3 things every recommender should know COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog

3 things every recommender should know COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog Recommendation letters are one of the most important components of any application. It is also the only component of your application that you have little control over. This makes them unnecessarily stressful. I intentionally said “little control” because I want to stress the point that you DO actually have some control over the content, formatting and submission of recommendation letters, and successful applicants often make the best use of this control they possibly can. There are several posts on this blog, as well as on online forums, regarding what you should do to ensure the letters are the best you can obtain. This includes  selecting appropriate recommenders and making sure they are well acquainted with your goals, both academic and professional, especially as they relate to SIPA, and also that your writers stay on track in terms of submission deadlines. Overall, there are three main things you should focus on as you approach your recommenders and/or guide them through the process of letter writing. Why? Well because your recommenders familiarity with writing recommendation letters can vary widely. For example,  when I applied to my U.S. undergraduate school, my Romanian professors had never even heard of a “recommendation letter.” Most of them also didn’t speak English. And while the task was considerably easier when I applied to SIPA  (because  my college professors were familiar with writing recommendation letters  and Columbia University), I still prepared a short, concise document to orient their letters, in addition to sending them my resume. The three things I stressed in that document  are the same  three things every recommender should know, which are: 1. Why you  want to apply to SIPA Make sure you detail your motivation, as well as how your experience fits the school. 2. Which program you are applying to In general, be as specific as you can, both in your application, and in your guide for their recommendation letters. The better they/you can pinpoint what program/concentration/institute/research area/faculty member you’re interested in working with/in, the more you’ll stand out and the better prepared you will seem. This of course entails that you do your research, and tie your skills/experience to those particular areas of interest you are envisioning. 3. How your  skills/experience make  you a strong candidate  and a positive addition to SIPA “Ask not what SIPA can do for you, but what you can do for SIPA.” That’s the essence of this point. Remind your recommenders of instances where you demonstrated those skills  in  situations they witnessed. For one of my recommenders, I inserted a “remember when you asked me to chair that international affairs conference for undergraduates? Well, that conference really inflamed my intellectual appetite for the topic, and it has only intensified in the past few years.” Additional tip: How to submit your letters Since  recommendations are submitted online, make sure your recommenders check both their inbox and spam folders so that they don’t miss the link we send them. They will use this link to log in to the application system and submit their letter on your behalf. If they have issues with the online submission, they can email the letters to sipa_admission@columbia.edu. (If they submit the letter through email, they can also attach this optional evaluation sheet, which is already provided if they submit it through the application system.) Please remember that all letters should be on letterhead,  signed and in English (or accompanied by certified translations). Also, note that all documents, except foreign transcripts judged irreplaceable, become the property of Columbia University and cannot be returned. So if you need a copy of your recommendation letter, ask your recommender for one. As always, let us know if you have any questions! P.S. Review last years blog post, 4 Tips for Letters of Recommendation for  advice on selecting your recommenders. [Photo courtesy of Unsplash.com via Flickr  |  (CC0 1.0)]

