Macbeth and Free

Macbeth and Free Will Essay In Desiderius Erasmus’s Defense of Free Will, he refutes Martin Luther’s creed that God predestines everyone’s lives and instead asserts that man alone possesses the power to choose his own path to either salvation or damnation. The play Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, raises similar questions – did the protagonist, Macbeth, willingly choose to commit such atrocities as killing the king and his court to feed his own ambition, or did he merely play the role of a pawn, performing that which fate bade him do? Amid much controversy over this issue, evidence both in Erasmus’s critical essay and in the play itself affirms that Macbeth cognitively decides to act as he does in the play, confirming Erasmus’s perspective and suggesting that people have the ability to dictate their own fate through their thoughts, decisions, and actions. Through his interpretation of the Old and New Testaments in the Bible, Erasmus writes in favor of free will over predestination, a concept that, when applied to the character Macbeth, raises questions about the motives behind his detestable actions. In his essay, Erasmus explores the â€Å"power of the human† (46) to â€Å"turn away from what leads to eternal salvation† (46). According to this opinion, Macbeth makes a conscious choice to pursue a life of crime and sin, instead of simply following his fate. Macbeth’s plea that the â€Å"stars hide [their] fires† (1. 4. 57) so that â€Å"light [would not] see [his] black and deep desires† (1. 4. 58) indicates that Macbeth remains aware that his â€Å"wicked, rebellious will† (Erasmus, 48) lies within himself, and he fears the consequences of his sinful deeds. This very fear of punishment reflects the existence of free will in Macbeth as Erasmus inquires, â€Å"why [should God] curse me, when I sinned through necessity? † (47). Macbeth’s clear understanding of the evil that he plans to commit and his fear of divine punishment suggest that characters in Macbeth choose their actions as opposed to following their destiny. Macbeth’s evil actions, however, are not completely driven by an inherent evil nature; although he does have free will in the play, he becomes a slave to his ruthless ambition because of his own moral weakness. As Erasmus writes, â€Å"there are certain seeds of goodness planted in men’s minds† (50), although â€Å"the will is perhaps more inclined to evil than to good† (50). In other words, everyone possesses both good and bad within them, and it is up to the individual person to â€Å"[turn themselves] towards, or away from, faith† (48-9). Macbeth’s apparently latent moral code surfaces occasionally throughout the first act in his moments of wavering in his violent resolve; he tells Lady Macbeth that they â€Å"will proceed no further in this business† (1.7. 34) in one of the scenes preceding the murder. However, the manipulative Lady Macbeth must only mention that which Macbeth desires and question his masculinity to crush Macbeth’s good side and force it to submit to his evil ambition. The ease with which Lady Macbeth extinguishes Macbeth’s doubt of the evil plan highlights Macbeth’s weakness for his ambition. Macbeth becomes a slave not to the devil, but instead to the very evil that resides within himself. Neither heaven nor hell predetermines Macbeth’s actions in the play; it is in fact his inability to compromise his ruthless ambition that ultimately forces him into crime. He chooses to sin of his own accord, and therefore faces his final punishment that sets the world back in order at the end of the tragedy. Through their individual works, Shakespeare and Erasmus imply that humans have free will to determine their own actions, and only the strongest of heart will succeed in accomplishing the work of God.

