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Articles 1 - 30 of 86
Full-Text Articles in Arts and Humanities
The Importance Of Being Your Authentic Self, Aleathea G. Higginbottom
The Importance Of Being Your Authentic Self, Aleathea G. Higginbottom
Masters Theses
The vision for this paper is to encourage others through the references, expert advice, and a memoir full of experiences. Also, to dive into the realm of self-discovery and be the best version of the authentic self-possible and allow those beautiful pixels of gifted expression to shine through that have been pushed back or forgotten. There is a freedom that authenticity brings which cannot be described. Breaking free from a life of the expectations of others and living true to oneself brings forth a happier person, spirit, soul, and body.
Thesis Proposal And Project: Transplanted, Sarah Estok
Thesis Proposal And Project: Transplanted, Sarah Estok
Masters Theses
This manuscript is a work of fiction in the mystery/thriller genre. Detective Joy Livingston is led to learn why God allows evil to exist in the world. Everything happens for a reason and this work seeks to represent loss, organ donation, and evil in a way that exhibits this.
Poetry As A Means Of Adding Depth To Character In Memoir, Kasey Brianne Carr
Poetry As A Means Of Adding Depth To Character In Memoir, Kasey Brianne Carr
Masters Theses
The sections of this thesis proposal were written in a natural progression as the author pursued a yet-to-be-known truth she believed could be found within herself. The artist’s statement details the domino effect of questions that led her to ultimately pursuing the concept of writing a memoir. It roots the reader in the mind of the author as she establishes exactly what it is she is wanting to do with her manuscript: to finally find her place in the world. In her critical theory paper, the author investigates the best way to tell her story by studying the impact of …
You Are Here: Experiencing Place Through Poetry, Janet Reeves
You Are Here: Experiencing Place Through Poetry, Janet Reeves
Masters Theses
This thesis contains a collection of poems about Whidbey Island, its plants, wildlife, landscape, character, historical and community events, legends, and landmarks. I have written these out of curiosity about my new location as I begin to claim this place as my home. Imagery will help readers understand the place. Yet some aspects of the place may also, sometimes, function as analogies to help readers understand something else. I have used my knowledge of Whidbey Island in a way that I hope will help readers grasp more than what people can see, hear, touch, smell, or taste in this place. …
The Psychology Of Realistic Characters: Utilizing Psychological Theory In The Character Creation Process, Sophie Mcfarlane Holmes
The Psychology Of Realistic Characters: Utilizing Psychological Theory In The Character Creation Process, Sophie Mcfarlane Holmes
Masters Theses
When creating characters for a story, authors should seek to make them as realistic and relatable as possible to their respective audiences. In order to achieve that, authors need to understand humanity and why humans behave the way they do. Psychology offers insight into the human mind, and covers all aspects of personality, socialization, and development within humanity. These same three areas can be used when crafting characters for a story. By utilizing personality tests, social backgrounds, and developmental life stages, authors gain an understanding of how and why people may act the way they do. This knowledge can in …
A Tree Away From The Forest, Deborah Ann Ebert
A Tree Away From The Forest, Deborah Ann Ebert
Masters Theses
Naomi, a young teen, moves with her family to a small town in Pennsylvania. As Naomi and her family adjust to their environment, Naomi discovers the beauty and adventure that often come with new beginnings.
Thesis Proposal And Project: The Christmas Fiddle, Tamara N. Canty
Thesis Proposal And Project: The Christmas Fiddle, Tamara N. Canty
Masters Theses
The thesis discusses how Christian creatives can create art that glorifies God, while shining light into a dark world by highlighting the contributions of Christian creatives in the entertainment industry. The research heralds the testimonies of several notable Christian creatives and how they have successfully navigated their way through a largely secular industry.