A Plea for a Peircean Turn in Analytic Philosophy Essay

A Plea for a Peircean Turn in Analytic Philosophy ABSTRACT: Criticisms of analytic philosophy have increased in intensity in the last decade, denouncing specifically its closing in on itself, which results in barrenness and ignorance of real human problems. The thought of C. S. Peirce is proposed as a fruitful way of renewing the analytic tradition and obviating these criticisms. While this paper is largely a reflection on Hilary Putnam’s study of the historical development of analytic philosophy, not only can some of its main roots be traced back to Peirce, but also the recent resurgence of pragmatism can be regarded as a pragmatist renovation of the analytic tradition. Further, Peirce’s thought offers suggestions for tackling some†¦show more content†¦On the one hand, not only can some of the main roots of analytic philosophy be traced back to Peirce, but the recent resurgence of pragmatism (Bernstein, 1992) can also be regarded as a pragmatist renovation of analytic philosophy. On the other hand, Peirces th ought offers suggestions for tackling some of the most stubborn problems in contemporary philosophy, and in particular he may help us to shoulder once again the philosophical responsibility which has been largely abdicated by much of 20th century philosophy (Debrock, 1992: 1). In order to show this, my paper is divided in four sections: 1) A brief description of the decline of analytic philosophy; 2) the return of the history of philosophy as a key to its recovery; 3) Charles S. Peirces relevance, and finally, 4) Peirce and analytic philosophy. 1. The decline of analytic philosophy When Wolfgang Spohn became the managing editor of the new Erkenntnis he referred to its first eight volumes as a historically singular document, signaling a new era in philosophy with great enthusiasm and optimism (Spohn, 1990:1). But sixty years after the founding of Erkenntnis it is really difficult to be so enthusiastic about analytic philosophy when one notices the decline of logical empiricism, the bewildering specialization within philosophical inquiry, and contemporary disorientation and eclecticism in philosophy. These

