Learning and Development (HRM) Managing Training Operations in Essay

Learning and Development (HRM) Managing Training Operations in Training Department - Essay Example By employing this kind of method for training, the training department can cut down costs of hiring an external trainer to do so. The coaching/mentoring method that is being used here is one of the most efficient and easiest of imparting training to the employees, while having no loss faced by the usual traffic of work. In this method a trained senior officer is attached to the trainee, this way the trainee can get hold of his own mistakes and learn from the teachings of the trainer. In this case study, we can see that the intended trainee is attached with the senior trainer, who ends up getting those technical courses. This is although a slow method, but it produces better results than other kind of training. Through this kind of training the trainee grasps the ropes of the trade far more easily and as well as realistically because the person is attached to the experts and there can learn very easily as you are getting the training through practitioners themselves. In this case the trainees gain a hand on experience as to what is right and what is wrong, what should be avoided while imparting training and what tactics and techniques to be used to make the training more affective. The best way to learn about anything is to learn through the practical application of the thing and here the trainers get that experience by being attached to a senior trainer, this will help them observe the way they are giving out training and help them in realizing the key points, that should be taken care of while giving the training. This method is a slow method of training personnel, but in this case it is the most suitable method that the company can use. The other types of training methods are case study method, briefing, in basket training, job instructions training and the job rotation. All these training methods are very subjective sort of methods, while coaching and mentoring can prove to be quite helpful as it would be by far the most practical approach to guide the train ers to be trained for the more technical courses. Such practice will also help create a level of equality among the trainers with respect to the choice of courses and the freedom to select any course that they want rather than doing the one that is left for them. This method is also cost effective as the company does not need to hire extra trainers or other equipments that will facilitate the training process. The coaching and mentoring method will prove to be more useful because the trainees will be able to get hold of the subject quite easily. It is mentioned in the case that the trainees are handed over the materials in advance so that they can prepare for the class. They are given three days to prepare and apply their own learning as trainers to look for innovative ideas, The training that is being imparted here is in-house and work-specific, which means that the training is being done to improve the skill sets of the employees and to enhance the level of understanding. Work spe cific training are usually skill up gradation techniques as the trainees here possess skills to impart training the only thing that they lack is the prowess to handle the technical training course which was generally avoided by them. Word count: 597 1.1 How are different learning styles taken into account? According to the case the model that has been applied is the learning style model by David Kolb, the approach that

Disaster in Franklin County Essay Example for Free

Disaster in Franklin County Essay The role of the major public health personnel, including the public health nurse, is to provide the public with accurate information, and to assure the community, as well as ensure the immediate safety and well-being of the members of the community, while being competent compassionate and accessible. The public health director was contacted by the incident commander to attend the incident briefing due to immediate and long term public health impacts. The fire chief gave report concerning how many people were confirmed dead, what time it occurred and what county(s) were affected. He made the public aware if any hazardous materials had been released and where and whether the hazardous materials team had been dispatched. He also notifies the community of areas of flooding, and any impassable roads and the roads that are closed, as well as any power outages, and possible long term problems that may occur from power loss such as water contamination, and food loss due to spoilage. The fire chief also informs the public that the plan for search and rescue has been initiated. The public health staff had previously had National Incident Management System (NIMS) training. The deputy director sets up the incident command center and does the head count of available responders. The most ideal personnel were not totally available; there were an appropriate number to set up section chiefs and command staff. The chain of command that was used in the simulation consisted of the Public Health Team which included the County Public Health Director, Environmental Health Specialists, and Community Health Nurses, as well as Franklin county staff members, mental health, and social workers, which allowed the community health nurse to have resources available that were used to deal with situations that were outside the nurse’s scope of practice included reporting to EOC well treatment hazardous waste removal. Actions taken by the community health nurse when she encountered possible emergency situations during the door-to-door interviews was to Calm and triage families and offer reassurance and instruction on safety. The public health personnel had to deal with multiple problems both during the initial period and after the immediate danger had past. Actions taken by the community health nurse to help the people who were interviewed cope with the situations after the flooding were: to advise them to stay at shelter where there is electricity and food to contact Environmental health specialists for toxic waste To contact Social services to address immediate needs and resources. To arrange for instruction on safe use of generators in English and Spanish. To make arrangement for medications to be delivered the next day. Techniques that were used or could have been used to calm the fears of the people interviewed are to use short and concise statements. Perform active listening and confirm statements by repeating it back to the person being spoken with, use confrontation avoidance, and De-escalation. The other nursing personnel could be prepared to help in responding to a similar emergency with a much larger affected area (e.g., the effect of Hurricane Katrina). Through the development of a well-organized disaster response plan. Public health staff requires National Incident Management System (NIMS) training. Emergency preparedness training should be performed at least every six months. There needs to be a method of communication in case power lines, towers and electricity are not available; have a backup system in place and know where they are located (e.g. include, walkie talkies, Morse code and emailing). Community nurses should have car stock that includes protective gear (PPE) such as N-95 mask, barriers for CPR, gloves, biohazard containers and isolation gowns. Knowledge of the basic steps that are needed to take to ensure patient safety, such as safe evacuation, and early notification will help prevent unnecessary casualties during emergencies (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. www.ahrq.gov/prep. Accessed July 21, 2006. References Centers for Public Health Education and Outreach. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://cpheo1.sph.umn.edu/fcs/index.asp Health Care: Public Health Emergency Preparedness. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ahrq.gov/prep

