Themes Of The Glass Menagerie Essays - English-language Films, Films

Themes Of The Glass Menagerie ?The Glass Menagerie? is a play that contains intense human feelings; frustration, shyness, regretfulness, anger, and sadness. The play is set in the apartment of the Wingfield family. In this cramped, dinghy place lives three characters; Amanda, Laura, and Tom, who are desperate to make their dream come true. Amanda is a shrew, she wants to live through her daughter, Laura. Her dream is for her daughter to marry to a well-educated man and support her throughout the rest of her life. Amanda always make complaining remarks about her husband who had left her with Tom and Laura. Amanda nags Tom for spending too much time watching movies instead of working and finding a suitable for Laura. She likes to brag about how many Gentleman callers came to her house to pursue her. Tom is the narrator of the play. His dream is to be a poet and have no responsibilities to his family. He works at a warehouse, which he doesn't appreciate because it avoids him to complete his dream. He detests when his mother tell him what to do and how to do it, sometimes he has to act without pity. Laura is shy and has a low self-esteem. She is compared to her glass collection, fragile in every sense. As an effect of a childhood illness, she was left crippled, which made her think that she was less than everybody else. She avoids socializing because she is afraid of breaking up, however this changes when she sees her old crush, Jim O'cconor. Her dream is to feel good about herself and to get out of her depression. Each character desires to escape from this lifestyle, poverty is what has them trap. The fire escape provides a different purpose for each of the characters. From the opening of the play, Tom's addresses the audience from the fire escape. The fire escape allows Tom to get out of the apartment and away from his nagging mother. Amanda sees it as an entrance for the Gentleman callers to enter their lives. Laura hides inside the apartment not in the fire escape. The fire escape separates authenticity from the undiscovered. Tom escapes in more than one way, first is the fire escape which leads him away from his home, then the movies. The movies temporarily takes him to another world, where mothers and runaways fathers doesn't exist. He also gets away by drinking. He wants to escape his responsibilities of taking care of his mother and sister. He wishes to have a life of his own. Laura finds an escape through her glass collection. She also finds relieves in playing the same old record day after day. Across their apartment is the Paradise Dance Hall. Perhaps the music floating up to the apartment from the dance hall is supposed to be her escape which she just can't take. As time goes it's getting harder and harder for Tom to avoid the real world, and the time for him to leave comes. When he leaves , he feels guilty for abandoning Laura . However, he discovers that he hasn't escaped, but led himself onto a path of even more powerful desperation. The theme escape is used throughout the play to demonstrate the hopelessness of each character's dreams. For the characters, an escape is possible, however, in the end no one finds a clear break. Bibliography Williams, Tennesse. The Glass Menagerie.

Studying for an exam - Smart Custom Writing Samples

Studying for an exam - Smart Custom Writing Literary Analysis of the Unbearable Lightness of BeingThe Unbearable Lightness of Being is a book written by Milan Kundera and published in 1984.   It is a compelling love story, a must-read that is both touching and sad. This is a novel whose context is set in the late sixties up to the eighties in the communist run Czechoslovakia. It basically explores the themes of love and politics through an in-depth use of various literary devices such as symbolism, imagery and allegory. This has been widely discussed in here-in under the crucial theme of fate in relation to love. In evaluating the literary device of symbolism, imagery and allegory, the concept of lightness, weight and eternal return is well brought out by the German phrase ‘es muss sein’ which implies ‘it must be.’ Kundera explains the origin of the phrase as a motif from the Beethoven's songs. It came up when Tomas was debating after Tereza left him in Zurich as to whether to return to Prague. He phrases the term to his boss since he feels it is beyond his control, induced by fate and he has no choice but to follow Tereza. Fate, as a concept in light and weight, alludes or simplifies Nietzsche's ideas in ‘What's Up with the Title?’ in which Nietzsche alleged that people can attain eternal return and the burden of weight associated with it. Therefore, ‘es muss sein’ is highly relevant in this context since Kundera views Beethoven as a weighty person alluded by the ‘frown’ and ‘improbably mane.’ Further, he is one of the great loves of Tereza who is associated with heaviness and weight. Tomas learns about his music only through Tereza. Tomas feels that Tereza is part of fate and his ‘es muss sein’ and chooses to return to Prague to prove this. He analyses his relationship with Tereza on his way back and identifies six fortuitous events that precipitated their relationship, hence the reference to Tereza as ‘the woman born of six fortuities’ in the novel. This greatly worries him since they could be together by chance, referring to this as 'es konnte auch anders sein' rather by fate. This, is later challenged in Tomas’ thinking as illustrated by his musings on that if fate repeatedly points at a certain event, then the event must be sufficiently ‘significant and noteworthy.’ This is an implication that what happens by chance is a result of the need for necessity which is what is repeated further implying it belongs to the sphere of eternal return. Thi s further contrasts the lightness versus weight dichotomy since he further wonders that the events that occur by chance only once also have an implication. This struggle with the concept of fortuity is further illustrated in chapter five whereby Tomas deliberates on his profession as the narrator phrases: "He had come to medicine not by coincidence or calculation but by a deep inner desire." Kundera also illustrates ‘es muss sein,’ or fate by Tomas’ womanizing habits which he feels is an imperative enslaving him. After a night of erotic dreams and stomach pains, Tomas finally declares that Tereza is the ‘es muss sein’ of his love, though he still cannot control his womanizing habits. He finally comes to the conclusion that love lives beyond ‘es muss sein.’ Therefore, the dichotomy of weight versus lightness is well illustrated since on one hand, Tereza wants Tomas to give up his philandering lifestyle and commit to her but on the other h and, Tomas feels Tereza is in the realm of lightness since she is born of fate rather than compulsion. The literary device of symbolism, imagery and allegory can be furthered by the bowler hat. Kundera mentions that the bowler hat signifies several aspects in philosophy. First, Kundera explains that it signified violence against any woman’s dignity such as Sabina. From Kundera’s point of narration, the lingerie is depicted as enhancing the ‘charm of her femininity’ while the bowler hat, seen as hard and masculine, ‘violated and ridiculed it.’ Further, he depicts this humiliation as seen through Tomas who stood just stood beside her, fully dressed. Sexual humiliation in Kundera’s Unbearable Lightness is illustrated by both Sabina and Tereza. They harbor secret desires to be degraded by the men they have had sex with, For instance, Tereza wants the engineer to watch her go to the bathroom after sex, a desire also expressed by Sabina. With the iteration of certain words, the bowler hat can be therefore seen as a symbol of sexual degradation which contrary to the reader’s thoughts is voluntary and longed for by the women characters in the book. Secondly, Kundera explains that the bowler hat was memento which reminded her of her father. After the death of her father, she adamantly refuses to ‘out of sovereign contempt to fight for her rights’ or to have anything else except the bowler hat. Sabina’s relationship with the father is strained and complex. She feels that the kitsch or ideas instilled by her father during her childhood should be betrayed. She refused to fight for her inheritance; hence the bowler hat in this case alludes to her betrayal and desertion of her father. In conclusion, it is crucial to note that Milan Kundera's The Unbearable Lightness of Being is highly successful due to the fact that he is able to create an exchange between his ‘skeptical critical intelligence and his belief in the autonomy of his fictional characters’ (Andrews). The writer adopts a point of narration whereby he avoids all interior monologue and instead draws attention persistently to its fictiveness and the ability to display the characters imaginatively without resulting in soliloquy.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Andrews, Diane. "Critical Essay on The Unbearable Lightness of Being." Novels for Students. Detroit: Literature Resource Center, 2003. Barnard, John. "The Unbearable Lightness of Being: Repetition, Formal Structure, and Critique." Contemporary Literary Criticism Select. Detroit: Literature Resource Center, 25 January 2003. Kundera, Milan. The unbearable lightness of being. HarperPerennial, 1984.

