A Mirror of Saudi Social Reform: An Analysis of Haifa al-Mansour's Film "Wadjda" Tzvetan Todorov's Narrative Theory

The film Wadjda by Haifaa al-Mansour is a cinematic work that portrays the struggles of a young girl in Saudi Arabia as she navigates rigid social norms. In recent decades, Saudi Arabian society has undergone various social reforms aimed at redefining the role of women, including easing restrictions on education and social participation. This context is significant to analyze, as films often serve as a medium that reflects and critiques ongoing social dynamics. This study aims to explore how the film reflects the ongoing social reforms within Saudi society. Tzvetan Todorov's narrative theory outlines five stages: equilibrium, disruption, recognition, resolution, and new equilibrium. The method used is narrative analysis with a qualitative approach. Data were collected through observation of narrative elements in the film and analyzed based on Todorov's five stages. The analysis process includes identifying the initial equilibrium, the disruption faced by the main character, the recognition of the arising situation, efforts to remedy it, and the achievement of a new equilibrium. The results show that Wadjda begins with an equilibrium, where Wadjda lives a typical everyday life. Disruption occurs when Wadjda expresses a desire to buy a bicycle, which conflicts with gender norms in her society. Recognition of this challenge drives Wadjda to pursue her dream, ultimately leading to a positive shift in societal views on women. Through Todorov's narrative analysis, it becomes evident that the film effectively illustrates how small changes can spark discussions on women's rights and individual freedom within a conservative cultural context. This study contributes to the academic discourse on the intersection between narrative structures and social reform by providing a case study that applies Todorov's theory to Arabic cinema. It also highlights the significance of Wadjda as a cultural artifact that reflects evolving gender norms in Saudi Arabia, thereby enriching the understanding of how media serves as a lens for societal transformation. Despite its insights, this study is limited in scope as it focuses solely on Wadjda without comparative analysis with other films addressing similar themes. Additionally, the study does not consider audience reception, which could provide a deeper understanding of the film's societal impact. Future research could address these gaps by incorporating comparative studies or exploring the film's reception in both local and global contexts

The Verbal and Non-Verbal Trichotomies in Wolf-Themed Memes: English

This study investigates wolf-themed memes using Peirce’s semiotic framework to explore how meaning is constructed through verbal and non-verbal elements. The research highlights the importance of understanding these memes in the context of digital culture, where they serve as a medium for emotional expression and commentary. A qualitative content analysis revealed that qualisign and index were the most prominent semiotic elements in wolf-themed memes, emphasizing the role of visual and emotional tones in shaping meaning. The findings demonstrate how textual and visual components work together, with minimalistic choices effectively encapsulating complex themes. By applying a semiotic perspective, this research offers insights into the layered meanings behind wolf-themed memes and their cultural relevance as a form of communication. These results underscore the value of semiotics in interpreting internet memes, revealing their potential as symbolic tools for self-expression and digital interaction

Tāhlīl āl-ʻAnāṣīr ād-Dākhiliyyāh fīī Qāṣīdāh “Rīṡā’ āl-Bāṣrāh” lī-Ibnī ār-Rūmīy: Dīrāsāh Bunyāwīyyāh

Ibn al-Rumi is one of the prominent poets in the tradition of classical Arabic literature whose his works reflect the beauty of language as well as profound emotional expression. The qasidah Riṡā’ Al-Baṣrah is one of his significant works because it illustrates the social, political, and emotional conditions faced by the people of Basrah at that time. This study, titled "The Intrinsic Elements in the Qasidah Riṡā’ Al-Baṣrah by Ibn al-Rumi: A Structuralist Study," aims to identify the intrinsic elements contained within the qasidah. The analysis of the intrinsic elements in this qasidah not only provides insight into the aesthetic beauty of the literary work but also reveals a deeper understanding of the meanings embedded within it. The method used in this research is the descriptive analytical method, where the researcher describes and analyzes the intrinsic elements found in the qasidah through a structuralist approach. The findings of this study are as follows: 1) Theme: Collapse or downfall, 2) Emotions: The emotions expressed in the qasidah include sadness, pain, anger, confusion, fear, distress, regret, and anxiety, 3) Imagery: Depictions of the severity of trials and similar experiences,4) Literary devices used by the poet include tibaq (antithesis), muqabalah (contrast), iqtibas (allusion to other texts), and saja’ (rhymed prose). Thus, this research can serve as an important reference for the development of Arabic literary studies, particularly in linking between the intrinsic elements of a literary work. This study still has limitations, such as the lack of analysis of extrinsic elements, including the historical, social, and political contexts that influenced this work, as well as the insufficient discussion of its impact on the development of Arabic literature. For future research, it is recommended that studies not only focus on intrinsic elements but also examine extrinsic elements and their influence on the understanding of meaning in literary works, thereby providing a more comprehensive insight into the development and relevance of classical poetry in modern literary studies