Use of Disguise in Twelfth Night Essay -- Twelfth Night Essays

Twelfth Night, "there's something in it that is deceivable". Disguise is very important as a theme in the Twelfth Night.   In fact, disguise is a crucial plot to the play.   It is the thread which runs through the play from start to end and holds it all together.   Yet, paradoxically along the way there are many problems, deceptions and illusions, providing a comment on human behavior and creating comedy. Women's parts were played by boy actors in Shakespeare's day, so the audience would have found special sophistication in Viola's part:   a boy dressing up as a woman who, in the play disguises herself as a man. The first example of disguise in the Twelve Night is viola's disguise as Cesario.   It is in fact central to the plot.   I think it is clearly evident that the fluctuation in attitude to the dual role and the situations and tribulations imposed upon the character Viola/Cesario, ends up creating a better understanding of both sexes and thus, allows Viola to have a better understanding of Orsino.   Viola learns that in role of Cesario, she had to be quick on her feet and defend the probing questi... ...sguise feature in the play.   Emotions and intentions are disguised behind an outer appearance, a pretence or an attitude.   Disguise connects the story, the characters and the different scenes in the play.   Without it the Twelfth Night would not be what it is and I doubt whether it would delight audiences around the world time and time again as it does now. "Nothing that is so, is so" Work Cited Shakespeare, William. The Arden Edition of the Works of William Shakespeare: Twelfth Night. Ed. J. M. Lothian and T.W. Craik. UK: Methuen & Co., 1975.

Urban Legend of Vanishing Hitchhiker in Pakistan Essay -- Urban Legend

The Vanishing Hitchhiker in Pakistan During my search for stories, I met a sophomore, nineteen year old male student who is majoring in Chemistry and Math. His parents are from Muzaffarabad, Pakistan. Currently, he lives in Maryland. His father is a cardiologist and his mother is a housewife. His parents immigrated to the United States in the 1970's. The source says this story is known by almost three quarters of the people living in Pakistan. His uncle initially told him the story when he went back to Pakistan for the first time. The story takes place in the mountainous regions of Pakistan that are fairly remote from civilization. However, other versions take place in a middle of small towns. One day, a man is driving along a road that is often surrounded by repetitive landscape, such as continuous mountains and plains. Upon driving for quite some time, he spots a silhouette of a woman a kilometer down the road. As he gets closer, he realizes that it is a young woman wearing a slender white dress, and from her expression, he deduces that she has lost her way and needs to get home. From a quick glimpse at her face, he realizes that she is very beautiful. Confused, but being the caring gentleman that he is, he offers her a ride back to her home. She meekly nods as she slowly enters the car and sits in the passenger seat. He begins talking to her, and the subject matter often varies in different variations, but the consensus is that it is small talk. From the moment she speaks, he is astonished by her beautiful voice. Before long, the man actually becomes attracted to her. They continue talking as he continues driving. At one point in their conversation, he reaches to the right to get his drink by his sid... ...s of society will not recognize one in an encounter either. This reflects the fear that one cannot distinguish the real world from the supernatural world. Works Cited Bennett, Gillian. The Vanishing Hitchhiker at Forty-Five. Long Beach: Western States Folklore Society, 1998. Brunvand, Jan Harold. The Vanishing Hitchhiker: American Urban Legends & Their Meanings. New York: W. W. Norton, 1981. Littlejohn, Carol. "Urban Legends and Other Scary Stories." Unknown journal.15.2 (1996): 27-31. Okonowicz, Ed. Baltimore Ghosts: History, Mystery, Legends, and Lore. Elkton: Myst and Lace Publishing, 2004. Turetsky, Rita. Ghosts and Evil Spirits. Publication information unknown. Wilson, Michael. "The Point of Horror: The Relationship Between Teenage Popular Horror Fiction and the Oral Repertoire." Children's Literature in Education 31.1 (2000): 31-40.

