Esta dissertação de mestrado propõe-se a apresentar um estudo sobre a obra ficcional de Seamus Deane Reading in the Dark à luz das recentes idéias sobre a redefinição do conceito de identidade norte-irlandesa. No pano de fundo deste romance autobiográfico, identificamos a presença de episódios históricos envolvendo o choque entre unionistas pró-britânicos e Nacionalistas irlandeses, que levou ao conflito conhecido como "The Troubles". Esses episódios, e suas conseqüências, são apresentados através da perspectiva de um protagonista autodiegético, que relata três décadas, de 1940 a 1960. Enquanto o personagem cresce, sua percepção obviamente vai-se alterando. O efeito final da minha leitura do romance - que foi escrito na década de 1990 - é a abertura de uma nova perspectiva, relacionada com a necessidade de redefinir questões da nacionalidade irlandesa. Reading in the Dark é um romance sobre contradições entre duas culturas que não conseguem - mas necessitam - co-existir, vistas através da perspectiva de um adolescente inteligente e bem intencionado. Este texto literário oferece uma formulação sobre os novos avanços a em relação às questões de identidade e tolerância, as quais podem ser abordadas de três formas: o conflito pode ser analisado internamente, através da oposição entre as comunidades Católicas e Protestantes, ou externamente, considerando os interesses da ilha da Irlanda, em oposição aos oitocentos anos de dominação inglesa. A terceira solução propõe uma redefinição de todos os conceitos implicados. Como conseqüência dessa crise, o romance denuncia e redefine os sistemas políticos usados como instrumentos de dominação e de manutenção e validação do choque entre as duas ideologias existentes que levaram ao sectarismo no território da Irlanda do Norte. A discussão levada a cabo nesta dissertação está baseada nos presentes debates sobre estudos culturais, especialmente como propostos por Terry Eagleton e por outros membros do "Field Day Theatre Company", que analisam as questões relativas à identidade. Esses intelectuais escolheram reavaliar as narrativas dominantes sobre a Irlanda, incluindo a formação dos mitos que motivou o acirramento dessa hostilidade contra a parte oposta. Esta dissertação está estruturada em três capítulos principais. Dois deles contextualizam o plano de fundo da narrativa e da agenda política crítica do "Field Day Theatre Company". O capítulo de análise é centrado em treze cenas fortes selecionadas do romance, as quais são comentadas a partir de considerações tecidas nos limites dos capítulos anteriores. No final do trabalho, eu espero validar a importância do romance autobiográfico de Seamus Deane Reading in the Dark no processo de reexame dos discursos que levaram à falta de comunicação entre duas comunidades que vivem em um mesmo território. / This thesis consists of a study of Seamus Deane's Reading in the Dark in the light of recent ideas regarding the redefinition of the concept of Northern Irish identity. In the background of this auto-biographical novel we identify the presence of historical episodes involving the clash between British Unionists and Irish Nationalists, which led to the conflicts known as "The Troubles." These episodes, and their consequences, are presented through the filter of an autodiegetic protagonist/narrator, through a time-span of three decades, from the 1940s to the 1960s. As the character grows, perception is obviously altered. The final effect of my reading of this novel - which was written in the 1990's - is the opening a new perspective, related to the need of redefining issues of national identity. Reading in the Dark is a novel about the contradictions between two cultures which cannot - but must - co-exist, as seen through the eyes of one growing perceptive, well-meaning intelligent young man. This literary text offers a statement about a new advance towards the issues of identity and toleration, which can be approached in three ways: the conflict can be analyzed internally, through the opposition between the Catholic and the Protestant parts of the community; or externally, considering the interests of the island of Ireland, as opposed to eight-hundred years of English domination. The third solution proposes a redefinition of all concepts implied. As a consequence of this crisis, the novel simultaneously denounces and redefines the political systems used as instruments of domination, and the maintenance and validation of the clash between the two existing ideologies that led to sectarianism within the northern territory. The discussion held in this thesis is based on the present state of the debate regarding Cultural Studies, especially as proposed by Terry Eagleton and by other members of the Field Day Theatre Company, who analyze the questions concerning identity. These intellectuals choose to revaluate the dominant narratives about Ireland, including the formation and the use made of myths that have heightened the sense of hostility against the opposite part. This thesis is structured in three main chapters. Two of them contextualize the background of the narrative and present the critical-political agenda of the Field Day Theatre Company. The chapter of analysis centers on thirteen strong scenes selected from the novel, which are woven within the framing previous chapters. At the end of the work, I hope to validate my belief in the social function of literature, by stressing the importance of Seamus Deane's Reading in the Dark in this process of re-examination of old discourses that led to the failure of communication between the two communities living in the same territory.

