Mayan Astronomy Essay Example for Free

Mayan Astronomy Essay Who were the Mayans? The Mayans were part of the Mesoamerican civilization and they lived around 2,000 BCE and lasted through to the time when the Spanish explorers arrived. From 250 CE – 900 CE was when they reached the peak of their development. They are well known for a fully developed written language, numerical system, mathematics, art, architecture and astronomy. Where did the Maya civilization thrive? They inhabited parts of Central America such as Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and also in areas of Mexico. What were the Mayans views on astronomy? When they viewed and studied the heavens the Mayans mainly focused on Venus and the Sun. They had a calendar, which predicted both solstices and equinoxes and is infamous for ending at December 21st, 2012. The calendar was also very precise and could anticipate eclipses and the revolution of Venus give or take a day for every 6,000 years. The reason for this accuracy was that astronomical observations made by priests were passed down by generations. Venus: No civilization knew more about Venus than the Mayans. Venus was thought to be the companion of the Sun because it is one of the brightest objects on the night sky and because it is always near the Sun before sunrise and after sunset. The time it took for Venus and Earth to line up in their position correlated to the Sun was 584 days. The Mayans also timed their wars based on where Venus and Jupiter were at the time. Sun: But they obviously gave some considerance to the Sun. They not only noted down equinoxes and solstices but Zenial passages as well. They also had a god who symbolized the Sun during a Zenial passage called the Diving God. And the Ecliptic, the path the Sun follows in the sky, was depicted by a double-headed serpent. Also, to signal the changing of season, a ball game was played that re-enacted the Sun’s orbit around the Earth. Earth: The Earth was believed to be flat with four corners. At each corner was a jaguar called a bacab. They were all different colors. The Northern jaguar was White, East-Red, West-Black, and South-Yellow. At the center was green that stood for Earth. Each bacab held up the sky. The Mayans furthermore divided the universe into thirteen layers with a god for each one. Milky Way: It was called World Tree by the Mayans. The star clouds in the Milky Way were believed to be the tree of life from where all life originated. And in the World Tree was a monster called the Kawak Monster which took form of a giant head. On the monster’s head was a sacrificial bowl that had a flint blade to exemplify sacrifice and a Kimi glyph symbolizing death. At the top of the World Tree is a bird named Itzam Ye, or the Principal Bird deity. During winter the part of the Milky Way that dominated the sky was the White Boned Serpent. The Mayans spiritually thought of the Milky Way as a road on which souls travelled to reach the Underworld. So, ultimately, the Mayans were a very advanced and intelligent civilization and were super precise in their calendar and predictions.

Understanding Of Scottish Society :: essays research papers fc

Abstract The concept of a nation state has only emerged over the last couple of centuries, before this point less advanced and coherent states managed the affairs of the populous. The nation state is the overlapping of two separate features. The nation is the identity that individuals relate to within the society. This can exist on its own, as all that is needed is a person to feel that they have a connection with others on no more than shared belonging. The state is used to take national feelings of loyalty and use them to effectively govern peoples lives. The state almost like a governmental overlay for a national identity to operate within. Scotland can be seen in this light because it is a fine example of what nationhood looks like, without the apparatus of the state to cloud the picture. Scotland has this dual identity of Scottish nation within the confines of a British state. In answering this question it is necessary to investigate the origins of modern nation states. Firstly examining what the term 'Nation State' means by breaking it down into its two parts. Lastly I will examine how accurate a term the 'Nation State' is when applied to Scottish Society. The 'Nation State' is a recent phenomena, with most of human history being founded on stateless societies. These stateless societies refer to the tribal and clan systems that existed across the globe, before the emergence of larger societies such as Empires and Kingdoms. These societies were able to function as they were relatively small. The whole or at least a large part of the community could be involved in any decision that need to be made, although because of their size complex decision making processes were needed. With the increase of population and the subsequent competition for limited resources, systems started to emerge that could handle the new demands. Economies started to produce more than what was required by the community, so the surplus was trade with neighbouring communities. This process also created the need for higher authority to govern the transactions between the communities. These embryonic communities developed into what can be described as traditional states, with a sovereign leader such as a King or Emperor who ruled absolutely. They could do this because they held the reins of the states military forces. In Max Weber's view this was the critical component of any state. For a state to be legitimate it must have a monopoly of the use of violence within the confines of its own territory. However usually this was only a last resort and the ordinary people were quite unaware of the state developing around them. A limited form of government would emerge to ensure that the Head of the State could rule effectively.

