Health care Reforms in G8 Countries and Turkey

Introduction One of the main objectives of the governments of G8 countries is to promote and improve the health status of their citizens. In order to achieve this objective, G8 countries have focused on providing effective, accessible, as well as, affordable health care to their citizens. Consequently, health care policies in G8 countries revolve around two fundamental issues.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Health care Reforms in G8 Countries and Turkey specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The first issue is the manner in which a basic package of high quality health care should be provided. The second issue is how to â€Å"finance and manage health services in away that guarantees their availability and accessibility† (Parmmolli, Riccaboni, Magazzini, 2011). In order to address these issues, health care has been considered a public good in G8 countries. A public good is normally provided by the gove rnment and benefits everyone in the community. The governments of G8 countries are, thus, justified to provide health care services due to the following reasons. First, majority of the citizens can not access health services due to the high costs (Parmmolli, Riccaboni, Magazzini, 2011). Consequently, the governments provide health services in order to promote access regardless of the ability to pay. Second, health care is a basic right of all citizens, and thus, it should be provided by the government. Additionally, there are no substitutes for health care. Hence all citizens must be able to access quality health services. Third, the governments are able to mobilize additional funds for health care by providing universal health cover to their citizens (Parmmolli, Riccaboni, Magazzini, 2011). The additional funds are used to improve the quality of health care services. Finally, a healthy nation tends to be more productive. This has prompted G8 governments to provide affordable heal th services in order to enhance their productivity (Arrieta Guillein, 2011). This paper focuses on the health care reforms in the G8 countries. Health care in G8 Countries in the Last 15 Years The G8 consists of the eight largest economies in the world. Despite the fact that all G8 countries are developed, some of them have poor health care systems. The quality of health care among the G8 countries depends on the availability of resources and health policies adopted by each country. In the last fifteen years, health services in G8 countries, except US, have been provided by the governments. The governments either provided the services directly or contracted private providers to deliver the services. However, the percentage of health care costs paid by the governments varies from country to country. For example, in UK the government pays all the fees while in Japan, the patient pays between 10% and 30% of the total cost (Claudia, 2010).Advertising Looking for research paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Both taxation and national health insurance covers are used to finance health services in the G8 countries. Unlike other G8 countries, health care in US is mainly financed through private insurance. The health covers are either provided by the employers or purchased directly by the citizens. The US government has minimal participation in the provision of health services. The health care programs that are supported by the US government include Medicaid and Medicare. Generally, access to quality health services has increased in most G8 countries. The UK, German and France have had the best health care systems in terms of quality, accessibility and affordability (Claudia, 2010). In these countries, the governments pay for nearly all health care expenses. Additionally, a lot of capital is invested in the health care sectors. Russia’s health care system remained ineffective in the last fifteen years due to poor management and lack of financial resources. The US health system has also recorded poor performance in the last fifteen years. In particular, high costs prevent majority of US citizens from accessing quality health services (Juni, 2006). Nearly all G8 countries have faced challenges in providing health services. The common challenges include rising costs, inadequate personnel and declining service quality. These challenges have promoted the G8 governments to reform their health care systems. Health Care Reforms In UK, health care reforms began in 1948 with the establishment of the National Health Services (NHS). The objective NHS is to â€Å"provide health care for all citizens based on need and not the ability to pay† (Juni, 2006). NHS is funded by the public through taxation. All legal residents of UK are eligible for the services offered by NHS, irrespective of their nationalities or tax history. NHS hospitals provide all medical services in cluding surgeries and prescriptions free of charge. Additionally, meals, care workers, ambulance services, therapies and in-clinic nursing services are provided for free (Claudia, 2010). Only general physicians are allowed to refer a patient for acute care in a NHS hospital. The general physicians are also given feedback on the treatment given to the patient and recommendations for follow up actions. In US, earlier reforms in the health care system involved the formation of the â€Å"Veterans Health Administration, the Military Healthcare System and the Indian Health Services† (Juni, 2006). These programs provide subsidized health care services to specific groups such as the military. Publicly funded programs such as Medicaid and Medicare provide subsidized health care to vulnerable groups such as the poor, the old (over 65 years) and the disabled. Major reforms began in 2010, with the enactment of the new health reforms bill. The new health bill aims at improving access to h ealth services through universal health cover. Under the new legislation, all US citizens will be required by law to obtain health insurance (Arrieta Guillein, 2011).