Esta dissertação de mestrado propõe-se a apresentar um estudo sobre a obra ficcional de Seamus Deane Reading in the Dark à luz das recentes idéias sobre a redefinição do conceito de identidade norte-irlandesa. No pano de fundo deste romance autobiográfico, identificamos a presença de episódios históricos envolvendo o choque entre unionistas pró-britânicos e Nacionalistas irlandeses, que levou ao conflito conhecido como "The Troubles". Esses episódios, e suas conseqüências, são apresentados através da perspectiva de um protagonista autodiegético, que relata três décadas, de 1940 a 1960. Enquanto o personagem cresce, sua percepção obviamente vai-se alterando. O efeito final da minha leitura do romance - que foi escrito na década de 1990 - é a abertura de uma nova perspectiva, relacionada com a necessidade de redefinir questões da nacionalidade irlandesa. Reading in the Dark é um romance sobre contradições entre duas culturas que não conseguem - mas necessitam - co-existir, vistas através da perspectiva de um adolescente inteligente e bem intencionado. Este texto literário oferece uma formulação sobre os novos avanços a em relação às questões de identidade e tolerância, as quais podem ser abordadas de três formas: o conflito pode ser analisado internamente, através da oposição entre as comunidades Católicas e Protestantes, ou externamente, considerando os interesses da ilha da Irlanda, em oposição aos oitocentos anos de dominação inglesa. A terceira solução propõe uma redefinição de todos os conceitos implicados. Como conseqüência dessa crise, o romance denuncia e redefine os sistemas políticos usados como instrumentos de dominação e de manutenção e validação do choque entre as duas ideologias existentes que levaram ao sectarismo no território da Irlanda do Norte. A discussão levada a cabo nesta dissertação está baseada nos presentes debates sobre estudos culturais, especialmente como propostos por Terry Eagleton e por outros membros do "Field Day Theatre Company", que analisam as questões relativas à identidade. Esses intelectuais escolheram reavaliar as narrativas dominantes sobre a Irlanda, incluindo a formação dos mitos que motivou o acirramento dessa hostilidade contra a parte oposta. Esta dissertação está estruturada em três capítulos principais. Dois deles contextualizam o plano de fundo da narrativa e da agenda política crítica do "Field Day Theatre Company". O capítulo de análise é centrado em treze cenas fortes selecionadas do romance, as quais são comentadas a partir de considerações tecidas nos limites dos capítulos anteriores. No final do trabalho, eu espero validar a importância do romance autobiográfico de Seamus Deane Reading in the Dark no processo de reexame dos discursos que levaram à falta de comunicação entre duas comunidades que vivem em um mesmo território. / This thesis consists of a study of Seamus Deane's Reading in the Dark in the light of recent ideas regarding the redefinition of the concept of Northern Irish identity. In the background of this auto-biographical novel we identify the presence of historical episodes involving the clash between British Unionists and Irish Nationalists, which led to the conflicts known as "The Troubles." These episodes, and their consequences, are presented through the filter of an autodiegetic protagonist/narrator, through a time-span of three decades, from the 1940s to the 1960s. As the character grows, perception is obviously altered. The final effect of my reading of this novel - which was written in the 1990's - is the opening a new perspective, related to the need of redefining issues of national identity. Reading in the Dark is a novel about the contradictions between two cultures which cannot - but must - co-exist, as seen through the eyes of one growing perceptive, well-meaning intelligent young man. This literary text offers a statement about a new advance towards the issues of identity and toleration, which can be approached in three ways: the conflict can be analyzed internally, through the opposition between the Catholic and the Protestant parts of the community; or externally, considering the interests of the island of Ireland, as opposed to eight-hundred years of English domination. The third solution proposes a redefinition of all concepts implied. As a consequence of this crisis, the novel simultaneously denounces and redefines the political systems used as instruments of domination, and the maintenance and validation of the clash between the two existing ideologies that led to sectarianism within the northern territory. The discussion held in this thesis is based on the present state of the debate regarding Cultural Studies, especially as proposed by Terry Eagleton and by other members of the Field Day Theatre Company, who analyze the questions concerning identity. These intellectuals choose to revaluate the dominant narratives about Ireland, including the formation and the use made of myths that have heightened the sense of hostility against the opposite part. This thesis is structured in three main chapters. Two of them contextualize the background of the narrative and present the critical-political agenda of the Field Day Theatre Company. The chapter of analysis centers on thirteen strong scenes selected from the novel, which are woven within the framing previous chapters. At the end of the work, I hope to validate my belief in the social function of literature, by stressing the importance of Seamus Deane's Reading in the Dark in this process of re-examination of old discourses that led to the failure of communication between the two communities living in the same territory.