A Study on The Students’ Perceptions on Using ChatGPT in Teaching and Learning Process at English Department: English

Technology advancements are important for university especially for the students. This research aims to find out the perceptions of the 8th semester English Department Student on using ChatGPT in teaching and learning process. This research using descriptive quantitative approach, conducted in April 2024 up to May 2024 and located in the Riau University, English Department. English Department Students in Riau University in the 2020 academic year students are the target population, while sample determined by Cluster Random Sampling, and lottery method. Finding shows English students agreed that ChatGPT has many roles for students learning process. Students got many benefits and advantages from ChatGPT such as improve their reading and writing skill, grammar and vocabulary skill, as well as problem-solving and critical-thinking skill. This research can be reference for teachers to give more attention to the usage of any AI-based application. The teacher can use a new strategy or formula, set appropriate technique or media to improve students’ ability in process of learning English. It is expected that additional researchers will expand on the research samples or locations. With the potential offered by ChatGPT provides more and more challenges for educators to do Educational process. However, it still prioritizes ethical and moral values Upholding academic values ​​is very necessary in using ChatGPT This is so that humans/individuals as users can consider it carefully the benefits and effects that will be obtained if you depend on technology without any critical filtering in science

Analysis of the Use of Animated Videos on YouTube in Asking and Giving Opinion at UPTD SMP Negeri 2 Gunungsitoli Utara: English

This study aims to describe the use of Animated Videos on YouTube in learning Asking and Giving Opinion and its benefits for class VIII B students at UPTD SMP Negeri 2 Gunungsitoli Utara in the 2024/2025 school year. In the context of Merdeka Belajar Curriculum, learning media such as Animated Videos has an important role in increasing student engagement and facilitating interactive learning. Based on previous research, Animated Videos are effective in helping students understand complex concepts and improve communication skills. This research uses a qualitative approach with descriptive method to analyze data obtained through interviews, questionnaires, and documentation. Based on the results of the interview, the teacher used an Animated Video video posted by Betterfly English entitled Expressions of Asking for and Giving Opinions which can be accessed for free on YouTube (link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYXUC2K2bQk) Overall, the results of the study show that the use of YouTube Video Animation supports students' understanding of Asking and Giving Opinion material significantly, as well as making learning more interesting and fun

Role of English Fluency on Job Seekers’ Perspective in West Jakarta: English

The unemployment rate in DKI Jakarta is still a concern; until now, many graduates from different levels of education have not found work. English fluency also become one of the requirements in looking for a job. The research aims to assess the role of English fluency possessed by job seekers by involving approximately 100 people randomly in the West Jakarta area with three sub-districts that will be used as samples, namely Cengkareng sub-district, Kalideres sub-district, and Kembangan sub-district. The sample is from high school/vocational school graduates and universities. The research uses a quantitative approach by spreading e-questionnaires and observations to job seekers. From job seekers ' perspective, the result on English fluency is that 51% are still at the beginner level, 47% are intermediate, and 2% are advanced. From a job seeker's perspective, beginner-level English skill means using basic expressions for introductions, personal details, and simple interactions and knowing everyday vocabulary and phrases, but it requires communication support. 74% need to upgrade their speaking skills to make English fluency effective for job seekers. The research examines job seekers' English fluency from their perspective.