Kaplan Higher Education Essay

1) You have been asked to design a LAN with operation over a distance of about 100m. Compare and contrast twisted pair cable, coaxial cable, fiber-optics, and wireless for this application. You should create a table or flow chart which would facilitate choosing between these options depending on circumstances. The table or flow chart should be submitted as part of your document. You may not submit a separate file Unshielded twisted pair Fiber optic Coaxial cable Medium Length Baseband: 10/100/1000mbps (CAT 3/5/5e/6) EMI Wavelength (nm): 850/1300 RG Type RG58BU/CU RG59/BU Protection: Shielded/Unshielded Max. Attn.(dB/Km): 3.0/0.9 Conductor Type TC CCS Maximum Segment Length(Thicknet) 500m Min. Bandwidth (Mhz*Km): 200/500 Sheath PVC Cost: Relatively inexpensive Velocity Ratio 666 Toxicity: Plenum/Non Plenum 2) Rank the following five media examples in order from highest data transmission speed to lowest data transmission speed: twisted pair, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, microwave, and satellite. 3) a) Satellite b) Fiber Optic c) Coaxial cable d) Microwave e) Twisted pair 4) An entrepreneur is interested in establishing her own world-wide satellite radio infrastructure and has requested your help. Describe and justify the infrastructure that you would develop. Be sure to include the number of satellites needed, the orbits employed for those satellites, and the type and frequency of transmission utilized. a) She will need a multiplexed Earth station satellite system. The ground station accepts input from multiple sources and in some fashion interweaves the data streams, either by assigning different frequencies to different signals or by allowing different signals to take turns transmitting. With frequencies about 2-4 GHz 5) A typical signal sequence in a synchronous connection contains a significant amount of information in addition to just the intended message or data. Identify each of the blocks commonly employed and utilize an analogy to sending a physical package to explain what each block does. a) An analogy of this type of connection would be the transmission of a large text document. Before the document is transferred across the synchronous line, it is first broken into blocks of sentences or paragraphs. The blocks are then sent over the communication link to the remote site. With other  transmission modes, the text is organized into long strings of letters (or characters) that make up the words within the sentences and paragraphs. These characters are sent over the communication link one at a time and reassembled at the remote location. 6) For the network that you have chosen to characterize for this class, identify the primary types of media employed. Be sure to include both how the computers individually connect into the network devices as well as how network devices interconnect and how the connection to the Internet is achieved. Briefly explain the purpose in the network of each type of media employed and identify at least one alternative media which could also fulfill this purpose. a) The network that I have chosen for this class is a Peer to peer network. I will have four computers, one printer/copy/fax machine, and they will be connected with an Ethernet cord and through a local area network. This network is designed for a small business office. References Newman, C. (2014, January 10). Help – AIX 7.1 Information Center. Help – AIX 7.1 Information Center. Retrieved , from http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/aix/v7r1/index.jsp?topic=%2Fcom.ibm.aix.commadmn%2Fdoc%2Fcommadmndita%2Fasynch_synch.htm synchronous. (2014, March 9). Merriam-Webster. Retrieved , from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synchronous Synchronous and Asynchronous Communication Tools – Articles – Resources – ASAE. (n.d.). Synchronous and Asynchronous Communication Tools – Articles – Resources – ASAE. Retrieved , from http://www.asaecenter.org/Resources/articledetail.cfm?itemnumber=13572

