Islams Problems come from within Essay Example for Free

Islams Problems come from within Essay * Criticism of propaganda type which world leaders try to persuade the world this isnt about Islam * Rushdie argues that by giving examples how it is a) support of Bin Laden b) the Islamic together coming for the jihad c) the anti-Semitism blaming Jews for the September 11th issues etc. * Rushdie suggests a reasoning for the above written from fear of the west taking over there old-fashioned traditional way of life. * He emphasizing how it is about Islam : many political movements are now guided by radical Islamic organizations such as the revolutionary Shiite of Iran or the Taliban. * Rushdie continues by introducing a vital key point to his article. He criticizes such political groups for blaming outsiders for all the ills of Muslim societies. He then suggests that they are to accept responsibility of their problems and then they may be able to solve their problems by themselves. * Rushdie continues by showing how many Muslims are beginning to ask themselves such questions. He gives some specific examples of intellectuals of the Muslim world relating to that question. * He concludes by suggesting that the way to overcome the problem with terrorism today is by secularist-humanist principles which must be taken on by the Islam. In terms of what we have learned, we would have to say that Rushdie argument is valid. We can come to that conclusion by simply looking at his arguments; Rushdie doesnt introduce new information in his conclusions relating to an argument. If the question of validity refers to the fact that Islam is the topic related to the terror attacks in September, then the argument can well be valid to a certain extent. However, it would morally be wrong to blame a religion for this mass murdering, as we know that generalizing that all Muslims are murders, is wrong and invalid. Although, one could argue the majority of the arguments Rushdie makes, the way he wrote them they are valid. Rushdie presumably has a strong historical knowledge to support his articles arguments. However, I believe a great deal of emotions came in play while expressing himself. We must not forget that Rushdies experience with the Islamic, (in direct reference to the fact he was ordered to be killed by a major Islamic leader) hence a possible bias on the issue. I fully understand such a standpoint as that of Rushdie; I too, when am asked to support my countries actions in regard to the Palestinian terror attacks, tend to become emotional and very protective. Therefore I understand the pressure release Rushdie experiences while expressing himself. Therefore I can also say from experience that I do not think that in such a state Rushdie would exaggerate to a point of absurd.

Analysis Of The Elle Novel English Literature Essay

Analysis Of The Elle Novel English Literature Essay Douglas Glover is a known Canadian author of various fiction works that has capture readers of different nationalities, belief and preferences. While there were many other works of Glover such as notes Home from a Prodigal Son, The Enamored Knight, and novels such as The Life and Times of Captain N and 16 Categories of Desire  [1]  , Elle, a novel based on a true or rather historic figure, Marguerite de Roberval, on her way to discovering Canada with her uncle, Jean-Franà §ois de la Rocque de Roberval.  [2]  In this novel, he seemed to present Canada is a satiric language with explicit and implicit intentions of ridiculing religion, faith and aboriginals. It described the moments of first contact and the discovery of Canada by the European adventurers. These were during the times of Jacques Cartiers last and rather tragic attempt to colonize Canada. This first contact was described in ways in what did Canada meant to European adventurers and what did Europeans meant to the countrys original habitants and the clash between these two groups; neither of them recognized each other as human.  [3]  Nevertheless, he associated religion, sex, and revenge in building an image of this newly discovered country or the New World. While excerpts of the story are loosely based on facts, the authors language of conviction has somehow made the story more vivid and looks like more true to life. The author practiced his freedom of expression by choosing to portray such part of history through a work of fiction. In the course of the story, he also used a great deal of latitude as a means to portray Canada. This is to describe the geographical location of the newly discovered country and to create a glimpse of seasonal experiences of the characters such as winter in portrayal of sadness and will for revenge. Moreover, use of latitude seemed to be used to express distance from the European origins of the characters. This latitudinal distance implicates cultural, traditional and civil differences. This further implies the width of territorial expansion attempts of Europe in the past and may be not so many years before modern times.  [4]   For me, as a reader of the novel, these instruments of literature used by the author affected my understanding of colonization, first contact, faith and religion as associated with lust, sex and may be, love. With the claim that the novel was based on facts, it has some effect for me to assume many events in the story to be true. In some sense I tend to forget it being a fiction and not a direct narration of history (perhaps except Elle turning literally or otherwise into a bear). This may be attributed to the loose boundaries set between imagination and fact. This confusion applies to the personalities used and the actual events narrated. In general, it will be safe to believe that majority of the accounts in the story were based on the authors imagination and not a simple re telling of written history. Nonetheless, this also gave me some sense of contempt to inhumane actions on both parties regardless of which side I may choose to give sympathy. If this will be the only book describing the first contact of Canada and its history, I will be facing realizations of the violent, lustful, and inhumane parts of history or the truths that perhaps will never be mentioned on ordinary history books.  [5]   I believe then, that the bigger purpose of the novel is to portray themes not mentioned in the usual history books. Hypocrisy and modesty aside, we can really assume that such themes like sex, violence, lust and other worldly human nature are inclusive of our history.  [6]  While other critics of Glover say that he did not include human nature to sympathize with in his novel Elle, I believe that these themes can be considered not less than parts of our character and human nature regardless of civilization, religion and nationality. Moreover, this is also to portray colonization not simply as expansion of territory. It means penetration in an existing culture or rather an intentional or unintentional exchange of culture between the two parties: the colony and colonizers. This is to emphasize that colonization is not a one way process or a transformation from the colonizers to the colony. Rather, it is an exchange or combination of tradition, belief, education and emotional strings. Other inspirations in the story may be the apparent expansion of trade and prosperity in the ancient times. Colonization and territorial expansion were oftentimes attributed to be acts of European explorers. These expeditions have made tremendous histories and stories worth telling and retelling until these modern times of 21st century. Many of these stories were descriptions of social contacts such as Elle and other novels such as Gullivers Travel. The Themes of the Story To be specific, the themes that I have observed in the novel include: aboriginals, religion, first contact, issues of gender, family, and sex. Among these themes, I see particular emphasis on religion and faith, issues of gender, and sex as individual values. On the other hand, aboriginals and first contact may refer to the authors portrayal of Canada at times of Europeans attempt for colonization. Aboriginals In terms of aboriginals, the author might have been inspired by the recent discovery of ancient pagan culture. Portrayal of public execution and burning were mentioned in the stories quite a number of times. Rituals of native people of the New World were also portrayed. This is expected as some aspects of the novel were inspired by the recent rediscovery of ancient pagan classics. These were subtle critic in the practice of religion and its impacts to human thinking. Religion Excessive practice of religious rituals may cause unfavorable effects on the believers just like Elles mother who got consumed to religious rituals and forgot her other responsibilities and may be, even lost her sanity and sense of reality. The novel seemed to portray religion as one of the causes why her mother did not care for her as a child. Her mother was addicted to religious rituals that were described in absurd way such as licking the foot of the statue of saints in church. Her father, busy with his own desires for expanding power, did not pay fatherly attention to her too. As a result, or may be because of other causes too, Elle was not a very good mother and did not grow closer to her children too.  [7]   The Protestant and Catholic religions were explicitly ridiculed using direct and yet satiric language. Elle had a priest lover. This is scandalous because of chastity and vow of celibacy imposed and believed to be practiced by the priests. Moreover, the novel also mentioned brutal punishment of Protestants because of simple rule breaking and actions not in accordance to its scriptures. Elle were fond of these and even said, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ I thought the world to be a more exciting place for all the conflict and never missed a public burning or decapitation.  [8]  This was a portrayal in both implicit and explicit way that religion, sex and brutality are related. Family Moreover, these were the times when religion, greed for power and prosperity and all other arbitrary pleasures such as sex and money were favored more than ones own family. Parenting is a loose responsibility and not a highly regarded one. This is true in the case of Elle to her children and her from her parents. Her mother did not care for her because of her evident addiction or obsession to religious rituals. She was also not able to care for her children for reasons not explicitly stated in the story. I assume that it is an effect of her experiencing the same from her parents and her own experiences of violence and brutality in her exile. Inequality against Women Gender issues were also addressed in the novel. It portrayed how Europeans and Canadians treated women. In spite of membership to highly regarded and respected families and aristocratic upbringing, women suffer from violent and unequal treatment. They were vulnerable not only to sexual assaults but also to inequality to opportunities. In those times, women were not expected to take part to exhibitions, voyages and other privileges entitled only to male counter parts. But then again, headstrong girl as that of Elle strived to get some good treatment. This is in spite of her aristocratic upbringing; she grew up uniquely as a headstrong girl. While women were seen as sex objects, she in turn treated his lovers, her sex partners as well. In turn he also used men to satisfy her desire for good sex. She measure manhood in terms of size of penis and ability in love making.  [9]  Likewise, Catherine or Comes Winter, the native woman also experienced the same fate just like Elle. It was far easier to punish a woman with her life, including watching her loved ones to die. Sex and Lust Sex, on the other hand, seemed to serve as an escape for the characters. The main character seemed to satisfy her frustrations through having lustful sex. She seemed to find equality in sex where she is found in beauty and men make love to her the way she needed to be loved. This is to say that sex, in one way or another, is not just a language of the body. It may also be considered as psychological, a cure or rather means of psychological stress. Other themes I see in the novel include revenge and karma. The novel showed some sense of these themes when the General, to whom all sufferings of Elle were attributed to, was killed by a bear (which was apparently shown to be her other personality later on). The general was killed by a bear with a womans heart. The desire for revenge that was stated in the earlier part of the story was satisfied when the general thought of Elle while meeting his death. He was stabbed and acquired fatal blows- an uncomfortable death that Elle once desired to give him. Although it is uncertain if Elle is really the bear or otherwise, the end indeed justified the means because she seemed to be delighted with the news. Whether random Karma or intentional revenge, Elle would have felt the same: gratified and responsible. Emphases of the Novel With these themes, the emphasis of the story relied on human autonomy. Elle, in spite of being a woman with limited physical and may be emotional strength and opportunities, have means to do aberrations with liberty and autonomy as the justifications. Moreover, this can be associated with ones freedom of expression. Although this may not be easy and may even cause ones own life, fear of the consequences was the only barrier for freedom of expression. Likewise, there was also a thrust on human nature to appreciate worldly pleasures: power, territory, sex and lust and beauty. The Personality of Elle Elle is a French girl who was brought up by an aristocratic family. Her mother, addicted to spiritual and religious activities, did not serve to be a good mother to her. The same was true to his father who was paying more attention to reading books and extension of power. Hence, she grew up as a headstrong girl with means to get what she wants. See and react to things she just wanted to. She used sex and books as her escape to reality and thus giving her dreams uniquely hers. She enumerated her desires to be: mild intoxicants, good sex, witty conversation, cheap printed books, and front seat at public executions. Sex outside marriage was known as a sin but giving to lust and earthly desire, they still do it with promises of penance, confessions and indulgence. Yet, in spite of not having married, Elle had many lovers through out the story. It can also be observed that it was not really sex she was fond to. It may also be the desire to have a man on her feet because of her beauty. Or, in another perspective, she may also want to be the cause of mens weakness. Some of her lovers mentioned in the story were Richard, a tennis player. He was weak and easy to seduce. He has been in love with Elle since she was 13 but Elle made the first move and seduce him until the two have given in their lustful desires. Another one was the priest and a messenger of his father. He was way too old for Elle but she regarded him good for having a penis a size of a sparrow and for loving her well in bed. She also was related to the hunter in the remote island she took refuge into. He taught him some things about bears which may be the means of Elle of acquiring the violent ability of bears or even transforming into a bear.  [10]   Elles discovery of faith was not brought about by promising experiences but rather experiences that can be seen better off. However, her faith and epiphany could have been different, perhaps, narrower if experienced differently. Her discovery of faith by being in between the clash or exchange of corpses of Old and New World, through her exile and witnessing the same fate to another woman, and knowing the brutal fate of M. Cartier, caused her the deepest understanding of colonization and both partys resistance of treating each other human. The Vision of Canada These experiences of the character brought the readers, including me, to have more sympathy and deeper vision on Canada. The violence, deaths and degradation experienced by the native people in the hands of the European colonists. On the other hand, however, the colonizers such as Cartier also experienced a brutal fate. Hence, this novel, I think is contempt of the inhumane results of colonization. Canada is only one of the many countries that have experienced this vision. Perhaps all countries that have been attempted to be colonized launched some resistance forces. Each paid their part of violence and brutality in ancient history. However, these events served a deeper purpose to increase social contacts, expansion of trade and prosperity, and maximization of use of natural resources. Yet, as we can see it the modern times, such values, events, and themes may still be applicable. There is still an evident gender inequality, violence, scandals of religion until these times. Hence, such conflicts may also be addressed through rediscovering faith and understanding and paying respect with each other.

