The ＂Pictorial＂ or ＂Iconic Turn＂ is a central issue in the contemporary theory of images and visual cultural studies. Should the theories concerning the ＂Iconic Turn＂ and formulated in the last 20 years by schol...The ＂Pictorial＂ or ＂Iconic Turn＂ is a central issue in the contemporary theory of images and visual cultural studies. Should the theories concerning the ＂Iconic Turn＂ and formulated in the last 20 years by scholars such as Gottfried Boehm, William Mitchell, Hans Belting be taken as critical theories of crisis？ Is the currently experienced ＂turn towards images＂ （and their progressive rehabilitation after a long standing philosophical and theological rejection） a sign and symptom of some crisis of people＇s relation with images, language and, generally speaking, with the representation forms of reality？ The main hypothesis of this essay envisages two sets of problems： first, the analysis of the relation between the possible idea of turning point and the concept of crisis; secondly, the thorough investigation of the relation connecting the iconic turn to the project of ＂critical iconology＂ or ＂critique of visual culture,＂ as outlined by Hans Belting and William Mitchell. From the interpretation of the ＂Iconic Turn＂ as situation of crisis and aesthetic, anthropological, and epistemological transformation follows the need for the sciences of image to provide a ＂critical iconology＂ in order to be able to theoretically reformulate the ideological and political presuppositions of some dominant contemporary forms of visual representation.展开更多
This paper explores the critical regionalism which could play a role in the continued development of global era Polish architecture, and the advancements achieved by those few contemporary Polish architects who have s...This paper explores the critical regionalism which could play a role in the continued development of global era Polish architecture, and the advancements achieved by those few contemporary Polish architects who have sought to combine modern tastes and techniques with culturally meaningful designs. The new culture of Poland is very much reflected in the design of many of its new buildings that have been completed since the political and economic changes in 1989. The architecture of Poland appears to have lurched from an inappropriate socialist modernism that was so horridly imposed during the communist era to an equally inappropriate post modernist hegemony in the new enterprise culture. In accordance with Poland, now is rejection of the centrally imposed system of building and architecture, and with the greater emphasis on individual initiative in the new culture, it seems a pity that the country should automatically adopt western modes of architectural expression. This paper suggests that with its newly founded freedom, Poland should be careful that it does not suffer a loss of identity and that, in its architecture, it should seek a way forward through a critical regionalism.展开更多
Recent critical approaches on human rights have exalted the potentiality of this category for seeking progressive agendas （Santos 2007） insofar as they are enacted within counter-hegemonic cognitive frames （Rajagop...Recent critical approaches on human rights have exalted the potentiality of this category for seeking progressive agendas （Santos 2007） insofar as they are enacted within counter-hegemonic cognitive frames （Rajagopal 2006） towards the construction of ＂subaltern human rights＂ （Onazi 2009）. Others,. however, have pointed out that the human rights institutional and political hegemony makes other valuable emancipatory strategies less available, and that this foregrounds problems of participation and procedure at the expense of distribution （Kennedy 2005）. Finally, others have explained how the abstractedness of the category entails a de-politicization （Rancière 2004; Zizek 2005; Douzinas 2007） or an emptiness that, of course, can be filled by progressive activism, but whose substance is easily reappropriated by those in power （Miéville 2005）. By engaging with the above-mentioned perspectives, and following the decolonial approach （Mignolo 2009; 2011）, I suggest that the category human rights can be decolonized and being used for progressive agendas only after a comprehensive critique of liberal legality （that entails a critique of liberal abstract rationality, political economy, and modernity/coloniality） has been performed.展开更多
This paper is a description of a writing course that was designed and implemented to provide first year composition students from two cultures and two countries the opportunity to partner together on writing assignmen...This paper is a description of a writing course that was designed and implemented to provide first year composition students from two cultures and two countries the opportunity to partner together on writing assignments. The purpose is to explore home culture and target culture issues. This qualitative study is based on the premise that assignments which encourage critical thinking and metacognitive analysis about culture enhance cross-cultural understanding, breakdown ethnic stereotypes, and provide opportunities for students to understand the benefits of cultural diversity first hand. Success of breaking down cultural barriers was limited, but promising for future endeavors.展开更多
