Digital Commons Network^™

For The Record: Bill Schurk, Katlyn Westhoven

Honors Projects

For the Record: Bill Schurk is a half hour long documentary about the life and work of William Schurk, also known as Bill. Bill has helped to create the country’s largest music collection and helped advance the study of popular culture within the academic community. The documentary will be told from a first person perspective by Bill with supplemental content coming from interviews with family, friends, and colleagues of Bill through the years. Bill Schurk founded the Bowling Green State University Music Library and Bill Schurk Sound Archives and worked as the head archivist for 50 years before his retirement …

Communicative Solutions To The United States' Political Polarization, Codey Albers

Honors Projects

In 2016, political polarization in the United States reached levels unprecedented in the last three decades. This paper analyzes over thirty sources in an attempt to explore the extent to which the political divide exists in the US, to discover some possible reasons for the severe polarization, and to offer a list of possible solutions to the problem, solutions that everyday citizens can enact to contribute to a more open, discursive, and respectful society where all views can be heard, respected, and where democracy can thrive. Using a critical communication approach, this paper explains complex communication theory using language accessible …

Hellbound - The First Season, Stephen Seiber

Honors Projects

A student short concept film developed in order to pitch a television series.

Perfectionism In Collegiate Musicians, Kayla J. Grey

Honors Projects

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the constructs of perfectionism, music-related stress, and music performance anxiety among collegiate music majors. An additional purpose of this study was to investigate collegiate musicians' strategies for coping with each of the three dependent variables. A total of 52 collegiate music students enrolled at a large, mid-western university participated in an online questionnaire in the fall of 2017, and the response rate was approximately 13 percent. The survey instrument was constructed using items from Cohen, Karmarck, and Mermelstein’s Perceived Stress Scale (1993), Hewitt and Flett’s Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (1999), and …

Understanding A Discourse Marker In Quito, Ecuador, Hannah Jesberger

Honors Projects

The present research project examines the possible factors to explain the word-final /f/ in Ecuadorian Spanish including but not limited to: where it is used, who uses it (gender, age ranges, social class), and with which words it is most commonly used. As the first extensive research study on the word-final /f/, the project may lead to other investigations of this phenomenon and other features of Ecuadorian Spanish. In addition, if there are other variations of the marker pues in the Spanish varieties spoken in different regions and/or countries, researchers can use this present study as basis to analyze the …

Self-Esteem In Spanish-Speaking Latinos In Northwest Ohio, Mckenna Freeman

Honors Projects

Self-esteem is a widely-studied construct across many disciplines of social science. However, previous research regarding self-esteem and language barriers has focused primarily on children and adolescent populations, while much less research has examined this relationship among adults. The current study measures linguistic acculturation and self-esteem in both Latino and control adult samples. Hypothesis 1 states that participants in the Latino sample would report significantly lower self-esteem than the control sample. Hypothesis 2 states that linguistic acculturation levels in Spanish speaking Latinos would be positively correlated with self-esteem. Finally, a research question was addressed measuring the differences in self-esteem between foreign …

Evulation Of The Usability Of The Libraries Page With Bgsu Students, Rebecca Lord

Honors Projects

This research project explores the usability and usefulness of the “Libraries” webpage located within students’ MyBGSU account through usability testing. Usability testing is a method in which participants are asked to complete tasks within a platform (e.g. webpage, mobile app, etc.) that mimic a typical user in order to understanding their behavior, challenges, and thoughts about it. Ten Bowling Green State University (BGSU) students of various majors and years were randomly selected and asked nine questions about their opinions regarding the “Libraries” page, such as what they like and don’t like, and what they find useful, as well as things …

A Game We Have To Lose: Overcoming The Harm Of Coming Into Existence, Hannah Strang

Honors Projects

This paper explores the asymmetry of pleasure and pain as expressed in David Benatar’s book Better Never to Have Been, which is the basis for the argument that it is always an irreparable harm to bring a person into existence, and therefore we are morally obligated to pursue extinction as a species. I will examine Benatar’s argument in support of the asymmetry’s existence and analyze the strength of his argument for extinction overall, ultimately determining that his conclusion is too strong. I will defend this claim on the grounds that Benatar’s asymmetry implies the truth of two claims that must …

The Forgotten Immigrants: Effects Of The 1950s Quota System On Korean Immigration To The United States, 1950-1965, Dominique Seo

Honors Projects

This project focuses on the effects that the quota system, as stated in United States immigration policy, had on Korean Immigration between 1952-1965. There is a focus on the social and economic state of the United States that surrounded and effected the immigration policy at this time, as well as the effects that this policy had on Korean immigration to the United States immediately following the Korean War. In order to complete this both primary and secondary sources are used. Primary sources that are used include newspapers such as the Stars and Stripes and the Chicago Tribune, and immigration …

A Glance At Astor Piazzolla's Histoire Du Tango: Lecture Recital, Elizabeth Ritter