Jazz: A History Essay -- essays research papers

Jazz: The History   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The music called Jazz was born sometime around 1895 in New Orleans. It combined elements of Ragtime, marching band music and Blues. What made Jazz such a different perspective of traditional music was its act of improvising. There was a widespread use of improvisation often by more than one player at a time. Songwriters would write the music down on a piece of paper, and then the Jazz musicians would try their best to play the music. Usually in a Jazz piece, musicians would use the song as a starting point to improvise around. Jazz musicians would play a familiar song to the audience, and by the time they were done with the piece they would stir up a totally different feeling away from the original song.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The average Jazz musician could not read music at all, but the way they performed on stage gave life to the audience. It thrilled them in a way that brought joy to their emotions. Their spontaneous music captured their hearts, which fell in love with the music known as Jazz. African-Americans and Creoles in New Orleans first played Jazz. And it was generally known that Buddy Bolden was the first Jazz musician to play. Some other veteran Jazz musicians such as Freddie Keppard, Bunk Johnson, and Clarence Williams were known to first play Jazz music. Although these people are not famous as of today, their style and ideas are still affecting musicians today.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Although Jaz...

Possible Solutions to the Youth Violence Problem Essay -- Solutions Es

Possible Solutions to the Youth Violence Problem The birds are chirping, the sun is beaming down through the clouds, and you can hear the shrieks of excitement from the neighborhood park. Walking down the street, you envision raising your family on this picture-perfect street. As the vision becomes more and more detailed, however, the shot of a gun rings out from the distance. You duck behind a parked car, wondering where the bullet came from and why. Looking around, you are shocked to see a group of adolescents standing around another child, this one laying lifeless on the ground. As you rush over to help, the group scatters, and you notice all are wearing the same sign on their beanie hats. Looking down at the body, you see that there are no shoes to be had on his feet, although there are socks. When the police arrive, it is explained to you that this was an act of youth violence, and one that is common in that part of town. A child was shot to death for wearing a pair of shoes that a member of a street gang desired. This probably does not sound like your street where you live. It does not, however, mean that there are not places out in the world where this is an everyday occurrence. Youth are subjected daily to pressures from their peers, and sometimes these peers might be ones with a stronger temper. Programs have been implemented to help youth who become part of gangs or other types of violence, but have they been enough? One needs to search deeper to determine the causes, but it is the solutions to the problem that is, in the end, of most importance. On a local scene, the Corpus Christi Police Department has a gang prevention program. This program has a presentation in which members of the police... ...this type of violence is growing, there is not as much information available as other forms of violence. Programs, such as the Big Brothers/Big Sisters programs, are in place all over the world. However, the United States youth violence is an issue with no solution. It has stemmed from social and class differences from the time of the first immigrants, and has continued into our modern day society, with money and sexuality as basis for violent acts. Problems not only occur in our neighborhoods, but in those of other countries as well. In order for the problem of youth crime and violence to diminish, it is up to the above-mentioned programs, from local, all the way to a global, international level, to inform citizens and parents ways to help with the problems of the next generation. How can a solution ever be found if ignorance is blamed on behalf of society?