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Health care Reforms in G8 Countries and Turkey specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The government will provide tax credits to those living below the poverty line to enable them obtain health insurance. Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing to offer covers to citizens with preconditions. The health insurance covers will cater for all medical services demanded by all US citizens. Russia adopted a socialist approach to provide health care between 1917 and 1990. During this period, the government provided all health care services through taxation (Claudia, 2010). Thus, all citizens were able to access services such as prescriptions, surgeries, therapies and other treatments for free. Following the c ollapse of the Soviet Union, Russia adopted a mixed model of healthcare provision (Claudia, 2010). In this case, the private and public sector participates in financing and provision of health services. The private sector provides health insurance and health facilities while the government subsidizes the cost of treatment and also provides health workers (Parmmolli, Riccaboni, Magazzini, 2011). Reforms in Turkey’s health care system began in 2003. The reform program â€Å"aims at increasing the ratio of private to state health provision and making health care available to all citizens† (Feldster, 2009). Private insurance companies partnered with private hospitals to provide quality health care. In 2006, laws that facilitate provision of universal health cover were enacted in order to enhance access to health services. The government funds nearly 70% while the private sector funds 30% of all health expenses (Feldster, 2009). The family practitioner model was introduced in 2010 to provide low cost medical services by local doctors. The family practitioner model provides treatment to citizens of all ages. Members of a family can receive treatment from the same doctor. However, the doctors are not specialized, and thus, services such as surgery are obtained in centralized government hospitals. Healthcare in Germany is provided by the government through a universal health cover system. The insurance cover is provided in two forms namely the sickness fund and private insurance (Agrell Bogetoft, 2001). Membership in sickness funds is compulsory and contributions are made by employers and employees. Overall, the government funds nearly 77% of the total health care budget. The remaining 23% is funded by the private sector (Agrell Bogetoft, 2001). The funding from both the government and private sectors caters for treatment, medicine costs, as well as, the cost of staying in hospitals. Following a sharp increase in costs, the government introduced new h ealth financing reforms in 2007 through an act of parliament.Advertising Looking for research paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The new legislation guarantees access to health insurance, and provides incentives to enhance effective coordination of health care (Arrieta Guillein, 2011). Additionally, it introduced a unitary contribution rate, and enhanced competition among insurers, hence reducing the cost of health insurance. The French health system is funded through pension schemes, family allowances, as well as, health insurance. Pensions and family allowances are managed as a national fund. There are also smaller funds that cater for workers in specific professions. All health â€Å"funds are private but are highly regulated by the government† (Parmmolli, Riccaboni, Magazzini, 2011). The funds cater for hospital care, prescriptions, cash benefits and outpatient services. The other services offered include preventive care for mothers and children which are provided through community –based health facilities. Health workers such as nurses, midwives social workers are provided to care for chi ldren and other patients. Health care in Italy is financed and provided by both the government and the private sector. The government provides health care through the National Health Services (NHS). NHS pays the family doctors, nurses, and the costs of treatment. However, medicinal drugs can not be obtained without a doctor’s prescription (Parmmolli, Riccaboni, Magazzini, 2011). The drugs prescribed by a family doctor are partly paid for by the patient. Over-the-counter drugs, on the other hand, are fully paid for by the patient. The family doctor is assigned to a maximum of 1500 patients and must visit the patients at least five times in week. Both Japan and Canada have universal health covers through which they provide health care to their citizens. In Japan, the government pays 70% of the health care costs while the patient pays the remaining 30%. The funds from the government cater for parental care, disease control, and screening examinations (Agrell Bogetoft, 2001). P atients can access medical services from doctors of their choice, and have a right to health insurance from any provider. In Canada, health care is provided freely at the point of treatment or use (Arrieta Guillein, 2011). Health services are mainly provided by private organizations. However, the government regulates the private providers in order to enhance the quality of health care. The government pays for the drugs, treatment and salaries of the health workers. Effectiveness of the G8 Health Care Systems In general, the reforms adopted by the G8 countries have helped them to improve the effectiveness of their health systems. At least 85% of Canadians are satisfied with their health care system. The Canadian health system is also cost-effective since 96.2% of adults spend less than five percent of their disposable income on medical expenses such as prescription drugs (Arrieta Guillein, 2011). In UK, the reforms have enabled the government to deliver health services closer to th ose who need them most. Consequently, health care costs have significantly reduced, and the service quality has improved tremendously. In Turkey, the increased participation of the private sector raised competition for patients. Consequently, the quality of health care in public and private hospitals has improved. The number of health practitioners and health facilities has