Esta dissertação de mestrado propõe-se a apresentar um estudo sobre a obra ficcional de Seamus Deane Reading in the Dark à luz das recentes idéias sobre a redefinição do conceito de identidade norte-irlandesa. No pano de fundo deste romance autobiográfico, identificamos a presença de episódios históricos envolvendo o choque entre unionistas pró-britânicos e Nacionalistas irlandeses, que levou ao conflito conhecido como "The Troubles". Esses episódios, e suas conseqüências, são apresentados através da perspectiva de um protagonista autodiegético, que relata três décadas, de 1940 a 1960. Enquanto o personagem cresce, sua percepção obviamente vai-se alterando. O efeito final da minha leitura do romance - que foi escrito na década de 1990 - é a abertura de uma nova perspectiva, relacionada com a necessidade de redefinir questões da nacionalidade irlandesa. Reading in the Dark é um romance sobre contradições entre duas culturas que não conseguem - mas necessitam - co-existir, vistas através da perspectiva de um adolescente inteligente e bem intencionado. Este texto literário oferece uma formulação sobre os novos avanços a em relação às questões de identidade e tolerância, as quais podem ser abordadas de três formas: o conflito pode ser analisado internamente, através da oposição entre as comunidades Católicas e Protestantes, ou externamente, considerando os interesses da ilha da Irlanda, em oposição aos oitocentos anos de dominação inglesa. A terceira solução propõe uma redefinição de todos os conceitos implicados. Como conseqüência dessa crise, o romance denuncia e redefine os sistemas políticos usados como instrumentos de dominação e de manutenção e validação do choque entre as duas ideologias existentes que levaram ao sectarismo no território da Irlanda do Norte. A discussão levada a cabo nesta dissertação está baseada nos presentes debates sobre estudos culturais, especialmente como propostos por Terry Eagleton e por outros membros do "Field Day Theatre Company", que analisam as questões relativas à identidade. Esses intelectuais escolheram reavaliar as narrativas dominantes sobre a Irlanda, incluindo a formação dos mitos que motivou o acirramento dessa hostilidade contra a parte oposta. Esta dissertação está estruturada em três capítulos principais. Dois deles contextualizam o plano de fundo da narrativa e da agenda política crítica do "Field Day Theatre Company". O capítulo de análise é centrado em treze cenas fortes selecionadas do romance, as quais são comentadas a partir de considerações tecidas nos limites dos capítulos anteriores. No final do trabalho, eu espero validar a importância do romance autobiográfico de Seamus Deane Reading in the Dark no processo de reexame dos discursos que levaram à falta de comunicação entre duas comunidades que vivem em um mesmo território. / This thesis consists of a study of Seamus Deane's Reading in the Dark in the light of recent ideas regarding the redefinition of the concept of Northern Irish identity. In the background of this auto-biographical novel we identify the presence of historical episodes involving the clash between British Unionists and Irish Nationalists, which led to the conflicts known as "The Troubles." These episodes, and their consequences, are presented through the filter of an autodiegetic protagonist/narrator, through a time-span of three decades, from the 1940s to the 1960s. As the character grows, perception is obviously altered. The final effect of my reading of this novel - which was written in the 1990's - is the opening a new perspective, related to the need of redefining issues of national identity. Reading in the Dark is a novel about the contradictions between two cultures which cannot - but must - co-exist, as seen through the eyes of one growing perceptive, well-meaning intelligent young man. This literary text offers a statement about a new advance towards the issues of identity and toleration, which can be approached in three ways: the conflict can be analyzed internally, through the opposition between the Catholic and the Protestant parts of the community; or externally, considering the interests of the island of Ireland, as opposed to eight-hundred years of English domination. The third solution proposes a redefinition of all concepts implied. As a consequence of this crisis, the novel simultaneously denounces and redefines the political systems used as instruments of domination, and the maintenance and validation of the clash between the two existing ideologies that led to sectarianism within the northern territory. The discussion held in this thesis is based on the present state of the debate regarding Cultural Studies, especially as proposed by Terry Eagleton and by other members of the Field Day Theatre Company, who analyze the questions concerning identity. These intellectuals choose to revaluate the dominant narratives about Ireland, including the formation and the use made of myths that have heightened the sense of hostility against the opposite part. This thesis is structured in three main chapters. Two of them contextualize the background of the narrative and present the critical-political agenda of the Field Day Theatre Company. The chapter of analysis centers on thirteen strong scenes selected from the novel, which are woven within the framing previous chapters. At the end of the work, I hope to validate my belief in the social function of literature, by stressing the importance of Seamus Deane's Reading in the Dark in this process of re-examination of old discourses that led to the failure of communication between the two communities living in the same territory.