Art History Essay

Jose De Ribera, Martydom of Saint Bartholomew, ca. 1639. Oil on canvas * Ribera uses this piece to scorn idealization of any kind. * The drama and brutality expresses the harsh times of the Counter-Reformation. * We notice Caravaggio’s influence on Ribera through the naturalism and drama used in Martydom of Saint Bartholomew and Caravaggio’s many works. Francisco De Zurbaran, Saint Serapion, 1628. Oil on canvas * Serapion was a British martyr who was supposed to fight the Moors in Spain, who ended up being butchered in Algeria. * What makes this piece different is a complete lack of violence. There is no blood or any sign of a wound, as we can see his white robe is spotless. * Unlike most martyr paintings that make the subject seem heroic and brave, Zurbaran captures the true helplessness of the saint, winning the viewer’s emotions. Diego Velazquez, Water Carrier of Seville, ca. 1619. Oil on canvas * This piece captures the social issue of the rich and poor of Spain during the time. * The contrast of dark and light shows elements of Caravaggio, who Velaquez had studied. * Although this scene shows everyday life, the care it conveys suggests a deeper meaning. Diego Velazquez, Surrender of Breda, 1634-1635. Oil on canvas * Velazquez aided Philip IV in regaining power by using Surrender of Breda as propaganda. * This piece was not only a symbol of Spanish nationalism, but a tribute to Ambrogio Spinola, the Spanish general of this war. * Velazquez’s relationship with Spinola made Surrender of Breda especially historically accurate. Diego Velazquez, King Philip IV of Spain (Fraga Philip), 1644. Oil on canvas * Velazquez portrays Philip as a military leader by focusing attention on his marvelous red and silver campaign dress. * The painting is also known as Fraga Philip, because it was painted in the town of Fraga in Aragon. * This portrait was just another example of Velazquez’s propagandistic images used for King Philip IV. Diego Velazquez, Las Meninas, 1656. Oil on canvas * The use of depth and content in this piece helped prove Las Meninas as Velazquez’s masterpiece. * The mirror on the back wall seems to be the reflection of the king and queen, meaning they are being painted on the other side of the room. * Velazquez actually painted himself as the artist in the room. Peter Paul Rubens, Elevation of the Cross, 1610. Oil on panel * Rubens used elements both from the Renaissance and of the Italian Baroque to create the first Pan-European style, as seen in Elevation of the Cross. * The tension is emotional and physical, as seen in Christ’s face and the grief of his followers. * The drama is intensified by the strong use of light and dark. Peter Paul Rubens, drawing of Laocoon, ca. 1600-1608. Black-and-white chalk drawing with bistre wash * The predominantly black chalk drawing shows Rubens’ study of classical representation of the human form. * This piece is obviously a revisit of the marble sculpture that depicted Laocoon and his sons breaking free from serpents. * Rubens had a big focus on mastering the human body, which led him to copy classical works of earlier master artists, such as this piece. Peter Paul Rubens, Arrival of Marie de’ Medici at Marseilles, 1622-1625. Oil on canvas * The painting depicts Marie arriving in France after a long voyage from Italy. * The women waiting for her is an allegory personified to represent France, and the goddesses, Neptune and the Nereids (daughters of the sea god Nereus), represent the sky and the sea rejoicing her safe arrival. * The surfaces are enriched with decoration to further bring the painting together. Peter Paul Rubens, Allegory of the Outbreak of War, 1638. Oil on canvas * The beautiful human forms and energy that take away attention from the chaos of this piece is a recurrent theme in Rubens’ other works. * The Thirty Years’ War was Rubens’ reason to create Allegory. * The woman clothed in black, deprived of her jewels and ornaments is an unhappy Europe. Anthony Van Dyck, Charles I Dismounted, ca. 1635. Oil on canvas * Charles I turns his back on his attendants as he looks over his domain. * His location on higher ground gives us the idea he is higher than all of his observers and followers. * The king impersonates as a noble man for a casual walk in the park, but no one can take their eyes off his regal poise. Hendrick Ter Brugghen, Calling of Saint Matthew, 1621. Oil on canvas * The naturalistic presentation of the subjects echoes the work of Caravaggio. * This piece differs from work of Caravaggio because the use of color, rather than extreme contrast of light and dark. * There is a definite claustrophobic effect as noticed by the figures being crammed into a well-lit room. Gerrit Van Honthorst, Supper Party, 1620. Oil on canvas * In this painting, Honthorst portrays the darker side of humanity. * The man on the right being fed by the woman is sometimes interpreted as a warning by Honthorst to avoid the sin of gluttony. * Honthorst frequently placed a hidden light source in his paintings, such as Supper Party, to work with violent dark and light effects. Frans Hals, Archers of Saint Hadrian, ca. 1633. Oil on canvas * The Archers were one of many militia groups that helped in liberating the Dutch Republic from Spain. * In this portrait, each man is a troop member yet individually different from the next. * The troop members’ attire further helps create a certain rhythm to the piece. Frans Hals, The Women Regents of the Old Men’s Home at Haarlem, 1664. Oil on canvas * This piece captures the details of each sitter and their cultural characteristics. * The women seem to have different emotions all around, from complete disinterest to concern of their environment. * The monochromatic theme of this painting further adds to the painting’s restraint. Rembrandt Van Rijn, Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Tulp, 1632. Oil on canvas * The students’ individual faces tell us each has different feelings and thoughts about the man being dissected. * Van Rijn diagonally placed the body to break away from the strict horizontal orientation found in traditional paintings. * Rembrandt chose to have the students all on the left side to highlight Dr. Tulp and the body.