Importance of Barracks Cleanliness Essay - 1729 Words

` The Army has many standards that Soldiers must meet. Maintaining your barracks room to Army standards is a responsibility every Soldier must adhere to. It is extremely important to maintain the healthiness and cleanliness of ones room Maintaining your barracks room is a very easy task to do. It does not take much to put your dirty clothes in a hamper or to make your bed or even dust. All of those tasks are very simple to do. By not maintaining my room I put myself,room mate, and anyone else at a greater risk of getting sick. Unsanitary conditions in the barracks room is disgusting. Through frequent contact throughout the day with the other soldiers that one soldier could be if he, or she becomes sick, could possibly cause other†¦show more content†¦This type of action could result negatively when the soldier is being considered for an opportunity to go to the soldier of the month board or when an opportunity for a promotion waiver to be granted to the soldier. It is important to follow orders because of the fact that we are soldiers and that is what we do. Not only that but when soldiers decide not to follow orders regardless of what the order is provided it is not an unlawful order they are subject to punishment under Article 92 of the Universal Code of Military Justice, for Article 92 of the Universal Code of Military Justice states as follows: 892. ART. 92. FAILURE TO OBEY ORDER OR REGULATION Any person subject to this chapter who--(1) violates or fails to obey any lawful general order or regulation; (2) having knowledge of any other lawful order issued by any member of the armed forces, which it is his duty to obey, fails to obey the order; or(3) is derelict in the performance of his duties;shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.This makes it very clear that any service member who fails to obey any lawful order shall be punished as a court-martial directs. Not only is it in the regulations but if soldiers decide to disobey d irect orders during a deployment or during a combat mission they could put other soldiers’ lives in danger for no reason other than they decided they weren’t going to follow lawful orders. Even stateside inShow MoreRelatedClean: Hygiene and Cleanliness Essay905 Words   |  4 PagesThe barracks are places great emphasis on cleanliness and well-being, both physically and leadership. In these places, even as much as a clean window is linked to physical cleanliness. More importantly, cleanliness is termed an indispensable fundamental of our role as a leader. However, this fundamental is sometimes hard to understand for some people, unfortunately, is not reflected in our cilivilian life practically. Serious reflection is required on our individual as well as collective teamworkingRead MoreEssay about THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING YOUR BARRACKS ROOM CLEAN1108 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING YOUR BARRACKS ROOM CLEAN By: SPC Crawford, Michael S The Army has many standards that Soldiers must meet on a daily basis. Maintaining your barracks room to Army standards is a responsibility every Soldier must adhere to. It is extremely important to maintain the healthiness and cleanliness of one’s room. Maintaining your barracks room is a very easy task to do. It does not take much to put your dirty clothes in a hamper or to make your bed or even dust. All of thoseRead MoreFlorence Nightingale s Environmental Theory1333 Words   |  6 Pagesphenomenal nursing career truly began to arise during the Crimean War in turkey in October 1854 (Cook, 1913.) Nightingale was placed on a military post that was infested with pests (Cook, 1913.) It was Nightingale’s goal to improve the infested barracks and built an infrastructure to support care by massively cleaning and improving the environment with laundry and a kitchen for soldiers. Though the readings of Nightingales, Notes on Nursing: What It Is and What It Is Not (1860/1980), demonstratesRead MoreThe And Background Of Nightingale1740 Words   |  7 PagesJacob, 2014). In 1854, during the Crimea War, Florence Nightingale was asked to be lead of a group of nurses at one of the military hospitals in the Crimea (Cherry Jacob, 201 4). According to Cherry and Jacob, â€Å"when Nightingale arrived at the Barracks Hospital, she found deplorable conditions† (Cherry Jacob, 2014, p. 8). Nightingale made it a mission to convert the horrible conditions into a safe and clean environment by purchasing medical supplies, food, clean linen, and hospital equipmentRead MoreFlorence Nightingale592 Words   |  3 PagesTyphus and Cholera were the main reasons why the death rate was so high. Nightingale and her nurses transformed the military hospitals by setting up sanitation practices, such as hand washing and washing clothing regularly. The mortality rate in the Barrack Hospital in Turkey was reduced from 42 to 2 percent (Kozier, 2004). She improved the sanitary conditions of the troops both during and after the Crimean War. Her achievements in improving the sanitary conditions and standards for the care of war casualtiesRead MoreHistorical Development Nursing Timeline1331 Words   |  6 Pagesof nursing today i s based upon the lives of many, their contributions, sacrifices and experiences. These things brought about renovations in patient care. Different ways of thinking led to research, theories and evidenced based practice. The importance of studying nursing history has led to overall progression of nursing as a profession. In order to fully study the historical development of nursing we need to study all aspects of nursing science throughout time, explain the relationships betweenRead MoreDo You Agree with the View That Mary Seacole , and Not Florence Nightingale , Was the Real ‘Angle of Mercy’ During the Crimean War?1185 Words   |  5 Pagesoutweighs Nightingale’s; therefore I believe Mary Seacole deserves the title of the real â€Å"angel of mercy†. Florence Nightingale actions mainly focused on the hygiene and cleanliness, and the organization of the hospital since the majority of the death was due to neglect of sanitation. Source U is a lithograph of one of the wards in the Barrack Hospital in Scutari, where Nightingale was in charge of. It showed the hospital was clearly clean and organized with windows opened, clean floor, wide space betweenRead MoreFlorence Nightingale s Lessons For Global Health Nursing1197 Words   |  5 Pages In her The Hewlett Letters, Nightingale highlights the factors that contributed to the diseases of the British troops in India: bad water, bad drainage, filthy bazaars (market-places), lack of proper ventilation, and overcrowding of barracks and sick-wards (Vallà ©e McDonald, 2006, 133; in Hegge, 2013, 47). She offered suggestions how to adjust the environment to promote healing, by creating an organized system of care (e.g. need to provide hot water to all floors). In accordance withRead MoreNursing Philosophers : Those Who Paved The Way1563 Words   |  7 Pagesappropriate for the patient’s health. There were â€Å"five environmental factors: fresh air, pure water, efficient drainage, cleanliness or sanitation, and light or direct sunlight† (â€Å"Florence Nightingale – The Lady with the Lamp†, 2014). While helping with the war, she was asked to improve sanitation and organization of facilities. Consequently, â€Å"the mortality rate at the Barracks Hospital in Scutari, Turkey, was reduced from 42.7% to 2.2% in six months. (Potter et al., 2013, p. 2). Nightingale, laterRead More A German Perspective on World War Two Essay1618 Words   |  7 Pagessongs, it actually was not what most people think Hitler Jugend was. Yes, we learned about the Nazi movement , but we also learned nice songs†¦We even learned to cook†¦It taught us to be polite to people†¦They wanted to raise very polite, clean youth. Cleanliness, some of the things†¦ It was very important. The Nazi party did not intend the Hitler Youth as a 4-H Club, but as a program to control the minds of the younger generations. In an essay published in a monthly Nazi propaganda paper, Erich Felhberg