Islamic Workplace Spirituality and Subjective Career Success Among Indonesian Muslim Teachers: The Mediating Role of Career Commitment

Recently, the role of spirituality in the workplace has gained notable interest. This paper explores how career commitment mediates the impact of Islamic workplace spirituality dimensions (taqarrub, muraqabah, and istiqamah) on subjective career success among Muslim teachers in Indonesia. This study tested hypotheses using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) on data from 200 respondents (38 male, 162 female) gathered through accidental sampling. The instruments used include the Commitment Career Measure (CCM) to assess career commitment (α = 0.857–0.904), Islamic Workplace Spirituality (IWS) to measure spirituality (α = 0.822–0.836), and the Subjective Career Success Inventory (SCSI) to measure career success (α = 0.891–0.911). All instruments showed good convergent validity (AVE > 0.50) and discriminant validity (Fornell-Larcker and HTMT criteria). The results indicate that career commitment plays a mediating role between Islamic workplace spirituality, particularly istiqamah and taqarub, and subjective career success. Career commitment has a significant positive impact on career success. Both istiqamah and taqarub positively influence career commitment, which in turn enhances career success. However, muraaqabah does not significantly affect career commitment or career success. The indirect influences of istiqamah and taqarub through career commitment are also significant, while muraaqabah's indirect effect is not. The study indicates that Islamic spiritual practices in the workplace can increase commitment and success among Muslim educators. Supporting these practices can help teachers perform better and feel more satisfied with their careers. This is crucial for educational leaders and policymakers to create better school environments

Exploring Workplace Happiness: Islamic Leadership and Work Ethics Driving Engagement and Helping Behaviour

Leadership and work ethics, particularly Islamic or faith-based, are crucial indicators of employees’ well-being and work engagement. It increases helping behaviour through motivation and satisfaction levels achieved from a supportive work environment. The research aim is to examine the influence of Islamic leadership and Islamic work ethics on helping behaviour and work engagement through happiness at work to verify this phenomenon, data has been collected from 320 employees working with Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across central Java, Indonesia. All question items from all variables are said to be valid with a value of more than 0.7 and reliable with a value of more than 0.5. This is quantitative design research where a convenience sampling technique was employed. Statistical analysis was done through SmartPLS, revealing a direct relationship among all study variables, such as Islamic leadership, to helping behaviours and work engagement. Additionally, the study identified a direct relationship between Islamic work ethics and helping behaviours, except for a link with work engagement; similarly, employees’ happiness at the workplace acts as a mediator in this study. The hypothesis is accepted because the significance value is more than 1.97. While previous studies have examined workplace happiness and engagement broadly, limited attention has been paid to the role of faith-based leadership and ethics within SMEs in culturally diverse settings like Central Java, Indonesia. This study offers a novel perspective by discussing the pivotal role of Islamic leadership and Islamic work ethics in shaping workplace dynamics, particularly helping behaviour and engagement through happiness

Academic Procrastination and Its Relationship to Psychological and Social Adjustment among University Students

This study sought to identify the levels of academic procrastination and psychological and social adjustment among Hashemite University students and to reveal whether there are any differences in the psychological and social adjustment attributable to the variables of gender, college, and academic level. Moreover, the study examined the correlation between academic procrastination and psychological and social adjustment. The study recruited (350) students from Hashemite University. The Academic Procrastination and the Psychological and Social Adjustment scales were utilised to achieve the objectives. The findings showed that (65.1%) of the students had a medium level of academic procrastination, and (4.6%) of the students had substantial levels and a moderate level of psychological and social adjustment. The results demonstrated that the gender variable contributed to statistically significant differences in the degree of psychological and social adjustment. Finally, academic procrastination and psychological and social adjustments were found to be negatively and statistically significantly correlated. The study recommends providing support to university students, by helping them identify the challenges they face, find solutions for them, and overcome them with the aim of achieving their ambitions, in a way that enhances their psychological and social adjustment

Implementation of Project Based Learning Based Local Wisdom to Enhance Students’ Critical Thinking in Higher Education

Islamic Religious Education (IRE) contributes to the realization of quality education in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. Optimizing the learning of prospective IRE teachers is crucial in producing superior human resources to create inclusive characters in the 21st century. This study aims to analyze the implementation of Project-Based Learning (PjBL) based on local wisdom on the critical thinking abilities of prospective IRE teachers. A triangulation mixed-method research design was used with the integration of quantitative and qualitative data to obtain comprehensive research results. The research subjects were students of the IRE study program at UIN Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau. Data collection was carried out through critical thinking ability tests and interviews of students' learning experiences. Data analysis techniques used descriptive and inferential statistical methods with the help of SPSS software to analyze quantitative data. Qualitative data analysis used the interactive model of Miles and Huberman, consisting of data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results showed a significant difference in the average critical thinking abilities of students between the experimental and control classes (p<0.00). The application of PjBL-based local wisdom in Islamic religious learning can improve students' critical thinking abilities. The integration of Riau Malay local culture in learning shows a positive response and becomes a learning innovation for prospective IRE teachers