The Narrative Matters: Depictions Of Mental Health And Suicide In Fiction, Ashlee Cierra Garcia
The Narrative Matters: Depictions Of Mental Health And Suicide In Fiction, Ashlee Cierra Garcia
Masters Theses
The following thesis submission includes an Artist's Statement that shares the origin and plan for the creative manuscript. A critical paper follows that which discusses the importance of the fiction narrative when discussing sensitive topics such as mental health and suicide. With a focus on the Werther and Papageno Effects, different fiction texts are discussed and analyzed to show the negative effects that can come from a hopeless narrative as well as the positive effects that can come from a hopeful narrative. The creative manuscript that follows is the story of a young man, Jayden Walker, who has his own …
Who Reads Young Adult Fiction Anyway? (Teenagers Or Adults), Terri Ann Perret
Who Reads Young Adult Fiction Anyway? (Teenagers Or Adults), Terri Ann Perret
Masters Theses
As the popularity of Young Adult Fiction grows, it's becoming clear that the traditional age divisions for readers are no longer so clear-cut. While this genre was initially intended for readers between thirteen and eighteen, recent market research has shown that adults of all ages are increasingly drawn to these books. It is now quite common for adults to enjoy books that were once considered exclusively "young adult." This raises some interesting questions: why are older adults drawn to this genre? Is there data to support the idea that readers of all ages can enjoy Young Adult Fiction? And what …
Afrofuturism And The Reclamation Of Black Culture And History Within Science Fiction, Dawanda S. Hall
Afrofuturism And The Reclamation Of Black Culture And History Within Science Fiction, Dawanda S. Hall
Masters Theses
This paper aims to delve into the key aspects of Afrofuturism, and to trace its evolution from its origins to its current expansive form. By examining the works of its most influential authors and their contributions to the genre, we can gain a deeper understanding of Afrofuturism’s legacy and its potential as a vehicle for Black liberation.
“Who Do You Say That I Am?”: Literary Portrayal Of Religious Experience, William Wood
“Who Do You Say That I Am?”: Literary Portrayal Of Religious Experience, William Wood
Masters Theses
Literature is one of the primary means through which God has revealed Himself to the world. Christian writers, therefore, should be bold to portray their God in and through the religious experiences of their characters. Evaluating classic and contemporary literature, four distinct methods of portraying religious experience may be described, each with varying levels of flexibility and faithfulness. Works of literature such as fantasy fiction may include any and all of these methods, even while that literature pursues other themes. In this thesis, an Artist Statement describes the included work of fiction, with its literary context, impetus, and personal significance. …
The Impact Of Creative And Performing Arts In The Chicago Public School System, Lashanda Holts
The Impact Of Creative And Performing Arts In The Chicago Public School System, Lashanda Holts
Masters Theses
This thesis examines the importance of creative and performing arts through the multifaceted production, “Mop and Bucket Blues”. This thesis was also created to bring awareness to Chicago’s inner city gun violence, poverty, absentee fathers’, and the lack of funding for the creative arts in public schools, in high crime areas. By analyzing the thematic elements, artistic techniques, and socio-political impact of the play, this study seeks to shed light on the potential of theater as a powerful medium for social change and educational reform.
The Weight Of Gratitude And The Burden Of Truth, Joshua Macer
The Weight Of Gratitude And The Burden Of Truth, Joshua Macer
Masters Theses
The roots of this thesis lie in a daily journal written in a tattered notebook while deployed to the war-torn city of Baghdad, Iraq. The artist's statement tells the story of how the tragic events of 9/11 led to a decade of service in the military and how a simple daily journal kept during combat became the foundation for a memoir. Times passing, memory issues from injuries sustained overseas, and conflicting stories led the author to question the accuracy of military memoirs. The critical theory paper evaluates authenticity in memoirs, the challenges to truth and memories, and the consequences of …
Pretty Girls Don't Eat Pizza: How An Eating Disorder Taught Me I Am Enough, Hannah Kuhn
Pretty Girls Don't Eat Pizza: How An Eating Disorder Taught Me I Am Enough, Hannah Kuhn
Masters Theses
Eating disorders have become one of the most fatal mental disorders, and yet many people still don’t know anything about them. This allows society to misinform people on what this disorder is, and for those suffering from it to feel misunderstood and alone. Patients and their families don’t need more medical advice on the topic. They need to hear a raw, honest and messy story from someone who is not cured, but overtime has found the resources, hope and strength to continue living with it everyday until healing is granted. This is a story that both informs and shows the …
Analyzing The Cynical Perspective Of Death In The Book Thief, Dorothy Elizabeth Hollar
Analyzing The Cynical Perspective Of Death In The Book Thief, Dorothy Elizabeth Hollar
Masters Theses
In The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, death is used as a theme and a character to convey the plot of the story. The character of death is used as a device to show the life of a young girl living in Nazi Germany through the eyes of something more sinister and pessimistic. The story explores trauma, friendship, and the power of words when it seems all hope is lost. This thesis will explore the aspect of death as a character and will examine how it works in the story. The creative portion of my thesis will examine the themes …
Three Years With Buffalo Bill, Russell Storman
Three Years With Buffalo Bill, Russell Storman
Masters Theses
John Muir is the father of modern creative nonfiction in the outdoor adventure/nature genre. His passion inspired generations of Christian writers, especially within the genre, to draw connections between the God of their faith and His hand that they see in the natural world. Set in a forty-two-mile hike through northwest Wyoming’s Buffalo Bill State Park and continuing in the example set by Muir, the manuscript Three Years with Buffalo Bill establishes that faith is an essential element of modern life.