Art Criticism Free Essays

Art Criticism Research Paper Gustav Klimt, The Kiss, Oil and gold leaf on canvas, 1907-1908 The Kiss, painted by Gustav Klimt, is probably his most recognized work. He began working on the painting in 1907. In The Kiss, there is a couple embracing each other. We will write a custom essay sample on Art Criticism or any similar topic only for you Order Now The man is covered in neutral colored rectangles, and the woman is wearing brightly colored circles and flowers in her hair. There are many lines in the image considering all of the rectangles the man is wearing. They are colored in various shades of gold and symbols, while embracing each other with a kiss against a bronze background. The texture seems rough and varied throughout the piece. The couple is the focal point of the piece, while the rest of the painting shatters into colorful patterns. This hints the idea that Klimt was inspired by Art Nouveau and the Arts and Crafts Movement. There is not much negative space in the piece. The couple and their patterns dominate the image because it is right in the center of the page. There is not much negative space in the piece, but the man has black rectangles all over his body. This is significant because it depicts the sharpness and boldness of a man in contrast to the woman who wears circular patterns all over her body. This is where the biggest contrast is. The emphasis is on the couple because of the bold bronze color that the couple is painted in. The contrast to the background helps it pop. The elements communicate a very content mood. The couple seems very passionate and sexual towards one another. The artwork is balanced very well. Every inch of the painting is painted in, and the top and bottom are filled in. There is a sense of depth because of all the contrasting colors. The picture looks very three-dimensional. The artwork has a rhythm that feels as if the viewer could feel the couple’s passionate movement. Klimt created this piece of art to convey the passionate love a man and woman can share. The picture is very sexual, yet full of heart. The couple seems to be so in effectuated with each other that the real world is no longer present. If I were the woman in the picture I would be thinking about how loved I am. The theme is that women and men share a kind of love that no one else can comprehend. The title for this piece is very appropriate, and I would not change it even if I could. The kiss is an extremely simple title that does a good job explaining the artwork, yet leaving room for the viewer to imagine for themselves. When I first looked at the artwork, I thought that it was just a couple kissing, but as I kept examining it I realized how much more it is. I enjoyed examining this piece of work a lot. I felt that it was very much worth my time because the artist used a very sophisticated kind of technique to portray his message. I think it is a very respectable piece because of its simplicity yet the complex message it portrays. How to cite Art Criticism, Papers

