Digital Commons Network^™

Historical Revisionism: Revising Or Rewriting, Tyce Shank

Senior Honors Theses

Historical revisionism has long been a part of effective academic historiography. A constant re-analysis of the past and how previous historians came to their conclusions about it enable corrections to be made and new findings to be incorporated into modern and future historical metanarratives. While plentiful positive examples of this practice exist, in part because of an understanding of history as a discipline and how it is correctly and incorrectly represented in adaptations, notable poor and inappropriate examples of revisionism also exist. These rewrites are usually political and are often contested by political opponents and academics, but nevertheless persist. Understanding …

Gifted Student Burnout, Lillian Clevenger

Senior Honors Theses

Gifted Student Burnout may be part of the occurrence of fatigue that can affect students of all ages. This can range from elementary to high school. Burnout in gifted education is a relatively new area of research, as burnout research in students and the gifted programs themselves are also new. The potential causes and potential solutions will be used to differentiate classroom instruction for gifted students. As gifted students grow and begin to want more control over their learning, instruction will need to be adjusted to help students stay invested in their academics. There are possible outlying effects that the …

The Ecclesiastical Role Of Women During The Reformation, Emily Thomas

Senior Honors Theses

Women have held various positions of authority in the church. During the Protestant Reformation (1517-1600), women grew in religious influence through breaks with cold traditionalism, offering greater interpretive power to women. Through an examination of literature from both primary and secondary sources, views concerning the scope and depth of women’s expositional authority will be discussed, with specific analyses on Marie Dentire, Argula von Grumbach, and Anna Zwingli. The conclusion follows that the source and role of women’s authority in the church realm varied between Catholicism and Protestantism. The former provides respect of femininity given its emphasis on the Virgin Mary, …

The Spiritual Nature Of The Italian Renaissance, Kaitlyn Kenney

Senior Honors Theses

This study seeks to investigate the influence of faith in the emergence and development of the Italian Renaissance, in both the artwork and writing of the major artists and thinkers of the day, and the impact that new expressions of faith had on the viewing public. While the Renaissance is often labeled as a secular movement by modern scholars, this interpretation is largely due to the political motives of the Medici family who dominated Florence as the center of this artistic rebirth, on and off again throughout the period. On close examination, the philosophical and creative undercurrents of the movement …

The Bible, New Life, And The Christian Historian, Joshua Toth

Senior Honors Theses

The Christian historian operates in the larger historical profession. This thesis begins to consider the influences of the Bible and new life on the Christian historian. It first looks at the historical profession, interpretations of history, and categories of Christian history. Such should promote a greater understanding of the position of the Christian historian. Then come explanations of a biblical worldview and new life aspects, both potential influences on Christian historians. Since the extent of their influence is potentially broad, this thesis narrows to looking at 1) the biblical metanarrative and 2) evangelism as part of new life. It considers …

Martha Washington: The First, First Lady, Ashley Lamoureux

Senior Honors Theses

Martha Washington is best known for her marriage to George Washington and subsequently becoming the first, First Lady of the United States. Most discussion and research only mentions Martha in passing and focuses instead on her husband. Martha’s precedent-setting role as First Lady is both valid and important. However, Martha’s influence on history is not limited to that role. This work highlights and examines the often-overlooked aspects of Martha Washington’s life through an examination of both primary source writing and biographies. Her experience as a landowner and business woman, her dedication to her husband and the Revolution, and the standards …

The Pen Must Calm The Sword: A Call To Promote South Sudanese History For Peace, John Robert Flores Jr.

Senior Honors Theses

The Republic of South Sudan is the world’s youngest nation and its birth has been marred by horrific acts of tribal and ethnic strife that have been characterized by brutal attacks on women and children by both rebels and government forces and the destruction of its ability to feed and provide basic services for its citizens. South Sudan’s first few years of statehood have been heartbreaking especially when considered against the promise that existed only a few years ago. Working towards a peaceful and successful future will inevitably be founded, in part, on understanding the history of the diverse peoples …

A Study In Sovereignty: Federalism, Political Culture, And The Future Of Conservatism, Clint Hamilton

Senior Honors Theses

This thesis confronts symptoms of an issue which is eroding at the principles of conservative advocacy, specifically those dealing with federalism. It contrasts modern definitions of federalism with those which existed in the late 1700s, and then attempts to determine the cause of the change. Concluding that the change was caused by a shift in American political identity, the author argues that the conservative movement must begin a conversation on how best to adapt to the change to prevent further drifting away from conservative principles.

From Heo To Zir: A History Of Gender Expression In The English Language, Brodie Robinson

Senior Honors Theses

With the growing presence of the LGBTQ+ community on the global stage, the matter of gender has been rushed to the forefront of the public consciousness. News outlets have hotly debated the topic of gender expression, a topic which has motivated mass demonstrations and acts of violence, and this has promoted a linguistic conversation at the international level.