Case Study 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Case Study 1 - Essay Example Looking from the business point of view, I think that my proposed use of the warehouse is a sound idea as the activities that are intended to start are for the benefit of the public. An artist sculptor would be an individual who would be quietly pursuing his artistic interests whereas the commercial welder would be providing services to neighbourhood, saving them time and effort. The topless dance club would again be a service provider in the area of entertainment. The other three activities of the tenants would be in the nature of services for the sick and the needy which again constitute a very vital part of the social setup. From the legal angle, the suits filed against myself, seem to stand on flimsy ground. Since the warehouse is built on residential/ light industrial zone, it has the advantages of residential as well as light industrial covenants. Neighbourhood covenant states that only single family residences are allowed. No outside storage or activity is allowed. No treatment homes or treatment activities allowed. Citing the case of Hill v. Community of Damien of MolokaiN,M.,1996, No. 21715 (internet) where the case under neighbourhood covenant citing the clause of single family residence was filed against the community running a group home for AIDS patients. The case was awarded in favour of the community as it was held they did not violate either the restrictive covenant or under the Fair Housing Act. Hence, running treatment centre for AIDS patients and anonymous alcoholic in different studios of the warehouse is legal. Case of High Ridge Hinkle joint Venture v. City of Albuquerque,N.M, 1998, No. 24,297(internet) held that non storage activities outdoors were allowed under zoning ordinance permitting ‘outside storage or activity’. It therefore follows that the County healthcare facility run from the small units constructed outside the main warehouse, is also

Child care Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Child care - Essay Example Mother has a very important role in the nurturing of a child particularly in the pre-school age. A child starts to learn from the very first day of his/her life. In fact, much of the psychological development of a child happens in the very first year. Therefore, mothers should be very careful in their attitude with the child in the pre-school age. In the contemporary age, there is a growing trend among mothers to feed their babies with supplements. Many mothers prefer not to give their babies their own milk. Although there is considerable evidence and scientific research to show that artificial supplements are never nutritious enough to replace mother’s milk, yet there are several more factors that speak against such attitude of mothers. For example, when mothers feed their babies their own milk, it also lays basis for the development of a unique psychological relationship between the mother and the child in addition to the child’s health. This psychological relationshi p lasts throughout the life of both, and gains strength from the initial two years of mother-child feed relationship. Therefore, mothers should feed their children their own milk. Mothers commonly have trouble when the child becomes 2 years old because this is the age when mother’s milk has to be removed from the child’s diet plan. Mothers have a tough time saying â€Å"no† to their children when they ask for milk at that age. This requires display of extreme patience and determination on the part of mother along with the child. Mothers can say â€Å"no† to the demanding child and mean it by reading literature about child’s diet schedule. There is comprehensive information available regarding what type of diet should a child be given at a particular age. Frequently reading such digests helps a mother make up her mind and be practical on her plans. The attention mothers pay towards their children’s education in the kindergarten age lays foundations upon which the children build their academic career. The stronger the foundations, the stronger the career becomes. Children are introduced to the world of academics by their mothers. That is an age when they are least receptive towards academic load. In those days, mothers convince them to accept the load by singing nursery rhymes with them so that they feel at home doing school work. In order to facilitate the transition from pre-school age to kindergarten age, mothers should make use of moving image. Nursery rhymes on youtube are one of the best means to inculcate a liking for poems in children. Child care covers a wide range of subjects that include but are not limited to child’s education, sports, mannerism and behavior with adults and other children the age of child. Mothers lay the foundations for child’s psychological development in the pre-school age and academic career in the kindergarten age. Breastfeeding offers far more benefits that bottle-feeding the child (Lee). Therefore, mothers should resolve to breastfeed their child up to 2 years from birth. After the first 2 years when the child asks for breastmilk, mothers have to be determined and consistent in saying â€Å"no† to the child. In that phase, mothers can seek help from mothers’ digests that are frequently published. These digests offer

Life Safety And Property Protection Environmental Sciences Essay

Life Safety And Property Protection Environmental Sciences Essay Life Safety Refers to the joint consideration of both the life and physical wellbeing of individuals. 1. This, in relation to buildings, includes both the occupants and firefighters and requires different levels of fire precautions, to that required for property protection and business disruption. To sum up life safety, the fire protection needs to ensure that all occupants can safely evacuate the building and firefighters if necessary can execute rescues, once the building is empty it can be acceptable for a building to burn down, with fire fighters just protecting surrounding risks. In fact some buildings are designed with this in mind, constructing the building to collapse in on it once a safety period has been reached. There are various guides to life safety standards the main ones being UK design codes for life safety systems and the USA Life Safety Code NFPA 101. These out line a standard to be followed for life safety and aim to establish minimum requirements that will provide a reasonable degree of safety from fire and similar emergencies in buildings/structures. Property Protection Measures that are undertaken usually by property owners in order to prevent, or reduce property damage. 