Waiting For Godot Essays (669 words) - Fiction,

Waiting For Godot Existentialists believe, in short, that life is pointless and man petty and miserable. Though existentialism covers many topics the beliefs about religion remain some of the more notable. Samuel Beckett embraces the idea that religion is absurd, irrational and pointless. He portrays those views through his play Waiting For Godot. Beckett uses the characters in Waiting For Godot to depict his satirical, existentialist views on religion. Beckett uses Godot as a vengeful savior to Estragon and Vladimir. Just as one goes to hell for betraying God Estragon and Vladimir receive punishment for betraying Godot. Estragon: And what if we dropped him? (Pause) If we dropped him? Vladimir: Hed punish us. Pg59 In the same way, one may acquire the gift of heaven for obeying God and Estragon and Vladimir shall receive a reward for their obedience to Godot. Vladimir: Unless Godot comes. Estragon: And if he comes? Vladimir: We will be saved. Pg60 In addition, Beckett satirizes human behavior in the absence of God through the actions of Estragon and Vladimir in the absence of Godot. Estragon: Thats all a pack of lies! (Shaking the boy by the arm.) Tell us the truth! Boy: (Trembling) But it is the truth sir! Vladimir: Whats the matter with you? Estragon: Im unhappy. Pg54 The messenger boy represent the enlightened. Beckett makes a distinct parallel between the boy and Gods angles. The boy portrays a prophet sent directly from Godot to inform Vladimir, or the clergy, how to lead Estragon, or the people of the church. Vladimir: You have a message from Godot? Boy: Yes sir. Vladimir: Well, what is it?. Boy: Mr. Godot told me to tell you he wont come this evening but surely To- morrow. Pg53-55 The boy also plays the only one to ever see or have any direct contact with Godot. Vladimir: You work for Mr. Godot?. Boy: Yes sir. What am I to tell Mr. Godot sir ? Vladimir: Tell him(He hesitates.)tell him you saw us. Pg55-56 Beckett uses Lucky and Pozzo to show mans inability to see his own absurd behavior. Estragon and Vladimir think Pozzos conduct strange, and his treatment of Lucky inhumane. They fail to see themselves and Godots disregard for them in this ridiculous pair. Pozzo: Up pig! (Pause) Every time he drops he falls asleep. (Jerks the rope.) Up hog!Back! (Enter Lucky backwards.) Stop!(Lucky stops.) Turn!(Lucky turns.)Coat! (Lucky advances, gives the coat, goes back to his place, takes up the bag.) Pg21-22 Just as Lucky jumps for Pozzo, Estragon and Vladimir jump for Godot. Estragon and Vladimir symbolize the church as a whole. Beckett uses Vladimir as the clergy who ministers to Estragon as the misguided masses. Vladimir never strays from his faith to Godot. He serves as a constant reminder that Godot will come. Estragon: Lets go. Vladimir: We Cant. Estragon: Why not? Vladimir: Were waiting for Godot. Pg8 Since the boy symbolizes a holy herald he confers only with the clergy, in this case, Vladimir. Vladimir: To-morrow everything will be better. Estragon: How do you make that out? Vladimir: Did you not here what that child said? Estragon: No. Pg56 Upon receiving the divine word it is the job of the preacher to get the message out to the people of the faith. Estragon: Where shall we go? Vladimir: Not far. Estragon: Why not? Vladimir: We have to come back To-morrow. Estragon: What for? Vladimir: To wait for Godot. Pg107 Beckett uses the figures in Waiting For Godot to portray his cynical, existentialist views on religion. The broad topic of existentialism covers far more than religion, though it prevails as the most popular aspect. Beckett thinks religion silly and impractical and shows those beliefs in his play Waiting For Godot. Existentialism also covers themes such as human nature and mere existence. One may define it as the belief that life is destitute and man meaningless. English Essays

