Digital Commons Network^™

Some Day A Great Harvest: A History Of The Foundation Of St. Augustine's Indian Mission, Winnebago, Nebraska, 1888 To 1945, Patrick M. Kennedy

Student Work

Controversy has shadowed Christian missionary activity among Native American peoples from its beginnings in the 1500’s to the present day. During the last two centuries, the churches have competed for the souls of Indians on reservations, in the press, in Congress and in the federal courts. At stake were access to the reservations and the use of federal funds in religious institutions. These jurisdictional conflicts reflected and reinforced the contentious relationships between Protestants and Catholics in the United States. The history of St. Augustine’s Indian Mission was shaped by a combination of national and local events. The foundation of the …

The Impact Of Explanations In Rejection Letters On Perceptions Of Fairness And Accountability, Troy A. Romero

Student Work

The present study was designed to test Folger and Cropanzano’s (1998) Fairness Theory as it pertains to perceptions of fairness and accountability in rejection letters. This study was a partial replication of Gilliland, Groth, Baker, Dew, Polly and Langdon (2001), which examined the impact of Fairness Theory variations in rejection letters on perceptions of fairness, recommendation intentions, and reapplication behavior. Participants in this study were applicants rejected in the first stage of the selection process with a large, Midwest corporation. Perceptions of fairness and accountability were collected after receiving one of four versions of a rejection letter: the company’s standard …

The Working And Living Conditions Of Migrant Farm Workers, Hilario Molina Ii

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The purpose of this thesis was to explore the world of migrant workers, through first hand account, through the description of the living and working conditions of migrant farms by focusing on each camp (A, B, and C), by observing and describing the line of work, by discussing the social and cultural dynamics of migrant farm working—the role and culture of the migrant women, children, and alpha males—and by documenting the exploitation of migrant farm workers. This is a qualitative research, based on ground theory, which consisted of participant observation of these factors. There was no hypothesis due to the …

Folk Healing In The Tradition Of The Fidencista Movement, Katherine Brittain

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The Fidencista Movement is a religion in process . Like in many other medico-religions whose primary ministry is healing, women hold the highest positions of authority. The shamanic channeling of the spirit of the folk saint, Niño Fidencio , plies Fidencistas' belief in the spirit world and ameliorates physical and emotional healing. Fidencistas are concentrated in the Texas/Mexico borderland region where they are facing a passing of traditionalism, the social matrix in which folk healing thrives. However, the signature of the Movement, the penitential trek up the Vía de Dolores in Espinazo, is a cohering bi-annual ritual that fortifies devotion …

A Study Of Education Reform In Texas: State Mandated Testing Results, Effects, And The University Of Texas-Pan American, Monica M. Trevino

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The study will use scores on TASP, and ACT as predictors of first year college success. First year college success will be measured by first-year year college grade point average and number of class hours dropped. We expect to find a high correlation between standardized test scores and college success. In order to continue yearly state test administration efforts, data needs to be found supporting that these efforts are sufficient. If this evidence is not present, then state mandated achievement testing needs to be reconsidered for use as a requirement for receipt of a high school diploma, school accountability, and …

Is The Maquila Industry A Factor Influencing Migration To Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico?, Maria Cristina Guzman

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This thesis is divided into three chapters. Chapter one starts with the historical background of the city of Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico and has a brief definition of migration explaining the factors that push or pull someone to make the decision to move. Chapter two contains the thesis statement, methods, and scope. In chapter three, there is a summary of the findings and conclusions. Analysis of the data collected through a survey conducted in 1997 among maquila workers reveals that a total of 51.01% of both the men and women's moves were influenced by the maquila industry. A similar pattern was …

Latino Immigrant Perceptions About The U.S. Police: An Exploratory Study, Griselda Aldrete

Student Work

New population trends by Latino immigrants have caused much debate in the field of criminal justice. Lack of research and literature on this growing population has left the justice system looking for ways to properly tap into the Latino population. Among the many areas that have been overlooked is one about how Latino immigrants adapt to their new life upon arriving in the United States. In addition, no study has ever explored how immigrants deal with the criminal justice system, especially the perceptions they have about the U.S. police. This thesis is an attempt to fill this void in research …

Mariguano, Juan Ochoa

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This book is in many ways autobiographical, but at the same time attempts to tell the story of the many silent characters that have long been omitted from most works on border life. By “silent characters” I am referring to those who operate on the margins of a marginalized society. The reader will be allowed to glimpse inside the life of a social group that values silence and indifference as basic survival skills.