Native Americans and European Colonists Essay Example for Free

Native Americans and European Colonists Essay At the start of the seventeenth century, Native Americans greeted European settlers with much excitement. They regarded settlers as strange, but were interested to learn about the new tools and weapons Europeans brought with them. The native people were more than accommodating to the settlers, but as time passed, Europeans took advantage of their generosity. â€Å"Once these newcomers disembarked and began to feel their way across the continent, they forever altered the course and pace of native development. † Native Americans and Europeans faced many conflicts due to their vast differences in language, religion and culture. European settlers’ inability to understand and respect Native Americans lead to many struggles that would eventually erupt into violent warfare. Many natives thought the armed Europeans would be able to protect them from their more powerful native enemies. In many cases, Europeans did help natives in warfare. Samuel de Champlain, a critical figure in the establishment of the New France colony, aided the Montganais, Algonkaian and Hurons in their fight against the Iroquois. Champlain and his tribes used European firearms to frighten and defeat their enemies. â€Å"The Iroquois were much astonished that two men should have been killed so quickly, although they were provided with shields made of cotton thread woven together and wood, which were proof against their arrows. † In decades to come, Europeans were not be so friendly toward Native Americans, using firearms to take native lands and resources. Native Americans relied on â€Å"gift exchange† system that allowed different tribes to specialize in the production of a certain goods. They would trade their goods with other native tribes. Native Americans hoped to incorporate Europeans into this system. For a while, natives did trade skins and hides, receiving wampum, sacred blue and white shell beads, in exchange from the settlers. â€Å"Exchange is meant not only the trading of material goods but also exchanges across community lines of marriage partners, resources, labor, ideas, techniques and religious practices. † Natives generously shared their belongings, supplies, food, and the skills necessary for survival in the New World with the settlers. In exchange, settlers gave Natives disease, death and robbed them of their lands. Within ten years of the first arrival of European settlers, the Natives welcome had worn out. The settlers had appeared on the scene with two objectives in mind in regards to the Native Americans: obtain their land and convert them to Christianity. Europeans judged natives for their different language, their lack of clothing, and the absence of government and religion in their society. The Europeans established their own set of laws on native soil and held natives accountable to these laws. Any breach of European law by Natives residing in the area resulted in public humiliation, a practice unfamiliar to Native society. More complications accumulated due to their vast differences in language, religion and culture, but it was the differing views of land, that caused violent conflict. With more and more Europeans arriving in America, they needed more land to settle and grow crops. Also, at this time, the demand of tobacco was greatly increasing. The tobacco industry amounted for most of the settlers’ exports. To grow tobacco, settlers needed large plots of land. In the Native American’s eyes, the land was to be shared with the European. Natives had no understanding of the selling of land to European settlers. Europeans used this to their advantage, acquiring large plots of land without fully explaining the terms of the negotiation to the natives, or properly paying them. At first, natives sold land to Europeans, believing that this agreement would still allow them to use the land. Later, they realized that Europeans were rapidly establishing private uses on these lands. Colonists strongly objected to native settlements on the lands that they hoped to establish businesses on. Many more problems arose since the arrival of Europeans in America. Europeans introduced a variety of deadly diseases to North America that Native Americans had never been exposed to before. The colonists and explorers brought measles, smallpox, cholera, and yellow fever, which drastically devastating the Native American population. â€Å"The collected wisdom of generations could vanish in a matter of days if sickness struck older members of the community who kept sacred traditions and taught special skills. † Not only did the natives fear for their own lives, they feared for the future generations of native people. They feared that their traditions and culture would be forever lost. The relationship between Native Americans and Europeans began as a way for Europeans to learn about the lands they wished to inhabit. Natives can be given credit for teaching the first settlers how to survive in the new land. Due to the greed and arrogance of the European settlers, relations with natives turned sour. This struggle of co-existence would continue into the nineteenth century, resulting in the devastating mistreatment of Native Americans. [ 1 ]. James H. Marrell, â€Å"The Indians New World,† Major Problems in American History, (Boston: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2012), 17. [ 2 ]. Samuel de Champlain, The Works of Samuel de Champlain (Toronto, 1925), 89–101. [ 3 ]. Neal Salisbury, â€Å"The Indians Old World,† Major Problems in American History, (Boston: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2012), 25. [ 4 ]. Collin G. Calloway, â€Å"Voices from the Shore,† The World Turned Upside Down, (Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 1994), 21. [ 5 ]. Marrell, â€Å"The Indians New World,† 18.