Daddy by Sylvia Plath Essay Example

Daddy by Sylvia Plath Essay Example Daddy by Sylvia Plath Paper Daddy by Sylvia Plath Paper Task speak In present tense but talk about father In past In her 1962 poem Daddy Sylvia Plate uses an array of simple language, passionate emotions and personal experiences to create work that helps us observe the resolution of her fathers death and the ensuing freedom she obtained from finding this closure. This specific poem was written only 4 months before her impending suicide and Is highly autobiographical In nature. The discussion of her fathers death, her failed marriage and her suicide attempts are all very compelling. The use of imagery, along with the rhythm and rhyme of the poem make it a great study. In the first stanza, Plate uses the phrase You do not do, you do not do which suggests she has had enough and is not taking anymore aggravation. This tells me she feels someone Is treating her poorly and the tone Is very demanding, so evidently she feels a lot of anger towards this person. She continues by saying Any more, black shoe/ In which I have lived like a foot/For thirty years, poor and white/ Barely daring to breathe or Cacao. By making a comparison between herself and the shoe she is sing a simile, which suggests she has low self-esteem. Also, a foot in a shoe is very tight so she may be inferring that she feels very claustrophobic. Another way of interpreting this is by saying she Is the foot and her Daddy Is the shoe, and she has received no support from the shoe, and therefore no support from Daddy, whom at this point we assume is her father. Furthermore, the line Barely daring to breathe or Cacao gives the impression of fear. Its as if she is too scared to voice her feelings and speak out. In my opinion, there Is some mystery surrounding this poem. Daddy, I have had to kill you. You died before I had tile This Is very thought-provoking because I find myself asking the question, Time to what? The dash lines cause some sort of vagueness. Is it possible she is talking about the lack of time she had to form a relationship? Or perhaps she is suggesting there was no time to state her feelings? We are left to make up our own mind. Plate uses a selection of metaphors, for example, she refers to her father as Hitler. This Is a clever use of irony because Plate was American and the Americans hated the Germans, therefore I believe she Is announcing her hatred for her father. In Dalton, she uses some German; her fathers native language. This is most likely to mock him and make him feel foolish and insignificant. ICC, ICC, ICC, ICC. In German this means so it tells the reader her father was very narcissistic and made everything about himself; he didnt care about anyone else, including his daughter. Plate continues to use a variety of metaphors and similes by comparing her father her father and feels some sort of persecution experienced by a Jew. Moreover, she clearly feels a lot of revulsion for him and really despises his character. Continuing with the Nazi theme, Sylvia Plate compares her father to Hitler, And your neat moustache/ And your Aryan eye, bright blue. This is very strong language because she is implying her father brought devastation to her life, and had no compassion whatsoever. This idea is supported when she compares Daddy to Drachma, The vampire who said he was you/And drank my blood for a year/Seven years, if you want to know/Daddy, you can lie back now. By using this comparison she is claiming her father would wreak havoc on peoples lives, alleging the villagers never liked you, ND so she was not the only one with such strong feelings for him. Another metaphor is used later on in the poem and it follows on in to the next stanza. Any less the black man who/Bit my pretty red heart in two. This coveys heartbreak and Plate uses some very strong imagery, which continues when she reveals details of her suicide attempt. At twenty I tried to die/ And get back, back, back to you/ I thought even the bones would do. She is obviously very unhappy and the phrase back, back, back to you is evidence of repetition. There is a very powerful image of trying to get back, but not quite being able to. It is clear to me as a reader that the poet feels weak and frail. And t hey stuck me together with glue. Glue isnt very strong and an object can easily be broken, therefore she is insinuating that she is fragile. However, she does have some strength still within, The black telephones off at the root/The voices Just cant worm through. This tells us she is no longer going to allow the voices of the past to hurt her. To conclude, it is clear Plate felt a lot of hatred for the subject of this poem. She sees some strong imagery and language techniques which help to explain the true extent of anger and fury felt towards this person. However, it is unclear as to who the focus of this poem is. At first glance I would assume she is talking about her father, but as we read deeper in to the poem several other possibilities arise. For example, Daddy could be referring to Ted Hughes, once her husband. I understand they had a very heated relationship which is understandable with two very accomplished poets living under the same roof, with so much desire to constantly produce works of excellence. If this theory is correct, it would mean she may be writing from her childs perspective, hence the title Daddy. Alternatively, another possibility is that God is the focus. God is seen as a father figure and so this is also a rational explanation. Plate claims, l could never talk to you, so perhaps she felt there was no connection between them and she found it difficult to communicate. Additionally, she hoped that one day her belief would return, tried to die/And get back, back, back to you. This gives us the impression that she is trying to get to heaven and reconnect with God.

Equilibrium Constant - Chemistry Definitions

Equilibrium Constant - Chemistry Definitions The equilibrium constant is the ratio of the equilibrium concentrations of the products raised to the power of their stoichiometric coefficients to the equilibrium concentrations of the reactants raised to the power of their stoichiometric coefficients.For a reversible reaction:aA bB → cC dDThe equilibrium constant, K, is equal to:K [C]c ·[D]d/[A]a ·[B]bwhere[A] equilibrium concentration of A[B] equilibrium concentration of B[C] equilibrium concentration of C[D] equilibrium concentration of D There are several different types of equilibrium constants. These including binding constants, association constants, dissocation constants, stability constants, and formation constants. Factors that may affect the equilibrium constant include temperature, ionic strength, and choice of solvent. Source Denbigh, K. (1981). Chapter 4. The Principles of Chemical Equilibrium (4th ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-28150-8.