It is this value on silence and indifference that have forced these stories to go unrecorded for so long. Aside from meeting my thesis requirements, it is …

Organizational Justice, Organizational Citizenship, And Group Performance In An Educational Setting, Charles Peterson

Student Work

Organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) is a widely researched topic in the psychology literature. However, the research has failed to provide strong support for one of the most central assumptions of OCB, the assumption that it increases organizational performance. Thirty-one groups of graduate students participated in this research, which attempted to demonstrate a link between OCB and group performance within a social exchange framework. Data were collected measuring the groups’ levels of perceived trust, justice, and OCB; instructors provided grades and ratings of the performance of the groups on various class projects completed throughout the semester. Although the sportsmanship OCB sub-dimension …

Cultural Relevance In The Lep-Ld Classroom, Blanca Estella Rojas

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This investigation considered Mexican-American students classified as Limited English Proficient (LEP) and Special Education Learning Disabled (LD) on achievement in and attitudes toward reading. Two students used culturally matched materials and two students used non-culturally matched, grade appropriate materials. The individuals who received treatment were paired with those who did not receive treatment on key variables as closely as possible. Qualitative descriptive information answered the following questions: (1) Will the use of a culturally matched novel have the same learning effects as use of a non-culturally matched novel? (2) Will the use of the culturally matched novel lower the affective …

“Yours For The Salvation Of Mexican People”: Race, Identity, And The Growth/Decline Of Mennonite Brethren Missionary Efforts In South Texas, 1937–1971, Felipe Hinojosa

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The Mennonite Brethren (MB) church in south Texas is an anomaly. Mennonite Brethren missionaries were once prominent in Protestant circles in south Texas between 1937 and 1971, planting eight churches during this time. Today, however, the Mennonite Brethren church is relegated to several small congregations sprinkled throughout Hidalgo and Starr County. This research argues that Mennonite Brethren missionary efforts with Mexican Americans were racist and oppressive. Furthermore, the racist ethos that developed was maintained throughout the life of the mission because of the institutional rigidity of the MB church. Both Church Growth Theory and the Contact Hypothesis are applied to …

The Hispanic Image Reflected In Post-War Texas Films: From Jennifer Jones To Jennifer Lopez, Monique James

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

After a history of negative, stereotypical Hispanic film depictions, the largely positive evolution of the Hispanic film image after World War II was the result of three primary forces: America's changing social movements and beliefs, Hollywood's financial concerns, and the filmmakers' backgrounds and views. Through the analysis of post-World War II films set in Texas and the study of film reviews, filmmaker's comments, articles, and books on the subject, the thesis argues that screen Hispanics generally became more multi-dimensional, and less stereotypical as the 20 th century progressed.

Stock Returns And Noise Trading: Domestic And International Evidence, Rahul Verma

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

In recent years there has been a growing debate on the possible linkages between the behavioral aspects of investors and stock prices. The financial economics have become more receptive to imperfect rational explanations and in this regard, investor psychology has emerged as a major determinant of stock prices. Under this approach, the central task is to examine how stock prices are related not only to risks, but also to the noise (Hirshleifer, 2001). After decades of study, the sources of risk premium in purely rational dynamic models are well understood; while, dynamic psychology based asset pricing theories are still in …

A Human Narrative In The Metopes From The Temple Of Zeus At Olympia., Amanda Beth Crecelius Ott 1980-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Built during the Early Classical period, the Temple of Zeus at Olympia and its sculptural program presented many new ideas in Greek society. I will argue that the Temple, in particular its metopes depicting the twelve Labors of Herakles, exemplified the humanization of the Greek hero and illustrated the increasingly personal nature of Greek religion following the Persian War. I will first discuss the history of Olympia and the Altis, especially in relation to the celebration of the Olympic Games. I will then describe the Temple of Zeus and its sculptural program. The sculptures, in particular the metopes, will be …

Participatory Action Research With Adults With Mental Retardation : "Oh My God. Look Out World.", Rita Marie Valade

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is a participatory action research project with adults with mental retardation who reside in Louisville, Kentucky. It explores some of the history and ideologies that frequently have hindered persons with mental retardation from being regarded by others as unique individuals with various abilities. It investigates dynamics of social ostracism and the resultant silence, inclusive of the social work profession's relative absence in the field of mental retardation. Furthermore, it explores various aspects of research with persons with disabilities, and with persons with mental retardation in particular. While there have been multiple studies about persons with mental retardation, very …

A Model Racing Plant : Founding And Economic History Of Keeneland Racetrack., Scott A. Carmony 1967-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is an economic and historical examination of Keeneland racetrack in Lexington, Kentucky. The material commences with a historical overview of the role of sport and recreational activities in the United States. Putting sport and leisure activity in the context of mirroring changes in society is the focus of the section. Furthermore, this material explores the general sporting environment in United States history, moves to horseracing's place within that history, then concludes with the scope of the horse and horseracing in Kentucky, and particularly, the Bluegrass region of central Kentucky. The following material focuses on the unique and remarkable …

The Cost Of Wisdom : A Comparative Theoretical Analysis Of Research Ethics In The United States, Germany And Hungary., Steven A. Drewry