2. This normally requires higher levels of fire prevention as it addresses fire behaviour far beyond the time it takes occupants to evacuate the building. It may also only protect certain areas of the property, i.e. to protect artwork or computer storage/server. The basic objectives for property protection are, to minimise the effect of fire on a business, to limit the effects of business interruption, to allow a business to be trading within 24 hours of a fire, and to protect the buildings within a business.3. To allow these objectives to be met, the FPA Design Guide4. lays down 12 principles to follow; these are summed up as; Building materials/products should not make a significant contribution to the early stages of a fire, the exception being joinery products. Prevention of premature structural collapse and excessive deflection. Construction should ensure that if a fire occurs heat and smoke damage will be confined as close to the fires source as possible. Arson should be considered and preventative measures taken. Construction should not allow fire spread to the surroundings. The building shall be fitted with an appropriate automatic fire alarm. The fire protection systems should be regularly maintained. The building owner shall ensure the standards for the buildings life. Environmental considerations must be given, including results of firefighting. All fire protection products shall be third party certified. All fire protection products/systems shall be installed by trained specialist installers. Fuel burners/services, or electrical appliance/services shall be installed/constructed in a way to prevent an ignition source. Meeting all the above criterias are recognised by insurers that a building has reached a good standard with regards to property protection. Guidance on the levels to which these are planned into any building project is laid down within various building legislation documents such as Approved document B 3., BS9999 5., CIBSE 6. etc. There are other factors which will also create the need for higher levels of protection; Insurance companies who will often put conditions forcing higher standards to allow lower premiums or even the offer of a policy. Buildings occupants, i.e. disabilities physical or learning, familiar or unfamiliar, awake or asleep etc, who may need more time to evacuate. Business disruption can, in some cases, cost a company more than the loss of property and even lead to closure. Computer/paper files, products produced, antiques, artwork, etc, can often be of more value than the building, and again there loss could lead to closure/financial ruin. Arson considerations, some areas may have a history leading to the need for additional external protection. Environmental impacts such as, the release of hazardous materials, the effect of fire on surrounding buildings or facilities and also considerations for methods of firefighting (i.e. avoidance of water course pollution). Taking the balance of these points into account the extra cost of additional property protection can sometimes become insignificant. However, clearly it can also be seen the cost difference between life safety and property protection is great and unfortunately will have a significant affect on any final decisions. Interaction between Life Safety and Property Protection Before decisions can be made in these areas it is important that all stakeholders are involved including, but not restricted to; Buildings end user Building control authority Local fire authorities Architectural and engineering consultants System installers Government health and safety departments Building insurers Possibly, government heritage departments, should there be an impact on listed/protected property. Arguably any life safety system will offer some form of property protection and visa versa. The different types of protection also need careful consideration to ensure the most suitable is chosen, these may include; Additional fire compartmentation Sprinkler Systems Fire detection and alarms Smoke control Special hazard systems , such as water mist, CO2, oxygen reduction, etc Or simply relocation/removal of a high risk. All the available systems can be part or all the relative protection required for both life safety and property protection; however a different level/standard may be required. An example would be a detection system for a large/complex risk, particularly industrial/commercial risk; the insurance requirement may be for a minimum L1/L2 (or P1/P2, L being life safety, P property protection) standard, where as the prescriptive standard may be L3/L4 or manual, which as a result of a risk assessment could quite easily meet the requirement of life safety. An open air shopping centre has very little in the way of requirements, however an under cover shopping centre will require sprinkler systems, automatic alarm systems etc, all these being for life safety, i.e. preventing the passage of heat and smoke into areas required for means of escape. In this example though property protection will be enhanced it is by no means the aim, however if a requirement of property protection was required (i.e. by the insurers), then extending the life safety systems or enhancing them could well meet the new requirements. There are different requirements within the actual sprinkler system for life and property, life requiring a wet system and twin water systems, where as property allows for a dry system but requires four pump units in the place of two 6.. Therefore the interaction between the two systems and final design will be assessed through risk assessment and cost/benefit analysis. Fire Safety Strategy for a large manufacturing and storage facility Problems When looking at a large manufacturing and storage facility, after consultation with all stakeholders, the risks need to be identified; Large manufacturing area, high numbers of staff, possible office areas, client areas etc, may well put the priority on life safety. However; Storage area, this may have finished stock which could command a very high value and limited if any staff, therefore property protection could be the priority. To bring the entire site up to the required standard for both, could work out initially at a high cost and then high ongoing maintenance costs to follow on a regular basis. Solutions Compartmentation between the two areas could be a solution, 60 minute fire resistant wall and equivalent fire doors could separate the areas. Alternatively separate