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Bird's Nest Soup, 2007.
This paper looks at the Chinese bird's nest soup as a cultural food and tradition.
1,578 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
The paper demonstrates how bird's nest soup provides a glimpse into Chinese and South Asian cultures. The paper discusses how bird's nest soup is a status symbol, associated with special occasions. The paper highlights how food plays an important role in matters of culture, involving far more than environmental conditions and nutrition. The paper also assesses how popular bird's nest soup remains in China today.
Outline:
Introductory Discussion
A Ritual Dish and Economic Activity
Concluding Remarks
From the Paper
"Swiftlet nests are believed by some to have aphrodisiac properties but more Chinese regard them as a tonic, their cost as a central ingredient renders the soup something served to honour an important guest or occasion. Consuming food in Chinese cultures remains a group, event-oriented process, the nature of dishes served known to guests, in contrast with what Marshall referred to as a 'narcissism' of Western consumption in its individual preferences. (2005:71) To prepare for a special meal in the home or in more expensive restaurants in Asia, a cook will buy cleaned and dried nests of the swiftlet, a tiny cave-dwelling bird whose nest is made from its own gummy saliva as hardens in the air. Dried bird's nest is soaked in water overnight, drained, brushed with peanut oil, and soaked again until no bits of feather, dust or other debris, rise to the top of the water."
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Modernity and Post-Colonial India, 2007.
An analysis of how architectural modernism captures the economic, cultural and political phenomena emerging in India.
1,569 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at modernity and how architectural modernism captures the economic, cultural and political phenomena re-making India in the twenty-first century. The paper focuses on the architectural work of Joseph Allen Stein and discusses how his work encapsulates the new virility and promise of post-colonial India as it unshackled itself from generations of British rule after the end of World War II. The paper suggests that the key to India can be seen in the monuments it builds to itself.
From the Paper
"At the same time, modernist architecture survives as a political statement insofar as it also masks infelicities that Indians may not want outsiders to see. For example, the city of Bombay is a modern city organized like few others - but that modern image of looming skyscrapers and cleverly-conceived infrastructure merely papers over elements of nativism and communalism that threaten Bombay's gleaming international image (Prakash, 2006). Therefore, just as modern-day India uses impressive modernist structures to announce its arrival on the world stage, it also uses those same structures and architectural embellishments to hide from view darker national traditions and vestiges of its past it wishes to remain unseen."
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Japanese Vs. American Corporate Image, 2007.
This paper compares how Japanese and American corporate entities protect their ethical business image.
701 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 25.95
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Abstract
The paper relates that the Japanese and American corporate cultures utilize different image protecting values. The paper looks at the Japanese Boshido Codes of Honor, which instills a more individualistic type of corporate image and is extremely important to the success or failure of the leader or employee. The paper then compares this to America's more secular or more "practical" ethical approach to protecting corporate image. The paper shows how these differing views highlight the contrasting elements of ethical values instilled within the modern Japanese and American corporate identity.
From the Paper
"The Japanese culture is often been for centuries a country that has been isolated from the rest of the world due to extreme nationalism and resentment toward western imperialism. In the past, a distrust of "outsiders" such as Americans and Europeans has led to an individualistic process within Japanese business culture that rejects outside secular belief systems. Although modern Japanese society has recognized business ethical models through European identity (Kantian Philosophy) in modern times, there is a general tendency for Japanese business leaders and employees to follow their duties, yet not dishonor their own individual role within a particular organization."
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Negotiable Identities, 2007.
An analysis of Dorinne Kondo's arguments in "Crafting Selves: Power, Gender, and Discourses of Identity in a Japanese Workplace".
1,165 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the construction of identity in modern Japan. It focuses on Dorinne Kondo's argument in her work, "Crafting Selves: Power, Gender, and Discourses of Identity in a Japanese Workplace", that identity is a "negotiable" quantity that is continually shifting in response to a range of different forces and contexts. The paper and Kondo discuss this according to the complexities of trans-national Asian identity in a contemporary Canadian context.
From the Paper
"It may be argued, from a personal perspective, that this sense of identity as a shifting and ambiguous process of creation can be seen in the trans-national Asian identity in Canada today. For Asian immigrants, and particularly children of first-generation immigrants, there is a overriding preoccupation with preserving one's heritage identity set against the common accusation that one is a banana (yellow on the outside/white on the inside) or is "white-washed" by mainstream Canadian culture. For many of these children of immigrants, like the employees in the Sato factory or the Okinawans, their own identity is in continual flux as they move between mainstream Canadian society and the more narrow world of the family. Language is a primary signifying factor in this shifting identity in that while many of us speak our native tongues at home with parents and family, the other parts of our lives involved in working or studying or even enjoying free time in Canada necessitates the use of English. While we creatively construct our identities in this process, it must be acknowledged that - as with the Okinawans - there is considerable anxiety as to its implications for our understanding of ourselves."