Communicational and international developments have different aspects in today＇s world so that some terms like ＂Internationalization,＂ ＂Liberalization,＂ ＂Universalization,＂ ＂Westernization,＂ ＂Deterritorializ...Communicational and international developments have different aspects in today＇s world so that some terms like ＂Internationalization,＂ ＂Liberalization,＂ ＂Universalization,＂ ＂Westernization,＂ ＂Deterritorialization＂ find interferences in social sciences and humanities studies. But these terms can generally be distinguished by two different categories of study as some experts have emphasized that the above developments are in the process （Globalization） while the others considered them on the project （To Globalize）. The main problem is that how we can find out the focal point of both studies through which the accuracy of these claims to be verified to know whether contemporary changes and evolutions are formed in a process or a project. It seems that the focal point in the sphere of both claims （processes and projects） is the issue of ＂identity＂ since both spheres agree that the concept of ＂identity＂ has passed a series of changes and developments, although each one renders the path and goal of ＂identity＂ changes by its own specific interpretations. In this article, we claim that using linguistic approach we are able to review the developments and evolutions＇ flow of identity in the present era and thereby it can be found that the developments in information and communication would lead to creating a process in the context of Globalization or a project on Universalization. The assumption of this study is that by explanation of the above-mentioned situation, we can see that based on the linguistic approach, the process of making identity is ＂context-based＂ and ＂conditional＂ as opposed to a project view formation and relative continuity of identification process would generally be subject to the condition.展开更多
The experience of＂The Other＂ has become a common one for people in the 21st century, and yet it continues to be a major problem for everyone involved. Increasingly, however, immigrants and their descendants adjust a...The experience of＂The Other＂ has become a common one for people in the 21st century, and yet it continues to be a major problem for everyone involved. Increasingly, however, immigrants and their descendants adjust and soon participate in and with the new culture（s）. At the same time, those who encounter ＂The Other＂ through the contact with immigrants, have also to adapt, to learn, and to realize considerable changes in themselves in that process. Recently, a new German novelist, Renate Ahrens, has created several major works in which she reflects on this intricate phenomenon typical of our times. The present study might well be the first critical analysis of her last two novels, Zeit der Wahrheit （Time of Truth, 2005） and Fremde Schwestern （Alienated Sisters, 2011）, which prove to be outstanding and first-rate literary treatments of the theme of＂The Other＂ in an intercultural context. As Ahrens illustrates in both novels, each individual carries a heavy baggage imposed on them by the own family history, and so in both cases the confrontation with ＂The Other＂ serves exceedingly well to break open the shell of self-isolation and self-alienation. Love finally overcomes ancient conflicts and paves the way for new integrative forces supporting the formation of the ＂global village＂ we all are really living in.展开更多
In this article, I argue for the integration of learner-centered, high impact practices for the typical day of instruction. In doing so, I build off of a general, but robust, theoretical framework designed to promote ...In this article, I argue for the integration of learner-centered, high impact practices for the typical day of instruction. In doing so, I build off of a general, but robust, theoretical framework designed to promote substantive self-reflection which orients the tactical suggestions for improving student learning. The recommendations are practical and easily adopted as resources for challenging students to develop general critical thinking skills and dispositions especially those addressing metacognition and questioning one＇s assumptions of knowledge and understanding.展开更多
This essay critically addresses the cross-cultural challenges international and study-abroad students have to face in the process of （geographical and metaphorical） world travel and demonstrates how a better interac...This essay critically addresses the cross-cultural challenges international and study-abroad students have to face in the process of （geographical and metaphorical） world travel and demonstrates how a better interaction and re-connection with culture can be facilitated with the help of authentic foreign films with intercultural topicality. This essay illustrates the importance of intercultural cinematography as powerful means of gaining cultural awareness and promoting inclusive cross-cultural dialogue.展开更多
