Arts and Humanities Commons^™

The Attic And The Wheelchair V.C. Andrews's Accident And The Dollanganger Series, Angela H. Rice

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Author V.C. Andrews became known in 1979 with her first novel Flowers in the Attic and continued the series with Petals on the Wind, If There be Thorns, and Seeds of Yesterday. Problematic themes such as sudden accidents, romantic rape, incest, and mother daughter rivalry emerge continuously in each novel. In her interview with Douglas E. Winter, Andrews explains that since her debilitating fall down the stairs at the age of fifteen she lived with and depended on her mother. Unable to fulfill the goals of her childhood, Andrews read fairy tales, and romance novels and wrote her fantasies in …

A Quest For Understanding Finding My Way Back, Juan Saenz

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

My work reflects my place in nature and how through its documentation I have been given the opportunity to mend family ties. In my paintings I capture the essence of those things that bring me peace of mind and good health. The aim of my work is not solely for the purpose of self reflection but also an attempt to bring my viewers back to a different time in their lives. The following works are an example of my direction and experimentation.

The Return To Aztlan, Eliseo Moreno

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

With this thesis I will focus on my Chicano artistic influences as well as on my life experiences as a third-generation Chicano growing up in the barrios of Browntown, “Tejas” (Brownsville, Texas) I will also examine in my paintings the Chicano identity; its culture, traditions, beliefs, and lifestyle. In this thesis like my artwork I will depict the myth of “Atzlan” via eras of the Chicano movement. I will start my writings with the mid-nineteen forties, the “Zoot Suit” era, which I believe is the original beginning of the Chicano movement, and advance to the nineteen sixties and seventies where …

La Noche Y Sus Silencios: Imágenes Del Tiempo, Ansiedad Y Muerte, Erika Elisa Garza

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Esta tesis intenta representar la voz femenina a través de la escritura creativa de relatos. Este libro se divide en tres partes importantes: “Niñez y adolescencia”, “Insomnios y otras ansiedades” y “Mujer y muerte”. “Niñez y adolescencia” es un compendio de anécdotas y de la creatividad que combinan nostalgia, humor e inmadurez. “Insomnios y otras ansiedades” son relatos autobiográficos que ayudan a mitigar la ansiedad y que muestran a la escritura como una catarsis emocional que purifica. Por último, en el capítulo “Mujer y muerte” los relatos muestran escenarios que van desde los celos más inofensivos hasta al odio o …

Sex At The Park: Stories From My Days With Ninfa, Dalel Serda

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This creative nonfiction manuscript chronicles the burgeoning relationship between the narrator and her subject, Ninfa—the folkloric, enduring and elusive Harlingen, Texas prostitute. This project aims to document the process of demystification the narrator undergoes as the women get to know each other. Furthermore, in the process of gathering the materials that will tell her subject’s story, the narrator attempts to tell the story about getting the story, about what led to this story and of what resulted. In sum, this work explores the often-blurry boundaries and complexities of what is inevitably a friendship.

A Realization And Application Of Appropriate French Baroque Ornamentation For The First Four Preludes Of “L'Art De Toucher Le Clavecin” By Francois Couperin, Andres Javier Lopez

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

In his work, L’Art de Toucher le Clavecin (1716-1717), Francois Couperin (1668-1733) details specific instructions for the correct playing of his ornamentation. In addition to the text, Couperin composes a series of didactic preludes in ascending order of difficulty to illustrate his ornamentation in the context of his work. I will focus on the proper interpretation of Couperin’s ornamentation and include a realization of four Couperin preludes. They contain the majority of issues presented by his ornamentation. I shall seek to properly realize Couperin’s ornamentation and use of unequal rhythms using the first four preludes of L’Art de Toucher le …

Finding Hart: The Lost Text And Biography Of Hart Stilwell, Brandon D. Shuler

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Hart Stilwell was a noted newspaperman, journalist, outdoor writer, and political activist. He is most noted for the books Border City (1945), Uncovered Wagon (1947), and Campus Town (1950), which were, as confessed to J. Frank Dobie, Stilwell’s life story. Finding Hart: The Lost Text and Biography of Hart Stilwell pieces together the most inclusive biographical sketch of this enigmatic man of Texas letters to date through his correspondences and autobiographical novels. The author has also included an edited and footnoted version of a previously unpublished Stilwell manuscript, Glory of the Silver King, a history of Texas and northeast Mexico …