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Population Control Trends in Asia, 2007.
An analysis of population controls trends in Asia and some programs that have been designed to address the need for population control in that region.
1,675 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the reasons that population controls in Asia are necessary and highlights some programs that have been designed to address the need. The paper also presents several case studies that show both successes and failures in the region's attempts at population control. Finally, the paper determines the overall population control trends to date and suggests future efforts that can build upon work that has already been done.
Table of Contents:
Needs for Population Control
Attempts as Birth Control
China and India
Southeast Asia
Bangladesh
Conclusions
From the Paper
"The amazing economic development in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore over the past fifty years has been accompanied by an intense interest on the part of governments in those nations in fertility issues. The nations experienced rapid population growth for much of the last century, but as much of that growth was driven by rapidly improved medical care and other aspects of development that worked to prolong life. The governments therefore implemented education policies designed to encourage people to wait until later in life to marry and to have fewer children. Such family planning worked to slow the fertility rates so that the population growths were slowed and eventually leveled. In other nations such as Vietnam and Laos, where economic development and education did not go hand in hand as expansively and rapidly, the population growth rates seem to have taken longer. This suggests that economic development can work to increase population, but that the growth can be curbed if it is coupled with social and education development, so that modernization is treated as a comprehensive program (Jones)."
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The Qin Dynasty, 2007.
This paper explores ideas of space and time that are intertwined in the Qin period in China.
2,171 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the film, "Hero," set in the Warring States period in China. The paper describes the Qin effort to unify the warring principalities that the character "Nameless" defeats, towards the rise of what came to be a Chinese nation-state. The paper highlights Chinese ideas of place and belonging, of how the world should be, the usual insignificance of persons and the strong chance of bad order as only the heroic can offset it and put in place new systems of order that will fit with both human need and the will of the cosmos.
Outline:
Introduction
A Southern Epic
Later, Historians and History
Qin Rule and Dissent
Conclusion - On Heroic and Other Myths
From the Paper
"East Asian pre-modern ideas of time offer more than one conception of Time, and discussion of it, as evidenced in the 2002 film, Hero, set in the Warring States period. The principal character, "Nameless" is presented to the reader as not just a mercenary of the Qin state but as a kind of divine appointee. As an English subtitle explains "this land does not know a real hero - yet." (2004) All characters within this epic story seem to know they are part of a still unknown momentous outcome, part of a far longer epic of China's history, in the Qin effort to unify the warring principalities that Nameless defeats, one by one, towards the rise of what came to be a Chinese nation-state. Nameless, an orphan, had no family name to live up to, so devoted years to mastering the sword, aware of some particular purpose, a time in which he would serve a noble cause. Once competent, he presented himself to the Qin court with the swords of the Qin's adversaries. As Stephen Owen commented of very old Chinese ideas of the self and its purpose, "the ancients tell us that there are three kinds of achievement by which a person may hope to endure - moral power, deeds, and words." (p.72)"
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Corruption and Economic Development, 2007.
This paper explores the levels of corruption in relation to economic development in developing countries.
1,254 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
The paper examines how political, economic, social and cultural conditions prevailing in a country influence the economic development and the level of corruption. The paper discusses the direct relationship between economic development, corruption and political transition in Mexico, Taiwan, Russia and the People's Republic of China. The paper concludes that there are no easy solutions available for developing countries making the transition from authoritarianism to free-market democracy and struggling to establish viable, stable economies.
From the Paper
"Economic development is often correlated to the degree of corruption, especially in countries struggling to transition from authoritarian rule to free-market democracy. For example, in Mexico and Taiwan, it is evident that correlations exist between economic development and corruption, for the sectors of their economies which are performing the best are the ones most riddled with corrupt relationships between government officials and businessmen in the form of paying bribes or providing kickbacks."
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China vs. South Korea, 2007.
This paper discusses authoritarian vs. democratic countries in Southeast Asia.
2,706 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 81.95
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Abstract
The paper explores how China and South Korea appear to be diametrically opposed; China is authoritarian while South Korea is democratic. The paper discusses the modernizationist approach and shows how China is basically an authoritarian state while South Korea is democratic. The paper shows, however, how there are various aspects of these states that indicate neither one fits into a simple category, but instead both have moved at times in the opposite direction. The paper also shows how in both China and South Korea, the influence of tradition and ideology such as Confucianism has been beneficial for growth and development.
Outline:
Introduction
The Modernizationist Approach
Authoritarianism
Democracy
A Unifying Force
Conclusion
From the Paper
"What at first appears to be a sharp polarization between an authoritarian country and a democratic nation proves to be a complex matter. The modernizationist paradigm is based on "the attitudinal changes of the middle class, arguing that economic growth, urbanization, greater literacy rates, and organizational know-how help to stimulate middle-class participation in politics" (Text 12). Two very different types of modernization took place in South Korea and China. The rapid industrialization of South Korea in the 1970s and 1980s appeared to be related to state capacity and especially strategies used by the estate to overcome free markets and to accelerate growth. "Industrialization led to a new, much more diverse, complex and interrelated economy which becomes increasingly difficult for authoritarian regimes to control" (Text 13)."
