Arts and Humanities Commons^™

“Historically As Certain As Our Revolution Itself”: The Nullifiers And History, William E. Hopchak

Senior Honors Theses

Despite the common defamation of the states’ rights theories acted upon in the Nullification Crisis of 1832, there exists a great deal of historical support for the nullifiers’ positions. Nullifiers believed in a decentralized constitutional system, while nationalists believed in a centralized constitutional system. This tension between central and decentralized positions had been at issue in the American struggle for independence though the exact manner in which these problems manifested themselves was different in the two events. The states’ rights ideas championed primarily by John C. Calhoun were consistent with American political tradition. At the most basic level, the Nullification …

Common Sense Theology: An Analysis Of T. L. Carter's Interpretation Of Romans 13:1-7, Joshua Alley

Senior Honors Theses

Common sense theology has been a part of American theology since the time of the Revolution when Evangelicals incorporated ideals from the Scottish didactic Enlightenment into their thought. This paper deals with the work of one particular author, T. L. Carter, and his interpretation and exegetical work on Romans 13:1-7. It deals with the two major presuppositions of his common sense theology, namely that interpretations of any passage of Scripture will adhere to common sense and will result in a value-based ethic. Following this is an analysis of both the strengths and weaknesses of Carter's methodology.

An Argument For The Great Divorce In The Public School Ninth Grade English Classroom, Taylor Isom

Senior Honors Theses

C. S. Lewis’s The Great Divorce (1946) can provide a useful supplement for ninth grade English instruction because of its quality as a literary work, the ideas it represents, its commentary on enduring human questions, and its connections to its historical context. At its core, the book reflects on recurring philosophical and religious ideas in a way that simultaneously links to and transcends its time. It also exhibits hallmarks of literary excellence, such as formal consistency and a comprehensive view of its themes. The Great Divorce’s skillful use of literary elements suits it for instruction, adapting form to purpose. …

Not Another Cuba: Lyndon Johnson And The Dominican Republic, 1956-66, Andrew T. Murphree

Senior Honors Theses

This Honors Thesis will examine President Lyndon Johnson's foreign policy surrounding America's complex diplomatic relationship with the Dominican Republic throughout the 1960s. Regarded throughout the last few decades as a less dramatic or telegenic study, the Johnson administration's involvement in the Dominican Republic has been largely overlooked and forgotten. In the wake of an emerging third generation of scholarship, historians are now beginning to uncover the intricate entanglement of information and circumstances supporting Johnson's role in establishing the parameters of U.S. Policy.

At the heart of this discussion exists a robust argument currently taking place among scholars who debate the …

Slowly Realizing The Other: A Creative Examination Of A World Outside The Familiar, Rebecca L. Turner

Senior Honors Theses

In this thesis I explore the importance of imagining others complexly, especially members of other cultures whom Westerners tend to view through the lens of stereotype. Rather than seeking to directly quote theory and criticism, though, I consider the implications of these ideas through fiction. A British businessman traveling to the Philippines on holiday encounters Typhoon Yolanda, one of the largest storms in recorded history. Suddenly stranded, Gary must expand his view of the world, realizing (perhaps for the first time) that his status does not make him more—or less—important than anyone else he might encounter.

A Voice Full Of Money: Metaphor And The Art Of Meaning, Kathryn V. Mccracken

Senior Honors Theses

The common definition of metaphor as a “comparison between two things that does not include the words ‘like’ or ‘as’” has, in the recent decades, lost the respect of serious students of language. Originating in Aristotelian thought, this “Comparison Theory” of metaphor is oversimplifying and therefore inadequate. By using examples to outline these inadequacies, a more accurate, more robust view of metaphor emerges. Far from being a mere literary flourish, the concept of metaphor—especially as metaphor is identified as the means through which symbols function—is at the very base of the general process of meaning conveyance through language.

In order …

The Story Of My Art: A Study In Fiction Writing, Victoria J. Steelman

Senior Honors Theses

This creative thesis examines the several aspects of the author’s study and experience on the path to become a fiction writer. The author’s writing theory is addressed, utilizing research from a variety of authorities on the subject and focusing primarily on the nonexistence of rules for crafting fiction, the role of education in the life of the writer, and the importance of the practice of writing itself. The second section details the writer’s personal method of crafting fiction, focusing on the key elements of character, plot, and setting. The third section contains a full marketing plan for the author’s intended …

The Art Of Costuming: Interpreting The Character Through The Costume Designer's Eyes, Brianne G. Crist

Senior Honors Theses

Creating a believable illusion through costume design is a very important aspect in a theatrical production. Every production in theater is the culmination of a collaboration of creative individuals who each have a very explicit role to play. Part of the success of a production depends on set designers, lighting coordinators, directors, producers, props masters, actors, etc. The idea is to create a believable new world that relates to the audience. The costume designer’s job is to use all of the tools that are within their grasp to both research the best option for costuming and to actually construct the …

Sex-Trafficking In Cambodia: Assessing The Role Of Ngos In Rebuilding Cambodia, Katherine M. Wood