Foreign Policy Challenges for Donald Trump

Foreign Policy Challenges for Donald Trump Donald J. Trump, the 45th President of the United States of America has been handed down numerous formidable foreign policy challenges ranging from areas in the Middle East throughout East Asia. Trump had even tweeted that â€Å"THE WORK BEGINS!† on January 23, despite any of his top foreign policy positions, at the time, yet to be filled (Trump). According to the White House website, Trump will implement an â€Å"American first foreign policy focused on American interests and American national security† (Spicer). The White House strategy will focus on â€Å"peace through strength,† made possible in part by chasing â€Å"the highest level of military readiness† (Spicer). Potential Challenges: Russia One potential challenge posed to U.S. interest by the emerging foreign policy of the Trump administration is the issue of Russia. The U.S.-Russian relationship is at its lowest point since the Cold War (Fishel). President Trump has stated a closer association with Russian President Vladimir Putin would be an advantage to the United States (Fishel). But the majority of his administration has â€Å"maintained that Russia needs to be confronted for its aggression, including for its annexation of Crimea and military incursions into Eastern Ukraine, hacking during the 2016 presidential election, backing Syrian dictator Bashar Assad, and Russias brutal aerial bombing campaign to assist his efforts† (Fishel). Unparalleled Russian hacking into the Democratic National Committee also enhances the colossal â€Å"security threat posed to critical components of the U.S. government, infrastructure, defense technology, and many other government operations that rely heavily on cyber technology† (Fishel). On the White House Website, it was publicized that it â€Å"will make it a priority to develop defensive and offensive cyber capabilities at our U.S. Cyber Command, and recruit the best and brightest Americans to serve in this crucial area† (Fishel). Russias military intervention in Syria has efficiently set up a proxy war with the U.S. and the rebel forces it backs. The U.S. has held Russia responsible for its â€Å"subsequent breakdown of cease-fire negotiations and the devastating siege of  Aleppo, Syria† (Fishel). Finally, â€Å"Putins war in Ukraine and illegal annexation of  Crimea has sparked fears that hes seeking to reclaim Soviet-era borders and eventually could bait the  NATO  alliance into a military conflict† (Fishel). Trumps latest remarks on Russia have so far confronted the conventional wisdom of either party and has drawn criticism from both sides. Trump hasn’t convicted the Russian hacks into the U.S. election process and has said he would be looking at the possibility of lifting sanctions against Russia tied to its illegal military annexation of Crimea, which the U.S. government has refused to accept† (Fishel). He openly questioned the intelligence communitys calculation that Russia hacked the DNC, compared them to Nazis and held them responsible for releasing false information about his ties to Russia (Fishel). Rather than stand against a potential restoration of Soviet expansionism, critics say Trump seems to be accepting it. He has labeled the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), considered the first line of defense against Russian expansionism, as obsolete, while also suggesting he may not honor the organizations most sacred covenant of mutual defense† (Fishel). In addition to saying the U.S. would profit from a friendlier association with Putin, Trump has also admired him on Twitter, calling him very smart for deciding not to react when President Obama kicked out Russian intelligence offers in retort to the election hack (Trump). North Korea During this past September, North Korea administered its biggest ever nuclear test, discharging a bomb that has been perceived to be able to â€Å"yield to the equivalent of 10 kilotons of TNT† (Fishel). Making this the country’s second nuclear test this year and their fifth since 2006. Now more than ever the United States in extremely alarmed, that North Korea is more near to their goal of â€Å"miniaturizing a nuclear weapon that can be placed on long-range missiles a move that could destabilize the region and the world† (Fishel). Differing from Iran, the U.S has been unable to negotiate an agreement regarding nuclear issues (Fishel). Taking into account, that 3 of the five nuclear tests in North Korea have taken place under Kim Jong-un’s rule, it is clear that the dictator is fearless of the overpowering economic sanctions imposed by foreign nations (Fishel). Even though China’s foreign Ministry has reprimanded the North Korean Tests and urged â€Å"international dialogue, recent tensions between the United States and China over the South China Sea could congeal Chinese support for taking a more aggressive approach to the North Korean regime† (Fishel). This past January, after North Korea stated that they were close to firing off nuclear weapons that could reach the United States, Donald Trump tweeted that â€Å"it won’t happen,† which could be interpreted as a possible â€Å"redline† for the Trump administration (Fishel). In May of 2017 Trump stated that we could potentially be open to the idea of allowing North Korea’s neighbors, including United States allies South Korea and Japan, to obtain their own nuclear resources. This is a move that would successfully â€Å"nuclearize the entire region and negate the cost as justification for stationing United States troops in the region† (Fishel). Trump at the same time has stated that â€Å"We cannot afford to be the military and the police for the world† (Trump). What Trump’s administration means for US Interests The Trump Administration will test the durability of some of America’s longstanding alliances but may create opportunities for new cooperation with others. Trump has expressed that he wanted to improve the United States relationship with Russia, more specifically he wants a closer relationship with Putin (Tucker). Improvement in the U.S.