Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Rain, Esther M. Lanham

Scholars Symposium

The author reflects on how the blessings of God flow as rain. Sometimes it is gentle and caressing, sometimes it feels like punishment, but everything the Lord allows us to go through, it is always for our benefit. His presence sustains us.

The Effects Of Esl On Refugees' Perception And Use Of Native Language, Macey Nicole Kakuk

Scholars Symposium

We examine effects of ESL (English as a Second Language) learning on adult refugees' perceptions of language. Specifically, we explore whether and how motivations to learn English affect the way refugees use and view their native language. The population addressed in this study is adult refugees over the age of eighteen who are learning English as an additional language. All participants attend a grant-funded adult education ESL school in western Ohio. Whereas much research has explored themes such as the dynamics of ESL classrooms, motivations to learn English among learners of English, and the maintenance of a native or heritage …

Bel Canto: An Analysis From Birth And Background To Musical Benefaction, Kaitlin Kohler

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Since the beginning of time, singing has been celebrated. Although opera itself was not properly established until the seventeenth century, drama and music have existed since the world’s genesis. It is difficult to imagine exactly what singing would have been like in ancient times, but the Bible and other ancient documents describe singing as an important factor in community—singing is meant to be beautiful and enjoyable. As the centuries pass on, a common thread of music history is the quest for beautiful singing. Composers each try to outdo their predecessors, coming up with new ways for vocalists to shine. They …

The Court Of Burgundy : A Musically Fluent Society, Elizabeth Lee Ferris

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The court of Burgundy supported music in the daily life for reasons spanning from religious practice to showing off the wealth of the duke. The importance of hearing different styles of music was emphasized through the patrons of the court of Burgundy. The culture of Burgundy supported music and made it available to most people. This was possible because their land provided safe travel amongst it and they were well off politically and economically. The practice and performance of music were supported in the daily routine through the church and organizations that patrons sponsored. It must first be understood that …

A Musical Reformation: Martin Luther’S Influence On Sacred Music, Lydia Sarver

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Martin Luther stands at the focal point of the Protestant Reformation, and while history glorifies him as a groundbreaking theologian, little attention is given to his liturgical reformation. Studies that do observe Luther’s hymns, generally focus on Luther’s appreciation for music as a tool to promote the message of the Reformation in the vernacular, thereby neglecting Luther’s systematic understanding of music and its impact on future compositions. Therefore, this article defends Martin Luther’s significant influence on the development of sacred music and his impact on future composers, culminating in the work of J.S. Bach. It first chronologically surveys the history …

Domenico Scarlatti: The Beginnings And Creation Of The Classical Piano Sonata, Megan R. Stuart

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The keyboard sonata is a musical work that many instrumentalists understand and have played at one point or another during their years of mastering their instruments. Many composers have tried their hand at writing a sonata and for some, their sonatas have been their crowning achievements. Some composers are more renowned for their sonatas compared to others, examples being Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Clementi, and Domenico Scarlatti. The sonata began to be developed during the Baroque era and even has its roots before this time, yet the largest development stage of the sonata is seen during the late Baroque era, especially …

The Russian Five, Austin M. Doub

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

This paper explores Russian culture beginning in the mid nineteenth-century as the leading group of composers and musicians known as the Moguchaya Kuchka, or The Russian Five, sought to influence Russian culture and develop a pure school of Russian music amidst rampant Westernization. Comprised of César Cui, Aleksandr Borodin, Mily Balakirev, Modest Mussorgsky, and Nikolay Rimksy-Korsakov, this group of inspired musicians, steeped in Russian society, worked to remove outside cultural influences and create a uniquely Russian sound in their compositions. Under the progressive reign of Tsar Peter the Great and the subsequent leadership of Tsar Peter the great, the nation …

Greek Music Theory Vs. The Bible, Kearsten M. Kostelnik

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The great philosophers of Ancient Greece have been studied in depth and are known throughout society. Famous Greek philosophers and writers, such as Plato and Pythagoras, formulated theories on musical philosophy — it’s purpose, use, dangers, power, and importance in society. Greek philosophy of music heavily influenced early European society’s view and development of music, it only partially supports Biblical views and principles of music and worship. Pythagoras introduces the theory that music is more than just entertainment with his notion of Music of the Spheres but fails to align with the biblical view of stars and planets as mere …