The Reevaluation Of Dwight Eisenhower And Bernard Law Montgomery, David Allen Warden

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Dwight Eisenhower and Bernard Montgomery were the two generals that coordinated and implemented the military strategy to invade North Africa to Europe. The two generals combined the militaries of Great Britain and the United States to defeat the Axis powers of Germany and Italy. By May 1945, the Allied forces had succeeded in finishing the war in Europe. Historians soon began to look at the two men and evaluated their ability to work together. This thesis provides a study of the reasons why the two generals were different. The study also evaluates how the two generals were able to work …

Quest For Spirituality, Teodoro Estrada

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Quest for Spirituality is a body of work that confronted and validated suppressed spiritual experiences. I credit Our Lady Virgin of Guadalupe for my resurrection from ignoring my creative gift and bringing me home.

Desire for limelight, stability, and fulfilling the gallery-going public’s desire overshadowed numerous invitations and opportunities to explore spirituality. A fruitful lifestyle suppressed the nuance of spirituality never expressed until the silence vanished. My mother’s passing, a spiritual epiphany unraveled memories giving expression to these experiences. The vicious cycle of gallery going public’s desire for my art crumbled the day I returned to my homeland. Time has …

Set And Light Design For “Con Mis Manos/With My Hands”: A Play In Two Acts By Misael Martinez, Lawrence Andrew Lopez

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

An examination and analysis of the process of creating and executing a set and light design for a new show in a new space. This thesis will delve into the problems and solutions that helped to create the set for Con Mis Manos/With My Hands, a play by Misael Martinez, for production in the Albert L. Jeffers Theatre at the University of Texas-Pan American.

The Animal Coming Together, Rodney Gomez

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This project is an ekphrastic collection of poems. The term 'ekphrasis' is usually used to refer to texts that respond to or are influenced by particular works of visual art, but it can sometimes be used to refer to texts that respond to non-visual art as well, such as musical compositions. I take the more inclusive approach to ekphrasis: most of the poems in this collection are based on paintings, but several are based on photos, films, sculpture, multimedia works, musical compositions, and art generally. Most of the poems are based on Chican@ and Latin American art. The collection is …

Verdad Y Sus Tintes Modálicos En La Conversación, Beatriz C. Solis

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

En el siguiente estudio, hago uso de dos corpus para llevar a cabo un análisis cualitativo y cuantitativo de los usos de verdad y sus variantes reducidas verdad y veda, que difieren en cuanto a su función y carga semántica de su uso canónico como sustantivo, en cuyo caso funciona como sujeto y objeto de la frase. Demuestro que los hablantes en Lopezville y San Isidro Texas hacen uso de verdad como marcador que incrementa la cohesión discursiva y que en esta variedad del español fronterizo verdad ha desarrollado maneras innovadoras de codificar el significado modal. En su función de …

Field Of Tears: A Tribute To Los Braceros, Maria Esperanza Balboa

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

With this thesis I intend to honor my Mexican-American heritage by portraying the roots of the Mexican and Mexican-American migrant workers in America. Using the experiences of my father, my relatives, and the history of the Braceros I will also describe the struggles, the pain, the sorrows of the migrant workers. My artwork which consists of black and white photographs, video, and installation will be the tools to give these people which have been forgotten, their long awaited voice. Interpreting ideas and inspiration from Mexican and Mexican-American political art, photography, and installation I have depicted the struggles and pain of …

Armor During Wwii: The Defeat Of The Superior Panther, Phillip D. Clark

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

It is the popular opinion among the masses that the Soviet Union's T-34/76 battle tank was the superior weapons platform during World War II when compared to the United States M-4 Sherman and Germany's Mk V Panther tanks. Through a combination of research and personal military knowledge and experience, I will demonstrate that the German Panther was indeed the superior battle tank in mobility, firepower, armor, and could, on a individual level (one on one), defeat not only the Soviet Union's T-34 tank, but all allied armor employed against it. I will further demonstrate that the economic stress placed on …

