural differences
Training & Development, Dec, 2000 by Lionel Laroche, John Bing, Catherine Mercer Bing
 2. The Learning Experience Of Chinese Students In American Universities: A Cross-Cultural Perspective
 College Student Journal, March, 2001 by Guofang Wan
 3. My culture, my self - cultural differences in Japan and the United States - Cover Story
Science News, Oct 18, 1997 by Bruce Bower
Q&A
 Any questions?

Tuesday, October 12, 2004

Ya Yuan's presentation.

NCU
蔡雅媛 Ya Yuan Tsai #14
Time: Wed. Am09:00~11:50
Presentation: 10/13/2004

America is a culture melting-pot. In order to know the factories that effected American culture, I choose this topic.

Source of material: Writing Academic English,2nd edition: a writing and sentence
structure handbook / Alice Oshima, Ann Hogue / P101

Outline
1.Introduction
Native Americans have made many valuable contributions to American culture,
particularly in the areas of language, art, food, and government. (Thesis
statement)
2.Body
A.Native Americans left a permanent imprint on the English language. (Topic
sentence)
a.states (supporting ideas)
b.cities
c.everyday words
B.Art is another area showing the mark of native American contact.
a.wool rugs woven
b.jewelry
c.pottery, handcrafted leather products, and beadwork
C.Agriculture is another area in which native Americans had a great and lasting
influence.
a.farming techniques
b.foods
D.Americans are also indebted to one tribe for our form of government.
a.The League of the Iroquois.
b.the present form of government of the United States
3.Conclusion
In conclusion, we can easily see from these few examples the extent of native
American influence on our language, our art forms, our eating habits, and our
government. Hopefully, the cultural exchange will one day prove to be equally
positive for them.

Essay
Native American Influences on Modern American Culture

When the first Europeans began to settle the North American continent, they encountered a completely new culture: the native American tribes of North America. Native Americans, who had a highly developed culture in many respects, must have been as curious about the strange European manners and customs as were the Europeans about native Americans. As always happens when two cultures come into contact, there was a cultural exchange. Native Americans adopted some of the Europeans’ ways, and the Europeans adopted some of their ways. As a result, native Americans have made many valuable contributions to American culture, particularly in the areas of language, art, food, and government.
First of all , native Americans left a permanent imprint on the English language. The early settlers borrowed words from several different native American languages to name the new places and new objects that they had found in their new land. All across the country, one can find cities, towns, rivers, and states with native American names. For example, the states of Delaware, lowa, lllinois, and Alabama are named after native American tribes, as are the cities of Chicago, Miami, and Spokane. In addition to place names, English has adopted many everyday words from various native American languages. The words chipmunk, moose, raccoon, skunk, moccasin, and potato are just a few examples.
Although the vocabulary of English is the area that shows the most native American influence, it is not the only area of American culture that was changed by contact with native Americans. Art is another area showing the mark of native American contact. Wool rugs woven by women of the Navajo tribe in Arizona and New Mexico are highly valued works of art in the United States. Also, native American jewelry made from silver and turquoise is very popular and very expensive. Especially in the western and southwestern regions of the United States, native crafts such as pottery, handcrafted leather products, and beadwork can be found in many homes. Indeed, native art and handicrafts have become a treasured part of American culture.
In addition to language and art, agriculture is another area in which native Americans had a great and lasting influence. Being skilled farmers, the native Americans of North America taught the newcomers many things about farming techniques and crops. Every American schoolchild has heard the story of how native Americans taught the first settlers to place a dead fish in a planting hole to provide fertilizer for the growing plant. Furthermore, they taught the settlers irrigation methods and crop rotation. In addition, many of the foods we eat today were introduced to the Europeans by native Americans. For example, potatoes, corn, chocolate, and peanuts were unknown in Europe. Now they are staples in the American diet.
Finally, it may surprise some people to learn that Americans are also indebted to one tribe for our form of government. The Iroquois, who were an extremely large tribe with many branches and sub-branches (called “nations”), had developed a highly sophisticated system of government to keep the various branches of the tribe from fighting one another. Five of the nations had joined together in a confederation called “The League of the Iroquois.” Under the League, each nation was autonomous in running its own internal affairs, but the nations acted as a unit when dealing with outsiders. The League kept the Iroquois from fighting among themselves and was also valuable in diplomatic relations with other tribes. When the thirteen American colonies were considering what kind of government to establish after they won their independence from Britain, someone suggested that they use a system similar to the League of the Iroquois. Under this system, each colony or future state would be autonomous in managing its own affairs but would join forces with the other states to deal with matters that concerned them all. This is exactly what happened. As a result, the present form of government of the United States can be traced directly back to a native American model.
In conclusion, we can easily see from these few examples the extent of native American influence on our language, our art forms, our eating habits, and our government. Modern Americans are truly indebted to native Americans for their contributions to their culture. Hopefully, the cultural exchange will one day prove to be equally positive for them.

