The aim of this paper is to deepen the understanding of the school debate in Sweden by focusing on one of the key topics of the debate, namely the allegedly threatened equality and equity of the education system. This debate circles around two aspects: (1) The quality of the education is to be the same at all schools, independent of geographical location or provider. (2) A fair grading process of the pupil’s achievements that follows the rule of law.The source material for the study consists of the web-based magazine Skolvärlden which is run by the teacher union Lärarnas Riksförbund. The magazine was chosen as the teacher union has developed a political program to tackle the equality and equity problems in the Swedish school. The research questions for the empirical examination are the following: (1) How is the debate about equality and equity in education described and constructed during 2018 in Skolvärlden? (2) What needs are to be fulfilled and what solutions are proposed by Skolvärlden to ensure an increase of the equity and equality in the Swedish school?The questions are inspired by framing theory which is used as a theoretical framework to explain the correlation between the answers to each question. To achieve this, the study uses a content analysis combined with a narrative analysis. Based on the analysis, the study answers a third question: (3) In which manners can the debate about equity and equality in Skolvärlden be an expression of ideas about justice, the governing of the school system and the school’s role in society? To reveal ideas about justice, John Rawls’ A theory of justice is applied to the public debate about equity and equality in education and the Swedish curriculum to create a theoretical framework.The study shows that the debate is constructed and described in a way that the political program proposed by Lärarnas Riksförbund appears as a perfect solution. The shaped narrative consists of decisionmakers who remain passive while teachers decry conditions for teaching and demand better terms to provide every pupil with quality education. While arguments about the situation for teachers appear, the emphasis lays on the consequences for the pupils. It is them, the articles claim, who are affected by the dreadful working conditions and lousy leadership. The proposed solution is a reformed school system which is governed and financed by the state instead of the current decentralized model.

Syftet med denna uppsats var att utveckla kunskap om integrationsproblematiken för nyanlända ungdomar på språkintroduktion i Sverige. Kvalitativa intervjuer med en narrativ utgångspunkt användes som metod för datainsamling, där fem stycken nyanlända elever på språkintroduktion intervjuades. Det centrala teoretiska begreppet vilken tillämpades som analysverktyg i denna studie, har av oss tolkats utifrån Riessman, Johansson och Ricoeurs teorier om narrativ identitet. Studien utgick ifrån frågeställningar om hur eleverna framställer språkintroduktion, språk och gemenskap, samt hur deras identiteter framträder i deras narrativ. Följande frågeställningar låg därmed till grund för uppsatsen: hur framställs elevernas relation till språkintroduktion i deras berättelser, hur framträder elevernas identiteter i berättelserna, samt vilken funktion har språk och gemenskap i elevernas berättelser? Det övergripande narrativet präglades av elevernas förväntningar, besvikelser, ambivalens och slutligen lösningar. Resultatet visade att elevernas modersmål huvudsakligen framställdes i negativa termer, då ett användande av modersmålet framför det svenska språket hämmar språkfärdigheter i svenska och skapar svårigheter att integreras i den sociala gemenskapen i samhället. Oavsett grad av social gemenskap, framkom det i denna studie att elevernas identitet som invandrare blir bestående även efter språkintroduktion. Slutligen synliggjordes en ambivalent inställning kring hur eleverna framställer språk, skola och gemenskap, vilket illustrerade fenomenens mångsidiga inverkan på elevernas tillvaro. / The purpose of this essay was to develop knowledge about integration problems for newly arrived adolescents in a language introduction program in Sweden. Qualitative interviews with a focus on narrative aspects was used as a method for data collection. Five newly arrived pupils at language introduction program were interviewed. The central theoretical concept, which has been used as a tool for analysing in this study, has been understood through theories surrounding narrative identity by Riessman, Johansson and Ricoeur. This study was based on questions regarding how students present language introduction program, language and community, and how their identities appear in their narratives. Therefore, the following questions made the foundation of this essay; how is the students’ relation to language introduction program presented in their narratives, hur does the students’ identities appear in their narratives, and what function does language and community have in their narratives? The overarching narrative was characterized by the students’ expectations, disappointments, ambivalence, and finally, solutions. The results of this study showed that the students’ mother tongue was mainly presented in negative terms. Using the mother tongue, rather than the swedish language, inhibits language skills in swedish, and thus create difficulties concerning the integration into the social community. Regardless of the level of social inclusion, this study showed that the students’ identity as immigrants remain permanent even after language introduction. Finally, an ambivalent attitude was highlighted regarding how the students describe language, school and community. This illustrates the diverse effects of the phenomena on the students’ situation.