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The Rise of Japan, 2007.
This paper explores the factors behind the rise of Japan as a major industrial power after World War II.
1,555 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at the major policy initiatives which made Japan's explosive growth after WWII possible and examines factors such as location, natural resources, demographics and international relations in order to assess how they allowed Japan to overcome its war-torn past. The paper shows how the rise of Japan was because of the country's talented bureaucrats who worked to put in place an economic program of rationalization, state-business co-operation and selective cartelization that allowed targeted growth sectors to expand.
From the Paper
"For one thing, one of Japan's greatest resources has always been its human resources - even Japan's robust birth rate and growth during the middle third of the twentieth century has given way to a much more pedestrian birth rate that now sees the number of elderly climbing while the young fall steadily as a percentage of the population (Foreign Press Center Japan, sec.1-3). In any case, while rapid population growth probably played somewhat of a role in Japan's rise to economic superpower status after about 1950, it was (and remains) the quality rather than quantity of its human resources which has determined and will continue to determine its fate."
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The Experiences of Asian-American Immigrants, 2007.
An analysis of the experiences, as an Asian-American, of the character of Jing-Mei Woo in Amy Tan's novel "The Joy Luck Club".
1,659 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the complex character of Jing-Mei Woo in Amy Tan's novel "The Joy Luck Club". It describes her experiences as a second-generation Asian-American and how she is caught between the Asian world and the Western world. The paper argues that Jing-Mei's difficulties are common to many Asian-Americans and Asian-American immigrants.
From the Paper
"Note that in both of these examples, there is no talk of assimilation. Rather, the goal is to retain an Asian identity, while at the same time adopting aspects of the American culture that are seen as desirable, and as congruent with an Asian identity. This seems to be a goal for many Asian-American immigrants. It certainly seems to be a goal that Suyuan sets for Jing-Mei. After all, she both reminds her that she will always be Chinese, while at the same time exhorting her to excel in the ways of the Americans. The latter is unrealistic, as she takes it to extremes. It is left to Jing-Mei to figure out what is possible for her in her new culture, and what is not. However, to do so she also has to get in touch with her Chinese roots - as she does by visiting her sisters."
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Chinese Currency Policy, 2007.
An analysis of the aspects of China's monetary policy that have been used to indirectly influence Chinese positions in terms of international relations and foreign policy.
1,174 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how Chinese monetary policy is utilized as a foreign policy device for very specific gains in international relations and looks at how this differs from other countries' monetary policy. The paper focuses on the managed float of the Chinese currency, the Renminbi (RMB) and discusses the other aspects of China's monetary policy that have been used to indirectly influence Chinese positions in terms of international relations and foreign policy.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Hypotheses
Policy Relevance
Articles for Review
Critical Analysis of Articles
From the Paper
"Authors Voon and Frankel examine certain aspects of China's exchange rate and currency policies. Voon, et al, in "Does China Really Lose From RMB Revaluation? Evidence From Some Export Industries," argues that China's managed float may not be necessary to protect China's export sector. Frankel examines China's exchange rate policy and strategy from a strict economist's perspective and makes the argument that a country has the right and obligation to choose whatever currency regime it feels benefits the nation and its citizens the most. Frankel examines the exchange rate policy from the perspective of alternate strategies such as expenditure reduction as well as interest rate manipulation. The import of his article is that while China benefits from its controlled exchange rate policy, it also has an obligation to do so but should consider alternate strategies since its currency and its economy has become so important to the global economy."
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Modern Chinese Literature, 2007.
This paper discusses the Liang Qichao style of writing as well as the works of Lu Xun and Yu Dafu.
2,145 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Liang Qichao's writing style that stemmed from his conviction that literature should be accessible to any literate person. The paper discusses how Lu Xun and Yu Dafu's writings reflected Chinese political developments. The paper explores these ideas that inspired the educated, but points out that these beliefs were soon to be forcibly put to rest with the Communist takeover of China.
From the Paper
"Between 1930 and 1937, Chinese literature developed as a modern profession, mainly in the sophisticated atmosphere of coastal China, incorporating Western thought towards new styles. There was much use of the vernacular languages and appeals to a wider range of readers with what became known as the Liang Qichao style involved the grammar and vocabulary of the old, in a mix of literary and modern spoken forms. (McDougall & Louie, p.16) Liang Qichao was inspired by Japanese efforts to embrace Western technology and knowledge as seen during his time as a student in Japan and his literary work often called for 'good government' as something the Chinese could have if borrowing institutions and values. Looked at a century later, the reader spots the faith in a new system for China that would bring about what was needed. One also sees a man, undoubtedly like most of those he knew, both informed about but very cut off from the lived reality of more ordinary Chinese."
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