References:
1.http://www.forim.org/essays/2003_third_place.htm
2.http://www.american-indian-art.com/
3.http://63.171.230.155/
4.Writing Academic English,2nd edition: a writing and sentence structure handbook /
Alice Oshima, Ann Hogue / P101

EDDIE's presentation

PRESENTATION
資管四A陳韋任90059600

Georgetown, Saudi International Relations
For many years, I have been interested in studying international relations. My interest in pursuing this field stems from several factors which have affected me. First, I have been exposed to international affairs throughout my life. With my father and two of my brothers in the Saudi Foreign Service, I have grown up under the shadow of inter-national affairs. Second, I am fascinated by history, economics, and diplomacy. I believe, through the study of international relations, I can effectively satisfy my curiosity in these fields. A third factor which has affected my interest in international relations is patriotism. Through the Foreign Service, I would not only have the opportunity to serve my country, but also have the chance to help bridge gaps between my country and others. Finally, as a Saudi living abroad, I have been bridging cultures throughout my life. This experience has taught me to look for differences to compromise and similarities to synthesize in order to balance different cultures. In short, I believe that my experiences in life, combined with a rigorous academic education, will enable me to pursue a successful career in the Saudi Foreign Service.
Outline
- author's interest: international relations.
- four main reasons why the author loves international relations
- the author thinks he'll be good in his career
Thesis statement: For many years, I have been interested in studying international relations.
Topic sentence: My interest in pursuing this field stems from several factors which have affected me.
Supporting ideas: 1. First, I have been exposed to international affairs throughout my life.
2. Second, I am fascinated by history, economics, and diplomacy
3. A third factor which has affected my interest in international relations is patriotism.
4. Finally, as a Saudi living abroad, I have been bridging cultures throughout my life.
Conclusion sentence & Conclusion:
In short, I believe that my experiences in life, combined with a rigorous academic education, will enable me to pursue a successful career in the Saudi Foreign Service.
Summary:
The author loves deeply in international relations because of his family background, interests, patriotism, and race. That’s why he has fully confidence of pursuing a successful career in the Saudi Foreign Service.

Georgetown, Favorite Class
At St. Albans, especially in our later years, we are given the freedom to choose from a vast array of classes. Using this freedom, I have selected classes which have personal significance to me, regardless of difficulty or appearance on my transcript. However, from these classes, one holds an extraordinary amount of value to me. This course is A.P. Omnibus History, a combination of American and European history. There are several reasons for my great interest in this class. First, I am fascinated by the cyclical nature of the past. I see these recurring political, economic, and social trends as a means of looking forward into the future, while allowing us to avoid the mistakes of the past. Second, history teaches many lessons about the nature of human behavior, both past and present, providing insight into the actions, desires, and aspirations of those around me. Finally, it lays a solid foundation for several disciplines, including political science, economics, and international relations, three fields of great interest to me.
Outline:
- at St. Albans, the author has the freedom to choose classes whatever he likes
- A.P.Omnibus is his favorite course
- three reasons why he likes the course
Thesis statement: At St. Albans, especially in our later years, we are given the freedom to choose from a vast array of classes.
Topic sentence: However, from these classes, one holds an extraordinary amount of value to me. This course is A.P. Omnibus History, a combination of American and European history. There are several reasons for my great interest in this class.
Supporting ideas: 1. First, I am fascinated by the cyclical nature of the past.
2. Second, history teaches many lessons about the nature of human behavior, both past and present.
3. Finally, it lays a solid foundation for several disciplines, including political science, economics, and
international relations,
Conclusion sentence & Conclusion: no
Summary:
The author describes a course which has a significant impact on him. From the course he has learned the repeating history, truth beneath the human behavior, and a solid foundation for several disciplines.

Georgetown, Visual Arts
Another major interest of mine, which I have not had the opportunity to express elsewhere on my application, is the visual arts. Throughout high school, I have used a variety of media to express myself. I began with black and white photography, focusing on the presence of lines and balance in nature. For my work in this medium, I received an award at the St. Albans School Art Show. From photography, I moved on to glass etching. Using a sandblaster to etch the glass, I again concentrated on lines and balance in my works. Moreover, by arranging several glass panes into a sculpture, I moved my study into three dimensions, winning another Art Show award. Currently, I am working on canvas, using oil and acrylic in a Mondrian style, which is based on lines and balance. Eventually, I hope to explore the effects of combining these and other media, creating my own style of artistic expression.
Outline:
- the author’s another interest: visual arts
- he has tried three different ways of arts: black and white photography, glass etching, canvas
- he hopes to find his own way of arts

Thesis statement: Another major interest of mine, which I have not had the opportunity to express elsewhere on my application, is the visual arts.
Topic sentence: I have used a variety of media to express myself.
Supporting ideas: 1. I began with black and white photography.
2. From photography, I moved on to glass etching.
3. Currently, I am working on canvas.
Conclusion sentence & Conclusion: Eventually, I hope to explore the effects of combining these and other media, creating my own style of artistic expression.
Summary:
The author’s another untold interest: visual arts. He has moved his steps from black and white photography, glass etching, to canvas, all of which are very fruitful. His ultimate goal is to create his own style of expressing arts.


http://www.justcolleges.com/essays/index.phtml?no=essayedge/lth_shortessays.html#georgetown