buildings with suitable separation, be it by distance or water curtain/drencher systems. Linked fire detection system between the two may be required, but a higher standard in the storage areas where a fire could go undetected due to low, if any, occupancy. A sprinkler system may only be required in the storage area for the same reasons and high value of storage. Though the machinery in the manufacturing area could be of a value, or if damaged high business losses, could require the installation of a sprinkler system or other form of suppression in certain areas. Legislation v Insurance Justifying Fixed Fire Protection Techniques Holistic Approach and its affect on Fire Fighting Conclusion References Web,http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=endefl=enq=define:life+safetysa=Xei=5I5CTZCYKIqLhQf-5IWUAgved=0CBYQkAE,(accessed 28/01/11) Web;http://www.teachmefinance.com/Scientific_Terms/Property_Protection.htm, (accessed 28/01/11) Building Regulations 2000, Approved Document B: Fire Safety (Volume 2) Buildings other than dwellinghouses. Incorporating Insurers Requirements for Property Protection. RIBA Publishing, Crown Copyright 2007. FPA Design Guide for the Fire protection of Buildings: Essential principles, 2003. BS 9999; 2008, Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings. CIBSE Guide E: Fire engineering

Accepting the Extraordinary in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein Essay

My life, although not without surprises and unusual events, is dictated by predictable and ordinary elements. However, through fiction I am transported into a world of boundless imagination and extraordinary themes. One such example is evident in my response to Mary Shelley’s gothic novel Frankenstein. Through fiction, Shelley invites the reader to accept the extraordinary. Firstly, we are led to believe that Victor Frankenstein is able to create life by shocking it with electricity, and to this I responded with an imaginative curiosity. But it was the consequences of the creation provoked a stronger response from me. The element of horror Victor experiences and his reaction to the ‘god like’ qualities bestowed upon him as creator is truly extraordinary. Victor, like no other man, experiences the feeling of immense power and responsibility as creator of man, and this provoked a sympathetic response from me. Finally I also accepted and responded to the extraordinar y concept of the monster, who, unlike to the majority of humanity, is created without a sense of cultural identity. Additionally, what is extraordinary to me as a reader is the humanity and intelligence the monster displays, despite the disadvantageous of his creation. This made me have sympathy for monster and served to blotch the credibility of Victor. Throughout the novel I was inclined to accept Shelley’s invitation and to explore a deeper view of humanity. The most apparent extraordinary element in Frankenstein is the concept of galvanic creation. Shelley invites us to believe that Victor can bestow life to the inanimate monster. This achieved by stressing the power and enticement (None but those who have experienced them can conceive of the enticement of science... ...ng the extraordinary I responded in favour of the monster and in disfavour of Victor. In her novel Frankenstein, Mary Shelley invites us as readers to accept the extraordinary. In accepting this invitation my response to the major characters in the novel, Victor and the monster, changed noticeably. Firstly I responded in favor of Victor, due to the extraordinary position he finds himself in as creator of man. But as the novel progressed I was invited to accept the extraordinary humanity of the monster, and this provoked a sympathetic response from me. We as readers are positioned to accept the elements of Frankenstein that are out of the ordinary because Shelley encourages an imaginative response from us. Throughout my reading my imagination was the dictum that influenced my response. By accepting the extraordinary I am able to explore a deeper view of humanity.

Principle of teaching Essay

Maintaining an environment for ï ¬ rst-class higher education Nine educational principles underpin the University of Melbourne’s teaching and learning objectives. These principles represent the shared view within the University of the processes and conditions that contribute to ï ¬ rst-class higher education. The nine principles were ï ¬ rst adopted by the University’s Academic Board in 2002. This renewed edition of the document reï ¬â€šects the bold changes the University has undergone since then with the implementation of the Melbourne Model. Many elements of the nine principles are embedded in the philosophy of the Melbourne Model. The provision of a cohort experience, the breadth component, research-led teaching, attention to the physical and intellectual learning environment, knowledge transfer opportunities: these features of the Melbourne Model incorporate the nine principles on a structural level, reinforcing their importance and the University’s commitment to them. Aspects of the principles guiding knowledge transfer with regard to teaching and learning are the most signiï ¬ cant additions and while they are embedded throughout the document, they are particularly concentrated in principles two and seven. In principle two the interrelations between research, knowledge transfer and teaching and learning are described while in principle seven the practical elements of embedding knowledge transfer in teaching and learning are discussed. Nine guiding principles 1. An atmosphere of intellectual excitement 2. An intensive research and knowledge transfer culture permeating all teaching and learning activities 3. A vibrant and embracing social context 4. An international and culturally diverse learning environment 5. Explicit concern and support for individual development 6. Clear academic expectations and standards 7 Learning cycles of experimentation, feedback and assessment . 