life or death :: essays research papers

Sculpture of the Old Kingdom of Ancient Egypt Introduction Egypt is situated in the north-eastern corner of the African continent. It is composed of two very different regions--Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt. Lower Egypt--the Black Land as it was also called by the ancient Egyptians--with its fertile soil strip along the Nile River makes up the northern part of the country. The Red Land--the Upper Egypt--is a desertous southern part with the red, sun-baked soil. The history of ancient Egypt starts around 3000 B.C. when, according to the tradition, Menes Narmer unified the two lands and founded the first dynasty. That was the beginning of the Old Kingdom--the period of stability of the state that lasted until 2263 B.C. and included the dynasties Ist to VIth. Old Kingdom is known as the Golden Age of Egyptian art: during this period the famous pyramids of Giza and the legendary Sphinx were built and the canon that lasted for two millenniums was established. Influences Even though Egyptians were the first to build a civilization they weren't the first artists. Obviously the first artists on Earth were the cavemen who produced the beautiful cave paintings found all over the world. However, the artworks that date tens of thousands of years back had little influence--or at least little direct influence--on the Egyptian art. The characteristic features of the art of the Old Kingdom were derived almost exclusively from the works of the Bronze Age (4500-3000 B.C.). Made in that period, there were sculptures of animals that were the predecessors of the statues of Egyptian gods and goddesses in the shape of animals. There were terra-cotta figures of women--probably the slaves from the African tribes--which probably were to represent the Mother Goddesses. However the art of the Old Kingdom had much more to borrow from that prehistoric period than just bits and pieces of ideas here and there. Probably the most important thing that the Bronze Age s hould be noted for in this context is the development of the canon of Egyptian sculpture. Here is quite long, but very complete and precise definition of the word 'canon' given by the Polish Egyptologist Kazimierz Michalowski in his book called Great Sculpture of Ancient Egypt: 1) The canon is a historically conditioned element of indigenous character. 2) It is a result of a mass of observations and experiences that lead to the fixing in art of the most typical forms found in nature but brought down to specific and constant proportions.

Individual Rights Essay

When I am at my placement which is a day care centre for the elderly, I treat patients with respect; I do this by talking politely to the patients, knocking on the door before I entered patient’s room and asking them how they wish to be named (e. g. Mr, Mrs) To be treated as an individual: While I was at placement I treat everyone as an individual, I did this by talking to the patients and finding out about their interests and watching how they act. I did not treat all the patients the same. Just because 2 were diabetic I didn’t stop all patients having sweets. To be treated in a dignified way: I tried to maintain the patient’s dignity by taking them aside if they wanted to tell me something or closing the door behind them if they were going to the toilet. When the patients said or did something laughable, I didn’t laugh at them. To be treated equally and not to be discriminated against: Everyone at placement is different based on their religion, race, sexuality, disabilities or age. But I didn’t not discriminate them against this or treat them unfairly. To be allowed privacy: If the patients wanted privacy when I was with them during my time on placement I would have closed the door which would have blocked other people out from seeing into the room or would have gone outside the room with the patient where they could have privacy to do what they wanted. To be cared for in a way that meets out needs and takes account of preferences and choice: I take it into account what patients say to me and about their choices. If they wish to do a certain activity, I would have gone out of my way to do as they wanted. To be able to communicate using a preferred method: At placement I communicate in which method the patient wanted, if a patient wants to write on a piece of paper and have a conversation this way that is what we would have done. To be allowed access to information about themselves: When at placement patient information is confidential but if the patient asks something about themselves, they were give the information as this may have help them through something. To be safeguarded from danger or harm: Patients should always be in an environment which they feel safe in; they should feel like they are safe in the building and safe with the people caring for them. During my time at placement I have reassured patients when they are feeling unsafe and calmed patients when they are worried about their safety. An example of this; when patients see people entering the centre they worry about who they are and what they are doing here, I then reassure them.