Exploring Ideas Through Art, Zachariah Benson

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The purpose of this study was to highlight and discuss recent contemporary issues through my artwork. My personal art studio is where I navigate current happenings, personal beliefs, and anthropological perspectives. I want viewers to have the opportunity to grapple with these ideas as well. My work is the conduit through which I raise awareness and evoke empathy towards people and happenings. A total of five pieces were made in this series, and I will present the concepts and methods of each piece. I will also elaborate on the methods and technologies I used to make the pieces in this …

Putting It Graphically: Fidelity In Graphic Novel Adaptations Of Classic German Literature, Melissa Gernert, Abigail Mouring, Andrew Mrozek, Aaron Weiss, Annis Shaver Dr.

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The rise of the graphic novel as a new genre of the arts has prompted many questions surrounding it – about its nature, relationship to other genres, effect on audiences, etc. In our research, we specifically examined graphic novel adaptations of classic German works that are part of the “canon” of German literature. We first read the original work and then the graphic novel adaptation. Our aim was to determine how faithful the adaptation was to the original using four criteria: style (character perspective/representation), use of original text, plot additions or subtractions, and use of color. in each of the …

Music And The Brain: How Music Affects The Work Of The Brain, Chloé Anne Elois Lance

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Music is a part of everyday life for many individuals. Whether they are listening to it on their phone or the radio, or they are rehearsing a piece with an ensemble. If individuals are constantly around music and absorbing it, does it have any effect on their body? Yes, and more specifically, music has the greatest effect on an individual's brain. This paper will explore each part of the brain and how it reacts to music, the role that music plays with the intelligent individual's brain (ex. IQ levels), and how music interacts with the brain throughout everyday life. Music …

The Electric Guitar And Its Changing Role In Popular Music, Brendan Orchard

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The electric guitar is a worldwide icon. It is widely renowned by cultures from every part of the world, and recognized by musicians and non-musicians alike. It is associated with popular music and can be heard on a countless number of famous songs. For the amount of fame and recognition the electric guitar has received, it has not been around for a significant amount of time, rather, just under a century. Upon its conception came bountiful new musical timbres, ideas, and inspirations. It has grown and adapted much through its lifetime, and continues to do so in order to stay …

Music Next To Theology: The Impact And Influence Of Martin Luther's Reformation On Johann Sebastian Bach, James Ryan

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The artistic figure and music of Johann Sebastian Bach looms large in the history of Western arts and culture. His influences were many, but one strong influence in his life’s work was that of the Protestant Reformation and the theology of the Lutheran church. Through this research, it is evident that Bach strongly held to the doctrines and theology of the Lutheran church and that his employment in the Lutheran church was not merely a vocation for him, but an outward expression of his inward religious and theological conviction. This position is evidenced by the writings and teachings of Martin …

Film Music And The Cinematic Experience, Brian Campbell

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Ever since the invention of cinema, film producers have always played music with movies. The addition of quality music to a well-crafted film can change the feel of the entire film. Over its one hundred and thirty years of existence, cinema has evolved into an extremely diverse art form that addresses a wide array of subjects. Given all these factors, this paper explores how film music is extremely diverse and can be used in a wide variety of ways to enhance, affect, and contribute to the way we experience a film. It explores storytelling methods as a narrative device, mood …

Sondheim: His Influence On Musical Theatre, Jordan Fredericks

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Since its beginning with The Black Crook in 1866, American musical theatre has undergone huge directional shifts. Conceptually, the music and story of Oklahoma! from the 1940s is almost entirely different from the music of [title of show] and Ordinary Days from the mid-2000s. When investigating this dramatic transformation of the genre, the root of the change appears strongest at the 1950s. These years were the beginning years of Stephen Sondheim’s entrance into the realm of musical theatre. Comparatively, Sondheim brought in a new approach to the genre and published shows that revolutionized musicals that had not been seen before …

The Doctrine Of Affections: Emotion And Music, Kristen E. Jarboe

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The Doctrine of Affections originated in and is interpreted into the musical realm of the Baroque Era in the music of Bach, Handel, and others. The Doctrine of Affections is a theory created in the Baroque era that seeks to explain the effect that music has on the body. It seeks to personify music, and prove that music itself has the ability to produce a particular feeling, independent of the listener. This theory assumes that music has the ability to be an emotion, and that the particular emotion is located in the properties of the music itself. Johann Mattheson, the …