8. Premium quality learning spaces, resources and technologies 9. An adaptive curriculum The nine guiding principles are interrelated and interdependent. Some relate to the broad intellectual environment of the University while others describe speciï ¬ c components of the teaching and learning process. Together, these principles reï ¬â€šect the balance of evidence in the research literature on the conditions under which student learning thrives. Each principle has a direct bearing on the quality of students’ intellectual development and their overall experience of university life and beyond as they embark on a process of lifelong learning, regardless of whether they come to the University as undergraduate, postgraduate coursework or postgraduate research students. Generic statements of beliefs, values and practices cannot completely capture the diversity and variation present in a large and complex University. However, the underlying principles presented in this document hold true despite variations across the disciplines in traditions of scholarship and in philosophies and approaches towards teaching and learning. Indeed, the nine principles described here support the process of interdisciplinary learning encouraged by the Melbourne Model: they provide a framework under which teachers from different backgrounds and disciplines can work together to plan, develop and provide coherent interdisciplinary learning experiences for students. The ultimate objective of the University of Melbourne’s teaching and learning programs is to prepare graduates with distinctive attributes — described in the next section — that enable them to contribute to our ever-changing global context in a meaningful and positive way. The purpose of the present document is to guide the maintenance and enhancement of teaching and learning standards that serve this end. It is a statement of what the University community values. As such, it has aspirational qualities and the suggestions for good practice offered provide laudable benchmarks to which the University is committed within the availability of resources. Responsibilities The maintenance of the University of Melbourne’s teaching and learning environment is the responsibility of the whole institution. This document identiï ¬ es various University, Faculty and individual responsibilities, though not all of the detailed implications apply equally to all members of the University community. The Academic Board is responsible to the University Council for the development of academic policy and the supervision of all academic activities of the University of Melbourne, including the preservation of high standards in teaching and research. It has core quality assurance functions, including the approval of selection criteria, the monitoring of student progress, the approval of new and changed courses, and the monitoring of the quality of teaching and learning. The Provost is responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for the conduct, coordination, and quality of the University’s academic programs and the planning of their future development. The Provost provides academic leadership, working in close collaboration with the Academic Board, deans and professional staff to ensure the alignment of accountability, budgets and initiatives in the delivery of academic programs and consistent, high quality student support. The Academic Board and Provost together ensure that the University: †¢ recognises and rewards excellence in teaching through its policies in staff recruitment, selection and promotion criteria; †¢ provides extensive opportunities for professional development in teaching and learning; †¢ supports and promotes research-led teaching; †¢ develops and maintains high quality teaching and learning spaces and resources; †¢ places high importance on the place of knowledge transfer activities in making its degrees relevant and distinctive and supports its staff and students in pursuing such activities; †¢ encourages and supports innovative approaches to teaching and learning, including through the application of advancements in information and communications technology; and †¢ provides mechanisms for on-going curriculum review involving all stakeholders (students, community, industry, professional associations, and academics) of the content, structure and delivery of courses and the learning experiences of students. The University is committed to the scholarship of teaching in the belief that academic staff in a research-led environment should apply scholarly principles to teaching and to the leadership of student learning. In practice, the scholarship of teaching involves academic staff being familiar with and drawing on research into the relationship between teaching and student learning. It also involves evaluating and reï ¬â€šecting on the effects on student learning of curriculum design, knowledge transfer activities, teaching styles and approaches to assessment. The present document is designed to support consideration of the University’s obligations in terms of the scholarship of teaching and to assist in the review and enhancement of the quality of personal teaching practices. Students have responsibilities as well for the quality of teaching and learning. The effectiveness of a higher education environment cannot be expressed simply in terms of the challenge, facilitation, support and resources provided by teaching staff and the University as an institution. Students have complementary responsibilities. Students have responsibilities for their personal progress through their level of engagement, commitment and time devoted to study. Students also have obligations to contribute to the creation and maintenance of an effective overall teaching and learning environment. These obligations include: †¢ collaborating with other students in learning; †¢ contributing to the University community and participating in life beyond the classroom; †¢ developing a capacity for tolerating complexity and, where appropriate, ambiguity; †¢ respecting the viewpoints of others; †¢ being reï ¬â€šective, creative, open-minded and receptive to new ideas; †¢ actively participating in discussion and debate; †¢ seeking support and guidance from staff when necessary; †¢ accepting the responsibility to move towards intellectual independence; †¢ being familiar with the Graduate Attributes and consciously striving to acquire them; †¢ respecting and complying with the conventions of academic scholarship, especially with regard to the authorship of ideas; and †¢ providing considered feedback to the University and its staff on the quality of teaching and University services. The Attributes of University of Melbourne Graduates The University of Melbourne Graduate Attributes are more than simply an aspirational vision of what the University hopes students might become during their candidature. They can be used practically to guide the planning and development of teaching, knowledge transfer and research to ensure the University’s students acquire the experience, skills and knowledge necessary for graduates in today’s complex global environment. Graduate