Chapter 1 Essay

The problem and its background 1.1 Introduction A peer group is both a social group and a primary group of people. It may be defined as a group of people who share similarities such as age, background, and social status. The members of this group are likely to influence the person’s beliefs and behavior. Also, a peer group can have a serious effect in an academic status of a person. School is where many children meet peers, form friendships, and take part in groups. For friendless, rejected, or victimized children, the school must be a less-than desirable context and certainly a place that is unlikely to promote learning or well-being (Tarrant, 2002). Individuals tend to study in groups because of the fact that studying with peers is easier and fun. The study group environment offers students the opportunity to engage in a more in-depth discussion with peers, sharing information and knowledge about a course they are collectively enrolled in. Peer group studying can help with the issue of procrastination. Many students tend to cram for tests/exams on the night before or begin projects with very limited time before the due date. When involved in a study group, meeting at scheduled times can keep the active participants from procrastinating. In addition, individuals in study groups are less likely to delay or put-off assignments because they understand that other people are relying on them. Also, it can help in understanding information more efficiently; students tend to learn faster working within a group than working alone. If a student was working on his/her own, there would be a lot of time wasted puzzling over the difficulty. However, when students work in groups, they have the opportunity to explain concepts, review material, exchange ideas, and disagree/reason with one another about why one person’s answer differs from another. Thus, one can seek clarification and learn faster working in a group setting while gaining personal skills. In other countries, governments and officials are supporting peer group studying; they see it as a more effective way in learning. A number of programs focused on the early identification of at-risk students exist at the institutions in this peer group. All of these programs are designed to ease the transition from secondary school to higher education, particularly for students who are likely to be at risk once in  the university, and/or to identify these students once they have begun their first semester classes. They are overall aggressive in helping those students who need help (Sherif, 1964). In the Philippines, no agencies or government are supporting this kind of study, but individuals especially students are influenced by peer group studying. Filipino students are more comfortable in studying with their peers rather than studying alone (Benilde Students, 2008). In the Lyceum of the Philippines University – Manila, peer group studying is applied by some students, they also tend to see that group studying is more effective way to learn the lesson or courses they are studying (Lyceum Students, 2010). Nevertheless, peer group studying still have disadvantages to an individual. Peer pressure is the pressing of a member of the collective group to behave in a manner that s/he finds unacceptable. Often, when parents are telling their children they may not participate in a behavior, a child responds with what the other kids are doing. This response demonstrates a level of pressure felt by the child to participate in an activity or behavior. Another disadvantage is the feelings associated with rejection. These emotions include resentment, dislike, a feeling of isolationism and even depression. Also, peer groups are powerful agents of risk behaviors in adolescence. Adolescents typically replace family with peers regarding social and leisure activities, and many problematic behaviors occur in the context of these groups. A study (Kertz, 2012) focused on adolescents’ engagement in risk behaviors. Participants completed a self-report measure of identity commitment, which explores values, beliefs, and aspirations, as well as a self-report that measures perceived peer group pressure and control. Both peer group pressure and control were positively related to risky behaviors. However, adolescents who were more committed to their personal identity had lower rates of risk behaviors. Overall, this study shows us that adolescent identity development may help prevent negative effects of peer pressure in high-risk adolescents (http://www.montclair.edu/media/montclairedu/residentialeducation/pdffiles/Study-Group-Tips-and-Advantages-1.pdf). Another issue about peer groups is sexual activity. A longitudinal study done in 2012 followed a group of adolescents for thirteen years. Self-reports, peer nominations, teacher ratings, counselor ratings, and parent reports were collected, and results showed a strong correlation between deviant peer groups and  sexual promiscuity. Many teens claimed that the reasons for having sex at a young age include peer pressure or pressure from their partner (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peer_group). The aforesaid issues and concern about peer group studying have prompted the researchers to conduct a study on the effects on the academic performance of peer groups among freshmen CITHM students of the Lyceum of the Philippines University – Manila. 