Shaping Character: The Role Of Mythology In Society, Jaclyn Weist
Shaping Character: The Role Of Mythology In Society, Jaclyn Weist
Masters Theses
Throughout history, man has told stories. Some stories were written on walls, tablets, or bits of parchment. Others have been passed down to posterity through oral tradition. Every culture worldwide has a rich tapestry of legends and myths. It is my intent to demonstrate that these stories use the tools of character development within their various plot lines to both express and shape beliefs, superstitions, and life lessons. Whether they are religious in nature or simply trying to make sense of the world, these stories, myths, and legends have played a part in shaping society into what it is today.
Truth And Fiction, Rachel Michele Schroeder
Truth And Fiction, Rachel Michele Schroeder
Masters Theses
This literary review explains the importance of literature in helping to indirectly describe reality. The review takes the reader through a plethora of literary examples and gives brief psychological and philosophical argumentation to showcase the importance of literature in the lives of children and adults. The Function of Fiction describes the ways in which fiction is intended to be employed. On the Psychology of Stories discusses how stories impact behavior. On Myths examines the ways in which myths connect to history and culture. On Fables and Fairytales dissects how stories often have a moral and encourage the best in humanity. …
My Journey With Faith, Jocelyn Rodriguez
My Journey With Faith, Jocelyn Rodriguez
Masters Theses
A memoir of my life and my faith. I was able to recollect moments when my faith was tested, doubted, and its growth. It's a story of truth, understanding, and wonder of my life was molded not just by my surroundings but by my growing relationship with my faith.
Important Relationships And Realistic Dialogue In Fiction, Timothy Paddock
Important Relationships And Realistic Dialogue In Fiction, Timothy Paddock
Masters Theses
This thesis began as a decision to explore relationships and how they shape the course of our lives. In looking at relationships, it became apparent that communication, specifically spoken communication, is a critical aspect of any relationship. The artist statement discusses the way communication can impact a relationship as well as the correlation between real conversation and fictional dialogue. The critical paper delves into the traits of realistic dialogue as well as how to distinguish between dialogue that works, and dialogue that will bore or distract readers. The research and application of those two projects meet in the creative manuscript …
Rhapsody, Hannah Pennington
Rhapsody, Hannah Pennington
Masters Theses
This thesis delves into the topics of love, despair, and perseverance. Rhapsody balks at the cliche of "Love will find a way" and instead embraces the theme of "Love is not always enough." This paper aims to show how flawed characters can still be heroes in their own way, even if they do not receive their happy ending. It takes place in Italy during the late Renaissance and follows the life of a young man named Niccolo, who has just killed a man in the name of love. In an adaptation of Queen's song, Bohemian Rhapsody, Niccolo flees from his …
Alienation In Life And Film, Chase A. Hawkins
Alienation In Life And Film, Chase A. Hawkins
Masters Theses
The thesis begins by detailing the philosophy motivating the plot of the screenplay, which is the majority of the work. A short critical paper explores the way Wes Anderson uses dialogue to create or avoid emotional moments in some of his more complicated works.