The Three Parents Of The Violin, Hanna Bahorik

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The history of the violin is one full of examination and documentation, and yet speculation as to it’s true ancestry remains at the forefront of research. While it can certainly be said that the violin was derived from multiple instruments, this paper seeks to answer the question of which instruments exhibit essential characteristics and should be considered as the violin’s direct ancestors. Theories concerning the violin’s family tree abound, such as the bow theory and the sound chest theory which each attempt to trace the ancestry of the violin down through dozens of instruments, focusing on one critical, structural element. …

The Unifying Strands: Formalism And Gestalt Theory Span Centuries Of Music Philosophy, Amanda N. Staufer

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

In every age, musicians and philosophers deal with inquiries concerning musical meaning and the effect of music on the listener. Musical formalism and Gestalt theory—two theories in musical aesthetics—demonstrate that aspects of musical perception and experience are enduring and comprehensive. Musical formalism is the theory that music’s nature is innate, self-evident, able to be systematically deduced, and rational. According to formalism, musical meaning is defined by things objectively ‘there’ in the music, musical experience relies on cognition, and music is less a matter of sense than of mind. Gestalt Theory holds that music is a unified totality—the whole gives meaning …

Paradigms And Paleoartists: How Our Perception Of Dinosaurs Forms, Jordan C. Oldham

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Thomas Kuhn in his famous work The Structure of Scientific Revolutions put forth his idea about how science changes. Kuhn thought that science changed by scientific revolutions brought on by an anomaly. After the anomaly, a crisis point would ensue as more scientists would research the anomaly. While in the process of research they would abandon the old paradigm in favor of one that would explain the anomaly. Not all anomalies create a crisis, but can rather result in a paradigm shift. These shifts occur within the old paradigm, and do not led to the formation of a new paradigm. …

The Nuremberg Trials: A Troubled Legacy, Jacob T. Mach

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The Second World War wreaked a measure of destruction unseen in human history. An unprecedented number of people died or were killed during the conflict across the European and Pacific theatres of war. Fighting waged for the better part of a decade, claiming nearly one hundred million lives, soldiers and civilians combined. American, British, and Russian forces finally surrounded Berlin in April 1945. Adolf Hitler, the cunning, vengeful, ideologically-driven leader who plunged the world in war, took a cyanide tablet and shot himself in his underground bunker only a week before Germany finally surrendered. The fighting in Europe finally ended …

Causes, Effects, And Possible Solutions To Blood Feuding In Albania, Gabe Cyrus, Kelly Fischer, Jessica Stricker, Abigail O'Neel, Celeste Davis

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The goal of this presentation is to inform the audience about the causes, effects, and possible solutions of blood feuding in Albania, which has resulted in the deaths of approximately 12,100 people since 1991. Albania contains one of the few remaining cultures that is still partaking in blood feuding. Blood feuding began in the 1600s and resumed after the fall of communism in the absence of a strong governing body. The Kanun sets forth the rules of blood feuding, but they are not always followed as they were intended. Cultural values influence the course of blood feuding and make it …

From Italian Opera To Estill: An Overview Of Bel Canto Style Singing Techniques From The Eighteenth Century To Modern Day, Phoebe R. Schoeneweis

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

This paper aims to communicate the ways in which the definition of Bel Canto style singing has changed and developed since the eighteenth century, as well as how the techniques of Bel Canto are still being used today and the way that they impact new and modern vocal techniques such as the Alexander Technique and Estill Voice Training. Solo vocal material has come a long way since the eighteenth century and vocal music has made huge strides in its difficulty and material. Old Italian School voice teachers used to teach the importance and proper use of such vocal features as …

A Comparative Analysis Of Martin Luther's Works, Lauren E. Yost, Josh Graham, Peter Kennell, Daniel J. Stank, Joshua Kira, Annis N. Shaver

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

In this study we sought to analyze the inclusion of themes from Martin Luther's 95 Theses (1517) in his later writings and the possible development of such themes. We sought to analyze selected works by Luther in order to answer the following question: Of the themes of the 95 Theses, which remain unchanged, which change, and which disappear in his later writings? After translating and analyzing the 95 Theses as a group, we discussed and agreed upon six themes: purgatory, the pope and the clergy, canonical law, indulgences, the gospel and salvation, and repentance. We then individually compared these themes …