Essay on My Personal Perspective of Coaching - 1659 Words

Personal coaching as defined by Biswas – Diener (2009) is a professional relationship in which coaches work with clients to facilitate experiential learning and improve functioning and performance, of in the context of working toward specific goals. Some core assumptions that people have an innate capacity to grow and develop a focus on mutually agreed upon goals, and an understanding that the relationship is relatively equal and collaborative as stated by the author (2009). Some techniques that are in seen during a coaching process include but are not limited to the following list as provided by the author: active listening, the use of powerful questions which are based on broad and open-ended to raise awareness of the client to take†¦show more content†¦I am able to summarize and provide paraphrasing back to let the client know that I am clear on what they discussed with me and that I understand it as well. A related skill to communication skills is that of questioning for example using open ended questions, to use powerful and incisive question to challenge clarity, discovery or learning, use questions that will allow the client to move forward toward desired goals. Interpersonal proficiency deals with things such as providing a safe environment for the client, treating the client as an equal in the coaching process, allowing them to choose their own pace to accomplishment of desired goals, during sessions remain neutral, and use positive thought, words and action during the relationship. Building relationship involves coach presence which refers to having the ability to be present and in relationship with the coachee in the moment, employing a style that is open, flexible and confident. A second aspect of building relationship is being able to use teaching tools that match the coachee’s learning style, recognize the importance of self discovery, maintaining professional boundaries, provide ongoing support for new behaviors and actions by focusing on learning opportunities, and being able to use humor to create lightness and energy. A final area that I am on my way to mastering is that of designing actions for implementation for example creating with the coachee opportunities for ongoing learning andShow MoreRelatedThe Concept Of Niche Marketing995 Words   |  4 Pagesmore meaning to the marketing message and to create a more profound connection with the client. Among the coaches, most had entered the profession as a second career; most had a deep-seated desire to make a difference; most could point to a specific personal situation which influenced their decision to become a coach. Also, other less desirable reasons such as the employment scene changing significantly in recent times have been a factor. Therefore, coaches have seen an opportunity as many other peopleRead MoreExploring the Different Styles of Coaching Essay965 Words   |  4 Pagesdemonstrated at work. I have been both a work coach and personal coach. I find the work coach role to be much easier, as one’s responsibility may be primarily to guide, teach or even direct behavior or methods. Some refer to this as external coaching. A personal coach, working with someone on their personality, values, beliefs and aspirations, is engaged in a personality or attitudinal situation, or what may be referred to as internal coaching. People can very easily adjust behavior, depending on motivationalRead MoreSports Psychology, The Fundamentals Of Coaching, And Multicultural Relations855 Words   |  4 PagesIn my life thus far, the three most important learning experiences came from college-level learning/previous college classes. Those three classes were Sports Psychology, The Fundamentals of Coaching, and Multicultural Relations. In regards to personal growth, I feel that these experiences have shaped me into a more well rounded person in terms of athletics and personal qualities. In ad dition, these courses allowed me to acquire new information on each subject, engage in