-Russia relationship could alleviate the risk of an escalation in tensions between Iran and the United States. Russia is hopeful for the Trump administration will be friendlier toward them and will â€Å"weaken or even diminish sanctions that were previously imposed on them after the annexation of Crimea in 2014† (Tucker). These sanctions being lifted would allow for President Putin to pronounce himself a winner in the stand-off with the Western powers before the presidential election in 2018 (Tucker). Authorities in Ukraine fear that more cordial relationship between the U.S.-Russia will â€Å"undermine U.S. support for their reform process† (Tucker). Since the Maidan revolution in 2014, the U.S has been a â€Å"committed ally helping finance the new government guaranteeing its international bonds and supporting the IMF program in Ukraine† (Tucker). North Korea  prohibited the U.N. Security Council’s declaration on its latest â€Å"ballistic missile launch and claimed its tests are in self-defense† (News). These tests made by North Korea have been unanimously condemned by the Security Council. They stated that these launches are a â€Å"grave violation of international law† (News). China, one of North Koreas only allies, and main lifeline, also signed onto that statement (News). This enhances another level of ambiguity to the region that is still trying to get a read on the new unpredictable U.S. president. These new missiles are more stable and allow for a less advanced warning (News). â€Å"This achievement on part of North Korea is a dangerous advancement toward the pursuit of a nuclear weapon and is a big first test for President Trump† (News). â€Å"Obviously, North Korea is a big, big problem and we will deal with that very strongly† Trump tweeted (Trump).   Ã¢â‚¬Å"China and the United States have fundamentally different approaches to dealing with North Korea,† said Tong Zhao, a fellow at the Carnegie-Tsinghua Center in Beijing (News). â€Å"China believes we have to gradually encourage North Korea to liberalize its economy to open up to the international community† (News). Ninety percent of North Korea’s trade is with China, leading Western officials indict Beijing of upholding the neighboring dictatorship (News). But China said, â€Å"It’s doing its part by signing on to stringent  U.N. sanctions† (News). In March the United States and South Korea held their â€Å"annual large-scale military drills, which was largely seen by North Korea as a direct threat to their security† (News). North Korea has stated that this could seriously undermine peace and security in the region (News). These drills could also potentially close the door on any â€Å"potential direct engagement with the United States and push North Korea to test an even larger more powerful missile† (News). But to reassure us all Trump tweets â€Å"I have great confidence that China will properly deal with North Korea. If they are unable to do so, the U.S with its allies will! U.S.A.† (Trump). Since Donald Trump has taken office, things have been less then dull, especially regarding his foreign policy. Sure his order to suspend visas for citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries was explosive, however, it is not a central issue in U.S. foreign policy (Friedman). Deepening questions have been brought up in regards to Trump’s foreign policy. And the real question is if he actually has intentions of downgrading NATO, shift relations with Russia, confront China, and take a significant stand against Iran. A foreign policy is not made by hostile phones calls nor threatening tweets. Works Cited Fishel, Justin. 7 Major Foreign Policy Challenges Facing President Donald Trump.ABC News. ABC News Network, 23 Jan. 2017. Web. 11 Apr. 2017. . Friedman, George. Trumps Conventional Foreign Policy.  RealClearWorld. Geopolitical Features, 9 Feb. 2017. Web. 17 Apr. 2017. . News, CBS. What North Korea Missile Launch Means for U.S.-China Relations.  CBS News. CBS Interactive, 14 Feb. 2017. Web. 17 Apr. 2017. . Schneider, Ondrej. The Trump Effect: Global Implications of the Next U.S. President.The Trump Effect: Global Implications of the Next U.S. President | The Institute of International Finance. Institute of International Finance, 8 Dec. 2016. Web. 14 Apr. 2017. . Spicer, Sean. Remarks by President Trump in Strategy and Policy Forum.  The White House. The United States Government, 03 Feb. 2017. Web. 11 Apr. 2017. . Trump, Donald J. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump).  Twitter. Twitter, 09 Apr. 2017. Web. 12 Apr. 2017. . Tucker, Joshua. Here’s How Trump’s Election Will Affect U.S.-Russian Relations.The Washington Post. WP Company, 10 Nov. 2016. Web. 14 Apr. 2017. .