[pt] Os bezerros de Arão e Jeroboão: Uma verificação da relação intertextual entre Ex 32,1-6 e 1 Rs 12,26-33 tem por objetivo tanto verificar a existência das várias relações intertextuais entre as passagens de Ex 32,1-6 e 1 Rs 12,26-33 quanto apresentar e demonstrar como se manifesta essa intertextualidade. Esta tese faz uso do método sincrônico da análise narrativa. A necessidade de trabalhar com o método sincrônico da análise narrativa existe porque a verificação, a apresentação e a demonstração das relações intertextuais precisam considerar o texto na sua forma final. Este trabalho visar contribuir para o estudo das relações intertextuais aplicadas aos textos bíblicos tanto propondo uma clara conceituação de intertextualidade quanto apresentando os critérios de classificação de suas manifestações, bem como deseja verificar que existem relações intertextuais específicas entre Ex 32,1-6 e 1 Rs 12,26-33 e ampliar o horizonte dessas relações intertextuais a todos os versos dos textos de Ex 32,1-6 e 1 Rs 12,26-33. / [en] Aaron s and Jeroboam s Calves: An Intertextuality Verification Analyzing Exodus 32,1-6 and I Kings 12,26-33 has the purpose not only to verify the existence of a broad intertextuality relations between Exodus 32,1-6 and I Kings 12,26-33 but also to present and demonstrate how this intertextuality relation occurs. This thesis is based using the synchronic method of narrative analysis. The reason to use narrative analysis is because the verification in how the text is presented and demonstrated has to consider the text itself in its final form. This work is focused to shad light in the study of intertextuality relations to or deriving meaning applied to the biblical texts not only proposing a clear concept and thesis but also to present the criteria of classification and manifestation as well. Verifying that there are interrelationships in both texts between Exodus 32,1-6 and I Kings 12,26-33 and to broaden the perspective in these intertextuality to every single verses in Exodus 32,1-6 and I Kings 12,26-33. / [it] I vitelli di Aronne e Geroboamo: Una verifica del rapporto intertestuale tra Es 32, 1-6 e 1 Re 12,26-33 ha come oggetto tanto verificare l esistenza dei vari rapporti intertestuali tra i passaggi di Es 32,1-6 e 1 Re 12,26-33 quanto presentare e dimostrare come si manisfesta questa intertestualità. Questa tesi usa il metodo sincronico dell analise narrativa. La necessità di lavorare con il metodo sincronico dell analise esiste perché la verifica, la presentazione e la dimostrazione dei rapporti intertestuali hanno bisogno di considerare il testo nella sua forma finale. Questo lavoro si rivolge a contribuire con lo studio dei rapporti intertestuali applicati ai testi biblichi tanto al proporre un chiaro concetto di intertestualità quanto al presentare i criteri di classificazione delle sue manifestazioni cosí come desidera verificare che ci sono rapporti intertestuali specifichi tra Es 32, 1-6 e Re 12,26-33 e ampliare l orizzonte di questi rapporti intertestuali a tutti i versi dei testi di Es 32,1-6 e 1 Re 12,26-33.