Attributes The Melbourne Experience enables graduates to become: Academically excellent Graduates will be expected to: †¢ have a strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship †¢ have in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s) †¢ reach a high level of achievement in writing, generic research activities, problem-solving and communication †¢ be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning †¢ be adept at learning in a range of ways, including through information and communication technologies Knowledgeable across disciplines Graduates will be expected to: †¢ examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines †¢ expand their analytical and cognitive skills through learning experiences in diverse subjects †¢ have the capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problems †¢ have a set of ï ¬â€šexible and transferable skills for different types of employment Leaders in communities Graduates will be expected to: †¢ initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces †¢ have excellent interpersonal and decision-making skills, including an awareness of personal strengths and limitations †¢ mentor future generations of learners †¢ engage in meaningful public discourse, with a profound awareness of community needs Attuned to cultural diversity Graduates will be expected to: †¢ value different cultures †¢ be well-informed citizens able to contribute to their communities wherever they choose to live and work †¢ have an understanding of the social and cultural diversity in our community †¢ respect indigenous knowledge, cultures and values Active global citizens Graduates will be expected to: †¢ accept social and civic responsibilities †¢ be advocates for improving the sustainability of the environment †¢ have a broad global understanding, with a high regard for human rights, equity and ethics Principle 1: An atmosphere of intellectual excitement The excitement of ideas is the catalyst for learning Intellectual excitement is probably the most powerful motivating force for students and teachers alike. Effective university teachers are passionate about ideas. They stimulate the curiosity of their students, channel it within structured frameworks, and reveal their own intellectual interests. While students have strong vocational reasons for enrolling in courses of study, unless they are genuinely interested in what they are studying their chances of success are low. Pascarella and Terenzini’s (1998) meta-analysis of research on the effects of university education concluded that the evidence unequivocally indicates that greater learning and cognitive development occur when students are closely engaged and involved with the subjects they are studying. The research evidence shows that most undergraduates commence university with a strong interest and curiosity in the ï ¬ eld they have selected, providing a strong foundation on which to build. A Centre for the Study of Higher Education study of applicants for university places (James, Baldwin & McInnis, 1999) showed that intrinsic interest in the area of knowledge was among the most important inï ¬â€šuences on their choice of a university course. University of Melbourne graduates conï ¬ rm these sentiments. When asked for their views of their educational experience at the University some time after graduation, graduates consistently stress the inï ¬â€šuence of staff who were excited about ideas, and the importance to them of studying in an atmosphere of intellectual stimulation and discovery. Part of fostering an atmosphere of intellectual excitement in students includes providing them with stimulating experiences that enable them to realise the value and knowledge of their skills in external settings. Some of these experiences will involve activities in the classroom – such as problem and project-based approaches and involvement of community and industry participants in class activities – but many will take students beyond the University’s campuses, to include such activities as ï ¬ eld and industry placements or internships, on-location subject delivery and student exchange programs. As well as providing students with a vibrant intellectual experience, embedded knowledge transfer activities allow students to understand and analyse the social, cultural and economic contexts in which their own knowledge acquisition is situated as well as help them realise their capacity, responsibility and opportunity for current and future knowledge transfer. Implications for practice †¢ Subjects are planned and presented in terms of ideas, theories and concepts. †¢ Conï ¬â€šicting theories and approaches are incorporated into courses to stimulate discussion and debate. †¢ Courses are designed to foster an understanding of the legal, political, social, economic, cultural and environmental contexts for practice in national and international settings, and of codes of conduct and the ethics of practice. †¢ Knowledge is presented in terms of broader contexts — intellectual, social, political, historical — to help students understand the signiï ¬ cance of what they are studying. †¢ Students’ personal engagement is fostered by teaching which encourages them to relate their learning to their own experiences. †¢ Staff convey enthusiasm for the subject matter and work to provoke students’ curiosity. †¢ Courses and subjects are revised regularly to incorporate new theories and approaches. †¢ Staff model the excitement of intellectual exploration when working with students. †¢ Students are given opportunities to make discoveries for themselves and creativity is rewarded. †¢ Innovative approaches to teaching and learning are incorporated into existing courses so that necessary, ‘base-line’ learning is revitalised. †¢ The University provides resources and activities to allow students to develop their interests beyond the experiences provided within their courses. Principle 2: An intensive research and knowledge transfer culture permeating all teaching and learning activities A climate of inquiry and respect for knowledge and the processes of knowledge creation and transfer shapes the essential character of the education offered by a research-led University It is a basic conviction within the University of Melbourne that the University’s research activities and research culture must infuse, inform and enhance all aspects of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and learning. Across all disciplines and across all study levels, education in a research-led university develops its distinctive character