increased by 30% following the introduction the family practitioner model (Claudia, 2010). Majority of the rural population can now access health care through universal health cover and government subsidies. The life expectancy in German increased to 78 years while the infant mortality rate reduced to 4.7 for ever 1,000 live births. Currently, German is one of the countries with the highest number of physicians (Claudia, 2010). The health financing reforms introduced in 2007, has enabled majority of Germans to access better health care through health covers. The French health system is considered the best in Euro pe and among the G8 member countries. This is because it provides a variety of high quality health care services for free. At least 65% of France’s citizens are satisfied with their health system. Italy’s health system is the second best after the French system. At least 95% of Italians are able to access quality medical services. In Japan and Canada, access to medical services has significantly increased in the last decade. Unlike other G8 countries, U.S and Russia still have ineffective health care systems. Russia has the worse health system among the G8 countries. Its health system initially helped in reducing infectious diseases and increased bed capacities in hospitals (Feldster, 2009). However, the introduction of the mixed model led to inefficiency in the health system. Consequently, the health of Russia’s population has deteriorated in nearly all measures. In United States, the main challenge is high costs of accessing health care. Additionally, the qual ity of health services is very low. Only 40% of US citizens are satisfied with their health care system (Arrieta Guillein, 2011). However, the challenges facing the United States’ health care system are likely to be addressed by the new health reforms laws. In conclusion, providing health care through universal health covers has enabled most G8 countries to achieve the objective of delivering quality and affordable health care. However, the existing health care systems are still faced with challenges such as rising costs, inefficiency and administration problems (Parmmolli, Riccaboni, Magazzini, 2011). Role of the Private Sector In all G8 countries, health care services are provided by both the government and the private sector. The government and the private sector participate in financing and actual provision of health care services. The private sector plays three fundamental roles which include the following. First, private health providers deliver health care services d irectly to the citizens. The private providers include private hospitals, doctors working in the private sector and private health organizations (Feldster, 2009). Second, private insurance companies provide covers that enable citizens to access medical services. Finally, employers in the private sector help in financing health care by purchasing health covers for their employees. The extent to which the private sector participates in the provision of health care varies from country to country. United States has the highest percentage of private sector participation in the provision of health care services. Nearly 70% of US citizens access medical services through private insurance. The insurance covers are directly purchased by citizens and employers (Feldster, 2009). In France, the private sector dominates in the provision of health covers. All insurance plans or health funds are arranged by the private sector under the regulation of the government. In Japan, the private sector fun ds only 30% of the health care costs. Besides, the government provides most health care services through public health facilities (Juni, 2006). There is minimal involvement of the private sector in UK, Canada, German, Turkey and Italy. In these countries, the governments pay for at least 75% of the total health care costs. Most health care facilities are owned by the government and the health workers are directly paid by the governments. In countries such as Italy and UK, the services provided in public hospitals are better than in most private hospitals. Private verses Public The above analysis indicates that access to quality and affordable health care is high in G8 countries where health services are provided by the public sector (government). However, in US where the private sector dominates the provision of health care, medical services are inaccessible and of low quality. Thus, we can conclude that the public sector can provide health care in a better way than the private sect or. The effectiveness of the public sector can be explained by the following reasons. First, empirical studies reveal that 1% of the population pays for nearly 25% of health care costs. 50% of the population pays for only 3% of the health care costs (Parmmolli, Riccaboni, Magazzini, 2011). Since, a high percentage of health care costs are paid by the minority, pooling of resources through a compulsory universal health cover becomes apparent. It is only the government that has the capacity to implement a compulsory universal health cover (Juni, 2006). Second, provision of health care by the public sector addresses equity issues. Since the private sector is driven by the profit motive, it restricts access to health care through the price mechanism (Feldster, 2009). The public sector, on the other hand, enables everyone to access health care regardless of their purchasing power (Arrieta Guillein, 2011). Second, provision of health care by the public sector improves the quality of hea lth services. For instance, the additional resources resulting from a universal cover can be used to acquire more health facilities. Third, provision of a public good such health care requires a high level of administration that a single enterprise can not arrange. It is only the government that can arrange for such high level of administration through its ministries (Arrieta Guillein, 2011). Additionally, the private sector might not be able to access the large capital that is required to offer universal health covers. Fourth, providing health care through publicly owned universal