Desireé Knight http://www.salem.edu daily 1 2011-01-04T11:28:42Z Jan Term Ends http://www.salem.edu/blogs/january-term-2011/desiree-knight/jan-term-ends  

...and Spring Semester Begins.

JanTerm is O-V-E-R.

Now spring semester has begun.

My research is complete and I have presented my research to the Business and Economics Department, including the Kimbrough Chair of the Department and Herb Schuette, my advisor. I won't bore you with all the details of the failing Greek economy.

BUT, I will make three points:

1. Greece has two options- It can simply raise taxes and cut spending, asking its population to suffer many years of high unemployment. Or it can seek a real bail-out from its euro partners, in which they give the Greek government enough money year after year to pay its bills without raising taxes. (Martin Feldstein, Harvard University)

2. Many Germans feel they are being forced to choose between two basic principles of their post-war economic order: economic stability and integration within Europe. (The Economist)

3. Lastly, we must realize that in the Eurozone, things will get worse before they get better. Remind anyone of the Western world economy?

ONE WORD: Eerie...

I do appreciate everyone who has followed my blog and I hope I have shed some light onto JanTerm Independent Studies (and travel) for you.

Now, the transition into Spring Semester and normal classes begins with History of Economic Thought, Taxation Accounting, and Business Law.

 Here they come, if I'm ready or not!

Bis dann in Germany, Khairete in Greece.

 

]]> No publisher Mikayla Sykes 2011-02-10T21:55:00Z Page Research Begins. http://www.salem.edu/blogs/january-term-2011/desiree-knight/research-begins Now in the States, my research has begun. Swinging...around the World Now for the Fun Part...

But, really, it's time for RESEARCH!

The main focus of my research is the interplay between Germany and Greece in the Eurozone. Since Germany carries a large weight in the EU decisions (specifically regarding the Euro), I'm spotlightin on the German resistance to how the EU handled the Greek "tragedy". I'm exploring the reasons for Germany's stance as well as their (Germany's) future risks for a bailout support.

The four main sources of research are The Economist, Financial Times of London, Wall Street Journal, and New York Times. I am also searching for paperbacks with a focus on Post War German economics and the current international economic arena.

 

I won't bore you with the specifics...but I will tell you the top three reasons for JanTerm Independent Studies.

1. You create your own schedule.

2. You develop your own syllabus.

3. You never have to go to class.

 

Independent Studies during JanTerm are a great way to indepthly explore a topic you are interested in, or is related to your major. Best of all, it allows the freedom to be in your hands (and mind).

Ta-Ta-For Now.

]]> No publisher Desireé Knight 2011-01-22T17:45:00Z Page My Last Cold Days in Prague. http://www.salem.edu/blogs/january-term-2011/desiree-knight/my-last-cold-days-in-prague Me in Prague

Due to tremendous amounts of snow, my flight route back to the States was reorganized...by a random pin point of cities. I finally arrived home on Wednesday (January 12) night around 3am after multiple country custom check points in various airports (Amsterdam, Detroit, etc.).

My last two days in Praha (that's Czech for Prague), I visited Charles Bridge again. I am deeply in love with the views of the Czech Republic from there. Also, I visited the Communism museum.

 

Museum of Communism

  Communism: The Dream, The Reality, and The Nightmare

The museum presents a vivid account of Coomunism focusing on (then) Czechoslovakia in general and on Prague in particular. The museum room depict daily life, politics, history, sport, economics, education, the arts, media propaganda, the army, the police, censorship, judiciary institutions (including the Stalinist show trials), and political labor camps. The museum contains authentic artifacts. There is also a projection room with regular film screenings, interviews with ex-political prisoners and proaganda films. I found the pictures, paintings, music and statues came alive and brought me back into the era of Communism in all its dreariness and puffed up glory. It was an amazing experience and really helps see things from an Eastern view. I found it even more difficult to understand at first, because of the natural "I Hate Communist" view of the Western world. However, walking through the museum and experiencing Communism second-hand, I really began to believe in "The Dream". I was actually crushed by the end to find Communism was just a bad dream. It completely warps your mind...helps you see it from the Eastern European mindset. It was truly one of my favorite experiences in Prague.