Engineering Through The Eyes Of Faith, David C. Che

Christian Engineering Conference

What is a biblical perspective of engineering? This paper seeks to answer some key questions related to the integration of faith and engineering. It is the second paper in a three paper sequel on this topic. It attempts to build from some initial concepts presented in a paper at the 2013 Christian Engineering Education Society (CEES) conference [1] and deepen the analysis on common grace and use new examples and present some new ideas on dominion mandate and its application to engineering and engineering education.

God is the Master Engineer. As an architect of His creation God presents wisdom as …

Shalom Seeking: Foundations Of Flourishing, Kevin Jay Timmer

Christian Engineering Conference

Jesus instructs us to seek first the Kingdom of God. Seeking first the Kingdom of God is no small task. It is a process of striving to show God’s love in every situation by showing love to our neighbors and to the rest of the creation. It is serving in a way that enables them to flourish. Seeking first the Kingdom of God is striving for true progress in all its wholeness; it is seeking shalom [1]. Shalom is an Old Testament word which refers to the restfulness, contentment, beauty, and harmony of a life lived in perfect obedience to …

Safety And Its Ethical Challenges For The Christian Engineer In A Technological Society, Anthony C. Comer

Christian Engineering Conference

In every major corporation safety is a high priority and corporate policy statements stress the company’s commitment to keep people and the environment safe. However, safety comes at a cost. Corporations are in business to make profits by providing quality products and services for consumers at affordable prices. Engineers play a critical role in the design, construction, and operation of corporations across the globe and are constantly challenged to find new ways of doing things in order to reduce operating expenses in a competitive global economy. Companies must keep pace with the latest technological innovation or face the prospects of …

Engineering Analysis Of The Fire Miracle On Mount Carmel, Charles Baukal

Christian Engineering Conference

The fire miracle on Mount Carmel in 1 Kings 18 is one of the most spectacular in the Bible. Elijah called fire down from heaven which consumed not only a bull on an altar but also the altar itself made of twelve stones and twelve pots of water poured on the offering. The bull was probably one year old (Lev. 9:3) and likely weighed approximately 250 kg assuming it was similar to the breeds currently common in Palestine. The stones were likely made of limestone because Mount Carmel is in a limestone ridge and were probably the size that could …

Observations On Things Measured In The Bible, John S. Tixier Jr.

Christian Engineering Conference

As a new engineering professor at a Christian university that allows an extra five minutes in each class for spiritual and devotional instruction, I thought it would be interesting in the Engineering Technology Measurements Laboratory classroom sessions to focus our devotions on the topic of Measurements in the Bible. This included terms of measurement, things that are or can be measured, and insights into measureable subjects. In general, observations were made systematically based on daily Bible reading, starting with the first words “In the beginning…” and continuing through the Pentateuch during the semester. However, general observations from New Testament …

How Developing Electrical Technologies Can Meet Human Needs With Christian Compassion, Harold R. Underwood

Christian Engineering Conference

Having students work on service-oriented projects that meet basic human needs has become a popular strategy in engineering education; such active learning motivates students and prepares them for professional practice. While conventional engineering service project teams often implement a solution that meets human needs on the spot, exploratory technology development service projects, such as I address here, take time to reach proof of concept maturity, before wider application may occur. Whether implementing or developing, a Christian Engineer following Jesus finds solid ground by establishing links between objectives of a service-oriented project and the counsel of Scripture. Hebrews (13:3) calls Christian …

Beyond Voluntourism: Examining The Motivations And Roles Of Engineering Student Groups In International Development, Thomas S. Soerens

Christian Engineering Conference

Each year, nearly 300,000 US college students study abroad and many more go on short-term service trips. The ethic of using engineering skills to serve developing communities abroad is strong in the engineering field. For Christian students and Christian colleges, this service can also integrate with their mission to serve God by serving and evangelizing others, whether motivated by charity, philanthropy, or scriptural mandate. These service programs have impacted students profoundly, often changing the life course of a student. But do they positively impact the targeted communities? Is it efficient to spend $30,000 in travel money to send an unskilled …