AUTOCRATIC VERSUS DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

There are various different leadership styles ranging from relinquishing complete control and providing no guidance at all to the opposite; holding all the ropes and maintaining a tight grip on everything. Do your research on two polar opposites, authoritarian and democratic leadership, and write an essay comparing and contrasting the two. It is suggested that you spread your research over at least two days to ensure successful learning.

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Familiarize yourself with the issue:

·         “Autocratic leadership style – Bill Gates” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uB-GKyK7Hc

The main arguments tabulated:

“Autocratic versus democratic approaches in the work place” http://blog.readytomanage.com/autocratic-versus-democratic-approaches-in-the-workplace/ 

Reading material to make notes on:

·         “Autocratic versus democratic leadership: are you the right tool for the job?” http://www.sidewaysthoughts.com/blog/2013/04/autocratic-versus-democratic-leadership-are-you-the-right-tool-for-the-right-job/

·         “Management styles in the oil and gas industry: autocratic versus democratic”  http://www.sidewaysthoughts.com/blog/2013/04/autocratic-versus-democratic-leadership-are-you-the-right-tool-for-the-right-job/

·         “Differences between autocratic and democratic leadership” http://classroom.synonym.com/differences-between-autocratic-democratic-leadership-6467.html   

Videos to watch and make notes on:

·         “ Participative or democratic leadership” http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/the-participative-or-democratic-leader.html

·          “What is democratic leadership? Definition, advantages and disadvantages”  http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/what-is-democratic-leadership-definition-advantages-disadvantages.html

·         “The authoritarian or autocratic leader” http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/the-authoritarian-or-autocratic-leader.html

“Autocratic leadership – leadership skills” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGnoL7-v1Sw

ENVY, JEALOUSY AND RESENTMENT

Envy, jealousy, bitterness and resentment are termed the comparison emotions and can have devastating effects on a person’s life at all sorts of levels. Nevertheless, they are very widespread, which brings us to our research topic: the causes and effects and ways of coping with these destructive emotions.

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Reading material to make notes on:

Causes and effects

·         “Envy, jealousy and resentment – the comparison emotions at work” http://intentionalworkplace.com/2011/07/07/envy-jealousy-resentment-%E2%80%93-the-%E2%80%9Ccomparison%E2%80%9D-emotions-at-work/

·         “A helpful guide to overcoming envy” http://www.becomingminimalist.com/ungreen-with-envy/

·         “Stop hating: Five reasons it pays to get happy about other people’s success”  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tai-goodwin/happiness-success_b_4266245.html

·         “The unhappy cost of resentment” http://ronrolheiser.com/the-unhappy-cost-of-resentment/#.VO2k8XysXGU  

Solutions

·         “How I learnt not to be so jealous and finally get on with my life” http://lifehacker.com/how-i-learned-to-stop-being-so-jealous-and-finally-get-1529920256

·         “How to overcome resentment” http://thinksimplenow.com/happiness/how-to-overcome-resentment/

Videos to watch and make notes on:

·         “Resentment – overcoming resentment quickly and easily”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kcUDRArKi0

·         “Antidote to envy – how to deal with resentment, jealousy” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yA51EmDoGcg

TELL THE STORY OF AN ECOLOGICAL DISASTER: THE ARAL SEA CRISIS

The Aral Sea crisis is perhaps one of the world’s greatest ecological disasters and is completely the result of lack of foresight and short sighted policies. Do your research and find out then tell the story.

Reading:

·         “Waiting for the sea” http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-a0c4856e-1019-4937-96fd-8714d70a48f7

·         “The Aral sea crisis” http://www.columbia.edu/~tmt2120/introduction.htm

Podcast:

·         “Gone; the disappearing desert” http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02k871g

Videos to watch and make notes on:

·         “The dried up Aral Sea eco disaster” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNDjL_q7kHU

·         “The shrinking of the Aral Sea : one of the world’s worst environmental disasters” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dp_mlKJiwxg

ANGER MANAGEMENT

We all get angry but some people habitually have a short fuse; they go from a slow simmer to boiling point in the blink of an eye and don’t seem to be able to calm down. In the modern world, anger is becoming an ever more serious issue as frustrations grow and everyone wants everything yesterday. Anger is both antisocial and harmful for the individual, which makes managing it very important. Do your research in the order suggested and write a problem solution essay on anger management

