This open course for Plants, Society, and the Environment was created under a Round Six ALG Textbook Transformation Grant. Topics include cell structure, photosynthesis, taxonomy, biomes, domestication, agriculture, and medicine.

This book is a lucid and accessible companion to Plato’s Republic, throwing light upon the text’s arguments and main themes, placing them in the wider context of the text’s structure. In its illumination of the philosophical ideas underpinning the work, it provides readers with an understanding and appreciation of the complexity and literary artistry of Plato’s Republic. McAleer not only unpacks the key overarching questions of the text – What is justice? And Is a just life happier than an unjust life? – but also highlights some fascinating, overlooked passages which contribute to our understanding of Plato’s philosophical thought.

Plato’s 'Republic': An Introduction offers a rigorous and thought-provoking analysis of the text, helping readers navigate one of the world’s most influential works of philosophy and political theory. With its approachable tone and clear presentation, it constitutes a welcome contribution to the field, and will be an indispensable resource for philosophy students and teachers, as well as general readers new to, or returning to, the text.

Many of us have likely heard the expression “government of the people, by the people, for the people.” Yet, it is the people who are often excluded from the public policy process. Citizen engagement is typically reactive rather than proactive and passive as opposed to active. Voting and protesting are not the only ways that governments hear the voices of the people. Voting allows citizens to choose individuals who represent their interests, yet their interests are not always represented in ways they desire. Protesting brings attention to issues but doesn’t always lead to problems being solved. This book aims to empower readers to be active participants in the policy process rather than centering elected officials, appointed officials or bureaucrats as the only sources of policy power. This book is written in the spirit of equity. In order to have equitable public policies the voices of those who are impacted by these policies need to be heard as “gaps exist between the services governments deliver and what citizens want or need” (Mintrom & Luetjens, 2018, pg. 122). This is not simply a matter of contributing to policy discourse, but perhaps more importantly, a matter of contributing to the design, development and evaluation of public policy. Further, it is about holding policy makers and other decision makers accountable for their actions and the results of the actions. This book draws from lessons learned from my practical experiences, teaching and research. It is my hope that it equips those on the front lines of public policy and social equity with the tools needed to be effective producers and consumers of public policy ideas.

Policy of Multi-Actor Systems is an introduction into the art of craft of problem exploration and problem structuring. It positions policy analysis as a scientific discipline focused on systems analysis in a multi-actor context to support better informed decision-making. The approach presented in this book is considered to be the cornerstone of the curricula of the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management of Delft University of Technology and underlies the research on (the governance of) socio-technical systems. Systems thinking applied in a multi-actor environment and its inherent multi-disciplinary character is what makes this work stand out from traditional hard- and soft systems approaches. The core of the book is dedicated to systems analysis, actor- or stakeholder-analysis and discusses methods for dealing with uncertainty. These analytical activities combined lead to a rich problem description and to plans for further research. Due to the stepwise approach this book serves as a basis for any problem analysis both for our bachelor and master students, our alumni worldwide and any interested practitioners.

Short Description:
This open educational resource (OER) brings together Canadian and international scholars in a contemporary, pluralistic volume introducing undergraduates in a variety of relevant disciplines to political ideologies and worldviews. This introductory volume is also suitable for a wider general audience. This volume is the first of its kind, a fully open textbook on political worldviews that deals with the historical development of classical ideologies, while expanding and updating the subject using contemporary political examples and non-Eurocentric examinations of ideology. The volume includes chapters on Indigenous worldviews, Confucianism, and the future of ideology in the emerging global order. The volume also contains valuable sets of discussion questions throughout.

Long Description:
Political Ideologies and Worldviews: An Introduction takes a “pluralist” approach and, in addition to being the first open textbook on its subject, also pushes back against the Eurocentric tendencies of standard textbooks by including chapters on Indigenous worldviews and Confucianism. Providing the latest scholarship on “classical ideologies” (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, anarchism, etc.), the textbook also includes innovative chapters on populism, feminism, and multiculturalism, as well as looking at the future of ideologies in a globalized world. Joining together scholars from Canada and beyond, the text also contains discussion questions to help students and readers to think further.

This edited open textbook will be a great asset for introductory courses at the college and university levels on political ideologies and political thought and philosophy, but could also be used in other disciplines, as each chapter assesses the state of the ideology in today’s world. The general reader looking for a better understanding of the competing ideological currents of our time – currents which flow into our daily political debates and real-life government decisions – will also greatly benefit from this book.