A Detailed Commentary On Act 3 :: essays research papers

Write a detailed commentary on the extract taken from Act 3, Scene 4 When we read ‘King Lear’ for the first time we are presented, on the whole, with a pessimistic view of men and society. In other parts of the play Regan, Gonerill and Edmund define treachery, whereas the character of Kent creates a stark contrast, showing us a strong sense of loyalty by following and supporting Lear throughout his torment. Remembering that Kent was betrayed by Lear in the first scene of the play, this emphasises the goodness of Kent’s character. At the beginning of the extract Lear asks ‘Wilt break my heart?’ In response to this Kent declares ‘I had rather break mine own’. This is just one of many examples in the play where Kent is willing to take Lear’s suffering upon himself. Every time Kent enters we get a feeling of relief because he is there to fight evil, a personification of the rare goodness of mankind. Kent also shows his loyalty and steadfastness for his King in the way in which he tries to shelter him from th e storm. When Kent says that ‘The tyranny of the open night’s too rough for nature to endure’, he is really trying to make Lear think it is the storm that is to blame for his discomfort, although Kent is fully aware of the true reasons for Lear’s pain. In the play ‘King Lear’ grief reaches the utmost depths that any Shakespearean character has ever portrayed. In this particular extract the storm taking place on the heath symbolises and runs parallel with the storm in Lear’s soul. His mind is so wracked with the treachery of his two daughters that he actually finds comfort in nature’s cruel elements. This is conveyed when Lear says that the tempest… “…will not give me leave to ponder On things would hurt me more.'; No matter how much physical discomfort the storm inflicts, Lear feels that in comparison to his mental torment the storm is of little consequence: “This tempest in my mind Doth from my senses take all feeling else Save what beats there.'; At the beginning of the extract, Shakespeare uses Lear’s reference to the ‘contentious storm’ to show us the extent of his suffering. He tells us that the storm… “…invades us to the skin: so ‘tis to thee, But where the greater malady is fixed, The lesser is scarce felt.'; This reference to the word ‘contentious’ also gives us an insight into Lear’s state of mind.

Exploring Teacher Pay Incentives Essay examples -- education reform, t

This study analyzes four articles’ study findings as well as authors’ conclusion on the teachers’ incentive pay issue based on the studies presented by the authors. Those articles include Steele, Murname and Willnett (2009) that seek to analyze the effect of incentives on teachers’ retention. In the article, a natural experiment done in California between the year 2000 and 2003 involving an incentive of $20,000 that was called the Governor’s Teaching Fellowship (GTF) analyzes the incentives’ effect on talented teachers’ attraction and retention in low-performing schools. In addition, Fryer (2011) is the other article presenting an analysis of teacher’s incentives’ effect on students’ success in terms of attendance, academic performance or graduation. The article utilizes a school-based random trial involving more than 200 public schools in New York. Further, the analysis reviews an article by Figlio and Kenny (2006) which is a documentation of students’ performance’s relationship with teachers’ performance incentives. The study utilizes United States data combining the authors’ survey that was conducted in 2000 with National Education Longitudinal Survey on students and schools in regard to teachers’ pay incentives. Finally, Nael (2011) is an article on an analysis of education incentive schemes through a review of empirical studies that evaluates educators’ performance pay programs. Thus, the article will provide a suitable review on designs of student’s achievements measures and teachers’ performance metrics. Article 1: Relationship between teacher pay incentives and student’s performance Figlio & Kenny (2006) presents the first systematic documentation of the relationship that exists between students’ performance and the ... ...g jobs at the existing pay. In addition, incentives would retain the teachers as they would not be motivated to look for alternative jobs. (Barron & Lynch, 1987) Works cited Barron, J. & Lynch, G. Economics. London: Richard D. Irwin Inc, 1987. Print. Figlio, N. D. & Kenny, L. â€Å"Individual Teacher’s Incentive Programs and Student’s Performance†. NBER Working Paper 12627, October 2006. Print. Fryer, G.R. â€Å"Teachers Incentives and Students Achievement: Evidence from New York City’s Public Schools†. NBER Working Paper 16850, March 2011. Print. Neal, D. â€Å"The Design of Performance Pay In Education†. NBER Working Paper 16710, January 2011. Print. Steele, J., Murname, R. & Willnett, J. â€Å"Do Financial Incentives Help Low Performing Schools in Attracting and Keeping Talented Teachers? Evidence from California†. NBER Working paper 14780, March 2009. Print.