Morality and Death Penalty Essays

Morality and Death Penalty Essays Morality and Death Penalty Paper Morality and Death Penalty Paper Morality of Capital Punishment Every human life is precious. This is something that has been taught by the Roman Catholic Church for years. Each day one is alive can be seen as a gift from God. As a result of this gift, we hear many people come up with phrases such as â€Å"Live everyday as your last†, or â€Å"Live as if you’ll die tomorrow†. Unfortunately, for some, these phrases can be more than just a saying. They can be facts. The people, for whom this holds truth, tend to be disliked by many and even hated by some. The type of person who faces a simple phrase such as â€Å"Live as if you’ll die tomorrow† as something that is actually the truth, is typically not a person with much freedom. This type of person, like many other in the same situation, fall under one category; a criminal. A criminal is one held under imprisonment for committing a violent or unlawful act. The type of criminal who lives in uncertainty of their own life is left with the fear of execution every day, due to their act of murder on another human being. This idea brings forth the moral argument of Capital Punishment. Capital Punishment is defined as the legally authorized killing of someone as punishment for a crime. The idea of taking a life as a means of punishing someone for murder has been the subject of a long and often heated debate. While many contend that Capital punishment serves the judicial system as a deterrent to crime and as a lawful penalty many others contend that Capital Punishment is both morally and ethically wrong. Capital Punishment has been used by the United States Government for decades. The government has found that the idea of the death penalty as a just way to punish those who have committed murder. Across the United States of America there are 34 states that actively use Capital Punishment. Most notably are Texas, California, Florida, and even smaller states such as Delaware. The other 16 states, for example, New York, have abolished Capital Punishment at some point in their history. Most recently is Illinois, who abolished the death penalty in their state earlier this year. Of those states that continue to use capital punishment, Texas remains the highest enforcer with 477 executions since 1976. This alone is an astonishing number, and it does not include the high execution rate up to the 50’s. In total, the United States of America, as a whole, have executed 1277 criminals. So far to date, there have been 43 executions in 2011. Most prisoners are forced to wait on Death Row prior to their execution for roughly 170 months. Nonetheless, when their day does come, many prisoners are forced to decide in what manner they wish to be killed. There are five methods of execution that consist of: lethal injection, electrocution, firing squad, hanging, and a gas chamber. The most frequently used in the U. S is the lethal injection. The least likely to be used is a firing squad or a gas chamber. A total of 1103 prisoners have been put to death by lethal injection since 1976 (Dieter 1). Overall, Capital Punishment has been held as a viable way to punish those convicted of a serious murder, despite its brutal method. Many find that Capital Punishment is a practical manner to punish those convicted of murder. This belief stems from the idea that Capital Punishment is a deterrent of crime. In other words, many find that the use of the death penalty publicly decreases the average crime rate. Researchers, who believe this, have found that each execution can be associated with 3 fewer murders in the state of which the execution took place. These scientists are stating that with the execution of one, three lives are saved. In addition, researchers have discovered that executions deter the murder of not only whites, but African-Americans as well. Each execution prevents the murder of one white person, 1. 5 African-Americans, and 0. 5 persons of other races. In other terms, one execution saves the life of not only one race of people, but many. Lastly, they have discovered that shorter waits on death row are connected with increased prevention. For each additional 2-year decrease in the death row wait, one murder is deterred (Muhlhausen 1). This means that if a criminal is executed quicker, it is most likely that people will not murder, therefore saving one life. In general, these people have found that one public execution can save up to 18 lives (Muhlhausen 1). It follows that, the execution of one has the potential to save many others. In contrary, many find this factual evidence to be falsified and over interpreted. As an opposition, many