The thesis discusses if the hero’s journey in the fantasy genre could be seen as a journey through social classes. By comparing Paolin’s Eragon’s journey to that of Moberg’s Karl Oskar’s with a focus on the home, education and the chosen one trope via the concepts skogsgång (to go into the forest) and return the thesis concludes that many of the steps necessary for social mobility is also necessary in the hero’s journey, and that the change between social classes can be an answer to the heroes isolation in the end of their stories. The thesis also muses on how the hero’s journey can enlighten the hardships of social mobility.

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Plusieurs films américains des années 2000 (Mulholland Drive et INLAND EMPIRE de David Lynch, The Virgin Suicides de Sofia Coppola, Memento de Christopher Nolan, The Pledge de Sean Penn, Broken Flowers de Jim Jarmusch et Zodiac de David Fincher) opèrent une remise en question de la fonction, du fonctionnement et de la représentation des indices sur lesquels s’appuient tant la littérature que le cinéma policiers. Ces films, qui reprennent certains codes du genre sans être tous à proprement parler des « films policiers », ont pour point commun de mettre en scène une enquête qui n’aboutit pas et qui se retourne contre l’enquêteur jusqu’à ébranler son identité. Ils font ainsi écho aux récits de détection dits métaphysiques (The Crying of Lot 49 de Thomas Pynchon, City of Glass de Paul Auster...) : l’indice, loin de permettre la clôture du récit, devient le moyen de son ouverture. À sa juste interprétation succède le foisonnement des lectures et des histoires possibles. Autrefois transparent, il se fait opaque ; de fluide, sa circulation devient accidentée – ce à quoi correspondent de nouvelles manières de le filmer. Les codes du genre policier visant à marquer l’indice tout en favorisant sa lisibilité et l’identification avec l’enquêteur (insert en gros plan, raccord-regard, faible profondeur de champ…) sont détournés selon diverses stratégies : inversion, exagération, etc. Celles-ci ont pour effet de déjouer les attentes des spectateurs et de les rendre inquiets en rétablissant l’incertitude fondamentale de la littérature policière, que le cinéma policier tend à minorer, tout en la mettant au service de projets esthétiques par ailleurs très différents les uns des autres. / A few American films released between 2000 and 2007 (David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive and INLAND EMPIRE, Sofia Coppola’s The Virgin Suicides, Christopher Nolan’s Memento, Sean Penn’s The Pledge, Jim Jarmusch’s Broken Flowers and David Fincher’s Zodiac) question the function, inner workings and representation of the clues on which detective fiction and film rely. These movies, which take up certain tropes of the genre without necessarily being detective films per se, all revolve around an investigation which is left incomplete and eventually turns against the investigator, to the point of shattering his or her sense of identity. They thus follow in the footsteps of metaphysical detective fiction (novels such as Thomas Pynchon’s The Crying of Lot 49 and Paul Auster’s City of Glass), in that the clue, instead of bringing about the closure of the narrative, becomes the instrument of its open-endedness. Its one correct interpretation is replaced by a proliferation of possible readings and stories. Once transparent, it turns opaque; once fluid, its circulation becomes problematic – which leads to new ways of filming it. The codes that detective films use to point out the clue, increase its legibility and foster identification with the investigator (close-up insert, eyeline match, shallow focus…) are subverted through a number of strategies such as inversion and exaggeration. These aim to deceive the spectator’s expectations and to unsettle him or her by reinstating the fundamental uncertainty of detective fiction, which detective films normally tend to repress, and which is here incorporated into aesthetic projects that otherwise differ widely.

This essay intends to examine the atheists Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens and Michel Onfray's arguments against religion, based on the themes of religion, atheism and the perception.of their present worldview. In addition, the research aims to find out whether it is suitable to talk about a new atheism. And, if so, whether such newatheism correspond with the definition represented by the Christian critics. The essay intends to contribute to a very limited research on the so-called new atheism without applying pro-religious arguments. Previous research and theory highlight the problem of defining the terms atheism, religion and secularism a concern that is reflected by the five critics troughout their arguments. What really united the critics were the idea about religion taking too much place in society, and the opinion that atheistic morality is at least as good as religious morality. In addition, the authors agree that religion is not needed to maintain good morale, on the contrary, religion affect the morale negatively. They also assumed that religion restricts people and and that moderate religion more or less leads to, or is responsible for, fundamentalism. Also, the value of truth and contempt against relativism brought the authors together, although they were sometimes justified by very different arguments. Crucially, however, are the differences in their definitions of religion, both concerning their focus on substantive and functional definitions, the relationship between absolute, relative-, and private religion and their political focus. To regard these authors' arguments as a new atheism is thus hard to justify. The results conclude that both the Christian critics and the five critics of religion generalize their opponents view of atheism or religion, and also fail to define themselves in order to be able to unite as a group against the other.