1.2 Theoretical Framework This study will be anchored on the theory of social learning (Mead, 2004). According to this theory, children begin to perceive themselves from the perspective of the generalized other, the community as a whole. Knowing the norms and values of society, children can begin to know how their actions are perceived by the generalized other. Mead said that everyone has an â€Å"I† and a â€Å"me.† The â€Å"I† is the individual or the true self and the â€Å"me† is the way one acts in different social situations under the norms of society. Through social interaction people learn the acceptable â€Å"me†. Mead felt that children develop their â€Å"selves† through interaction. Children begin to pattern their â€Å"selves† after a role model (www.webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/erikson.html). This theoretical framework can be applied to the study that mentoring has positive effects on children. The mentor acts as the generalized other and serves as a role model to the student who begins to imitate the mentor. This then reflects the positive effect of mentoring. The student changes his/her â€Å"me† to conform to the norms of society. Moreover, this study will be anchored on the theory of the Zone of Proximal development (Vygotsky, 1978). This theory focuses on the importance of a child’s culture and notes that a child is continually acting in social interactions with others. The Zone of Proximal development is defined as the gap between what a student can do alone and what the student can achieve through teacher assistance. The values and attitudes of the peer group are essential elements in learning. Those who surround themselves with academically focused peers will be more likely to internalize this type of behavior (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zone_of_proximal_development). This theoretical framework can be applied on the study that with assistance, student can achieve more lessons rather than studying alone. And by the help of peers, individuals can be more successful i n their field. 1.3 Conceptual Framework The conceptual paradigm below explains the advantages and disadvantages in studying with peer groups. Advantages in studying with peer groups. 1. Helps with procrastination. Many students tend to cram for tests/exams on the night before or begin projects with very limited time before the due date. When in a study group, meeting at scheduled times can keep the active participants from procrastinating. In addition, individuals in study groups are less likely to delay or put-off assignments because they understand that other people are relying on them. 2. Improve new study skills. There are always ways to enhance your studying methods/techniques in your study skills. Joining a study group will provide you the opportunity to observe a wide variety of study methods and incorporate them into your regimen. Note-taking and organization skills are two major study components that continue to be improved through study groups. 3. Absorb information more efficiently. Students tend to learn faster working within a group versus working alone. If a student was working on his/her own, there would be a lot of time wasted puzzling over the difficulty. However, when students work in groups, they have the opportunity to explain concepts, review material, exchange ideas, and disagree/reason with one another about why one person’s answer differs from another. Thus, one can seek clarification and learn faster working in a group setting while gaining personal skills. Disadvantages in studying with peer groups. 1. Peer pressure. is influence that a peer group, observers or individual exerts that encourages others to change their attitudes, values, or behaviors to conform to group norms. Social groups affected include membership groups, in which individuals are â€Å"formally† members (such as political parties and trade unions), or social cliques in which membership is not clearly defined. A person affected by peer pressure may or may not want to belong to these groups. 2. Aggression and prosocial behavior. Social behaviors can be promoted or discouraged by social groups, and several studies have shown that aggression and prosociality are susceptible to peer influence. A longitudinal study done in 2011 focused on these two behaviors. A sample of adolescents was followed over a one-year  period, and results showed that adolescents who joined an aggressive group were more likely to increase their aggression levels. Also, adolescents were likely to display prosocial behaviors that were similar to the consistent behaviors of the group they were in. An adolescent’s peer group plays a role in shaping him or her into an adult, and the lack of positive behavior can lead to consequences in the future. 3. Sexual promiscuity. Adolescence is also characterized by physical changes, new emotions, and sexual urges and teenagers are likely to participate in sexual activity. A longitudinal study done in 2012 followed a group of adolescents for thirteen year s. Self-reports, peer nominations, teacher ratings, counselor ratings, and parent reports were collected, and results showed a strong correlation between deviant peer groups and sexual promiscuity. Many teens claimed that the reasons for having sex at a young age include peer pressure or pressure from their partner. The effects of sexual activity at a young age are of great concern. Pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases are only a few of the consequences that can occur. 