scientists have shown how Capital Punishment does not deter crime. For example, it is a known fact that the South has accounted for roughly 80% of the U. S’s executions. On top of this, the South also holds the U. S’s highest crime rate. Clearly, executing it’s prisoners has little affect on other criminals. Researchers have also used those nations without Capital Punishment to prove how it is an ineffective way to decrease crime. For example, Canada’s crime rate has dropped 27% since their abolishment of the death penalty. Scientists have also discovered factual evidence within the United States to demonstrate the ineffectiveness of Capital Punishment (Beadue 1). A clear example of this is shown by the New York Times survey that illustrates that those states without a death penalty have a lower murder rate. Many of these facts can be classified as coincidental, but nonetheless these facts show that the death penalty alone does not deter crime (Fessenden 1). One simple public execution cannot be given the credit for deterring crime based on this evidence. To conclude, public execution can only be coincidental to a decrease or increase in crime rates, proving it as a less effective way to deter crime across America. Whether or not it deters crime can be a miniscule fact to those who find that Capital Punishment as the only just punishment for one who has been convicted of murder and to those who find it completely unjust. Through surveys across the country, those in favor of Capital Punishment have said that only by putting murderers to death can society ensure that convicted killers do not kill again. In addition, many find that the cost to aid an imprisoned killer is unnecessary. Therefore, killing him proves to be cost efficient and easier on the government. On top of this, many find that if you have taken the life of another human being, you yourself do not deserve to live. Although a harsh statement, many refer back to the Old Testament to show the justification through â€Å"An eye for an eye†. Another example is seen through the fact that a prisoner can end up on parole and therefore never is handed the justice he or she deserves for murdering someone. In contrary, many find that Capital Punishment is unjust. For example, many view Capital Punishment as an example of an uncivilized society. In other words, a nation who uses Capital Punishment demonstrates to its citizens an uncivilized way to live (Muhlhausen 1). In addition, many find the death penalty to be a denial of civil liberties. This meaning that the government has no right to simply take a citizens life. Lastly, Capital Punishment is often gone about in an unjust manner. Those executed typically are poor and lack a good attorney, therefore are almost â€Å"set up† for murder. Ethically, Capital Punishment is dreadful. Typically criminal’s who are African American, poor, and in many cases both are executed because of a court appointed attorneys lack of skill. Evidently, they are convicted without a fair trial (National 1). Clearly, there are two sides to the argument that Capital Punishment is justifiable. Through all the facts and fictions of Capital Punishment, ultimately there is one question. This one question asks whether or not Capital Punishment is moral. Morality is defined as a system of ideas of right and wrong conduct. Because everyone’s moral code is different there can be many interpretations of whether or not Capital Punishment is a morally justified behavior. Many find Capital Punishment to be morally correct. This belief is caused by the idea that society has a moral obligation to protect the safety and welfare of its citizens. Many also find that society should support practices that bring about the utmost balance of good as opposed to evil. Clearly, those who believe this credit Capital Punishment as being one of these practices. Finally, those who find it morally correct state that justice itself is moral. In more concrete terms, justice to a convicted murderer is death, and since justice is morally good, this murderer must be murdered them self. It is after the murder of the criminal that â€Å"justice for all† is established. Despite the argument for Capital Punishment being morally right, many find it to be morally wrong. Many people find that capital punishment is morally deplorable on the basis that society has a moral obligation to protect human life, not take it. This means that we are all called upon to protect the sacredness of human life and not to take it away. On top of all this, it has been said that locking a criminal away for life achieves the same goal as Capital Punishment. This goal is to stop the violent acts committed by the criminal. Therefore, taking away a life