Thesis (MMus)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: UShaka KaSenzangakhona is a work of about sixty minutes for choir, soloists and orchestra, composed by Mzilikazi Khumalo, orchestrated in 1994 by Christopher James and revised in 1996 by Robert Maxym. The composition is a setting of a Zulu text by Themba Msimang. The racial and cultural differences between UShaka’s three authors bring binaries into play that define certain aspects of the composition. UShaka’s main developmental trajectory (1982-1996) places it within a volatile political space and time in South Africa‟s recent history. Somewhere, hanging in an unstable balance between these diverse factors, exists a musical work that is struggling to find a voice. This thesis highlights these factors by critically evaluating two aspects of UShaka’s existence, namely its authorship and ownership under Khumalo, James and Maxym. This is achieved through thorough quantitative score analyses of the original composition and its two orchestrations. Results of the analyses are used to draw conclusions about the contributions of each of its three authors to the final musical product. By implication of the findings produced by the analyses, broader themes within South African musicology are touched on and highlighted in new and meaningful ways. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: UShaka KaSenzangakhona is `n komposisie van sowat sestig minute geskryf deur Mzilikazi Khumalo vir koor, soliste en orkes. Die werk is in 1994 georkestreer deur Christopher James en in 1996 hersien deur Robert Maxym. Die skrywer van die werk se teks is Themba Msimang. Die rasse- en kultuurverskille wat Ushaka se outeurs kenmerk bring binêre binne spel wat sekere eienskappe van die werk se bestaan definieer. Die komposisie se hoof ontwikkelingstrajek (1982-1996) plaas dit binne 'n ongestadige politieke ruimte in Suid-Afrika se onlangse geskiedenis. Ushaka sukkel om binne hierdie diverse faktore 'n stem van sy eie te ontdek. Die tesis vestig aandag op hierdie faktore deur 'n kritiese verkenning te onderneem van twee aspekte van Ushaka se bestaan, naamlik outeurskap en eienaarskap. Dit word behartig met deeglike kwantitatiewe analise van die bladmusiek van die oorspronklike komposisie asook beide orkestrasies. Resultate wat verkry word vanuit die analise word gebruik om gevolgtrekkings te maak gaande die bydraes van elke outeur tot die uiteindelike komposisie. By implikasie kan die bevindinge gebruik word om op nuwe en betekenisvolle wyses aan breër onderwerpe te raak binne die Suid-Afrikaanse veld musikologie.

This study examines phrase and larger formal structures in the first movement of Leo Brouwer’s Elegio de la Danza (1964), a work that draws on tonal and post-tonal traditions. By adapting key features of the tonal motive, as described by Douglass Green, and the tonal period, as proposed by Green and William Caplin, the model seeks to provide a tool for the discussion of phrases and larger forms in Brouwer’s work. An analysis of primary parameters, such as melody, harmony, and rhythm, provides the means to discuss how the composer articulates beginnings and endings of statements and responses, which are then grouped into antecedent and consequent phrases. These periods articulate large-scale sections, which outline a ternary formal design. Secondary parameters (dynamics, tempo markings, instrumental markings) further contribute to the identification of formal structures in Brouwer’s work.