Word Count: 85701

ISBN: 978-1-989864-24-1

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Short Description:
Political Philosophy is a collection of public domain works compiled by the UCF Wiki Knights student organization to provide a free / open resource for instructors to use in their courses and for others interested in the subject matter.

Word Count: 334238

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El objetivo principal de este manual es ofrecerle al alumno de español como lengua extranjera (LE) una visión panorámica de la sociedad española contemporánea, con un énfasis en los fenómenos históricos, políticos, sociales y culturales más relevantes.

Long Description:
El objetivo principal de este manual es ofrecerle al alumno de español como lengua extranjera (LE) una visión panorámica de la sociedad española contemporánea, con un énfasis en los fenómenos históricos, sociales y culturales más relevantes.

Word Count: 167329

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El libro busca crear un espacio informático de interacción formativa y de producción, teórico-práctica, entre docentes y estudiantes de cátedras universitarias de diversas facultades, carreras y disciplinas de estudio de la Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Argentina. Es de nuestro interés compartirlo con otras Universidades de América Latina, afines en la temática, que tengan disposición a ser parte de esta experiencia democratizadora de producción y enseñanza académica que ingeniosamente ofrece Proyecto Latin. Organizamos una comunidad interdisciplinaria (Derecho, Ciencia Política, Sociología y Trabajo Social) a partir de expectativas comunes en contenidos y abordajes en el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje universitario de grado. Las políticas públicas, el género y los Derechos Humanos constituyeron el campo temático de interés común, que forma parte del proceso de enseñanza y aprendizaje así como también de estudios e investigaciones de los y las participantes de la comunidad

This edited collection brings together cutting edge insights from a range of key thinkers working in the area of popular culture and world politics (PCWP). Offering a holistic approach to this exciting field of research, it contributes to the establishment of PCWP as a sub-discipline of International Relations. Canvassing issues such as geopolitics, political identities, the War on Terror and political communication – and drawing from sources such as film, videogames, art and music – this collection is an invaluable reader for anyone interested in popular culture and world politics.

Pop-up shops are temporary stores that “pop up” for a few days or months. They are a new form of retail operations that have gained popularity in the past decade. Retailers and brands of all sizes have implemented pop-up shops – from global and national retail chains, to small independent stores and even e-commerce pure players – that have positioned these initiatives as a marketing & communication tool, as incubators to test a market and/or new products, or as inventory liquidation venues. Pop-up shops have also been established as a solution for revitalizing communities where significant storefront vacancies exist.

Stories from the Rose City for Beginner Students of English

Short Description:
This book contains short stories about people and places in Portland, Oregon.

Long Description:
This book contains nine short stories about people and places of Portland, Oregon written for beginner students of English (lexile range of 300-500). Each story has approximately 150-250 words. It is formatted as a picture book with approximately 1-3 sentences per illustration. Each story is accompanied by a set of self-correcting comprehension questions and a speaking prompt. All images are public domain except where noted in the alt text.

Order a print copy: http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/portland-people-and-places-stories-from-the-rose-city-for-beginner-students-of-english/24431301

Word Count: 2660

ISBN: 978-1-63635-016-5

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Written by Penn State Berks Students: Miguel Colon and Keanny Rosario

Short Description:
Uncover the community story of Northwest Reading, PA as told from interviews with community leaders and everyday residents.

Word Count: 9164

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Português para principiantes is a time-tested text which can be used in conjunction with a variety of approaches to the teaching of beginning Portuguese. This media-rich text is designed to provide learners with a solid grammatical basis for using Brazilian Portuguese as well as regular opportunities to practice and improve their ability to read, speak, and understand the Portuguese language as it is used in contemporary Brazil.

Short Description:
This is an archive. The updated, current version of this resource is here: https://sites.google.com/alphaplus.ca/digital-skills-assessment/home

Long Description:
AlphaPlus supports literacy workers to use blended learning approaches through our technology coaching services, face-to-face and online training, and tech support. This position paper describes our understanding of blended learning, its benefits and how adult basic education programs can be (re)conceptualized using a blended learning approach to best support learners.

