LYCEUM NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

Tapuac, Dagupan City, Pangasinan Philipphines

School of Graduate and Professional Studies

Foundations
of
Education
(midterm-exam)

Name: Lichelle C. Alcantara

Program: Master’s in Education Major In Mathematics

Prof: Dr. Margarita Layson

A.. Construct 6 Essay questions, 2 for Historical, 2 for Philosophical and 2 for Anthropological.

B. For each, write 2 paragraphs answers and send it to me

Historical Essay Questions:

1. Essay Question 1: Discuss the impact of the Industrial Revolution on societal

structures and the labor force in 19th-century Europe. How did this period of
rapid industrialization reshape urban landscapes and social hierarchies?
Answer: The Industrial Revolution fundamentally altered the fabric of
European society in the 19th century. As factories emerged and production
shifted from agrarian to industrial, urban centers swelled with migrants
seeking employment. This transformation disrupted traditional social
hierarchies, with the bourgeoisie rising in prominence alongside the decline of
feudal structures. The labor force transitioned from predominantly agricultural
to industrial, leading to the formation of a working class subjected to harsh
working conditions and long hours. The rise of factory systems and
urbanization not only changed the economic landscape but also prompted
social and political movements advocating for workers' rights and social
reforms.
2. Essay Question 2: Analyze the causes and consequences of the Cold War,
focusing on its impact on global politics and society from 1945 to 1991. How
did ideological differences between the United States and the Soviet Union
shape international relations during this period?
Answer: The Cold War, a geopolitical standoff between the United States and
the Soviet Union, arose from ideological clashes between capitalism and
communism following World War II. Tensions escalated as both superpowers
vied for global influence through proxy wars, arms races, and ideological
propaganda. The division of Europe into Eastern and Western blocs,
symbolized by the Iron Curtain, epitomized the bipolar world order of the
Cold War era. This ideological struggle shaped global politics, fueling conflicts
in Korea, Vietnam, and elsewhere. Moreover, the arms race led to nuclear
proliferation and the constant threat of mutually assured destruction,
profoundly impacting international relations and fostering a climate of fear
and mistrust.
Philosophical Essay Questions:

1. Essay Question 1: Explore the concept of existentialism as articulated by

Jean-Paul Sartre. How does Sartre's philosophy challenge traditional notions
of human existence, freedom, and responsibility?
Answer: Jean-Paul Sartre's existentialism posits that existence precedes
essence, meaning that individuals define themselves through their choices
and actions rather than adhering to predetermined roles or essences. Sartre
contends that human beings are condemned to be free, burdened with the
responsibility to create their own meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.
This radical freedom, while liberating, also entails profound existential angst
and anxiety. Moreover, Sartre emphasizes the concept of "bad faith," whereby
individuals evade their freedom and responsibility by conforming to societal
expectations or adopting false personas. Through his philosophy, Sartre calls
for a radical reevaluation of human existence, urging individuals to embrace
their freedom and confront the inherent absurdity of life.
2. Essay Question 2: Discuss the ethical implications of utilitarianism in
contemporary society. How does the utilitarian principle of maximizing overall
happiness intersect with issues such as distributive justice, individual rights,
and the environment?
Answer: Utilitarianism, a consequentialist ethical theory, posits that the right
action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility for the greatest
number of people. While this principle offers a seemingly straightforward
framework for moral decision-making, it raises significant ethical dilemmas in
practice. Critics argue that utilitarianism may prioritize aggregate happiness at
the expense of individual rights or minority interests, leading to potential
injustices or the marginalization of vulnerable populations. Furthermore,
applying utilitarian calculations to complex issues such as environmental
sustainability or resource distribution can be fraught with challenges, as it may
overlook long-term consequences or undervalue intrinsic goods. Despite
these criticisms, utilitarianism continues to inform ethical discourse and public
policy debates, highlighting the ongoing tension between maximizing utility
and upholding principles of justice and fairness.

Anthropological Essay Questions:

1. Essay Question 1: Explore the role of rituals in shaping cultural identity and
social cohesion among indigenous communities. How do rituals reflect and
reinforce cultural values, beliefs, and power dynamics within these societies?
Answer: Rituals play a central role in indigenous cultures, serving as key
mechanisms for expressing and perpetuating cultural identity, values, and
social cohesion. These rituals often encode cultural knowledge and historical
narratives, transmitting them across generations. Moreover, rituals serve as
 mechanisms for maintaining social order and reinforcing power dynamics
within indigenous communities. For example, initiation rituals may mark
transitions into adulthood and reinforce gender roles, while religious
ceremonies may legitimize political authority or communal solidarity. By
participating in rituals, individuals reaffirm their belongingness to the
community and contribute to the reproduction of cultural norms and
traditions.
2. Essay Question 2: Analyze the impact of globalization on indigenous
communities, focusing on changes in cultural practices, identity formation,
and socio-economic structures. How do indigenous peoples negotiate their
cultural heritage in the face of external pressures and modernization?
Answer: Globalization has had profound effects on indigenous communities,
reshaping their cultural practices, identities, and socio-economic structures.
Increased connectivity and exposure to external influences have led to the
adoption of new technologies, lifestyles, and cultural practices among
indigenous peoples. While globalization offers opportunities for economic
development and cultural exchange, it also poses threats to indigenous
cultures and ways of life. Rapid urbanization, resource extraction, and
encroachment on indigenous lands often lead to environmental degradation,
displacement, and loss of traditional knowledge. In response, many
indigenous communities engage in processes of cultural revitalization and
resistance, asserting their rights to land, self-determination, and cultural
autonomy. Through initiatives such as language revitalization, cultural
festivals, and advocacy for indigenous rights, these communities assert their
resilience and agency in the face of external pressures.