Meet the problem:

·         “How anger goes out of control” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvteZ_bq0nk

Familiarize yourself with the issue:

·         “Anger management test” http://psychologytoday.tests.psychtests.com/take_test.php?idRegTest=3236

Video to watch and make notes on:

·         “Calm down and release the amygdale” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zs559guIGDo

·         How to deal with anger – help with anger management” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEHn1klnIpg

·         “Learn the six steps to coping with anger and how to cope with anger triggers” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UP6WV801Qg

Reading material to annotate:

·         “How to cope with anger” https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/hide-and-seek/201304/how-cope-anger

·         “Anger management: what works and what doesn’t” https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/get-psyched/201309/anger-management-what-works-and-what-doesnt

·         “Dealing with anger” https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/happiness-in-world/201311/dealing-anger

·         “Don’t be an angry bird” https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/get-hardy/201309/dont-be-angry-bird

      Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

WHY ARE SOME PEOPLE CHRONICALLY UNHAPPY?

Some people are continually miserable but is it always outside factors such as loss and misfortune which are to blame or are there other deep seated reasons? Do your research and discover the reasons why some people are chronically unhappy; also make note of the solutions. When your research is complete, write an essay on the topic.

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Familiarize yourself with the issue:

·         “Test how self compassionate you are” http://www.self-compassion.org/test-your-self-compassion-level.html

Videos to watch and make notes on:

·         “Why are some people chronically unhappy” http://www.videojug.com/interview/obstacles-to-happiness-2  Tape script available if you scroll down

Reading material to make notes on:

Causes:

·         “ 8 Negative attitudes of chronically unhappy people” https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/communication-success/201502/8-negative-attitudes-chronically-unhappy-people

·         “7 habits of chronically unhappy people” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tamara-star/7-habit-of-chronically-unhappy-people_b_6174000.html

·         “8 Things chronically unhappy people refuse to admit” http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/08/29/8-things-unhappy-people-refuse-to-admit/

·         “6 Things happy people never do” http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/07/16/6-things-happy-people-never-do/   

·         “Definition of self compassion” http://www.self-compassion.org/what-is-self-compassion/definition-of-self-compassion.html

Solutions:

·         “How to talk to yourself” https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/turning-straw-gold/201502/how-talk-yourself

·         “Self compassion project – Interview with Dr. Barbara Markway” https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/in-practice/201301/self-compassion-project-interview-dr-barbara-markway

“Self compassion” http://www.self-compassion.org/what-is-self-compassion/the-three-elements-of-self-compassion.html

THE CHINESE NEW YEAR VERSUS THE WESTERN NEW YEAR COMPARISON AND CONTRAST ESSAY

The New Year is celebrated in various ways all round the world and traditions vary greatly. Like other public holidays, these celebrations have their roots in the culture and traditions of the area. Below you will see reading material and videos concerning the Chinese New Year. Do your research and write an essay in which you compare and contrast Chinese and Western traditions.

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Familiarize yourself with the issue:

·         “Chinese new year” https://prezi.com/soyvw3fxyyn3/chinese-new-year-2015/

·         “21 Ways Chinese new year beats every other holiday”  http://www.buzzfeed.com/zingtsjeng/reasons-why-chinese-new-year-is-the-king-of-holidays#.ty9WRv3XXA

Reading material to make notes on:

·         “ Chinese new year” http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/chinese-new-year  This sight comes with two wonderful videos which you should also watch

·         “Chinese spring festival 2015: tradition, history, day –by day – guide”  http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/special-report/chinese-new-year/  

WHAT COULD POSSIBLY HAVE HAPPENED? SOLVE THE ‘HISTORIC MYSTERIES’

 http://www.historicmysteries.com/  

The web site above specializes in mysteries which you can now help solve. A possible list of 7 mysteries has been compiled below but you are welcome to seek out alternatives. Select one and explain what you think the most likely explanation is. In order to complete this task, you will need to use the past forms of modals and conditionals. Remember to justify your opinions. Have fun.