Word Count: 4420

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The Power of Selling is the perfect textbook to teach students about the proven process of selling. More important, it teaches students how to apply the tenets of selling to how to sell themselves and get the job they want, with the same process professional sales people learn (or brush up) on their own selling skills.What makes someone successful in sales? Are great sales people born or made? Is there one magic selling process, or does the process change based on the business…or the customer? How can the selling process really come alive for students in the classroom? How do students learn how to sell for life, not just for a course? The Power of Selling by Kim Richmond answers these questions and makes the principles of selling come alive.Kim looks at the topic of selling through a different lens, and provides inspiration and ideas. The Power of Selling provides an exciting and interactive experience for both professors and students through the use of 4 unique elements:1. ContentThe content is based on the core selling tenets so instructors will find the familiar principles of selling. In addition, the impact of Sales 2.0 is addressed at every stage including how to use interactive tools such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, blogs, and wikis effectively.2. Selling UThe last section of each chapter is called Selling U. It applies the concepts covered in the chapter to a student’s job search. Selling U topics include how to think about yourself as a brand, how to create a powerful cover letter and resume, how to create your personal elevator pitch, how to use networking and informational interviews to get the word out about your brand, how to prepare and dress for an interview, and how to negotiate and accept the right job offer. What makes The Power of Selling different is that Selling U is integrated into every chapter, which makes this text the ultimate guide to selling yourself.3. Video ResourcesVideos are used throughout the book. Additional videos that are not included in the text are available for instructor use. Here are videos that are available:• Video Ride-alongs – One of the best ways to learn about sales is by going on ride-alongs. So every chapter starts with an exclusive feature called a Video Ride-along. These short videos feature seven different sales professionals – one that starts each chapter. Each one talks about how he or she applies one of the key concepts covered in the chapter in their job. These videos are designed to be “virtual ride-alongs” so the students can actually feel as though they are getting insights first hand from selling professionals.• The Power of Selling YouTube Channel here (youtube.com/thepowerofselling) - Over 50 videos are included featuring the sales professionals who are highlighted in the Video Ride-alongs. About half of the videos are used in the textbook. The balance are available for instructor use. Several are included in Video Learning Segments (see below). These videos are excellent resources for use in the classroom, exercises, and assignments.• Video Learning SegmentsIn addition to the traditional supplements of Instructor Manual, PowerPoints, and Test Bank, there are also Video Learning Segments. These are PowerPoint slides embedded with videos designed to supplement the course PowerPoints and focus on one concept, like an ethical dilemma, pre-call preparation, or effective presentations, how to use email effectively. Each segment includes slides, videos, discussion questions, or exercises.4. The Power of Selling LinkedIn Group. hereThis group was created on LinkedIn.com expressly as a resource for the faculty and students who use this textbook. The group includes sales professionals from across the country and from different industries. This is a great tool for faculty and students alike to network, participate in discussions, ask questions, and connect with “real world” selling professionals.Kim Richmond’s The Power of Selling is a fresh, interactive, and applied textbook intended for all introductory and sales, selling and salesmanship courses. If you’re ready to prepare your “students of selling” for all that lies ahead in their professional career—you’re ready for this book. Check it out.

A Practical Approach to Understanding Music Theory is a textbook designed for the non-music performance major or music business/audio engineer who needs to professionally interface with musicians without needing to write or compose music. The material is designed around a spiral learning model in which a very simple straightforward concept is introduced, defined and explained. From this point and forward the book adds one element of music theory after another until a broad base of musical understanding and application is achieved. Even though the spiral learning model has a linear approach, the book is also laid out in a manner that any music student or hobbyist may treat it as a research manual to search out specific explanations of musical situations they encounter. This text is meant to be an all-inclusive explanation of how music is created, graphically distributed and performed for those who are not majoring in music theory, performance or education. It is aimed at those who are seeking a career in audio engineering, music business, artist representation, minoring in music, teaching lessons in a local community or someone who just wants to learn to play and understand music on a deeper level.

Short Description:
A Practical Guide to Introductory Geology is a comprehensive laboratory manual covering the physical aspects of geology, including rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, streams, structural geology, and much more. This manual provides ample background information to assist students learning remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. The text has a strong emphasis on examples from western Canada, especially Alberta and British Columbia, and includes a diverse set of exercises intended to accompany the GEOL 1101 curriculum at Mount Royal University. This laboratory manual is an adaptation of Physical Geology - 2nd Edition by Steven Earle.

Word Count: 78266

ISBN: 978-1-55195-458-5

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Short Description:
This book examines different practical hospitality training work experience models implemented by degree granting institutions throughout the world. Through a series of research essays and reflective case studies, the book explores the range of on and off campus models used by tertiary providers to ensure their students gain practical experience that complements their formal classroom education. The book is organized into five sections: Practical learning in on-campus commercial hotels; Practical learning in on-campus training hotels; Practical learning in on campus training units; Off campus practicums and internships, and; Internship experiences from students and industry.