La présente recherche traite des conflits d’aménagement pouvant être décelés dans les cuisines domiciliaires modernes. L’ajout d’objets mécanisés au rituel alimentaire quotidien a su changer la dynamique du lieu. En effet, l’architecture des cuisines modernes en Occident présente de grandes contradictions. Basées sur des standards architecturaux, les cuisines modulaires ne reflètent pas la variété et l’unicité des aliments auxquels les cuisines sont dédiées. Les cuisines devraient être le miroir de la vivacité naturelle des aliments et des échanges humains que la nourriture génère à travers le plaisir et le partage. Dans l’espoir de proposer des outils afin de rééquilibrer la dynamique de cette pièce, un cadre théorique basé sur les théories architecturales de l’architecte et mathématicien anglais Christopher Alexander a été établi. Supportant la présente recherche, ces théories architecturales s’inspirent de la structure et de la composition des choses de la nature et des monuments anciens afin d’établir des balises d’aménagement simples et équilibrées (qualité de vie, patterns, configuration des événements, configurations de l’espace, ...). Ces théories ont aidé à concevoir une formule d’ateliers participatifs qui visent à outiller les occupants, qui sont très souvent des non-professionnels du domaine de l’architecture et du design. Ces ateliers proposent un cheminement bien encadré qui permet aux participants de retravailler leur espace de cuisine respectif selon leurs goûts et leurs besoins. En fournissant un plan de l’étage où se situe la cuisine, quelques crayons, règles et autres matériel de dessin, les participants ont pour tâche de réaménager leur cuisine en un espace de cuisine idéal. La deuxième étape, qui elle se réalise en équipe avec tous les occupants participants de la demeure, consiste à réduire l’ampleur des changements afin d’arriver à un résultat réaliste. L’enthousiasme noté tout au long de ce processus a ainsi permis de confirmer que les non-professionnels du domaine de l’architecture et du design peuvent développer un intérêt marqué pour l’amélioration de leurs interactions quotidiennes, avec l’espace et entre les occupants, lorsque bien accompagnés dans cette tâche. Grâce aux propos et aux plans recueillis durant les séances d’ateliers participatifs ainsi qu’à l’analyse de ces données, une série d’interprétations ont émergé. Les données ont notamment démontrées l’influence positive de l’utilisation des patterns d’Alexander. L’analyse permet, en outre, de noter les tendances d’aménagement ayant émergé de l’utilisation des patterns dans les espaces de cuisine : définitivement, les cuisines se sont transformées en espace de vie partagé et polyvalent. Finalement, la présente recherche se conclut grâce à une série de recommandations qui traitent de la structure des cuisines, des ateliers participatifs et des patterns. Tout d’abord, l’impact de ces notions sur les espaces retravaillés par les participants est impressionnant. Les espaces sont bien organisés, vastes et, surtout, reflètent les occupants qui y vivent au quotidien. De plus, ayant démontré la facilité d’utilisation et la polyvalence des patterns, il a été jugé que certains aspects devraient être améliorés tels que l’actualisation de certains patterns, le prolongement du processus d’ateliers, le perfectionnement de la méthode et la diffusion des résultats. / This research focuses on design and architectural conflicts found in modern kitchens. The addition of mechanized objects in the daily food ritual has completely changed the overall dynamic of this space. As a matter of fact, the Occidental architecture of modern kitchens is filled with unsolved contradictions. Based on architectural standards, modular or fitted kitchens do not reflect fresh food’s variety and uniqueness to which they should be dedicated. Kitchens should be the mirror of the innate liveliness of fresh foods and of the pleasure offered by communal meals through human interactions and gustative discoveries. In the hopes of proposing useful tools in order to reestablish a balanced dynamic in these spaces, a theoretical framework was establishedbased on Christopher Alexander’s architectural theories. Alexander is a reknown English mathematician and architect. Supportive of the present research, his theories were inspired by the study of structural and compositionnal qualities of things derived from nature and ancients monuments in order to establish simple and balanced design recommendations (quality of life, patterns, configurations of events, configurations of space, …). These theories helped in planning participatory workshops that have as main objective the empowerment of householders and occupants in their planning of a renovation process. Moreover, as, most of the time, these occupants are non-professionals in the field of architecture and design the workshops have to be quite inuitive. These workshops propose a well supervised process which allows participants to redesign their kitchen space according to their tastes and needs. Working directly on the plan of the floor on which their kitchen is located, participants have as first task to transform the actual kitchen area in their ideal kitchen. The second step of this participatory process is accomplished in teams of participating members; during this step, participants are asked to reduce the importance of planned changes in order to propose a more realistic result. The noted enthusiasm throughout the participatory process has confirmed that non-professionals can develop a high interest for the overall improvement of their daily interactions whether it is with the space or amongst occupants. Thanks to the narratives and drawing material collected during the participatory workshops and to the data analysis, a series of interesting interpretations have emerged. For instance, the data showed the positive influence linked to the use of Alexander’s patterns. Moreover, the analysis underlined the design tendencies that emerged from the use of the patterns in kitchen spaces : definitely, kitchens were transformed in shared and versatile living spaces. Finally, the present research concludes with a series of recommandations linked to various aspects of this research: the structure and organisation of kitchens, participatory workshops and patterns. First, the impact of the use of these architectural notions on spaces is very impressive and was successful. Spaces are well organized, vast, and, most importantly, reflect their daily inhabitants. Moreover, having established the patterns’ versatility and usefullness, some details were noted as to be improved. For exemple, the modernization of some patterns, the time-length of the participatory process, the maximizing of the overall method and the future distribution of the results.