4. Risk behaviors. Several studies have shown that peer groups are powerful agents of risk behaviors in adolescence. Adolescents typically replace family with peers regarding social and leisure activities, and many problematic behaviors occur in the context of these groups. A study done in 2012 focused on adolescents’ engagement in risk behaviors. Participants completed a self-report measure of identity commitment, which explores values, beliefs, and aspirations, as well as a self-report that measures perceived peer group pressure and control. Both peer group pressure and control were positively related to risky behaviors. However, adolescents who were more committed to a personal identity had lower rates of risk behaviors. Overall, this study shows us that adolescent identity development may help prevent negative ef fects of peer pressure in high-risk adolescents. DISADVANTAGES: STUDYING WITH PEER GROUP PEER PRESSURE ADVANTAGES: AGGRESSION AND PROSOCIAL BEHAVIOR Helps with Procrastination SEXUAL PROMISCUITY Improve New Study Skills RISK BEHAVIORS Absorb Information More Efficiently Figure 1. Conceptual paradigm of the research. 1.4 Statement of the Problem The purpose of this study is to identify the academic effects of peer group study in freshmen CITHM students of the Lyceum of the Philippines University – Manila. Specifically, the study seeks answers to the following questions: 1. How can a student obtain the advantages in peer group studying; and 2. What are the disadvantages of peer group study; and 3. What are the programs that can help a peer group in their academics. 1.5 Significance of the Study The study focused on explaining the effects of peer group study among freshmen CITHM student of the Lyceum of the Philippines University – Manila. Moreover, the results of the study will be beneficial to the following: Commission on Higher Education Department (CHED). The result of this study can help them provide a program for students on how they can improved their academic performance. Respondents. The respondents will have an awareness on the importance of the peer group program and its role on the improvement of their academic performance. Teachers/Mentors. The result of the study will help the teachers/mentors provide encouragement to think of ideas that will give proper guidance to the students. This may also increase their competency. Future Researchers. The findings of the study will serve as a reference material and a guide for future researchers who wish to conduct  the same experimental study or any study related to peer group effects. 1.6 Scope and Limitation This study covers the effects of peer group study among freshmen CITHM students of the Lyceum of the Philippines University – Manila. Nevertheless this study will not cover anyone who does not belong to the respondents. Moreover, this study covers the advantages and disadvantages of peer group study. Nevertheless, this study will not cover the reasons why a respondent faces rebellion, and this study will cover what programs of the school can help the respondents study more efficiently with their peers. Nevertheless, this study will not cover social identity. The results of this study is applicable only to the respondents of this study and should not be used as a measure of the effect of mentoring program on the students who do not belong to the population of this study. 1.7 Definition of Terms The terms in this study are conceptually and operationally defined for better understanding of the readers. * Aspiration. An individual’s need to meet realistic goals, receive feedback and experience a sense of accomplishment * Course. A unit of instruction in one subject, lasting one academic term * Cram. Is the practice of working intensively to absorb large volumes of informational material in short amounts of time. * Isolationism. A policy of national isolation by abstention from alliances. * Longitudinal. A research study that involves repeated observations of the same items over long periods of time * Norms. A principle of right action binding upon the members of a group and serving to guide, control, or regulate proper and acceptable behavior. * Peer group. Is a group of people who are equal in some way. Those in a peer group have the same status and are about the same age. They often interact with the group as a whole. * Procrastination. To put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done. * Prosociality. Beneficial to all parties and consistent with community laws and mores. * Sexual promiscuity. Is the practice of casual sex with multiple sexual partners. * Sexually transmitted diseases. are illnesses that have a significant probability of transmission between humans by means of human sexual behavior, including vaginal intercourse, oral sex, and anal sex. * Social Group. Has been defined as two or more people who interact with one another, share similar characteristics and collectively have a sense of unity. * Victimized. To make a victim of. * Zone of Proximal development. Is the difference between what a learner can do without help and what he or she can do with help.