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is a comparative theoretical analysis of human rights, research ethics and human subjects protection. The history of human rights is a long one, but for the sake of immediacy and focus, the author will limit the discussion to events pertaining to the last century and the beginning of a new one. Through a process of sociocultural review of significant human rights and scientific events pertinent to research involving human subjects, this work will examine the evolution of research ethics in the United States, Germany and Hungary. These nations are not intended to be representative of international research ethics …

Breakdown From Within : Virginia Railroads During The Civil War Era., Larry Edward Johnson 1956-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is an examination of the Virginia railroad system during the Civil War. Using extensive and primary secondary sources, the thesis argues that the Virginia General Assembly, the Confederate Government under Jefferson Davis, and the superintendents of Virginia's carriers inadequately utilized one of the state's, and subsequently, the Confederacy's, primary assets. This thesis consists of five chapters. Chapter one focuses on the limited historiography of Civil War railroads. Chapter two examines the Confederacy's attempts to find a government-level railroad chief. The efforts by Virginia's railroad superintendents to keep their lines operating during a time of civil war are examined …

Child Maltreatment Assessment And Recidivism : A Study Of Kentucky Child Protective Services., Helen Katherine Mudd

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative dissertation examines risk assessment and recidivism of child maltreatment to determine the relationship between child protective services provided by the Kentucky Department of Protection and Permanency and risk of harm. A chart review of existing data on 3,235 closed Kentucky child protective services cases provides information about the quality of service provided to families, the reduction of risk of maltreatment assessed in the family, and the rate of recidivism following case closure. This dissertation examines the usefulness of the Continuous Quality Assessment tool (CQA) and its effectiveness in assessing risk. The CQA is an assessment tool that is …

Fundamentalist Religious Movements : A Case Study Of The Maitatsine Movement In Nigeria., Katarzyna Z. Skuratowicz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study is a historical analysis of reasons and dynamics behind the emergence of fundamentalist religious movements. Its purpose is to develop a new conceptual apparatus to the approach toward religious fundamentalist movements that would analyze both external and internal factors influencing their emergence. It is a case study of an Islamic fundamentalist religious movement called Maitatsine in Nigeria. The theoretical background is based upon the concepts of international division of labor and the role of the state taken from development theories, which explain the external factors influencing the dynamics in West Africa, the region where the analyzed religious movement …

The Parents Of Progressive Improvement : Railroads And Public Policy In Kentucky, 1829-1900., David Matthew Wilkins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is a historical examination of the relationship between the railroad industry and state government in Kentucky during the nineteenth century. The thesis begins with an examination of the legal culture of the early nineteenth century and its relation to railroads. The thesis then shifts into an examination of the various political and social forces that led to regulation of railroads by 1900. The thesis is divided into five chapters. Chapter One covers the historiographical issues surrounding American railroad history, and introduces the reader to the topic. Chapter Two discusses early interactions between railroads and public policy in Kentucky, …

Si, Se Puede: Organizing Latino Immigrant Workers In South Omaha's Meatpacking Industry, Jacqulyn S. Gabriel

Student Work

Faced with declining union density and a growing immigrant workforce, the U.S. labor movement has begun to realize the importance of organizing Latino immigrant workers. However, the “conventional wisdom” among many within the movement is that these workers are “unorganizable.” Labor scholar Ruth Milkman (2002), for example, explains that the “conventional wisdom” is that immigrants are vulnerable, docile persons, intensely fearful of any confrontation with authority, who accept substandard wages and poor working conditions because their standard of comparison is drawn from their home countries, and who therefore are extremely unlikely to unionize. Through an in-depth study of a successful …

The Effect Of Mergers And Acquisitions On The Wealth, Risk, And Efficiency Of Latin American Banks, Felice Policastro-Caccavale

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Over the last few years, mergers and acquisitions within Latin America's banking sector have significantly increased. From 1995 to 2003, Latin American countries experienced more than one thousand bank merger and acquisition deals. The majority of these mergers and acquisitions have occurred between domestic and foreign banks and, as a result, foreign banks now control more than fifty percent of the banking assets of Latin America's largest economies. In addition to the increased presence of foreign banks in Latin America, the process of mergers and acquisitions has reduced the number of banks in most Latin American countries and this has …

Relationship Dynamics In Latino-White Intercultural Marriages: A Three Group Comparison, Raquel D. Muller

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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A Study Of Perceived Job Satisfaction Factors Among Superintendents In Two New Jersey Counties, Richard J. O'Malley

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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Community And School Violence: An Ethnographic Study, Martha Santiago

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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Exploring Blackness As A Site Of Resilience In Street Life Oriented Young Black Men Living In The Inner-City, Andraé́́ L. Brown

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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Exploring Emotional Intimacy Among African American Female Survivors Of Childhood Sexual Abuse Who Utilize Black Church Support Services, Angela Oubre

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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Urban School Reform: The Impact Of Whole School Reform On A Specific Population Within A New Jersey Abbott School District, Michael A. Winds

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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