Senior Honors Theses

The anti-slavery and other freedom fighting movements of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries did not abolish all forms of slavery. Many forms of modern slavery thrive in countries all across the globe. The sex trafficking trade has intensified despite the advocacy of many human rights-based groups. Southeast Asia ranks very high in terms of the source, transit, and destination of sex trafficking. In particular, human trafficking of women and girls for the purpose of forced prostitution remains an increasing problem in Cambodia. Cambodia’s cultural traditions and the breakdown of law under the Khmer Rouge and Democratic Kampuchea have contributed to …

"Mythos": A Play In Two Acts About The Ability To Choose, Jacob F. Filegar

Senior Honors Theses

This paper presents a two-act play in the fantasy genre about the ability to choose, titled “Mythos.” The goal of the play is to persuade audience members to consider that regardless of their past, they still have the ability to choose their future. Although this play is written from a Christian perspective, it does not deal directly with Christianity. “Mythos” centers on Margaret, a young woman who is afraid of making the choices necessary to progress her life. Instead, Margaret is waiting on her “call to adventure,” which, according to Joseph Campbell, was the beginning of most heroes’ adventures in …

Reflections Magazine - A Promotional Magazine For Reflections Adoption Ministry, Kamryn Reynolds

Senior Honors Theses

For my senior honors thesis I have received permission to present a project along with its scholarly apparatus. I will be displaying ways to apply communications to ministry. The project will be a promotional magazine and informational materials. For the thesis I will include the magazine and a press release. I will be approaching some marketing techniques for a non-profit organization and assessing potential ways to reach the public. Many organizations are doing incredible work to fight social injustice and oftentimes few people understand the issues. I want to show how communication can revitalize ministry and get the word out …

The German Peasants’ War: The Intersection Of Theology And Society, Zachary Tyree

Senior Honors Theses

This paper examines the way that Reformation theology, particularly that espoused by Martin Luther, impacted German society. Sixteenth-century German society was very hierarchical in nature, with the Roman Catholic Church at the top, followed by the nobility, and finally the peasants, who suffered economic and political plight. Luther’s break from the Church in 1517 and the subsequent years brought tension to society. Developments extending from that break challenged the social hierarchy. One of the major social consequences of the Protestant Reformation, which was rooted in Luther’s theology, was the Peasants’ War. Luther criticized the peasants for the uprising, based on …

Restoring Life-Giving In A Life-Taking World, Melissa G. Cone

Senior Honors Theses

“Restoring Life-Giving in a Life-Taking World” examines women’s roles as life-givers in Exodus 1-2. The stories of the Hebrew midwives, Jochebed, Pharaoh’s daughter, and Miriam are paradigmatic of God’s use of unlikely characters to accomplish His creational plan. Through the life-giving actions of each of these women, God preserved His plan to deliver His people by preserving the life of their deliverer, Moses, and in turn, preparing for the ultimate deliverer, Jesus Christ.

This thesis reveals the life-giving actions of the women in Exodus 1-2 and their strategic position to influence change in their society. The paradigm of God giving …

"Retrograde Soul": A Song Cycle, Victoria E. Bouton

Senior Honors Theses

The song cycle is a classical music genre originating from the German Lieder tradition with roots in the early romantic period. Its versatility as a compositional form has ensured its popularity from its 19^th century origins on, and accounts for the diversity of works within the genre. This thesis is a creative project involving the composition of a song cycle for female voice, accompanied by a string quartet and containing an original poetic text. The purpose of the project was to allow acquired knowledge of music theory, history, and technique to inform the creative process of generating an original …

Marriage: A Formative Institution, Joanna S. Anderson

Senior Honors Theses

Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen, features five main marriages that demonstrate the eighteenth century companionate marriage model in varying degrees. Many of the societal changes in the eighteenth and nineteenth century contributed to the rise of the companionate marriage, and these many changes are reflected in the rising genre—the novel. Specifically, Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice incorporates the major themes of the novel as a genre, specifically, the rise of the individual and equality of souls, to show that the companionate model of marriage makes marriage a formational platform for two individuals. Austen clearly sets apart Elizabeth and …

Theological Creative Nonfiction: Christian Literature For Christian Life, Elizabeth R. Hurt

Senior Honors Theses

Since the Christian worldview is composed of more than theoretical truth, Christian literature should reflect these other aspects, such as how that truth is applied in the lives of the saints. Furthermore, the praxis element of worldview is reflected in literature more naturally in narrative genres than in more expository writings like systematic theology. Narrative genres mirror the complex, temporal way a person lives his life, and because of this are able to show how objective truth is applied in subjective situations. For this reason, Christians need contemporary writing that reflects the process of everyday Christian living to offer a …

R. Crumb’S The Book Of Genesis Illustrated: Biblical Narrative And The Impact Of Illustration, Liza A. Borders

Senior Honors Theses

An artist known for his sexually charged, grotesque art joins with the sacred text of the Bible’s Genesis in R. Crumb’s The Book of Genesis Illustrated. An academic approach to the graphic novel recognizes the depth of meaning the art develops through the story. The intriguing facial expressions within Crumb’s book call into question the motives of the active participants within the narrative of Noah and the infamous floating zoo. Deviant from a Christian view of the Bible, Crumb disputes the honor of Scripture and perpetuates his typical social satire though he uses a biblical text. Reflecting upon a traditional …