1.       “The Sodder Children Mystery” http://www.historicmysteries.com/

2.       “The disappearance of Ambrose Pearce”  http://www.historicmysteries.com/disappearance-ambrose-bierce/

3.       “Death of George Colvocoresses”  http://www.historicmysteries.com/death-george-colvocoresses/  

4.       “The disappearance of the Grimes sisters” http://www.historicmysteries.com/disappearance-grimes-sisters/

5.       “The disappearance of Theodosia Burr Alston” http://www.historicmysteries.com/theodosia-burr-alston/    

6.       “The missing Lord Lucan” http://www.historicmysteries.com/lord-lucan/

7.       “The murder of Bell Starr”  http://www.historicmysteries.com/belle-starr/  

CURIOSITY AND WHY OUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON IT

I have no special talents,” said Albert Einstein. “I am only passionately curious.” Everybody is born curious but only a few remain eager to explore, to discover and to learn and we owe a lot to these people. Why is curiosity so important and why do our futures depend on it? Do your research and write your essay.

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Video to watch and make notes on

·         “Curiosity and why our future depends on it” https://www.thersa.org/discover/videos/event-videos/2014/06/curiosity--why-our-future-depends-on-it/ 

Reading material to annotate:

·         “The power of curiosity” https://experiencelife.com/article/the-power-of-curiosity/ 

·         “Curiosity: the fuel of development” http://teacher.scholastic.com/professional/bruceperry/curiosity.htm 

·         “Curiosity is as important as intelligence” https://hbr.org/2014/08/curiosity-is-as-important-as-intelligence/

·         “Curiosity” http://www.mypersonalbrilliance.com/curiosity/ 

·         “Curiosity and conscientiousness more important than intelligence” https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-athletes-way/201112/curiosity-and-conscientiousness-more-important-intelligence

Videos to watch and make notes on:

“Seth Godin on the importance of curiosity” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoOcA5FL9EE

WHAT IS SUCCESS?

This is a relatively simple research related writing task. Do your research in the order suggested and use your notes to write your essay.

Two completely different opinions: view and discuss

·         “What success means to me” https://prezi.com/sypcuqfuvwd7/what-success-means-to-me/

·         “What success means to me”  https://prezi.com/sqrhryeqw3ko/what-success-means-to-me/  

Videos to watch and discuss

·         “What’s your definition of success?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulShj4keKNw

·         “What does success mean to you?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9MURuUOYoI

Read the following and make some notes.

Remember: look up only the key words; guess some words from the context; leave the rest

·         “What does success mean to you?” https://hbr.org/2014/02/what-does-success-mean-to-you

·         “What does personal success mean to you?” http://advancedlifeskills.com/blog/what-does-success-mean-to-you/

·         “The real meaning of success”  http://www.lifehack.org/articles/work/the-true-meaning-of-success.html

Video to watch:

·         “Zig Zagler how to define success” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwWpX335BPQ

WHY DO WE BLAME OTHERS AND WHY SHOULD WE GIVE IT UP?

Most people are quick to blame others for even the small mishaps in their lives even if it is completely illogical. Yet assigning blame rather than taking responsibility and taking charge is a mistake. Do your research and write an essay in which you explain the reasons. Do your research in the order suggested.

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Animated video to watch and make notes on:

·         “Brené Brown on blame” https://www.thersa.org/discover/videos/rsa-shorts/2015/02/brene-brown-on-blame/

Reading material to make notes on:

·         “Stop blaming other people (and why it will help you) http://www.uncommonhelp.me/articles/stop-blaming-other-people/  

·         “How to stop playing the blame game” http://tinybuddha.com/blog/how-to-stop-playing-the-blame-game/

·         “Stop blaming yourself for everything in 3 easy steps”  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shannon-kaiser/stop-blaming-yourself-for_b_5692105.html

Power point:

·         “Stopping the blame game” https://prezi.com/kpwy-donregj/stopping-the-blame-game/

Videos to watch and make notes on:

·          “Stop it with the blame game” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFsVVWVL_a0

·         “Motivation 1: don’t play the blame game” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CzDbejCtfE

“Prosperity video: blaming others & power”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mv-gYOxReiA

EMPATHY VERSUS SYMPATHY; COMPARISON AND CONTRAST ESSAY

Both empathy and sympathy help forge strong bonds between people and are very positive feelings. They bring comfort and peace and involve compassion but there are some differences between them. Do your research and write an essay in which you compare and contrast these two feelings. Do your research in the order suggested.