Word Count: 91027

ISBN: 978-1-74272-351-8

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Short Description:
A Practicum in Behavioral Economics is a practice-based textbook covering the broad field of behavioral economics. Because behavioral economics is foremost a “test-and-learn” field of scientific inquiry that evolves according to experimental outcomes, so too should students test-and-learn. As such, the book’s primary goal is to help students experience behavioral economics through participation in the same experiments and games that serve as the foundations for, and shape the contours of, the field. With the help of this book students learn behavioral economics firsthand, and in the process create their own experiences. They learn about themselves – about how they make private and public choices under experimental conditions – at the same time as they learn about the field of behavioral economics itself.

Long Description:
The approach of this book is premised on a simple assumption: because behavioral economics is foremost a “test-and-learn” field of scientific inquiry that evolves according to experimental outcomes – and practical, policy-orientated applications of the knowledge garnered from these outcomes – so too should students test-and-learn the field itself. Studying and practicing behavioral economics should occur simultaneously, which in turn requires a practicum more than it does a traditionally styled textbook.

A Practicum in Behavioral Economics takes a new approach to the style of academic textbooks. Based upon the author’s personal teaching experiences over the past 25+ years, and feedback from peers and students, it is clear that traditional theory-based textbooks in behavioral economics insufficiently stimulate the student, and thereby fail to connect the student viscerally and meaningfully to what has become an enticing canon of economic thought, inquiry, and practice. Because it is a practice-based text, A Practicum in Behavioral Economics promotes active learning and engagement with the realities of behavioral economics in the moment, and encourages students to think like behavioral economists rather than just passively learn about the body of theoretical, experimental, and empirical work economists have produced. The student’s imagination is sparked, which in turn sparks group discussion and discernment.

The book consists of four sections that, taken together, portray in full the eclectic methodologies comprising the field of behavioral economics. Sections 1 and 2 present the thought and laboratory experiments that have formed a key pillar of the field. The thought experiments are, for the most part, re-castings of the simple cognitive tests devised by psychologists and economists over the past three-to-four decades to illustrate the fallacies, miscalculations, and biases that distinguish homo sapiens from homo economicus; experiments compiled in Daniel Kahneman’s 2011 bestseller Thinking, Fast and Slow. Similarly, the laboratory experiments are, for the most part, re-castings of the seminal experiments conducted by Kahneman and Tversky (among others) that help motivate the revised theories of human choice behavior, such as Tversky and Kahneman’s (1979) Prospect Theory, that form another pillar of behavioral economics. Alongside these experiments, Section 2 presents the revised theories of choice behavior with varying degrees of rigor.

Section 3 submerses the student in the world of behavioral game theory. Here, we follow the lead of Colin F. Camerer’s 2003 graduate-level textbook Behavioral Game Theory: Experiments in Strategic Interaction and William Spaniel’s 2011 Game Theory 101: The Complete Textbook, first by characterizing the games analytically, i.e., identifying solution, or equilibrium, concepts that are predicted to result when members of homo economicus play the games, and then by discussing empirical results obtained from corresponding field experiments conducted with homo sapiens. It is within the context of these experiments that theories of social interaction are tested concerning inter alia trust and trustworthiness, honesty, fairness, reciprocity, and more. As with the thought and laboratory experiments presented in Sections 1 and 2, the classic games of iterative dominance and simultaneous moves presented in Section 3 are meant to be replicated with students as subjects and the instructor as experimenter, or researcher.

Finally, Section 4 wades into the vast sea of empirical research and choice architecture. Here students explore studies reporting on (1) the outcomes of actual policy nudges, some of which are featured in Richard H. Thaler and Cass Sunstein’s 2008 bestseller Nudge, (2) published studies based on analyses of secondary datasets that test for choice behavior consistent with the new theories of behavioral economics, and (3) published studies based on analyses of primary datasets obtained from novel field experiments to further test the revised theories. The main purpose of this section is not only to introduce the student to interesting empirical studies in behavioral economics, but also, in the process, to incubate in the student an abiding appreciation for the obscure settings that sometimes lend themselves to such study.

In the end, the content of A Practicum in Behavioral Economics is based upon sound pedagogical and scientific foundations that aim to support students in learning quickly and efficiently. The book promotes a practice-based approach, which is naturally consistent with the trial-and-error of everyday life. As a result, the approach goes beyond understanding and knowing. It requires using, applying, and acting. The method requires practice. It is this approach that is the most effective in teaching the many facets of behavioral economics to students.

Word Count: 145583

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This textbook is designed for students who have intermediate competency in Japanese, roughly at Level 2 on the ILR (The Interagency Language Roundtable) proficiency scale, and are working on reaching Level 3.
This textbook can be used for self-study, as part of online course, and in a traditional classroom setting. It is comprised of four chapters, intended to be covered in one term of a quarter system.