Friday, January 24, 2020

Poverty and Humanity in I Had Seen Castles :: I Had Seen Castles

Walk through a door, and enter a new world. For John, raised in home resplendent with comfort and fine things, Ginny’s family’s apartment above the fruit market is a radically different environment than his own. Economic differences literally smack him in the face, as he enters the door and walks into towel hung to dry. â€Å"First lesson: how the poor do laundry† (Rylant 34). In this brief, potent scene, amidst â€Å"shirts, towels, underwear, pillowcases† hanging in a room strung with clotheslines, historical fiction finds crucial expression in the uncomfortable blush of a boy ready for a first date and unprepared for the world in which he finds himself. Rylant juxtaposes Ginny’s poor family, living on a salary that can only be secured within the harsh, unrelenting working conditions of an industrial mill, against John’s family who is oblivious to the fear of poverty or hunger. In this juxtaposition, contemporary issues of economic privilege and workers rights influence the budding war-time romance of John and Ginny, and to us, the audience, peering in at them. By gradually magnifying John’s discomfort in entering Ginny’s â€Å"tattered neighborhood,† Rylant reveals the historical extraordinariness of wealth amidst squalor in the city of Pittsburgh. â€Å"Mills were fed coal and men so Pittsburgh might live,† and Ginny’s father gives his life to the mill so his family might live, albeit in the walls of this tiny rented apartment (Rylant 2). Both historically realistic and entirely fictitious, Rylant’s characters break the â€Å"single perspective† of history texts, fleshi ng out facts with their own stories, and marking our modern time with their experiences (Jacobs and Tunnell 117). I Had Seen Castles primarily chronicles the disillusionment of wartime heroism in the archetypal young solider, John. His illusions of war sustain Ginny’s controversial criticisms, though she infuriates and bewilders him, ultimately demonstrating the chilling effect of patriotic propaganda upon entire American communities throughout WWII. Beyond my diorama depiction of young lovers and a venerable mother meeting beneath clean laundry, the gruesomeness of war lurks and waits. Rylant brings war history to life in detailed, intimate ways, in dismembered, bloody soldiers, in the child with frozen legs that come off in warm bathwater, and in realistic treatment of John’s disenchantment; â€Å"as the war dragged on through 1944, it became more difficult for us to justify to ourselves why we fought† (81). Yet Rylant also offers a picture of the resilience in human beings, through our undeniable bonds to one another, despite nationality, class or war loyalties.

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Evaluating Eligibility Rules Essay

In determining which eligibility rules can be associated with the Lakeland Police Department, it the objectives of such institution must be looked into before going through the details in which such rules apply. The institution provides public and security measures to the community it holds. They promote the welfare of the people around them under the parameters mandated by the law in the creation of such institution. With this, the eligibility rules that the agency uses revolves around the (1) eligibility by administrative rule and regulation, (2) eligibility by administrative discretion and (3) eligibility by judicial decision. To understand whether the eligibility rules advocated by the agency promotes a stigmatization, trade-offs or off-target benefits, each rule must be looked into in accordance to the application of such within the Lakeland Police Department. The eligibility by administrative rule and regulations creates â€Å"an advantage to client beneficiaries because it gives social workers and other human service staff members a means by which to administer the benefit or service program evenhandedly and reliably, so that people similarly situated are given similar benefits. (Chambers and Wedal, 2005, p. 112) This rule can be seen to create trade-offs within the system of Lakeland Police Department. Trade-offs is evident because of the situational circumstances in which this rule can be applied to citizens within the district. There are implications of such applications in the way the police department addresses the people. â€Å"On the other hand, administrative rules restrict the freedom of staff members to use their discretion that is to judge need for the benefit or service in individual circumstances. (Chambers and Wedal, 2005, p. 112) The next thing is the eligibility by administrative discretion. This discretion sees to it that all particular concerns within a system need to be addressed by the agency. â€Å"All general organizational policies and administrative rules must be interpreted and applied to individual situations, so it is important to understand that such interpretation and applications necessarily involve significant personal judgment on the part of the staff member. † (Chambers and Wedal, 2005, p. 14) With this, it can be seen that there is a stigmatization of benefits among members of the community handled by the Lakeland Police Department. Their capability to address situations of its citizens particularly concerning their welfare in accordance to the law and mandates of the city can clearly be seen. This creates benefits among locals on the assurance that their welfare is protected by the agency. Lastly, is the eligibility of judicial decision. This rule can also be seen as applicable to the Lakeland Police Department. After a program has been in operation for a period of time, it is very likely that a contention will arise about whether the enabling legislation or whether an administrative rule or discretionary judgment was faithful to the spirit and intention of the law under which the program or policy was established. † (Chambers and Wedal, 2005, p. 115) It can be seen that this categorization creates an important part of the Lakeland Police Academy. This creates a stigmatization of benefits among local citizenry. It may be true that the agency can exercise administrative discretion, however issues may arise between the proper execution and application of such initiative among members of the community. This rule seeks to create a check-and-balance among the members of the police force. It is true that the objectives are in-line with the rules and mandates of the law, however, the actual practice remains to be on the part of local enforcers and policeman. This creates a subjective interpretation of actions by enforcers that more often than not leads to judicial contention. Appeals to the judiciary for clarification of the law are routine and in the end they can become as important as the legislation or administrative rules themselves. † (Chambers and Wedal, 2005, p. 115) To determine whether there are weak rules in the system of Lakeland Police Department, the three eligibility rules again must be looked into. On the eligibility by administrative rule and regulation, there exists a problematic issue on how to effectively distinguish what are the different parameters for such actions. The agency may have difficulty in promoting the necessary measures present if such issue persists. â€Å"Therefore, it is important to know whether a certain entitlement rule originates with judicial decisions, administrative rule, or individual staff discretion, for on that fact depends the probability of change – staff decisions certainly are changed more easily than are formal rules and statutes. † (Chambers and Wedal, 2005, p. 112) On the other hand, the two other eligibility rules are described to be minimal in problems. This is due to their ability to sink within the system and serve as both a check-and-balance among local authorities under the Lakewood Police Department and an initiative to further create changes that the department needs to address the changing needs of the future. Eligibility rules are characterized to create a foundation for actions by people. In the case of Lakewood Police Department, it seeks to cater the needs of the locals in promoting security and their welfare. In the issue of such eligibility rules being fair, it can be argued that they are indeed fair overall since it is based from the mandate of laws and legislation. The only issue here is the actual application of such rules by people who supposed to be fit for the description. Sometimes, there is a subjective interpretation of how such rules can be applied. This creates the sense of disparity of opinions and practices to both local and enforcers of such rules. On the other hand, tackling the issue of sufficiency, yes, it can be argued that the rules applied during that time are sufficient to address the current need of the locals. However, it may not be the case in the future as new issues and challenges arise within the new system. That is why, changes in the system and rules are needed to further pursue the interests of people. For one, rules are and regulations are meant for the people to ensure their security and welfare within the community.