is nonsensical and not necessary according to those who find Capital Punishment morally incorrect. The death penalty also proves to be morally wrong as it decreases the value of life, according to many. Many state that the death of anyone, even a convicted killer, diminishes us all. Evidently, morally Capital Punishment can be seen as not only wrong, but unacceptable. Ultimately, there are cases given both for the moral correctness of Capital Punishment and the moral wrongfulness (Andre 1). The decision on which one is correct lies in the hands of the individual. After researching Capital Punishment and based on my religious background and beliefs, I have formed my own opinion. In every aspect, especially morally, I find Capital Punishment to be wrong. As a living person, I respect life in every form. I believe that life is a gift from God and not one person is ustified to take that gift away. Growing up and going to church I have discovered that every day is a gift no matter what the circumstances. Whether in prison or living freely, God has granted you another day to experience life. This experience is different for everyone, but meaningful for all. This is simply another reason I find it deplorable to take the life of an individual. The ethics of Capital Puni shment is another aspect that fuels my reasoning against it. It is deeply upsetting to me that simply because of your lack of wealth or your race affect your chance at life. I believe that no matter your stature, you deserve a good attorney and a fair trial, because without a fair trial or good attorney it has been proven you are more likely to lose that trial. Being African American should not lower your chances at survival simply based on America’s court system. For a nation who claims to be almighty and great, I find it astonishing that they continue to hurt those who live there based on race and wealth. Aside from this, I am appalled by America and their lack of sacredness for life. As stated, life is a gift. If America looked at life as something sacred, as it should be, many would come to see the cruelness that comes with Capital Punishment. Lastly, as a Roman Catholic I believe â€Å"In one God, the Father almighty†. By stating this, I state that there is only one God. This one God is the only one who can grant and take away life. It is then that I ask America’s governing system, who gave them the right to play God. I do not believe that anyone has the right to simply take life away from someone. God, and only God, has the right to give and to take a life. Because If I am not mistaken, the United States of America did not grant me or anyone else life, God did. This is why I am astonished at my country’s government’s ability to take away someone’s life. Overall, I find Capital Punishment to be unjust and a moral flaw in America’s punishment system. In conclusion, Capital Punishment is still today, a consequence faced by many criminals. Many states continue to use this form of punishment, as others continue to abolish it. Nonetheless, it is a national moral issue faced by all. The case has been given by both counterparts and leaves many questioning their own belief. Many state how Capital Punishment deters crime, as others state that it has little effect. In addition, it has been said that Capital Punishment is just and lawful, despite the belief of many that it is just the opposite. Thus, I am only left to ask, if the government says it is illegal to take a human life, then why are they able to do so? Andre, Claire, and Manuel Velasquez. Capital Punishment: Our Duty or Our Doom? Santa Clara University Welcome. Saint Clara University. Web. 20 Nov. 2011. scu. edu/ethics/publications/iie/v1n3/capital. tml. Beadue, Huggo. The Case Against the Death Penalty Cons, Anti Death Penalty Arguments. American Civil Liberties Union. American Civil Liberties Union, 2011. Web. 20 Nov. 2011. aclu. org/capital-punishment/case-against-death-penalty. Dieter, Richard. Death Penalty Information Center. 2011. Web. 20 Nov. 2011. deathpenaltyinfo. org. Fessenden, Ford. Deadly Statistics: A Survey Of Crime and Punishment New York Times.   NY Times Advertiseme nt. New York Times, 22 Sept. 2000. Web. 20 Nov. 2011. ytimes. com/2000/09/22/us/deadly-statistics-a-survey-of-crime-and-punishment. html. Muhlhausen, David. The Death Penalty Deters Crime and Saves Lives. Conservative Policy Research and Analysis. Heritage Foundation, 28 Aug. 2007. Web. 20 Nov. 2011. heritage. org/research/testimony/the-death-penalty-deters-crime-and-saves-lives. National Coalition to Abolish Death Penalty. NCADP The National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. 25 Dec. 2008. Web. 20 Nov. 2011. ncadp. org/index. cfm? content=25.