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Definition:

·         “Empathy versus sympathy” http://grammarist.com/usage/empathy-sympathy/  

Animated video to watch and make notes on:

·         “Brené Brown on empathy” https://www.thersa.org/discover/videos/rsa-shorts/2013/12/Brene-Brown-on-Empathy/  

Power point:

·         Empathy versus sympathy” https://prezi.com/cuvtmbvewry4/empathy-vs-sympathy/ (This presentation comes with an embedded video)

Reading material to make notes on:

·         “Empathy versus Sympathy” http://www.diffen.com/difference/Empathy_vs_Sympathy

·         “Comparison of empathy and sympathy”  http://www.empathy-and-listening-skills.info/ 
       
       Podcast to take notes from
       https://www.theguardian.com/science/audio/2017/feb/05/a-neuroscientist-explains-the-need-for-empathetic-citizens-podcast

TELL THE STORY OF THE KILLING FIELDS OF CAMBODIA

The Holocaust was not the only genocide in the 20^th century; about thirty years later, there was another genocide that took place in Asia: the Cambodian genocide. Do your research and write an essay detailing this infamous event in history. You will find the bulk of the historical information in the videos and the power point this time round.

Familiarize yourself with the issue:

·         “The killing fields of Cambodia” https://prezi.com/bpcuf4z2gcqa/the-killing-fields-of-cambodia/  

Reading material to make notes on:

·         “Why the world should not forget the Khmer Rouge and the killing fields of Cambodia” http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2014/08/07/why-the-world-should-not-forget-khmer-rouge-and-the-killing-fields-of-cambodia/

·         “A chilling look at Cambodia’s killing fields” http://www.mtvu.com/shows/a-chilling-look-at-cambodias-infamous-killing-fields/  

Videos to watch and make notes on:

·         “July 26, 2010, Cambodia war crimes trial verdict” http://video.pbs.org/video/1552282111/

·         “Khmer Rouge – the army of children – dictator Pol Pot”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaNwO0OIs0I

TELL THE STORY OF THE DREYFUS AFFAIR

Do your research and tell the story of one of the most famous spy stories and also one of the most famous miscarriages of justice.

Chronology:

·         “Chronology of the Dreyfus affair” http://faculty.georgetown.edu/guieuj/DreyfusCase/Chronology%20of%20the%20Dreyfus%20Affair.htm  

Documentary to watch and make notes on:

·         “Alfred Dreyfus documentary” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcKnFK3HBvs

·         “The Dreyfus affair” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kj50poxmYVw

Reading material to make notes on:

·         “The Dreyfus affair” http://www.myjewishlearning.com/history/Modern_History/1700-1914/Modern_Anti-Semitism/Dreyfus_Affair.shtml

·         “Dreyfus affair” http://global.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/171538/Dreyfus-affair

·         “The Dreyfus affair begins in France” http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/dreyfus-affair-begins-in-france

WHAT MAKES HUMANS CAPABLE OF SUCH INCREDIBLE CRUELTY TOWARDS EACH OTHER?

There is no other species that is capable of such extreme cruelty towards each other, who fight each other and wage war. Looking back in history is often proof enough so what makes humans capable of such cruelty? Are they born that way or are there other factors that come into play like Philip Zimbardo and Milgram suggest? Or is Socrates right and is there a completely different explanation? Do your research and determine your position then write your essay.

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Start thinking

• “Humanity of animals and evil of humans” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBvCNXHAOG8

 Material to make notes on:

• “BBC Future – Are we naturally good or bad?” http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20130114-are-we-naturally-good-or-bad

·         “10 Reasons humans are naturally evil” http://listverse.com/2013/05/23/10-reasons-humans-are-naturally-evil/

·         “Everyone is a potential torturer” http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn6727-everyone-is-a-potential-torturer.html#.VM-iU9KL0mg

·         “The Stanford Prison Experiment” www.prisoanexp.org

·         “Milgram’s obedience experiments” http://psychology.about.com/od/historyofpsychology/a/milgram.htm

·         “Are humans born evil? http://www.debate.org/opinions/are-humans-born-evil

·         “A Socratic perspective on the nature of human evil” http://www.socraticmethod.net/socratic_essay_nature_of_human_evil.htm

Videos to watch and make notes on:

·         “Psychology: electric shock experiment (Milgram experiment)” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4b7YFtiE5EA

·         “Are kids born good or evil? An experiment to discover the answer” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLYRDsJADgg

·         “Are humans naturally violent?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_QE1RWykJI