Submitted by Alisson Mota (alisson.davidbeckam@gmail.com) on 2015-06-03T20:07:52Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAÇÃO - Mary Ellen Rivera Cacheado.pdf: 1024319 bytes, checksum: 603f2d4137df623b96f7f4bf23faf93e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Divisão de Documentação/BC Biblioteca Central (ddbc@ufam.edu.br) on 2015-06-08T13:26:03Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAÇÃO - Mary Ellen Rivera Cacheado.pdf: 1024319 bytes, checksum: 603f2d4137df623b96f7f4bf23faf93e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Divisão de Documentação/BC Biblioteca Central (ddbc@ufam.edu.br) on 2015-06-08T13:32:11Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAÇÃO - Mary Ellen Rivera Cacheado.pdf: 1024319 bytes, checksum: 603f2d4137df623b96f7f4bf23faf93e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-06-08T13:32:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAÇÃO - Mary Ellen Rivera Cacheado.pdf: 1024319 bytes, checksum: 603f2d4137df623b96f7f4bf23faf93e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-04-17 / Não Informada / This master´s degree dissertation completes a historical-literary analysis of the play Edward II (1592) by the English playwright Christopher Marlowe. A historic context opens the first chapter and the Greek and Roman traditions are analyzed in Marlowe‟s work as well as the ruptures and innovations of the playwright in this historic tragedy. These analysis are based on the works: Poetics by Aristotle, History of World Theatre by Margot Berthold and Modern Tragedy by Raymond Williams. In the second section, the power and sexual relations of the main characters are analyzed and these same characters are compared to the historic figures. These analysis are based on the works Personagem de Ficção by Décio Almeida Prado, Reading Theatre by Anne Ubbersfeld and predominately on the work of George Lukács, The Historical Novel. The third section of the dissertation will research the reception and critique of the play in England, as well as a research into the history of homosexuality. Echoes of the author‟s work on the cinema: Edward II by Derek Jarman, Braveheart by Mel Gibson, on contemporary literature: Gaveston by Stephanie Merritt and on the canon: Richard II by Shakespeare are analyzed. / Esta dissertação de mestrado realiza uma análise histórico-literária da peça Eduardo II (1592), do dramaturgo inglês Christopher Marlowe. O contexto histórico abre o primeiro capítulo e as tradições grega e romana são analisadas na obra de Marlowe assim como as rupturas e inovações do dramaturgo nessa tragédia-histórica. Essas análises são baseadas nas obras: Poética de Aristóteles, História Mundial do Teatro de Margot Berthold e Tragédia Moderna de Raymond Williams. Na segunda parte, as personagens principais da peça e suas relações de poder e sexualidade são analisadas e essas mesmas personagens são comparadas às figuras históricas. Tais análises estão pautadas nas obras Personagem de Ficção, de Décio Almeida Prado, Para Ler o Teatro, de Anne Ubersfeld e, principalmente, na obra O Romance Histórico, de George Lukács. Na terceira parte dessa dissertação, foi realizada uma pesquisa sobre a recepção e crítica da peça Eduardo II na Inglaterra, assim como uma pesquisa sobre a história da homossexualidade. Ecos da obra do autor no cinema: Eduardo II de Derek Jarman, Coração Valente de Mel Gibson, na literatura contemporânea: Gaveston de Stephanie Merritt e no cânone: Richard II, de Shakespeare também foram lidas e analisadas.

This thesis contains a detailed academic analysis of the complete rise and fall of Christopher Skase and his Qintex group mirage. It uses David Harvey's 'Condition of Postmodernity' to locate the collapse within the Australian political economic context of the period (1974-1989). It does so in order to answer questions about why and how the mirage developed, why and how it failed, and why Skase became the scapegoat for the Australian corporate excesses of the 1980s. I take a multi-disciplinary approach and consider corporate collapse, corporate regulation and the role of accounting, and corporate deviance.