Truth From Fiction: The Apologetic Use Of Christian Allegorical Literature In The 21st Century, Terri Nicole Boutte
Truth From Fiction: The Apologetic Use Of Christian Allegorical Literature In The 21st Century, Terri Nicole Boutte
Masters Theses
Christian allegorical literature is a genre that explores apologetic claims in a unique and creative way. Although this genre has attracted many readers over the years, there is hesitation and reluctancy to accept Christian allegorical literature as a genre that should be used as an apologetic method. Namely, the didactic intent of this genre has caused some critics to question whether Christian allegorical literature promotes critical reading and thinking skills in a way that leads readers to make their own spiritual decisions. Some skeptics believe that sharing theistic truths that are disguised by fictional storylines is a creative way to …
Reaching For A Higher Perspective: Exploring Elements Of Multiple Perspectives In Literature And Writing, Audrey I. Biggs
Reaching For A Higher Perspective: Exploring Elements Of Multiple Perspectives In Literature And Writing, Audrey I. Biggs
Masters Theses
In three parts, this thesis for the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing dives into perspective in writing and in life. After a statement from the author, the critical essay defines and analyzes a craft used in fiction novels: writing from multiple perspectives. First, the author describes the three basic perspectives and their uses in fiction writing. Next, a history of the development of multiple points of view leads the reader from ancient epics to modern novels. Finally, the author's analysis of William Faulkner's novel, As I Lay Dying, gleans a broader understanding of writing clearly and effectively from …
The Healing Power Of Creative Storytelling: Utilizing Fiction As A Means Of Therapy In The Writer/Reader Relationship, Alicia Rose Klepper
The Healing Power Of Creative Storytelling: Utilizing Fiction As A Means Of Therapy In The Writer/Reader Relationship, Alicia Rose Klepper
Masters Theses
What if we wrote the challenging portions of our lives as comedies or the boring parts as grand adventures? What if we recast painful experiences into creative stories that allow us to live in proximity to our circumstances and not be overwhelmed? Storytelling is how we bridge our lives with creativity as a way to heal from the past, process the present, and hope for the future. This thesis explores how the tradition of creative storytelling has evolved to enable writers and readers to uncover and connect elements of life that would otherwise be too painful to process. By bridging …
Constructing Reality: Finding Realism And Finding Jessica, Amy J. Vallotton
Constructing Reality: Finding Realism And Finding Jessica, Amy J. Vallotton
Masters Theses
Movies are very influential. They provide enjoyable entertainment and affect the viewer's brain and how it processes the scenes, characters, and plot. Because these processes are often the direct result of the script, the screenwriter needs to understand the effect the camera shots, lighting, pacing, and other techniques have on cognition. The narrative is the script's backbone and a movie's primary source of influence. Movies' effects on the viewer will be discussed through current research and different techniques and narrative examples, as seen in well-known movies and original screenplay. Because movies are so influential, the screenwriter will understand how to …
Characterizing The Female Main Character, Addison Leana Butler
Characterizing The Female Main Character, Addison Leana Butler
Masters Theses
The strong female character is a term tossed around writing groups, book clubs, and TikTok as something to both strive to see and critique in literature. This research paper transformed throughout the actual research as it went from a study on cozy fantasy emergence and its effects to strong female characters and how to write them well, to its current iteration along similar lines of writing strong female characters. Qualitative and quantitative data was gathered through the use of a survey that I wrote and put to the field, research done primarily through JSTOR, and interviews conducted with experts in …
Discovering Souls Below: Mythology, Lore, And Christian Feminism In Contemporary Fantasy, Emma Dearing
Discovering Souls Below: Mythology, Lore, And Christian Feminism In Contemporary Fantasy, Emma Dearing
Masters Theses
There are few things I love more than sitting on a warm, sunny beach with my toes in the sand. With a cool breeze rippling off the waves and the smell of salty ocean, it is easy to feel completely at peace. Yet last summer, as I sat limply in a beach chair experiencing all those sensations, I wondered, “What if this was my last day on earth, and I knew it?” More specifically, what if we chose such a serene day as our last? Of course, that reminded me there is only one way to truly choose our last …
Visions Of Aline: A Foreshadow Of The Past, Allison King
Visions Of Aline: A Foreshadow Of The Past, Allison King
Masters Theses
This thesis focuses on the first act of a coming-of-age YA novel. Visions of Aline is about a high school senior, Joey Astor. Having been diagnosed with schizophrenia four years ago, he’s been under a grand delusion that he is the school’s most feared bully. Unhappy that Joey is copying him, the real bully, Kaleb Kane, fights back. For four years, Joey and Kaleb have had a bitter and fierce rivalry. With the end of high school near, the two are determined to prove who rightfully deserves the title of the most feared. When Joey’s schizophrenic episodes start to worsen, …
Thesis Submission Assignment, Monica Cookson
Thesis Submission Assignment, Monica Cookson
Masters Theses
This paper focuses on the importance of complex character development to form connections with the reader. Readers develop connections to characters who are relatable, so writers need to be aware of what makes a character emotionally important to the reader.