This study highlights the stereotypical depictions of journalists in film using a narrative analysis of four major Hollywood productions, starting with All the President’s Men from 1976 through The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo from 2011. Its purpose is to highlight traits given to journalists in the movies and re-occuring themes in the portrayal of the media and the journalistic occupation. Differences and commonalities between the films are concluded in a discussion of ethics, personalities and the media’s self image. The paper can be seen as a contribution to the paradigm in which journalism in the movies is perceived at the moment. It offers a wide explanation to how the image of the journalist is conveyed to the public, an image that differs from how real life journalists go about in daily work life. This is essential, since most people never get to experience journalistic work in reality – but solely from popular culture – which distorts the perception of the media as the fourth estate.

本研究旨在藉由2008年馬英九當選「中華民國第十二屆民選總統」後電視新聞相關報導內容的敘事分析，探討其試圖傳達的意義、形象，以了解電視新聞媒體對廣大閱聽眾「說了什麼」及「如何說」馬英九之神話故事，藉此歸納出新聞媒介「造神運動」的過程。 Barthes (1972)指出，神話系統可劃分為一級語言系統與隱含意識形態的二級神話系統。本研究循此從古代神話進而論述媒體神話、電視新聞神話於兩階層不同深度的意義，並根據Chatman (1978 )敘事理論和考量電視新聞之媒體特質將電視新聞神話第一層分為故事內容與敘事手法，以敘事分析之研究方法分析馬英九相關電視新聞。 研究結果發現，馬英九新聞故事多描述其個人形象塑造、兩岸與經濟政策、520就職典禮相關事宜及內閣人事等情節，並不時突顯其領導才能、公共議題與政見、政黨代表因素、政治風格、本土化特質、個性與個人背景等特色，且多報導其於公共流行文化領域之內容。其敘事手法則多以全景、長景與中景鏡頭拍攝，且記者多使用非干擾性旁白聲調述說新聞故事，而聽覺的後製效果應用較少。 資料分析亦顯示馬英九新聞故事暗示之意識形態可分為人民認為優秀總統應具備的條件與期許、兩岸關係爭議、親美思想以及新時代來臨等四類，此亦反映台灣社會價值觀、國際與政治情勢以及人民對新政府的期待。 / The research aims at exploring the meaning and individual image presented in Ma Ying-Jiu’s television reporting after his election of R.O.C president in 2008. By means of narrative analysis, the study is expected to understand the TV news media “what to tell” and “how to tell” the mythical news story of Ma Ying-Jiu, and to generalize the “Mythmaking Movement” process. As Barthes (1972) points out, myth is a second-order system constructed of linguistic system and ideological myth system. Based on the structure, this research discusses two orders of “myth” from ancient myth to media and television news myth respectively. Besides, with the concerns of television features, the linguistic system of TV news myth can be further divided into narrative “content” and “techniques” according to narrative theory proposed by Seymour Chatman. Results of this analysis indicate that, in terms of news plots, Ma Ying-Jiu’s TV news stories can be classified into the following categories such as individual image presentation, cross-Strait relations and economic policy, 520 inauguration ceremony and government personnel. For the role traits part, news stories are generally focused on Ma’s leadership, public issue, political party and style, localization, personality, and personal background. Even more, the sphere of public and popular is the most used setting in Ma’s news story according to this analysis. As for the technique, the full, long and medium shot and non-interrupted reporting tone are regularly used, while the other postproductions are not. In respect of ideology, Ma’s television reporting reflects four categories as follows: condition and expect of an outstanding president, cross-Strait controversy, pro-America thinking, and the coming of new epoch.

This thesis examines elements of the conceptualization of literature within literary studies and literary production in a UK context, considering the concept of exclusionary practices based on the negligence of intersectional categories of identity such as race, gender, class, sexuality, etc., in the practice of understanding and interpreting literature. The methodologies I employ are close reading of various narratives, such as literary texts, as well as a narrative analysis aimed at a holistic understanding of my material. The second part of this thesis envisions a decolonised approach to literature in which we situate our positionalities when we read and interpret literary works. I demonstrate this through the analysis of several poems, informed by decolonial concepts and sensibilities. The results show that the maintenance of these exclusionary practices advances a grand-narrative of Western civilisation, ignoring the multiple sites people inhabit both from within, and outside, the West and that these practices are effectively harmful. I argue that through the project of decolonising literature there is a possibility of disrupting the perpetual macro-narrative of Western domination and universality.