 

I am still sad about having left Prague, and miss the highly deflated currency, but am excited to dive deeper into my research.

Until the next entry, Sbohem (Good-Bye).

]]> No publisher Desireé Knight 2011-01-22T17:45:00Z Page Prague, Czech Republic. http://www.salem.edu/blogs/january-term-2011/desiree-knight/prague-czech-republic My trip to Prague thus far... I arrived to Prague on Friday, after spending all day Thursday flying. Before I left, I met with Professor Schuette to discuss my JanTerm research. 

Me in Prague

Before telling you all about my travels the past few days, I will tell you what I've learned this far in my Prague and Central/Eastern European research. Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, as well as the largest city, making it the political and economic center of the Czech Republic. Prague's economic contribution to the Czech Republic's accounts totals approximately 25% of all Czech accounts. In addition, Prague is the location for many international headquarters. In the past twenty years, their has been a major shift in Prague's economic status. While once industrial based, Prague's economic stimulation now thrives from a service-oriented base. 

Of the emerging democracies in Central and Eastern Europe, the Czech Republic has one of the most developed and industrialized economies. Of the post-Communism states in Central and Eastern Europe, it is the most stable and prosperous nation. The Czech Republic joined the European Union in 2004 and continued a prosperous growth trend in the years to follow. Unlike many EU states, the Czech Republic was not affected by the Financial Crisis in 2007-2010. Initially, the Czech Republic planned to adopt the euro in 2010, but that date was noted unlikely; therefore, the Czech Republic still uses the Czech koruna (pronounced crown).

Now for the exciting part...

I have been to four prominent places in Prague since my arrival: Wenceslas Square, Prague Castle, Old Town Square and Charles Bridge.

Wenceslas Square is one of the main city squares in the "New Town" of Prague. It was formerly a horse market during the Middle Ages. The square took it's name after Saint Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia.

Prague Castle Prague Castle has housed the Kings of Bohemia, the presidents of Czechoslovakia and Czech Republic, as well as the Holy Roman Emperors. The Bohemian Crown Jewels are currently housed there. According the Guinness Book of World Records, it is the largest castle complex in the world. Construction of the Castle began in the 9th century!! During the 14th century, under the crown of Charles IV, the Castle was rebuilt in the Gothic style it largely represents today. However, the Prague Castle has been rebuilt many times, so it represents almost every architectural style of the past millennium.

Old Town Square is a historic square in the "Old Town" of Prague.   Old Town Square

It is located between Wenceslas Square and Charles Bridge. Huge celebrations, such as New Years, Christmas and Easter, are held there.

Charles Bridge    Charles Bridge is a famous bridge that crosses the Vitava River. It's construction also began under the crown of Charles IV during the 14th century. 

 

My travels have been very exciting! Tomorrow I'm off to the Museum of Communism. Until next week, Ahoj (Bye).

]]> No publisher Desireé Knight 2011-01-10T16:15:00Z Page JanTerm Begins. http://www.salem.edu/blogs/january-term-2011/desiree-knight/janterm-begins

  Hi!

My name is Desiree' Knight. I am a Junior from Rome, Georgia. I am a double Accounting and Economics major, with a College Honors minor.

During the past two Jan Term sessions I have taken classes at Salem. However, this year, with the help of Professor Herb Schuette, I have designed my own independent study. I will be doing two things this month. First, I will be studying the Euro, with in-depth research in regards to the current Greek "tragedy" in the Eurozone and the Germany success within that same Eurozone. Second, I will be traveling to Prague, Czech Republic to spend seven days exploring the culture and history of the city  as well as looking at the emerging Eastern European economies.

This summer I spent four weeks studying Emerging Global Economics at Oxford University in England, UK. While there I was introduced to the topics I will be studying during Jan Term. By designing this independent study, I hope to learn more about  European economies and the newly-developing Euro.

I am very excited to begin my JanTerm experiences and am glad you all are joining me! Enjoy.

Until next week in Prague.

 

]]> No publisher Desireé Knight 2011-01-04T17:15:00Z Page