from an understanding of and respect for existing knowledge and the traditions of scholarship in particular ï ¬ elds, recognition of the provisional nature of this knowledge, and familiarity with the processes involved in the ongoing creation of new knowledge. Historically, research and teaching have always been considered in symbiotic relationship at the University of Melbourne; however, the Melbourne Model introduced a crucial third strand to this relationship: knowledge transfer. In the context of teaching and learning, knowledge transfer experiences â€Å"underpin the development of high levels of skill and ï ¬â€šexibility in problem-solving, in creative contributions in the workplace, in understanding, assessing and initiating innovative contributions to community needs and in promoting and developing egalitarian ideals and social, civic, ethical and environmental responsibility† (Curriculum Commission 2006: 35). Research thus lays the foundations for knowledge transfer, but knowledge transfer, in turn, elucidates the signiï ¬ cance of research by placing the knowledge it produces in context. The process of knowledge transfer is also inherently two-way: as students engage in activities such as substantial ï ¬ eld-based projects or placements and internships, so too they engage with industry, the professions and the broader community, taking their knowledge – which has its origins in research – and experiences to the world. Not all students are directly involved in research activity, but the University has a strong commitment to the teaching-research nexus, and aims for all undergraduate and postgraduate students to beneï ¬ t from being taught or supervised by active researchers, from studying a curriculum informed by the latest research developments, and from learning in a research-led environment. Training in research skills is fundamental to students acquiring the skills of critical thinking. As Baldwin (2005) has shown, there are myriad opportunities and methods for teachers to incorporate research in teaching, a process fundamental to students ’learning how to learn’; that is, how to effectively process and apply both their present understandings and giving them a framework and skills for using the knowledge they will acquire in future. It is essential, therefore, that teaching staff are learners too and that their teaching is infused by their learning and their love of research and scholarship. The particular beneï ¬ ts for undergraduate students of an intensive research culture derive from experiencing the ‘latest story’ — curricula underpinned not only by the corpus of human knowledge in the particular ï ¬ eld but also by the latest research and scholarship — and from learning in an educational climate in which knowledge claims are viewed as fallible, ideas are questioned and inquiry-based learning is given a high priority. Knowledge transfer adds yet another dimension, giving students the opportunity to see knowledge at work in social, economic and cultural context. Interdisciplinary learning and teaching can also provide students with unique perspectives and solid understandings of how knowledge is created and used. However, while interdisciplinarity should be embraced — underpinned by the maintenance of established quality assurance and evaluation processes — a strong disciplinary focus should, nonetheless, be preserved (Davies and Devlin 2007). A climate of respect for ideas and spirited inquiry in which theories and ideas are actively contested supports the development of critical thinkers and heightens student sensitivity to the history of the evolution of knowledge, the provisional nature of knowledge and the processes of knowledge renewal. Knowledge transfer adds a signiï ¬ cant new dimension to curriculum design and delivery, encouraging innovation and dynamism in approaches to teaching. It is essential, however, that the overriding principles of coherence and appropriateness – within both a subject and the broader course of study itself – are maintained; that is, that knowledge transfer activities are embedded, relevant and targeted to the overarching goals of the degree. Ultimately, exposure to the interdependence of research, learning and teaching and knowledge transfer provides students with the opportunity to acquire the graduate attributes (see page 4), and to use them in practice. Implications for practice †¢ Teachers model intellectual engagement in the discipline, including an approach of analytical scepticism in the evaluation of all research. †¢ Current research and consultancy experiences are directly incorporated into teaching content and approaches. †¢ Teachers demonstrate that they value lifelong learning, and foster in students an awareness that it will be essential in their professional and personal lives. †¢ Students are trained in the research skills of particular disciplines, but that they are also aware of the possibilities for and challenges in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research; †¢ Students are made aware of the traditions of scholarship in particular ï ¬ elds, the history of knowledge development, and the body of existing knowledge. †¢ Teachers keep abreast of current developments in their own and related disciplines and incorporate this knowledge into their teaching. †¢ Evidence-based or scholarship-informed practice is emphasized, and students gain experience in critically evaluating and contributing to the evidence base, or in critically assessing and contributing to the scholarly discourse on practice. †¢ Research students are exposed to current research through involvement in staff seminars and conferences. †¢ Students are made aware of the questioning of paradigms that is central to the development of knowledge. †¢ Staff demonstrate a commitment to professional values and ethical practice in the conduct of research. †¢ Students conducting research are made to feel part of the community of researchers while they are being trained in its procedures and values. †¢ Staff adopt a scholarly, evidence-based approach to the decisions made about curriculum design, teaching approaches and assessment methods. †¢ As appropriate, staff conduct research into the effects of teaching on student learning. †¢ Staff demonstrate a willingness to revise their own views and admit error, and encourage this attitude in students. †¢ Students are enabled to see the relevance of research to current practice through exposure to experienced practitioners, e-enabled case experiences, ï ¬ eld trips and other in situ learning experiences.