This thesis is intended to provide the historical context for the contemporary debate on gender expression in the English language, and explores both the grammatical background (the Indo-European origins of linguistic gender, the development of the modern pronoun system, etc.) and the …

A Dramaturgical Exploration: Setting Oliver Goldsmith’S She Stoops To Conquer In Post-Civil War Virginia, Amanda Ward

Senior Honors Theses

A reputable theatrical company will hire a dramaturg to implement historical research and to provide reputable information where the director or staff desires it. They ensure that the play’s elements are as truthful to the time period as possible and aid in a performance’s overall success. If a theatrical company were to set Oliver Goldsmith’s play She Stoops to Conquer in 1870 Virginia, it could strengthen the play’s underlying religious, political, and cultural elements.

The paper is comprised of seven sections: a biography of the playwright, a religious exploration, a political analysis, a cultural comparison, a delineation of suggested script …

A Critical Approach To Rap Music, Kristen Porterfield

Senior Honors Theses

People have used music to tell stories and share ideas for ages, making it an influential means of communication (Delaney, 2007). Rap music in particular came on the scenes in the late twentieth century in New York and continues to be a popular form of expression into the 21^st century (Blanchard, 1999). However, many remain divided on whether rap music should have a place in society. Some claim rap is harmful and promoting of violent lifestyles (Richardson & Scott, 2002). Others, however, believe rap is useful in education and counseling settings for promoting discussion about life choices (Silvera, 2015). …

Paul Rand: Life, Work, Philosophy, And Influence On Modern Design, Benjamin Nicholes

Senior Honors Theses

Paul Rand is one the most influential graphic designers of the 21st Century. This thesis will cover his biography and show how the events of his life shaped him into the famed and prestigious designer we know him to be today. The thesis will then cover the many projects Rand designed and show the influences on his style and how his design philosophy is evident in his work. Finally, the thesis will look at how Rand’s style and philosophy has impacted graphic design in the modern era. This study will show why Paul Rand is considered to be one of …

Economic Powers That Be: U.S.-Russo Political Actions And Their Affect On The Russian Economy, Sharon R. Holland

Senior Honors Theses

The United States and Russia currently face political problems that undermine areas of trade and economics of both respective countries despite market forces. This analysis first gives an overview of key events in history to establish a basis of understanding of the foundation of U.S.-Russo political and economic relations. Secondly, an evaluation of the current issues that have pitted Russia and America against one another will shed light on the barriers of further development. Finally, utilizing both the past and present economic impacts forecasts three possible outcomes for U.S.-Russo political relations and the economic impacts that follow as a result.

The Battle Of Beersheba: Strategic And Tactical Pivot Of Palestine, Zachary D. Grafman

Senior Honors Theses

The Battle of Beersheba, fought on October 31, 1917, was a vital turning point in the British campaign against the Ottoman Turks. The battle opened a gap in the Turkish line that eventually resulted in the British takeover of Palestine. The British command saw the cavalry charge of the 4th Light Horse Brigade as a new tactical opportunity, and this factored into the initiative for new light tank forces designed around the concepts of mobility and flanking movements. What these commanders failed to realize was that the Palestine Campaign was an anachronistic theater of war in comparison to the rest …

Pragmatism As American Exceptionalism, Philip L. Wells

Senior Honors Theses

The history of American philosophical thought is marked by a skepticism of epistemology and immutable truths, which is drawn under the term pragmatism. This skepticism is the genesis for the political and social attitudes that makes the United States exceptional. This thesis argues that this exceptionalism is important to the makeup of the American character and that it is being threatened by two front: ideologically driven politics, and the abuse of power by the majority. In the course of writing this essay I evaluated a large portion of the body of American philosophy as well as political and judicial writers …

A Critique Of The Enlightenment Doctrine On Progressivism Through The Writings Of Francis A. Schaeffer, Nathan Hinkle

Senior Honors Theses

The Enlightenment doctrine of progressivism, and Francis Schaeffer’s Christian worldviews could hardly be more different. This thesis critiques the Enlightenment doctrine from the perspective of Francis Schaeffer through some of his most notable works. Specifically, this thesis explores the doctrine of progressivism, the idea that man and or society are constantly improving and getting better. The primary Enlightenment authors will include Voltaire, Hume, Locke, Rousseau, Turgot, and Kant. Francis Schaeffer’s counterarguments and perspective will be shown through The Complete Works of Francis A. Schaeffer, a five-volume collection of his various works.

The Historical Development Of The Modern Worship Song, Travis Doucette

Senior Honors Theses

For centuries, followers of Christ have used music as a channel of communicating their love and adoration towards their Creator and Savior, Jesus Christ. In fact, the use of music with God’s people is encouraged throughout the pages of Scripture. In the Old Testament, the psalmist writes, “Sing to him a new song; play skillfully and shout for joy.” In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul writes to the Ephesians, “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.” Throughout Christian history, wherever there has been renewal, revival and restoration, fresh songs of praise and worship have followed and …