Master's thesis Transformations of the Church at the Time of the Incoming Enlightenment discusses the ongoing contradictions between faiths. Catholic confession, which initially imposed on all subjects and nobilities in the Roman Empire has been slowly losing its previous power. Its power has been decreasing in inverse proportion by the time Enlightenment spreaded to the Czech lands throughout Germany and Italy. It changed everything, what was perceived in some way, and in turn created a lot of new knowledge. Enlightenment appeared under the rule of Emperor Charles VI., although not as much as of his daughter Marie Terezie and of his grandson Emperor Joseph II. at all. Joseph II. transformed his entire empire based on his Enlightenment ideas. By the time of reforms the "liberation" of non-Catholics and the abolition of serfdom is gradually coming. The Church at this time was very fragmented and was creating new spiritual insights on the Catholic Church and Christianity itself.

Cyber aggression came about as a result of advances in information communication technology and the aggressive usage of the technology in real life. Cyber aggression can take on many forms and facets. However, the main focus of this study is cyberbullying and cyberstalking through information sharing practices that might constitute digital aggressive acts. Human aggression has been extensively investigated. Studies focusing on understanding the causes and effects that can lead to physical and digital aggression have shown the prevalence of cyber aggression in different settings. Moreover, these studies have shown strong relationship between cyber aggression and the physiological and physical trauma on both perpetrators and their victims. Nevertheless, the literature shows a lack of studies that could measure the level of acceptance and tolerance of these dangerous digital acts. This study is divided into two main stages; Stage one is a qualitative pilot study carried out to explore the concept of cyber aggression and its existence in Saudi Arabia. In-depth interviews were conducted with 14 Saudi social media users to collect understanding and meanings of cyber aggression. The researcher followed the Colaizzi’s methods to analyze the descriptive data. A proposed model was generated to describe cyber aggression in social media applications. The results showed that there is a level of acceptance to some cyber aggression acts due to a number of factors. The second stage of the study is focused on developing scales with reliable items that could determine acceptability and tolerability of cyber aggression. In this second stage, the researcher used the factors discovered during the first stage as source to create the scales’ items. The proposed methods and scales were analyzed and tested to increase reliability as indicated by the Cronbach’s Alpha value. The scales were designed to measure how acceptable and tolerable is cyber-bullying, cyber-stalking in Saudi Arabia and the sharing of some information in social media applications. The results show a strong tolerance level of those activities. This study is a valuable resource for advanced-level students, educators, and researchers who focus on cyber security, cyber psychology, and cyber aggression in social network sites.