critical thinking, apply theRead MoreThe Importance Of Coaching And An Organization1541 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction My opinion prior to taking this course and subsequently researching my first assignment is that the purpose of coaching is to collaborate with an individual either in a one on one setting or group setting with someone who will guide you and hold you accountable for what you know within yourself is needed for one to grow and succeed both personally and professionally. From what I have experienced within my current organization, coaching was only extended to senior leaders within theRead MoreExperience as a Coach in Interacting With the Coachee Essay1055 Words   |  5 PagesCoaching Experience as a Coach in Interacting With the Coachee Based on the information that I have gained in the role of coach, I have learned that interaction with the coachee involves an understanding of the basic foundations in Appreciative coaching, which focuses on 5 main principles. These principles, which will each be discussed in detail, include: †¢ Construction Principle †¢ Positive Principle †¢ Simultaneous Principle †¢ Poetic Principle †¢ Anticipatory Principle Read MoreReflection Of My Own Personal Development1637 Words   |  7 Pages1. Within Sports Coaching Literature, it has been established that reflection is a generic term for intellectual and effective activities, in which individuals examine their experiences, in order to develop new understanding and intrapersonal appreciation (Knowles, et al., 2006). Research in this field has advocated reflective practice as an approach to professional development which positively impacts coaching effectiveness (Cropley, et al., 2012). This reflective report shall discuss, analyse andRead MoreThe Role Of Talent Development Programme ( Tdp )1716 Words   |  7 Pages DEVELOPING COACHING AND MENTORING Student’s Name The Name of the Class (Course) Professor (Tutor) The Name of the School (University) The City and State where it is located The Date Introduction Developing talents is one of the vital ways of assuring an organization to have leaders it will require for a strong future and easy transition of power. Talent Development Programme (TDP) is a plan that is targeting to improve talents by providing intensive, extra-curricular opportunitiesRead MorePlaying Sports At Age Four1563 Words   |  7 Pagesof school, and trying to have a social life, it was all really crazy to juggle. I just had this super busy schedule every week, which would eventually be true for all four years of High School. With this busy schedule, I was able to learn to balance my time, making it so I could accomplish everything I needed to do every week. I began playing soccer at age four, starting at a recreational level. When I was nine, I started playing on a competitive soccer team, which was a huge step up from theRead MoreThe Coaching With Compassion Case Study975 Words   |  4 PagesBackground For the coaching with compassion case study I chose to have a coaching session with a peer and friend within my organization. I have worked with the subject of the coaching session for nearly eight years and have been one of his mentors for seven and a half of those years. He does exemplify what I would consider to be a superior performer. He always acts with integrity, is very dependable, is knowledgeable, provides an exceptionally high level of customer service and accuracy, takes timeRead MoreWhat Stops Managers From Implementing Coaching? Essay1643 Words   |  7 PagesWhat stops Managers from implementing Coaching? Coaching literature has proved that indeed coaching is a complex task, that’s why managers may not want to or be willing to practice coaching in their leadership style. Below are some of the reasons that would show why a manager wouldn’t want to apply coaching in his management. 1. Some traditional skills and qualities that exist in some managers don’t fit with the profile of the coaching manager such as being highly competitive, who faces a problem