covers is likely to be more acceptable than private insurance (Juni, 2006). This is because a universal cover is relatively cheaper and is not subject to contractual obligations. Finally, the rapid economic growth in G8 countries provides a favorable environment for implementing universal health care (Claudia, 2010). The high employment rates in G8 countries means that majority of the citizens can contri bute to health funds. Additionally, G8 countries have high tax revenues that can be used to meet the costs of health care services. Conclusion Health care is an important sector since it determines the productivity and welfare of the population. It is against this backdrop that G8 countries have focused on providing affordable and quality health care to their citizens. Health care is considered a public good in most of the G8 countries. Consequently, the governments are more involved than the private sector in the funding and provision of health services. All G8 countries, except the US, provide health care through universal insurance covers and taxation (Feldster, 2009). In US, the private sector dominates in the provision of health care through private health insurance. The governments pay for the costs of treatment, prescription drugs, costs of staying in hospitals and the salaries of health workers. The private sector mainly participates in the provision of health covers (Arriet a Guillein, 2011). The challenges facing G8 countries in providing health care services include rising costs, mismanagement of funds and inadequate funds. In general, provision of health care through the public sector has enabled G8 countries to provide affordable and quality health care to their citizens. Thus, we can conclude that the public sector can provide better health care than the private sector. References Agrell, P., Bogetoft, P. (2001). DEA-Based Incentive Regimes in Health Care Provison. Journal of Economics and Management, 3(2), 78-91. Arrieta, A., Guillein, J. (2011). The Private Health Care Sector and the Provison of Parental Crae Services in America. World Development, 39(4) , 579-587. Claudia, C. (2010). Macrosystematic Reforms in the Health Care System for Eastern European Countries. Journal of Economics and Management, 10(2), 124-128. Feldster, M. (2009). Balancing the Goal of Health Care Provision. Social Science and Medicine, 31(6), 45-49. Juni, M. (2006). P ublic Health Care Provision: Access and Equity. Social Science and Medicine, 43(5), 759-768. Parmmolli, F., Riccaboni, M., Magazzini, L. (2011). The Sustainability of European Health Care System: Beyond Income and Ageing. Journal of Economic s and Management, 10(1), 199-209. This research paper on Health care Reforms in G8 Countries and Turkey was written and submitted by user Avery Estes to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Young Learners English Fingerplay Songs

Young Learner's English Fingerplay Songs Fingerplays - Learning Through MovementHere are a number of English fingerplay songs which combine movements of the hands and fingers with key vocabulary. The act of singing and acting out on the fingers children make both a kinetic and musical connection to the new words, also known as a  multiple intelligences approach  to learning.  Fingerplays are usually chanted, although some songs also have movements which are in parentheses after each spoken line. Three Little Monkeys Three Little Monkeys can have as many verses as you like to  practice the numbers. Here are the last two verses as examples. Verse 1 Three little monkeys jumping on the bed,  (tap three fingers on palm) One fell off and bumped is head.  (one finger falls off, then hold head) Mama called the doctor and the doctor said:  (hold imaginary telephone to your ear) No more little monkeys jumping on the bed.  (shake finger) Verse 2 Two little monkeys jumping on the bed,  (tap three fingers on palm) One fell off and bumped is head.  (one finger falls off, then hold head) Mama called the doctor and the doctor said:  (hold imaginary telephone to your ear) No more little monkeys jumping on the bed.  (shake finger) Little Bunny Foo-Foo Verse 1 Little bunny Foo-Foo hopping through the forest  (raise your hand up and down as if hopping along through the forest) Scooping up the chipmunks and bopping them on the head.  (pound fist into palm) Down came the good fairy and she said:  (drop shaking hand from above to below) Little bunny Foo-Foo, I dont want to see you  (shake finger) Scooping up the chipmunks and bopping them on the head  (raise your hand up and down as if hopping along through the forest) Ill give you three chances,  (raise three fingers) And if youre not good, Ill turn you into a goon.  (raise both hands up into the sky and shake them as if frightened) Verse 2 So, the very next day...(repeat except the fairy Godmother says two chances) Verse 3 So, the very next day...(repeat except the fairy Godmother says one chance) Final Moral The moral of this story is: Hare today, Goon Tomorrow!(play on words of the common saying: Here today, gone tomorrow) Clap Your Hands 1 Clap, clap, clap your hands as slowly as you can.  (clap your hands slowly) Clap, clap, clap your hands as quickly as you can.  (clap your hands quickly) 2 Shake, shake, shake your hands as slowly as you can.  (shake your hands slowly) Shake, shake, shake your hands as quickly as you can.  (shake your hands quickly) 3 Rub, rub, rub your hands as slowly as you can.  (rub your hands slowly) Rub, rub, rub your hands as quickly as you can.  (rub your hands quickly) 4 Roll, roll, roll your hands as slowly as you can.  (roll your hands slowly) Roll, roll, roll your hands as quickly as you can.  (roll your hands quickly) Tips for Teaching Fingerplay Songs Write key vocabulary for each song on the board. Practice each movement, and check for understanding.Model the song a few times yourself. Dont be shy!Have students contribute other movements to Clap Your HandsHave different students lead the class in the songs once theyve learned the songs by heart.Ask students to create their own songs.Use  grammar chants  to help students learn simple grammar structures.