A culture of accommodation and tolerance is a necessary part of establishing and preserving a functional multi-national and multi-ethnic European Union. Civil society organizations and their associated social capital have been shown to foster civic capacity and achievement of public policy goals. However, social capital that is based on group identity can also contribute to a sense of intolerance towards out-groups, undermining the stated tolerance objectives of the social pillar of the European Union. States with a strong presence alongside civil society are expected to be curb the development of the exclusionary bonding form of social capital in favor of bridging social capital which will improve progress toward policy goals. This study tests the link between government capacity, social capital and tolerance using data from the 1990-2009 waves of the World Values Survey and European Values Study. Using path analysis and multi-level models of the relationships between political capacity, social capital and intolerance, the model establishes that government capacity enhances bridging social capital and which increases social tolerance. The study fills a gap in understanding how government capacity and policy can result in improved social capital even with greater diversity. A proposed relationship between political capacity and bonding forms of social capital was not supported.

No description available.

This thesis deals with the origins and subsequent historical development of the Congregation of the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren in Jablůnka, particularly from the eighteenth through the twentieth centuries. The first part describes the period before the issuing of the Patent of Toleration and its announcement and implementation, particularly in the context of Protestants in Jablůnka. The second part focuses on the nineteenth century; the transformation of a filial church in Jablůnka into an independent Parish church is also discussed. Another event mentioned is the founding of a confessional school and its transformation into a state-run primary school. The third part is devoted to the twentieth century, the pastors of the church and the specific spiritual trends that have influenced the functioning of the community. Future prospects of the congregation are outlined in interviews with its members.

My thesis examines relations among practitioners of various religions, especially Christians and Jews, during the era when Jesus’ project went from being a Galilean sect, to a persecuted minority, to religio licita status, and eventually to imperial favor, all happening between the first century resurrection of Jesus and the fourth century rise of Constantine. There is an abiding image of the Church in wider public consciousness that it is unwittingly and in some cases antagonistically exclusionist. This is not a late-developing image. I trace it to the period that the church developed into a formal organization with the establishment of canons and creeds defined by Church councils. This notion is so pervasive that an historical retrospective of Christianity of any period, from the sect that became a movement, to the Reformation, to the present day’s multiple Christian iterations, is framed by the late Patristic era. The conflicts and solutions reached in that period provided enduring definition to the Church while silencing dissent. I refer here to such actions as the destruction of books and letters and the banishment of bishops. Before there emerged the urgent perceived need for doctrinal uniformity, the presence of Christianity provided a resilient non-militant opponent to and an increasing intellectual critique of all religious traditions, including that of the official gods that were seen to hold the empire together. When glaringly manifest cleavages in the empire persisted, the Emperor Constantine sought to use the church to help bring political unity. He called for church councils, starting with Nicaea in 325 CE that took no account for churches outside the Roman Empire, and many within, even though councils were called “Ecumenical.” The presumption that the church was fully representative without asking for permission from a broader field of constituents is just that: a presumption. This thesis studies the ancient world of Christianity’s growth to explore whether, in that age of new and untested toleration, there was a more advisable way of responding to the invitation to the political table. The answer to this can help us formulate, and perhaps revise, some of our conduct today, especially for Christians who obtain a voice in powerful places. / Christian Spirituality, Church History & Missiology / D. Th. (Church History)

Multicultural education is only one of the major changes, which have occurred since the inception of the new democracy in South Africa. However, this inevitable change has resulted in many challenges for both educators and educational institutions. A literature study was done to discuss and clarity concepts of multicultural education, culture, race, ethnicity, bias and anti-bias. The perspectives, principles and history of multicultural education in the United States of America, Britain and South Africa were also investigated. An exploratory study, using a qualitative research design, was done to investigate educators' viewpoints on multicultural education in schools. The results of the investigation indicate that there is a lack of tolerance in schools and that educators require training and intervention strategies to help them cope with the changes in a multicultural education system in South Africa. Recommendations regarding training and policy implementation were discussed and intervention strategies for educators have been given. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (with specialisation in Guidance and Counselling)