Honors Projects

This project is a lecture recital including the performance of four musical works from different countries as well as a lecture Astor Piazzolla's Histoire Du Tango. The four pieces performed in this recital were Eldin Burton's Sonatina for flute and piano, the first movement of Astor Piazzolla's Histoire Du Tango, Hirota's Shikararete, and Bela Bartok's Romanian Folk Dances for piccolo and piano. Before performing the Piazzolla, there was a lecture which included the teaching of the musical aspects of the tango within this piece, a short biography of Piazzolla, and a historical look at the four movements of this piece. …

Music And Art: An Aesthetic Experience, Samantha Martin

Honors Projects

This project sought to pair art songs performed at my senior recital with paintings. The paintings chosen had to be within one hundred years of the songs’ composition, from the same country as the composer, and have a similar theme or meaning as the art song. The goal was to create an aesthetic experience, as well as making the meanings of the songs more accessible for the audience, especially if the songs were in a foreign language.

Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Through Body Adornment, Linore Huss

Honors Projects

I conducted a series of interviews with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder survivors or their family members and completed an interactive body of work in body adornment and jewelry that reflects their stories. Last year I decided to focus on the people behind the trauma rather than the trauma itself, which I feel connects the survivor and the viewer more deeply than presenting a general image. Each piece draws from a survivor's personal story, the titles pulling from interview quotes, and the interaction with the viewer representative of each personal struggle.

The Validity Of Historical Narrative And Its Use In Teaching History, Justin Taylor Ramsey

Honors Projects

There is an effective way to teach high school history, put the content into narrative form. 'Narrative form' can be expressed in various ways: from historically-based literature to in-class creative-writes, from museum visits to book clubs, etc. Many educators across the United States recognize that incorporating 'narrative' into the classroom is conducive to greater student-learning than other methods of history instruction. These conclusions are supported by several recent studies from cognitive scientists who demonstrate that humans are predisposed to understand information in narrative form. Last, I provide evidence from my own teaching experience: analysis of previously taught lessons, along with …

Intersections: A Theology And Social Justice Curriculum For Christian High Schools, Rachel Lanae Hollingsworth

Honors Projects

Despite much writing on the intersection of race and ethnicity and theology, there are few suitable resources for high school teachers at Protestant Christian schools, so this project seeks to fill that gap by providing a curriculum written for conservative, Christian high schools. The curriculum emphasizes the study of scripture and theological witness in conjunction with relevant literature and media to challenge students to consider a more holistic understanding of the role of identity, inclusion, justice, and reconciliation in their faith. This will be facilitated by asking thought-provoking questions, thinking through issues of faith, providing a foundation for theological exploration, …

Ruth: A Bible Storatorio, Lydia Hu Chaffee

Honors Projects

“Ruth: A Bible Storatorio” is a combination of a narrated bible story and sung oratorio, designed for youth and adults alike to perform and enjoy. It emphasizes the theme of welcoming the stranger into a loving, God-honoring community. The Bible Storatorio contains multicultural folk tunes as well as original songs, arranged and composed for choral and solo songs, set to the charming text of the book of Ruth. It is quite natural that I was inspired to write this Bible Storatorio as an undergraduate honors project at Seattle Pacific University, since it combines several of my interests and passions as …

Empirical Aesthetics And The Philosophy Of John Cage: A Literature Review And Experimental Study, Braden J. Gillispie

Honors Projects

This paper examines the musical philosophy of composer John Cage in terms of psychological theories and experimental design. A literature review was first conducted to extract testable hypotheses from Cage’s musical works, writings, and interviews relevant to theories and research in empirical aesthetics. A study was then devised to examine the relationships between cognitive appraisals of the interestingness, enjoyableness, orderliness, and musicality of general sound events, as well as to determine the influence of openness to experience and the effect of two intentional-listening strategies, inspired by Cage’s ideas, on these relationships. Participants (n = 21) completed an openness to …

Read With Me Books Creation And Explanation, Taren Keith

Honors Projects

No abstract provided.

Drumming Past And Present: Examination Of Historical And Current Medicinal Effects, Megan M. Boerema

Honors Projects

Drumming is an activity with a long and rich history, rooted in many different cultures around the world. Traditionally, the art of drumming has been used for a wide variety of purposes including as a part of religious ceremonies, to promote psychological well-being, and to foster a sense of community. It has been used in a variety of cultural healing practices throughout the world since the beginning of ancient history (Newman et al., 2015).

Many cultures use drumming in healing ceremonies as a means for promoting an altered state of consciousness of the ill individual, the healer, and any others …

Finding Meaning Through Art: An Analysis Of Communicating Effectively To A Mass Audience, Brittany Costantini

Honors Projects

No abstract provided.

Catholic Hospitals In American Healthcare, Aimee Mckenzie

Honors Projects

No abstract provided.

Beyond Concrete Walls, Katelin Leahy

Honors Projects

No abstract provided.