Experiencing problems that challenges science and the thought, habits of mind and actions associated with trying to solve them is one of the best ways of learning Chemistry. This impels opportunities for authentic, in...Experiencing problems that challenges science and the thought, habits of mind and actions associated with trying to solve them is one of the best ways of learning Chemistry. This impels opportunities for authentic, inquiry based learning. PBL （problem based learning） is a student centered pedagogy in which students learn about a subject through the experience of problem solving. The goals of PBL are to help the students develop flexible knowledge, effective problem solving skills, self-directed learning, effective collaborative skills and intrinsic motivation. CAPBL （computer assisted problem based learning） has been created to expand the boundaries of the creativity and the creativity of students beyond the four walls of the classroom. In the present study the investigator tested the effectiveness of the CAPBL material in Chemistry for enhancing thinking skills among secondary school students. The sample consisted of 100 secondary school students. The study revealed that the CAPBL material in Chemistry is effective in enhancing thinking skills such as critical thinking, creativity and problem solving.展开更多
文摘The ＂Pictorial＂ or ＂Iconic Turn＂ is a central issue in the contemporary theory of images and visual cultural studies. Should the theories concerning the ＂Iconic Turn＂ and formulated in the last 20 years by scholars such as Gottfried Boehm, William Mitchell, Hans Belting be taken as critical theories of crisis？ Is the currently experienced ＂turn towards images＂ （and their progressive rehabilitation after a long standing philosophical and theological rejection） a sign and symptom of some crisis of people＇s relation with images, language and, generally speaking, with the representation forms of reality？ The main hypothesis of this essay envisages two sets of problems： first, the analysis of the relation between the possible idea of turning point and the concept of crisis; secondly, the thorough investigation of the relation connecting the iconic turn to the project of ＂critical iconology＂ or ＂critique of visual culture,＂ as outlined by Hans Belting and William Mitchell. From the interpretation of the ＂Iconic Turn＂ as situation of crisis and aesthetic, anthropological, and epistemological transformation follows the need for the sciences of image to provide a ＂critical iconology＂ in order to be able to theoretically reformulate the ideological and political presuppositions of some dominant contemporary forms of visual representation.
文摘This paper explores the critical regionalism which could play a role in the continued development of global era Polish architecture, and the advancements achieved by those few contemporary Polish architects who have sought to combine modern tastes and techniques with culturally meaningful designs. The new culture of Poland is very much reflected in the design of many of its new buildings that have been completed since the political and economic changes in 1989. The architecture of Poland appears to have lurched from an inappropriate socialist modernism that was so horridly imposed during the communist era to an equally inappropriate post modernist hegemony in the new enterprise culture. In accordance with Poland, now is rejection of the centrally imposed system of building and architecture, and with the greater emphasis on individual initiative in the new culture, it seems a pity that the country should automatically adopt western modes of architectural expression. This paper suggests that with its newly founded freedom, Poland should be careful that it does not suffer a loss of identity and that, in its architecture, it should seek a way forward through a critical regionalism.
文摘Recent critical approaches on human rights have exalted the potentiality of this category for seeking progressive agendas （Santos 2007） insofar as they are enacted within counter-hegemonic cognitive frames （Rajagopal 2006） towards the construction of ＂subaltern human rights＂ （Onazi 2009）. Others,. however, have pointed out that the human rights institutional and political hegemony makes other valuable emancipatory strategies less available, and that this foregrounds problems of participation and procedure at the expense of distribution （Kennedy 2005）. Finally, others have explained how the abstractedness of the category entails a de-politicization （Rancière 2004; Zizek 2005; Douzinas 2007） or an emptiness that, of course, can be filled by progressive activism, but whose substance is easily reappropriated by those in power （Miéville 2005）. By engaging with the above-mentioned perspectives, and following the decolonial approach （Mignolo 2009; 2011）, I suggest that the category human rights can be decolonized and being used for progressive agendas only after a comprehensive critique of liberal legality （that entails a critique of liberal abstract rationality, political economy, and modernity/coloniality） has been performed.
文摘This paper is a description of a writing course that was designed and implemented to provide first year composition students from two cultures and two countries the opportunity to partner together on writing assignments. The purpose is to explore home culture and target culture issues. This qualitative study is based on the premise that assignments which encourage critical thinking and metacognitive analysis about culture enhance cross-cultural understanding, breakdown ethnic stereotypes, and provide opportunities for students to understand the benefits of cultural diversity first hand. Success of breaking down cultural barriers was limited, but promising for future endeavors.