The Differences (and Similarities) Between Dystopian and Post-Apocalyptic Fiction

The Differences (and Similarities) Between Dystopian and Post-Apocalyptic Fiction From The Hunger Games to The Walking Dead, dystopian and post-apocalyptic stories have become massively popular- and their popularity shows no signs of slowing down. In many cases, the line between the two genres is decidedly blurred. However, each has unique characteristics that separate it from the other. Most noticeably, while dystopian fiction often explores social or political struggle, society is still operating and has not yet collapsed (although it might be on the brink). Meanwhile, in apocalyptic fiction, the focus is less on society and more about the characters or a man vs. nature conflict.Lets look at each of these genres in more detail.What is dystopian fictionGenerally, dystopias use contemporary society as a basis for their imagined dystopias, lending an element of social warning in the texts. In this way, authors can use facets of modern society to imagine what a futuristic one might look like- and in a dystopia, that future is most often very dark and troubling.The N etflix original dystopian series Black Mirror is a great example of how this is done, as it shows how things like social media and overuse of technology might be contributing to a dystopian future for humanity. The series, as well as many other dystopian works, shows how technology might soon prove to be more harmful than good (for us as a species, and for civilization in general), and how it could indeed be making us less human- and less humane.Netflixs Black Mirror is a great example of modern dystopian storytellingDystopian literature and worksThe rise in dystopian literature follows the rise in technological innovation. In many ways, it can be seen as a response to (and fear of) the innovation we depend on in our day-to-day lives. It asks questions like: Where will all this lead us? And will social order survive?As a direct and contrasting response to utopian literature, dystopian fiction is most often seen as a genre that began with E.M. Forsters The Machine Stops, a short stor y published in 1909 in The Oxford and Cambridge Review. It was later republished in Forsters The Eternal Moment and Other Stories in 1928. In the story, humanity is forced to live underground and must rely on a large machine to provide for it. In Yevgeny Zamyatins We, the future is one that is governed entirely by logic and reasoning, with characters named D-503 and O-90. George Orwells Nineteen Eighty-Four, shows a society at constant war and controlling its people through propaganda, censorship, and an oppressive police state.Aldous Huxleys Brave New World, written in 1931, is the story of a world in which citizens are drugged, genetically modified and placed into castes based on their intelligence. Anthony Burgess A Clockwork Orange, published in 1962, shows a future, dystopian England that is plagued by youth violence. Margaret Atwoods The Handmaids Tale is a dystopian tale in which the future United States is a totalitarian theocracy and women have no rights.Dystopian fiction h as also become extremely popular among Young Adult (YA) readers, with titles like The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer, Divergent and Insurgent by Veronica Roth, The Maze Runner by James Dashner, and Delirium by Lauren Oliver.Some of the common themes and situations seen in dystopian fiction are:Mass povertyA police state or abuse of power by governmentTechnology gone wrongLoss of individualismIneffective or oppressive social institutionsOveruse of technology or citizens harmed/controlled by itPost-apocalyptic fictionKnown as apocalyptic fiction or post-apocalyptic fiction, the genre involves an event in which civilization or society has collapsed- whether from natural or man-made circumstances, alien invasion, zombie infections, nuclear war, etc. Therefore, one of its qualities that differs from dystopian fiction is that in the latter, there is still a society or social order (although it might be unbearable for those caught within it).Phot o by Scott Rodgerson on UnsplashSince apocalyptic fiction involves characters attempting to survive, it is often more focused on characters and their interaction with others. Themes such as sharing limited resources, trusting strangers, and surviving together are the focus. In this way, apocalyptic fiction allows authors to introduce the depths of their characters most basic fears and needs- and ultimately, determine what it means to be human in the first place.Other common themes and situations seen in apocalyptic fiction are:Depletion of resourcesDangerous weather patterns and/or exposure to the elementsRadiation after a nuclear warPandemic sickness (causing extreme loss of life)Loss of technologyNomadic livingGroup dynamics in survival situationsApocalyptic literature and worksMary Shelleys The Last Man, which was published in 1826, is considered to be the first work of apocalyptic fiction. In it, she describes a plague that kills off most of the worlds population as a group move s through Europe to attempt to escape it. Stephen Kings The Stand, published in 1978, follows a small group of survivors as they attempt to survive a man-made superflu.The Walking Dead is a post-apocalyptic comic-book series written by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard, about a group of survivors attempting to escape zombies that have become infected with a deadly (and reanimating virus). Richard Mathesons 1954 novel I Am Legend, which was later adapted for film, likewise describes a global pandemic that has turned the worlds population into zombie-like creatures.Emily St. John Mandels Station Eleven, published in 2014, focuses on a nomadic group of actors and musicians known as the Travelling Symphony and shows a world in which a global pandemic has killed off much of the worlds population. James Dashners The Maze Runner trilogy, published between 2009 and 2011, shows a world in which sun flares have scorched the planet, forcing the worlds governments to kill off most of the population to save resources. Most recently, All Systems Down by Sam Boush is an American novel describing a cyber war that brings down Western infrastructure, causing society to collapse in its wake.Cormac McCarthys The Road is perhaps one of the best written post-apocalyptic novels to date. Published in 2006, it has since been awarded the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for Fiction. It was also adapted to a film, which was released in 2009 and directed by John Hillcoat.The following quote is one of the reasons McCarthys tale is so poignant:He walked out in the gray light and stood and he saw for a brief moment the absolute truth of the world. The cold relentless circling of the intestate earth. Darkness implacable. The blind dogs of the sun in their running. The crushing black vacuum of the universe. And somewhere two hunted animals trembling like ground-foxes in their cover. Borrowed time and borrowed world and borrowed eyes with whi ch to sorrow it.Cormac McCarthys The RoadWe dont even know the main characters name, but Cormac McCarthy created a masterpiece of post-apocalyptic fiction with The RoadIt is this kind of live-in-the-moment simplicity- without smartphones or television distracting us- that attracts modern audiences to apocalyptic fiction and is perhaps one of its greatest themes.