Compassionate care is a crucial component of patient care in nursing practice in the broad context of holistic care. However, it is seemingly difficult for nurses to identify what exactly comprises compassionate care and how to provide it to patients. The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of professional nurses on how they provide compassionate patient care. A qualitative descriptive study design based on narrative analysis was used. Thirteen professional nurses (PNs) from a private hospital were purposefully recruited to participate. Data was collected using written stories and professional lifelines. Data was analysed using thematic and narrative analysis. The following themes were identified such as treating the patient as a whole, inadequate knowledge and skills, and barriers to providing compassionate care. Future research using quantitative approach and large samples was recommended. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

This study explores how gay Christian men in the pentecostal/charismatic movement reinterpret their spirituality as a reaction to the discourse about homosexuality in this movement. The spiritual experience of gay men is contextualized within the particular emphasis on individual experience found in pentecostal/charismatic spirituality. Practical theological research is conducted within a postmodern discourse set in context of a Participatory Action Research project. A narrative therapeutical approach served to identify harmful discourses and encourage the continuing deconstruction of such discourses. The extent to which power/knowledge relationships affect gay Christians' spiritual relationships became apparent. Conflict between the church's discourse about homosexuality and the gay Christian appears to start a process of deconstruction of fundamentalist pentecostal/charismatic hermeneutical approaches to the Bible. The research process facilitated a process of reconstruction of gay spirituality and created opportunities for spiritual and social growth. This research may inspire gay Christian voices in pentecostal/charismatic circles to become heard. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M.Th.

The research on "The healing touch of Nature in the context of pastoral therapy" illustrated the role of Nature in bringing healing to individual people in an urban context in South Africa. The role Nature plays in connecting the participants with God and how this positively affects their daily lives, has been central in the research. Through their interaction with Nature, the participants lead richer, more meaningful lives and experience a greater sense of well-being. Nature stimulates and elicits response as the digital world is set against the calm energy and "warmth of the earth". Through connection with God in Nature, the participants translate the healing metaphor into more tangible "language" – the "beautifying effect" of Nature. It is not the words that captivate, but the thoughts which the words carry. Mostly the research tells the story of the experiential knowledge of living in the intimate presence of God and the healing power of God‘s presence. This narrative is about a kind of knowing that can only come through Nature. The research offers a way of seeing Nature that could influence pastoral care today. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M. Th. (Practical Theology with specialisation in Pastoral Therapy)

This thesis examines the influence of state identity narratives on regional cooperation frameworks in Central Asia. It applies the perspectives of ontological security theory to the self-articulation of state identities of Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan to decipher socialization mechanisms in each of the cases. Consequently, it traces the routinization of the state narratives of Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan toward the region and regional organizations. Ontological security theory argues that, in addition to physical security, states seek ideational security, security of identity and security of being. Using a grounded theory approach to study the formation of the state narratives of Kyrgyzstan and of Turkmenistan and utilizing official and media sources and interviews conducted during fieldwork, the thesis analyzes the process of routinization of state identity narratives, showcasing the narrators, the narratives and the processes of self-articulation. The key process that is traced is the routinization of the state narratives, i.e. the sequence of repeated actions (inter-textualized through speech acts and textual references) that transform the self-articulated stories of the states into the realm of the habitual. This process of routinization is then analyzed within the regional context, examining how these routinized narratives influence inter-state cooperation in Central Asia. As such, the thesis contributes to two main bodies of literature: the growing literature on the ideational aspects of regional cooperation in Central Asia; and existing research on the role of state identification practices in the foreign policies of Central Asian states.