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

American University Acceptance Rate, SAT/ACT Scores, GPA

American University is a private research university with an acceptance rate of 32%. Located on 84 park-like acres in the northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C., American University is considered one of the most internationally-engaged universities in the country. The university was chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1893, and it now boasts a student body that comes from over 150 countries. Programs in International Relations, Political Science, and Government are particularly strong, but the universitys general strengths in the arts and sciences have earned it a chapter of  Phi Beta Kappa. The law and business schools also place well in national rankings. On the athletic front, the American University Eagles compete in the NCAA Division I  Patriot League. The university also has the advantage of being near  many other colleges and universities in the Washington D.C. area. Considering applying to American University? Here are the admission statistics you should know, including average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students. Acceptance Rate During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, American University had an acceptance rate of 32%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 32 students were admitted, making American Universitys admissions process competitive. Admissions Statistics (2017-18) Number of Applicants 18,984 Percent Admitted 32% Percent Admitted Who Enrolled (Yield) 29% SAT Scores and Requirements American University has a test-optional standardized testing policy. Applicants to American may submit SAT or ACT scores to the school, but they are not required. During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, 52% of admitted students submitted SAT scores. SAT Range (Admitted Students) Section 25th Percentile 75th Percentile ERW 630 700 Math 590 680 ERW=Evidence-Based Reading and Writing This admissions data tells us that of those students who submitted scores during the 2017-18 admissions cycle, most of American Universitys admitted students fall within the top 20% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to American University scored between 630 and 700, while 25% scored below 630 and 25% scored above 700. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 590 and 680, while 25% scored below 590 and 25% scored above 680. While the SAT is not required, this data tells us that a composite SAT score of 1380 or higher is competitive for American University. Requirements American University does not require SAT scores for admission. For students who choose to submit scores, note that American participates in the scorechoice program, meaning that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all SAT test dates. American University does not consider the essay section of the SAT. ACT Scores and Requirements American University has a test-optional standardized testing policy. Applicants to American may submit SAT or ACT scores to the school, but they are not required. During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, 36% of admitted students submitted ACT scores. ACT Range (Admitted Students) Section 25th Percentile 75th Percentile English 27 34 Math 24 29 Composite 27 31 This admissions data tells us that of those who submitted scores during the 2017-18 admissions cycle, most of American Universitys admitted students fall within the top 14% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to American University received a composite ACT score between 27 and 31, while 25% scored above 31 and 25% scored below 27. Requirements American University does not require ACT scores for admission. For students who choose to submit scores, note that American participates in the scorechoice program, meaning that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all ACT test dates. American University does not consider the ACT writing section. GPA In 2018, the middle 50% of American Universitys incoming class had high school GPAs between 3.52 and 4.06, and an average GPA of 3.65. Nearly 65% of admitted students had average GPAs above 3.5. These results suggest that most successful applicants to American University have primarily A grades. Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph American University Applicants Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph. Data courtesy of Cappex. The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to American University. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in  with a free Cappex account. Admissions Chances American University, which accepts fewer than a third of applicants, is selective. However, American which has a holistic admissions process and is test-optional, makes admissions decisions based on much more than numbers.  A strong  application essay, engaging short answer response,  and glowing  letters of recommendation  can strengthen your application, as can participation in meaningful  extracurricular activities  and a  rigorous course schedule.  Applicants should also consider including the optional statement of interest essay on the Common Application. Students with particularly compelling stories or achievements can still receive serious consideration even if their grades are outside of Americans average range. Students interested in American University can apply using either the  Common Application  or the  Coalition Application. American has an  Early Decision program that can improve admission chances for students who are sure the school is their top choice. In the scattergram above, the blue and green dots represent accepted students. You can see that the majority of successful applicants had high school averages of B or higher, combined SAT scores of 1100 or higher (ERWM), and ACT composite scores of 23 or better. Your chances are best if your GPA is up in the A range. Note that test scores will not be used for the admissions decision if applicants choose Americans test-optional application option. If You Like American University, You May Also Like These Schools Boston College,  George Mason University, Northwestern University, and  George Washington University. All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and American University Undergraduate Admissions Office.