Windows 95 or NT :: essays research papers

Windows 95 or NT When one asks himself or another, Which Operating system will better fill my needs as an operating system Windows 95 or Windows NT version 3.51. I will look at both operating systems and compare the qualities of each one in price, performance, stability and ease of use. The final results will give one a clear view to the superior operating system for years to come.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As one already knows, that if you keep up with the computer industry, that Microsoft Windows has been around for a long time. The Majority of all PC users use some type of windows for their working environment. Microsoft has spent a great deal of time trying to make the supreme operating system. In doing so they have created two of the most debated systems available to the general public in this day and age. However, in doing so each one of these operating systems has there good side and there bad side.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Windows NT 3.51 was originally created for business use, but has ended up being more widely available for the average PC user in ones home. Windows 95 was developed for the sole purpose as an alternative to Windows NT. But has ended up in the work place more then the home. Windows 95 carries an average price of ninety-five dollars in stores. Which makes it an expensive system worth the money. On the other hand Windows NT 3.51 carries a price tag of three-hundred and forty nine dollars. Making this software very expensive but also worth every penny.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Windows 95 is much easier to use then Windows NT. It was designed to make the PC user have more of an easier time navigating through its complex tasks. This is one of the main reasons why people would rather buy the more less expensive operating system. Rather then the more expensive system Windows NT. Another one the reasons that Windows 95 is more popular is for its simple graphic user interface otherwise known as the GUI. Windows also carries a option that Windows NT does not carry. That option is called PnP or Plug and Play, This is where the operating system will install the hardware and new hardware that could be added at a later date in time, Windows NT does not carry this very useful feature. If one has ever tried to install a new peripheral to ones computer it can be a headache alone trying to decipher the instruction manual that comes along with the device. Windows 95 will do this on its own, one of the downfalls to it is the fact that it can be only a device that is less

College vs. High School Essay

Many students, especially those who do not have a family member who has been to college, think college is pretty much like high school, only bigger. But there are some very big differences. Many students who did not do well in high school blossom in college. Much of how college will differ depends on you. To be prepared, it helps you to know what differences lay ahead. Though academic requirements and student life vary depending on the college you attend, there are basic differences that apply in almost every case. One key step to a successful transition from high school to college is to anticipate and be prepared for the differences between the two settings. This is especially true for students with disabilities. In addition to dealing with the same transition issues that all students face, they also have the added challenge of changes in how support services are requested and arranged. In college, students must play a more active role and assume more responsibility. Because you will probably be over 18 years old in college, you will be treated like an adult. This is because you will be an adult. As an adult, you will have to make sure you do what you’re supposed to do, you will be responsible for the way you live, and you will have to meet greater expectations from others. Generally, there are fewer rules and regulations imposed by others in college. You will be expected to make and stick to your own schedule, as well as keep up on all your work. Professors expect you to be in class to learn. And whether or not you learn is your responsibility. Many students, after a brief period of adjustment, will settle into a balanced lifestyle of work and play. Those who don’t usually do not make it through their first year. In college, you will take on more responsibility for your decision, actions, and lifestyle. This is part of being on your own. Professors and administrators will probably not give you a hard time about your clothes, your hair, or your general behavior. But do be prepared to be held accountable for your behavior. There is no one to blame for not waking up on time, not eating properly, or not washing your clothes. People will expect more of you and expect you to develop in your own unique way in college. In high school, you are often expected to behave or perform to a minimum standard. Some people will expect you to go beyond minimal performance in college, so you can grow and develop as a person. You will also begin to realize what a great effect you can have – both positive and negative – on yourself, on others, and on the world around you. This can be both exciting and frightening. In college, you will be free to explore numerous paths and interests that were simply not open to you in high school. There are more foreign languages, arts, and sciences offered in college. Subjects like philosophy and religion are also taught at college but probably not in high school. Some subjects are taught differently in college. In high school, for instance, history may have been mainly names, dates, and places. You had to memorize facts and figures. In college, those facts are not nearly as important as why certain events and actions happened. In college English, less time may be spent on grammar and spelling (it is assumed you have mastered these) and more on writing creatively and criticizing literature. Many classes will be organized differently from the traditional high school lecture class. Some will be big lecture classes followed by small discussion groups. Some professors will have you read books, write papers, and discuss both in class. You may even have the chance to read independently with a professor or design your own research projects. Grading will be different, too. In some classes, you will have nothing but essay tests. In other, your entire grade will be determined by a single large paper or project. You may even have classes in which a group project is the primary grade. High school is a place you go to seven or eight hours a day, less than half the days of the year. Many colleges are set up to be your home – you will eat and sleep there, spend time off there, make new friends there, even do your laundry there. Therefore, chances are good that college will have an even greater effect on you than high school did. In fact, it will be a time in your life like no other.