Music As The Architect For Speech And Language: A Systematic Review, Savannah Vance

Honors Projects

It is hypothesized that before the complexity of speech and language developed, much of human communication was based on basic forms similar to music and gesture (Hamilton, 2010). Differences in pitch and tone in conjunction with expressive gestures were used in conveying excitement, fear, danger, or happiness. Today, music is used as a way to express emotions when spoken words are just not enough. As a result, many have begun to see the significant relationship between the use of music and language in human development as a whole. Specifically, some speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are learning to accept music in speech …

Marching Band And The College Transition, Jessica Fix

Honors Projects

The relationship between college student engagement and personal growth has been studied for decades. However, involvement in specific types of organizations or activities has not been researched as in-depth. This study examined involvement in college marching band specifically and how it affects transition into college and overall growth and learning of college students. This study analyzes quantitative data of all marching band participants at Bowling Green State University in the most recent year (2016-2017), as well as qualitative data retrieved through focus group sessions with first year marchers and returning marchers. Results of this study suggest that involvement in marching …

Racial Discrimination In A Rural Midwest Town, Emily Peterson

Honors Projects

This study examines how a rural Midwest community views race and discrimination, and how these views affect community members’ experiences. The results of the survey provide a means of determining the lack of cultural competence and discrimination within a rural Midwest populace. The purpose of this research is to examine and analyze individual discrimination and racism in a Midwest rural community. A 10-question survey was administered to teachers, elderly individuals, law enforcement officers, and former students about their experiences with diversity within the community. The questions centered upon topics of race, discrimination, and personal experiences within the community. The data …

From A Traveling Daughter: A Photographic Memoir, Lilian Murnen

Honors Projects

“World sits outside the door, A voice in your heart is calling, The ends of the world await, Traveling daughter, Feel the sunshine on your face, Starlight guides your feet, Earth and Sky will carry you, Journey after journey, One mountain to the next, Voice in your heart is calling.” (Abigail Washburn, “Song of the Traveling Daughter” translated from Mandarin Chinese)

My family keeps me safe, but it is this safety that protects me from the discomfort that is necessary for growth. Like Abigail Washburn’s “voices,” my discontent and my curiosity call me to venture far beyond what I can …

Paleoimagery: The Artistic Restoration Of Dinosaurs And Prehistoric Life, Colin Mcnulty

Honors Projects

My purpose in creating this paper is to research a holistic view of paleontological illustration (also called paleoimagery or paleoart). A thorough history of paleoimagery is outlined from its roots in biblical illustration in the 17^th and 18^th centuries approaching the modern day. A two-fold examination of the utility of art to communicate science and its use within the science of paleontology is also given. This includes discussions of the specific components of art pieces that help them to successfully communicate scientific ideas and examples of how paleoimagery contributes to paleontology. The author then outlines the conception and …

The Madwoman Persists: Expression As Resistance In Emily Holmes Coleman's The Shutter Of Snow And H.D.'S Hermione, Spring Healy

Honors Projects

Emily Holmes Coleman’s The Shutter of Snow and H.D.’s HERmione each feature a female narrator struggling to survive in a patriarchal society that confines them and polices the movement of their bodies through space in attempt to gain control. The characters Marthe Gail and Hermione Gart experience bouts of insanity in response to their confinement by the patriarchy. I explore the various ways these two women push against their confinement, and argue that despite their places in society, Marthe and Hermione are able to use expression—writing, language, voice, movement, sexuality—to successfully resist the patriarchy and create legitimate identities.

White Southerners Respond To Brown V. Board Of Education: Why Crisis Erupted When Little Rock, Arkansas, Desegregated Central High School, Abby Elizabeth Motycka

Honors Projects

What was the impact of Brown v. Board of Education on the United States and how did pro-segregationists in the South respond? In order to answer this question, I argue three key arguments over the course of three chronological chapters. In chapter one, I argue that segregationists from southern states responded to Brown by fighting to preserve segregation in order to protect a racial hierarchy they believed was essential. This racial hierarchy is magnified in the southern capital of Little Rock, Arkansas, which I argue in chapter two exposed segregationists’ political defiance and poor organization around racial integration of public …

Politics, Technology, And Libertarianism, Thomas J. Perry

Honors Projects

In recent years, technology has started to play a major role in the U.S. political climate. Specifically, it has created a platform for outside groups, such as libertarians, to have their voices heard. This brought forward an important research question: How has technology helped or hindered the ability of individually focused libertarians to organize for collective action? Through the exploration of previous research, two major findings are discovered: 1) technology and the growth of individualism in politics are intertwined and 2) technology and individualism both have ties to libertarianism. The implications of libertarianism are analyzed further through the study of …

The American Political Mindset: The Relationship Of Exceptionalism And Cynicism In Public Opinion, Anya Kaiser 3068310

Honors Projects

This research investigates the pervasiveness of both political cynicism and American exceptionalism within American society. Throughout history, there has been an interaction between the public's feelings of American exceptionalism and cynicism in the United States, starting at the nation’s founding and continuing into recent times (Chaloupka, 1999). As an inter-disciplinary and mixed-methods study, this research utilizes both a nationally representative quantitative data-set and a qualitative analysis of Allen Ginsberg’s (1959) poem “America,” a cultural representation of the relationship between American exceptionalism and cynicism. Using the American National Election Studies’ 2012 survey on trust in government (N = 5,914), I examine …