The Beauty And The Barrister: Gender Roles, Madness, And The Basis For Identity In Lady Audley's Secret, Corey Hayes

Senior Honors Theses

This thesis examines the concept of identity in the novel Lady Audley’s Secret by Mary Elizabeth Braddon. In the mid to late Victorian period, self-definition was strongly tied to gender roles. Men were expected to be mentally active, physical strong, and morally guiding leaders of society, and women were to be their passive, pious, domestically minded followers. These expectations for behavior were so strong that those breaking them were in danger of being considered insane. In Braddon’s novel, the behavior of most characters does not align with the expectations for their gender. The exception is Lady Audley, the apparently ideal …

The Life And Legacy Of Athena Malapanis Theokas, Emily Webster

Senior Honors Theses

The life of Athena Malapanis Theokas provides insight into the world of Greek immigrants in America during the early 1900s. Her own recollections and her family’s memories of her trip to America, her jobs in mills, the Greek community and her family’s struggle during the Depression are described, not simply as a story of one woman overcoming challenges. It is a legacy for realizing that the world of today would not be the same had it not been for those who worked tirelessly to ensure their children had something in their bellies at night. It is a story of how …

English In South Asia And Pedagogical Implications, Brittany R. Ehret

Senior Honors Theses

English at present maintains a significant role as a second or foreign language in the region of South Asia as well as globally. In a discussion of this topic, it is important to explore a brief history of the expansion of English and its origins in South Asia. It is also essential to provide a background of South Asian English and its unique linguistic characteristics as well as its use in different contexts of South Asia. The perspectives of linguists and educators who are native to the region of South Asia should be included as much as possible in this …

A Love That Lasts: Jane Austen’S Argument For A Marriage Based On Love In Pride And Prejudice, Katlin A. Berry

Senior Honors Theses

During the period of Regency England, a woman’s life was planned for her before she was born, and her place in society was defined by her marital status. Before she was married, she was her father’s daughter with a slim possibility of inheriting property. After she was married, legally she did not exist; she was subsumed into her husband with absolutely no legal, political, or financial rights. She was someone’s wife; that is, if she was fortunate enough to marry because spinsters had very few opportunities to earn enough money to live on alone. Therefore, it was imperative that women …

Dorholt: An Original Fairy Tale As A Study In Creative Fantasy, Amy Conrad

Senior Honors Theses

This thesis presents a study in creative fantasy by detailing plans for an original novel with the purpose of entertaining, instructing, and encouraging young readers. The novel will fall under the genre of fairy tale and will be set in a fantasy world, but will exhibit realism in the personalities of its characters. The story will appeal to middle school and junior high readers through its presentation of the first person perspective of a young girl grappling with issues relating to family, friendship, and forgiveness. This thesis will include the rationale for the project as well as chapter synopses and …

Understanding The Wife Of Proverbs 31, Amy Sieg

Senior Honors Theses

Sometimes understanding the Bible is difficult, especially when one has no understanding of the cultural background for the passage. Having an example of what the Lord sees as an excellent wife is invaluable. The Proverbs 31:10-31 passage describes character qualities of an admirable wife that the reader can practically apply to everyday life. An understanding of the Hebrew culture aids in the understanding of the excellent wife in the passage. This paper will include cultural background information and word studies. It will also integrate other Old Testament and New Testament scriptures that will further contribute to the readers understanding of …

"More Than A Wishful Dream", Wai Yong Tang

Senior Honors Theses

“More than a Wishful Dream” is a musical drama that explores the Christmas story through the eyes of Joseph. The author hopes to bring a realization that the Christmas story was an event that truly happened by exploring the emotional and cultural realities surrounding the birth of Christ through the musical. This thesis also includes a study on the different elements of playwriting, musical theatre and songwriting. These elements were compiled and incorporated into the musical as part of the thesis. In the musical, Joseph dreams to be great like his forefathers and to save his people from suffering. However, …

Messianic Jewish Liturgical Practices, Elizabeth Ames

Senior Honors Theses

This thesis explores the current liturgical practices of mainstream Messianic Judaism in the United States using literary and ethnographic research. It examines the historical, biblical, and theological basis for the worship practices used. The origins of their worship practices are evaluated to ascertain whether they reflect charismatic Christian, Jewish denominational or biblical practice. A combination of literary research and qualitative research are used to define the movement; give a brief but comprehensive history of it; and, finally, explain and examine its worship practices. Leaders of the Messianic movement were interviewed for the qualitative research. The findings revealed that a distinction …

Illustrated Tales Of Little Sister Fox: Stories About A Clever Fox From Russian Fairytales, Rachel W. Smoot

Senior Honors Theses

This thesis examines the interaction of pictures and words in children’s storybooks. The illustrations placed alongside the text of the book are just as important to understanding the story as are the words. “Illustrated Tales of Little Sister Fox” combines elements of several traditional Russian folktales into a single story. Illustrations are hand sketched and digitally painted.