文摘Communicational and international developments have different aspects in today＇s world so that some terms like ＂Internationalization,＂ ＂Liberalization,＂ ＂Universalization,＂ ＂Westernization,＂ ＂Deterritorialization＂ find interferences in social sciences and humanities studies. But these terms can generally be distinguished by two different categories of study as some experts have emphasized that the above developments are in the process （Globalization） while the others considered them on the project （To Globalize）. The main problem is that how we can find out the focal point of both studies through which the accuracy of these claims to be verified to know whether contemporary changes and evolutions are formed in a process or a project. It seems that the focal point in the sphere of both claims （processes and projects） is the issue of ＂identity＂ since both spheres agree that the concept of ＂identity＂ has passed a series of changes and developments, although each one renders the path and goal of ＂identity＂ changes by its own specific interpretations. In this article, we claim that using linguistic approach we are able to review the developments and evolutions＇ flow of identity in the present era and thereby it can be found that the developments in information and communication would lead to creating a process in the context of Globalization or a project on Universalization. The assumption of this study is that by explanation of the above-mentioned situation, we can see that based on the linguistic approach, the process of making identity is ＂context-based＂ and ＂conditional＂ as opposed to a project view formation and relative continuity of identification process would generally be subject to the condition.
文摘The experience of＂The Other＂ has become a common one for people in the 21st century, and yet it continues to be a major problem for everyone involved. Increasingly, however, immigrants and their descendants adjust and soon participate in and with the new culture（s）. At the same time, those who encounter ＂The Other＂ through the contact with immigrants, have also to adapt, to learn, and to realize considerable changes in themselves in that process. Recently, a new German novelist, Renate Ahrens, has created several major works in which she reflects on this intricate phenomenon typical of our times. The present study might well be the first critical analysis of her last two novels, Zeit der Wahrheit （Time of Truth, 2005） and Fremde Schwestern （Alienated Sisters, 2011）, which prove to be outstanding and first-rate literary treatments of the theme of＂The Other＂ in an intercultural context. As Ahrens illustrates in both novels, each individual carries a heavy baggage imposed on them by the own family history, and so in both cases the confrontation with ＂The Other＂ serves exceedingly well to break open the shell of self-isolation and self-alienation. Love finally overcomes ancient conflicts and paves the way for new integrative forces supporting the formation of the ＂global village＂ we all are really living in.
文摘In this article, I argue for the integration of learner-centered, high impact practices for the typical day of instruction. In doing so, I build off of a general, but robust, theoretical framework designed to promote substantive self-reflection which orients the tactical suggestions for improving student learning. The recommendations are practical and easily adopted as resources for challenging students to develop general critical thinking skills and dispositions especially those addressing metacognition and questioning one＇s assumptions of knowledge and understanding.
文摘This essay critically addresses the cross-cultural challenges international and study-abroad students have to face in the process of （geographical and metaphorical） world travel and demonstrates how a better interaction and re-connection with culture can be facilitated with the help of authentic foreign films with intercultural topicality. This essay illustrates the importance of intercultural cinematography as powerful means of gaining cultural awareness and promoting inclusive cross-cultural dialogue.
文摘Experiencing problems that challenges science and the thought, habits of mind and actions associated with trying to solve them is one of the best ways of learning Chemistry. This impels opportunities for authentic, inquiry based learning. PBL （problem based learning） is a student centered pedagogy in which students learn about a subject through the experience of problem solving. The goals of PBL are to help the students develop flexible knowledge, effective problem solving skills, self-directed learning, effective collaborative skills and intrinsic motivation. CAPBL （computer assisted problem based learning） has been created to expand the boundaries of the creativity and the creativity of students beyond the four walls of the classroom. In the present study the investigator tested the effectiveness of the CAPBL material in Chemistry for enhancing thinking skills among secondary school students. The sample consisted of 100 secondary school students. The study revealed that the CAPBL material in Chemistry is effective in enhancing thinking skills such as critical thinking, creativity and problem solving.