Globalization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

Globalization - Essay Example The increase of emission of green house-gases to the atmosphere has been the current global environmental challenge since it is a reality that global temperatures are increasing and it is a fact that human activity has been a major cause of this environmental problem since the atmosphere is getting concentrated with green house gases (Kemp, 1994). Climate change is a fundamental issue that will continue to affect the health of the future generations. Most of the natural resources on earth are non-renewable while their demand is overwhelmingly high and as a result of increased human activity to balance this phenomenon; technology has been implemented to overcome the challenges presented by this threat but not without some consequences of green house gas emissions which have eventually resulted to global warming (Kemp, 1994). Recent research has proven that the world temperatures are rising due to the human-induced green house emissions especially carbon dioxide, which is emitted as a result of combustion of fossil fuels, agriculture, and land clearing (Hams, 2004). Even though this effect was discovered in 1824, it has with time increased to intricate levels thus raising an international environmental concern. The sensitivity of climate is commonly rated according to the response of the equilibrium level of the green house gases and it is usually measured according to the response of temperature with reference to the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. A minute increase in temperature can result to several global consequences like an increase in sea level as well as a dramatic change in precipitation patterns hence resulting to extreme weather conditions such as heat waves, draught, floods, tornados among others (Hams, 2004). As a result of environmental degradation, global warming is expected to continue even beyond 2100 and the rise of sea levels is also expected to continue past that time (Houghton, 1997). The effects of global warming negatively affe ct both the environment and human life through the rising sea levels, agricultural setbacks, ozone layer depletion, increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather conditions, as well as the spread of diseases. It has been observed that the intensity, frequency, and power of hurricanes have increased annually from the 1970s and there has been a strong direct correlation between the tropical sea-surface temperature and the strength of the hurricanes. However, the relationship between global warming and hurricanes is still under controversy. A report released by the IPCC Working Group II confirmed that the consequences of global warming as a result of globalization has caused several deaths through extreme weather events like heat waves and flooding (Houghton, 1997). Primary and secondary consequences of global warming have been observed to influence human activities as well as ecological systems since some species have been forced out of their natural habitats as a result of unf avorable conditions presented by climate change (Hams, 2004). The life timing patterns have also changed thus affecting migration dates which create a predator-prey balance. As a result of increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the ocean PH is reducing and this eventually leads to severe negative effects on coral reefs. The thawing of the tundra is another global environmental problem which has been on the

Creer devlpment Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Creer devlpment - Research Paper Example Although, the major consideration remains unchanged that is the achievement of an ultimate high value objective set for professional growth. It is equally important that the selected career path should have potential to contribute towards the social well being of the masses to ensure that it imparts a sense of satisfaction for the individual. Keeping the aforesaid in mind, I have selected the â€Å"Social Support and Health Advocacy† as an area of career development program. The field of choice is closely related to the communication domain because it requires a close interaction with masses to know exactly their demands and needs as well as communicating the assessed requirements to the health officials and other public and non-public organizations. The field of the â€Å"Social Support and Health Advocacy† primarily cover two sub-domains i.e. the Social Support; the Health Advocacy. Social support is concerned with general public communications which may include one t o one interactions, corner meetings, conventions, large scale public gatherings to acquire input from the masses about the system, its short comings and the procedural and administrative recommendations to ratify these issues. Goldsmith (2012), who is an Associate Professor of Speech Communication at the University of Illinois has surfaced several aspects of communication that are commonly used and employed in social support, especially in health, anxieties and stress issues. He suggests that our frequent communication with our families, children, elderly persons of the securities and other interactions on these issues is the best kind of social support and if we can refine this communication issues can be addressed in a befitting manner. An expert communicator can devise ways and means to improve the quality of this communication by selecting good and effective observations. Moreover, an effective communicator can extend his social support by identifying various approaches that may help social interactions and communications more fruitful and result oriented in the elimination of daily stresses and major crises that may come across our lives. Social Support is an important area where communication can play a significant role to improve the quality of an individual’s life. However, it requires a well planned and targeted attainment of skills and expertise to ensure a career growth with significant achievements in the field of effective communications. Beyond the core communication skills like grammatical correction and purposefulness, an effective communication must have expertise in the prevailing Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), a close look on the social setup and values while a comparative study of people and societies around the world to ensure the incorporation of a global perspective in your communications. These requirements can lead to a number of studies and courses in ICT, social science core expertise, philosophy and interpe rsonal as well as inter organizational communication skills. However, the selection of courses and expertise from these domains may have subjectivity because of personal trends, likings and approach. â€Å"Health Advocacy†, the other sub-domain of my professional career plan demands even more effective communication skills. Primarily, healthcare advocacy is directly concerned with people

The Relationship between Social Media and Brand Management Dissertation

The Relationship between Social Media and Brand Management - Dissertation Example Hence, it is noteworthy that social media has become one of the key business communication tools, which has helped modern organizations to promote their brands worldwide. On the other hand, the online marketing concept has triggered impressive transformations, especially in the domain of brand management, thereby eliminating the risks inherent to the traditional marketing concept (Brindle, 2011). Â  The use of social media for brand management was also considered quite helpful for both the customers as well as for the company, owing to its ability to target customers in clusters and reach them with efficiency, within a very short time span. It is also noteworthy that the brand image of a company is perceived as one of the most valuable assets in the modern day context. This particular assertion becomes quite apparent with reference to the strategies applied by Alibaba Group to promote its brand in a popular Chinese social media named Sina Weibo. Alibaba Group is noted as one of the most popular Chinese e-commerce retail outlets, which deals in all kinds of products. Prior to the inception of social media, brand managers engaged in different companies followed various marketing communication strategies, such as storytelling, aggressive and frequent advertisement as well as newsletter distribution to the customers. In this regard, it can be mentioned that the traditional metho ds of brand promotion were less cost-efficient in comparison to the modern brand promotion strategies, which certainly raises a noteworthy challenge to modern organizations. However, the advent of online brand management strategy has proved cost efficient as well as less time-consuming in nature to mitigate previous stress factors associated to company’s customer relationship strategies through brand management (Jenkinson et. al., 2005). Â  

The Theory Of The Doctrine Of Affections

The Theory Of The Doctrine Of Affections We will doubt, first, whether all of the things that have fallen under our senses, or which we have ever imagined, any one (of them) really exist; in the first place, because, we know by experience that the senses sometimes err and it would be imprudent to trust too much to what has once deceived us; secondly, in dreamsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦we imagine numerable objects which have no existence.  [1]   In this quote Descartes explains that senses are unreliable and that we cannot trust them for they have been proven to lie. It is interesting, then, that music is such a popular art form, for it depends heavily, and almost solely upon listening. While a full knowledge and understanding of music cannot be discovered from a purely auditory approach, simply listening to music has the ability to subconsciously entice emotions within an audience. This link between mood and sonority grew from ancient Greek philosophy and extended well beyond the eighteenth-century, but came to its height during the Baroque Period (ca. 1570-1780). The Baroque idea called the Doctrine of Affections held this idea to be true; it was the belief which held that by making use of the appropriate and established musical methods of the time, the composer could create a piece of music which was able to produce a particular and involuntary emotional response within the audience. It was a compilation of thoughts and m usical techniques from many composers and philosophers from age of the Enlightenment, most prevalently Renà ¨ Descartes.  [2]  As previously stated, some of the principles of this concept date back centuries, to philosophers such as Aristotle, who showed that orators employed the rhetorical means to control and direct the emotions of their audiences.  [3]   However, musically the idea came to its height during the age of the Enlightenment and can be seen throughout Baroque music in instrumental pieces of great composers such as Bach and Rameau, but is especially profound in opera, due to the greater emotional stimulation caused by music and text simultaneously portrayed. The Theory of the Doctrine of Affections originated with Descartes. Descartes believed that music was centered on rationalized truth; he held that the ideas of science may not be favorable to the arts, but the understanding of science enhanced the arts possibilities. This idea relates back to his rationalist idea which was represented in the Doctrine of Affections; that knowledge is found in concepts, principles, and laws, and not just in experiences or unrefined sensations.  [4]   As such, by using scientific inquiry to understanding the biological workings of the body it was possible to attain accuracy and specific truth upon these systems which could then be used within music to rouse human emotions, and thus could increase the potential of the arts. But, simultaneously: By using empirical observationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦they may come to accept some system which has logical consistency, but little relevance to the world in which we live.  [5]   Using the ideas of scientific observation in this way could greatly inhibit the very purpose of musical expression. The very groundwork of the Doctrine of Affections can be summed up by a rationalist idea, which states that when human emotions and thoughts were suitably written within the poetry or libretto for a particular composition, the texts could then be enhanced with a proper musical line, in an attempt to bring intellectual abstractions into the realm of the passionate concrete.  [6]   The Passions, according to Descarte: Include love, sadness, hatred, desire, wonder, joy, and sorrow. Passions are predicated by actions of the soul and set into motion by contents of the blood stream. The soul is excited by the moving passions which direct a mans will. It is on the passions, good or evil, that life depends. Passions have an effect on the psyche, and uses the idea believed by philosophers and Biologists, that passions are found in the spirits contained in the blood stream.  [7]   Each passion is associated with a specific physiological symptom. For example, the breath might accelerate and the heart beat may quicken. Descartes believed that it was possible to predict the external emotions that would result from the various passions the music intended to arouse. His influence over composition was remarkable.  [8]  Writers that followed, such as Johann Mattheson, described the composers thought process towards composition as such: that the music does not express the emotion of the composer to be, for example, sad and anguished, but rather the composers attempt to create a work of art which would sadden the listeners. Also, he says that this emotional power which the music has over the listener is not necessarily outwardly shown, but the emotional effect is personal and comes from the listeners individual experiences.  [9]   Descartes Compendium Musicae and his Traite des passionse lame (catalogues or compilations of the basic human passions  [10]  ), which became popular during the Baroque period became widely studied. These publications were two of many of the age, but were the first to give musicians tangible and practical directions for appropriate and affective use of intervals, for example, happy emotions tended to be represented with wide intervals, while sadness was represented with narrower intervals.  [11]  As aforementioned, the emotional reaction to the effect which music has upon the body, used in attempt to direct the emotions of the audience, was particularly profound when used in vocal music, especially opera, due to the text to music relationship which enhanced the expressive development. This was a concept originally derived from Greek and Latin Doctrines on rhetoric and oratory  [12]   and also expressed within the philosophy of the Doctrine of Affections. In each individua l piece, the composer would try to arouse a particular type of emotion within the audience, for example, hate, anger, jealousy, or rage, but would only use one emotion at a time. He would use particular musical devises to entice emotion within the listener, which would parallel the ability of text to do the same.  [13]  One of the most famous of Baroque composers was Handel. He believed that: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦plainness and simplicity had the greatest effect upon human emotion as he endeavored to write for the voice, more in the natural tones of the human affections and passions.  [14]  ( A study in Handelian Thought 55) As such, Handel composed greatly within the concepts of the Doctrine of Affections, in attempt to provoke the passions and incite human emotions. Also, conductor Nicholas McGegan believes that Handel had great insight into underlining human emotion and his characters are absolutely human.  [15]   As previously stated, Handel composed within the realm of the philosophy of the Doctrine of Affections. As such, his arias and oratorios are written in such a way to combine the emotional context of the libretto with a musical line which would unconsciously bring about predetermined emotions within the audience. Three types of arias found during the Baroque period were those that depicted rage, happiness, and lost love. According to Johann Mattheson rage is much better at using all forms of musical inventions than more pleasant passions. However, it is not adequate enough to simply use loud dynamics and quick rhythms, as this violent quality has its own personality and requires forceful expression without losing sight of the beauty of the musical line.  [16]  The main devices used during a rage aria can be seen in an expanded theory of intervals explained by the Philosopher and Composer Rameau. Assuming that the basic human qualities of rage include anger, violence, sorrow, grave ness, harshness, and aggression, Rameau would conclude that a rage aria would include: whole and half steps, used to represent anger or sadness due to the contraction of the body; minor thirds, descending fourths, augmented fourths, minor sixths, and major sevenths. Also rage or anger would be seen in a fast tempo and most likely a minor key.  [17]  The rage arias of Handel directly follow this theme. Handels famous aria Empio, dirà ², tu sei from his opera Giulio Cesare is a classic example of a Rage aria. The first importance of this piece in terms of the Doctrine of Affections is the text: Empio, dirà ², tu sei: Togliti agli occhi miei Sie tutto crudeltà ¡ Non à ¨ di re quell cor, Che donasi al rigor Che in sen non ha pieta (I say you are a villain, Remove yourself from my sight, You are cruelty itself. This is not the heart of a king That abandons itself to such harshness, That contains no pity.) This is Giulio Cesares furious Act 1 aria in which he chastises the Egyptian general, Achilla, who has just returned to him the detached head of the Pompeo, the noble Roman general. This aria expresses Ceasars rage, and as such, Handel wrote it in c minor and in the tempo Allegro. The aria also includes many rushing scales, arpeggios, and uneven figures. From the very first opening line, the orchestral overture creates uneasiness and dread in the listener by use of running scales, large leaps, and awkward intervals (m1- 9); this agitation is affirmed by a very strong vocal entrance by the castrato, Giulio Cesare, which begins with a descending scaler line and is followed by larger leaps (m.11). . Throughout, the vocal line can be described as extremely intense- containing extensive coloratura with rushing scales (m14-16; m24-25; 32-34), arpeggios, and drastic interval changes would create an understanding of rage even in a listener who did not understand the words, for example, when Cesare says Sie tutto crudeltà ¡ (You are cruelty itself), the vocal line implements jumping intervals as well as a brief chromatic passage (m35-37) Also, throughout the piece the orchestra is particularly restless, and includes running passages, large leaps, arpeggiated figures, which also create an uneasiness. All of these factors contribute to quickening the heartbeat of the listener, providing them with an emotional relation and understanding of Giulio Cesare, just as if they, themselves were the raging party. The understanding of the text along with the extreme musical line and accompaniment creates an even more vivid picture of Cesares intense anger and rage and pulls the listener even further into the emotion, raising the blood pressure further and thus, physiologically causing the raging and uneasy emotion within the listener. Among the passions was also the emotion of joy. Mattheson held that: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦joy was an expansion of our soul, and thus it follows that reasonably and naturally that [one] could best express this affect by large and expanded intervals.  [18]   According to Rameau joyous music was also represented by great intervals, but additionally was shown with Major key and fast tempo.  [19]  The Air Oh! Had I Jubals lyre from the Oratorio Joshua by Handel implements these philosophies within the vocal line and orchestral accompaniment. Oh, had I Jubals lyre, Or Miriams tuneful voice! To sounds like his I would aspire, In songs like hers rejoice. My humble strains but faintly show, How much to Heavn and thee I owe. This is one of Handels later works, and it is based upon the biblical stories of Joshua. Essentially, Moses and the Israelites, after being freed from Egypt are told by God that they must maintain their faith to him for forty years in the wilderness before being allowed into the promise land, they do not obey him and send in spies to check out the land after two years. Long story short, Joshua and Caleb, of the younger generation maintain their faith within God and are thus allowed to enter the Promise land, while the disbelievers perished in the desert. In the bible, Jubal is quoted as being the ancestor of all who handle lyre and pipe  [20]  and Miriam is the sister of Moses and Aaron who was believed to have been a prophet. This is a simple song of happiness and praise sung by Achsah, the daughter or Caleb. Firstly, the piece is written in A major and in the tempo Allegro. From the opening of the piece, large and sonorous intervals and chords are heard and a feeling of ease an d happiness is apparent. When the soprano, Achsah enters, her line outlines an A major chord (m 10-11) and continues to move within a beautiful major key area. Although in some parts of the piece there are running passages (m21-24; m41-44; m 46-47) there continues to be large intervals and major chords throughout the accompaniment below. This stability below the quickly moving and florid passages allows the emotion of joy and happiness to be maintained throughout the piece. The piece begins and ends in a major key and throughout it implements large intervals and a consonant tone. These foundations musically create a joyous emotion within the audience because they entice openness within the body physiologically; the listeners emotional reaction, therefore directly parallels the sonority of the musical line and accompaniment. Another of the passions outlined by Descartes included love. Within opera, a common theme of unrequited or lost love is prevalent. This absence of love, which is sought by a character, brings about an emotion which is a combination of sadness and hope, and abstractly creates love. On sadness Mattheson states: Sadness is a contraction of the subtle parts of out bodyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦it is easy to see that the small and smallest intervals are most suitable for this passion.  [21]   To create the feeling of lost love, this emotion is combined with the passion for hope. In regards to this emotion Mattheson explains: Hope is a pleasant and soothing thing: it consists of a joyful longing which fills the spirit with certain courage. Hence, this effect demands the loveliest use of voice and the sweetest combination of sounds in the world, for which courageous longing serves as a spur as it were; yet so that even joy is only moderate, courage nevertheless enlivens and animates everything, which yields the best combination and uniting of sounds in composition.  [22]   This combination of the passions of sadness and hope can be used to understand the emotion of love. Mattheson shows this: Love is in fact essentially a diffusion of the spirits.  [23]   Love is therefore a diffusion or combination of joy or hope (expansion) and sadness (contraction), depending upon the type of love which is occurring. For example new and young love would be represented in a more joyous way, with larger and more expansive intervals musically. However, lost or unrequited love would be represented to attract sadness or small intervals, but also to entice hope, by using larger and more expansive intervals which are pleasant and soothing, because the character continues maintains some hope that love will eventually result from the sadness and loss, thus musically drawing the listeners into their melancholy but optimistic emotion. The philosophies of the Doctrine of Affections can again be seen in the aria O Sleep, why dost thou leave me? from the opera Semele by Handel. O sleep, O sleep, why dost thou leave me? Why doust thou leave me? Why thy visionary joys remove? O sleep, O sleep, O sleep again deceive me, O sleep again devieve me, To my arms restore my wandring love, My wandring love, Restore my wandring love, Again deceive me, O sleep, To my arms, restore my wandring love. The plot line of the opera is essentially thus: Semele is in love with Jupiter, but is about to Marry a man called Cadmus at the temple of Juno. Before the ceremony, however, Semele is snatched from the temple and taken to the heavens where Jupiter builds her a grand palace. Juno is angered by this and asks the god of sleep, Somnus, to help her in her revenge. In this aria Semele has been deprived of sleep, and thus, deprived of her dreams of her lover who cannot be with her. The piece is written in a major key, but in the tempo largo. This, from the first chord of the piano, shows the parallel between happiness and sadness that are present during lost love, the emotion of hope can be seen in the large interval jumps in the left hand of the piano accompaniment (m1-4) Semeles first phrase is very quiet, slow and repetitive; it uses a beautiful scalar line of second intervals to show her anguish for the loss of her lover within dreams. Underneath her beautiful line is a similarly runni ng pattern within the piano, which is characterized with some leaps to bring about a slight feeling of hope and happiness (m 8 in both hands; m 9 in both hands; m11-end in the arpegiated left hand) The sadness comes to a height on the second page when there is a long running passage upon the word wandring, (m 17-18), but hope is seen in the ending of the piece with the interval leaps upon the word restore, coming to the climatic and beautifully quiet G sharp, before desending again into sadness (m24-25).

Dog Company :: essays research papers

Frontiline â€Å"A Company of Soldiers† To Whom It May Concern: 1st Calvary Division C/O PAO Maj. Phil Smith Building 2800 761 Tank Battalion Blvd. Ft. Hood, TX 76544 Dear Dog Company,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I recently had the opportunity to view your documentary concerning your division â€Å"A Company of Soldiers† with my English 12 writing class. Words can not depict the heroic actions portrayed and emotions generated from within as each second passed before me. I would just like to state how grateful this heart is for the efforts exhausted, they are not taken for granite. The phrase has been given that we don’t relate with the war until it effects us personally and I guarantee that Frontline awoke the soul of every viewer it reached, leaving them with a new perspective.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   An issue was presented that if those willing to protest and fight to bring our folks back home are that organized, they should be signing up to come over seas. I could not agree more with this statement, and the simplicity it exemplified. While we may not agree with the choices that are made we must support the actions that come forth and accept what it may be, making the very best out of the bad. Please know that my-self with this entire school are very proud and happy to know you are providing protection and services so vital. No one deserves to grumble or shout out until they’ve been in your boots and endured all that has occurred. I commend each and every one of you and would just like to say that you’re all heroes. Dignity and loyalty are two words that continue to flash before me as I type this letter. Witnessing the loss of fellow members and the anguish this causes was a dagger to my heart. Never the less you pressed on with your heads held high and the ambition to do even more action the very next morning, depicts the true spirit that lies in each of you.