Racial Discrimination, Skin Tone, Locus Of Control, And Acculturation Among Mennonite Latino/As Of The Rio Grande Valley, Nancy Rivera

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This study assessed the relationship between perceived racial discrimination, and skin tone, locus of control and acculturation among Latino/a Mennonites of the Rio Grande Valley. Eighty nine Latino/a Mennonites were recruited. The following measures were used: Schedule of Racist Events, Intrinsic Spirituality Scale, a short version of the revised Acculturation Scale for Mexican Americans-II, and Rotter's Internal-External Locus of Control Scale. A window tint meter assessed skin tone. Multiple regression analysis and multivariate analysis of variance was used to determine how rates of perceived discrimination among Mennonite Latinos/as were related to skin tone, locus of control and acculturation. The results …

Cuando Te Pierdes En Mí, Carolina E. Alonso

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

En esta tesis se presenta una coleccion de veintiseis poemas de mi autoria que tienen como base una tematica lesbica. En estos se abarcan subtemas como la sensualidad femenina, el amor, y el desamor. Ademas del poemario, se incluye un ensayo referente al desarrollo de la literatura homosexual, enfocandose en la poesia lesbica contemporanea en Mexico a manera de ars poetica. De igual forma se adentra en la importancia de los movimientos sociales y politicos que iniciaron en el siglo XX, los cuales ayudaron al desarrollo y propagation de la literatura lesbica.

A Concise Chronology Of The Rio Grande Delta From The Paleo-Indian Period To Early Spanish Exploration And Colonization, Kristina Solis

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The Rio Grande Delta's archaeological record is mostly unknown. This paper attempts to assemble scattered resources into a concise and understandable chronology of the Delta’s prehistoric cultures. The prehistoric environment is discussed to clear up the misconception that modern day and prehistoric environments were identical. Archaeological contributions are covered to illustrate the difficulties and successes that 20th century archaeologists experienced. Chapter III discusses a few major sites from the region to give an example of what archaeologists have discovered, and what kinds of cultural remnants have been found. A concise chronology covering the Paleo-Indian period through the Late Prehistoric follows. …

Slavery And The Constitution: A Study As To How Constitutional Principles Were Used As The Primary Instrument In The Legal Protection And Propagation Of Slavery, Jose Juan Guajardo

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

It has been the argument of many scholars and historians that the institution of slavery was, when it existed, unconstitutional. Other historians have acknowledged that the Constitution did empower the institution itself, and a few have even suggested that it was generic or benign since it failed to mention the word "slavery" at all. This thesis argues that slavery would not have survived as long as it did had the Articles of Confederation remained in force beyond 1787. The movement to create a new governmental document in 1787 was also a movement to imbed slavery at the core of the …

Conflict Between The National Park Service And The Bureau Of Indian Affairs In The Glacier Region Of Montana, 1896–1934, Renee A. Rodriguez

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

On a physical and cultural frontier, competing agendas within Department of the Interior bureaus, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the National Park Service (NPS), developed into a battle over the use of federal lands and resources, both human and physical, at Glacier National Park and the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. The NPS intended to protect the natural environment of the region while also, for economic reasons, encouraged the public to visit and enjoy the region. The BIA's acculturation of the Blackfeet Indians and their development into an agrarian society continued as their sole purpose. Primary source materials of the …

Following Cleng Peerson: A Niece's Journey, Christine Suzanne Ardis

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

In the summer of 1821, Cleng Peerson came to America as a scout for a group of Norwegians hoping to find a place where they could freely express their religion and enjoy economic prosperity. In this thesis, I explore the results of Cleng’s scouting and his preparations for the arrival of his sister, Carrie, her family and their friends on the Norwegian sloop Restaurationen. Throughout the text, I juxtapose my life story with Cleng’s. Together we experience relocation, homesickness and hardships and create a familial bond 188 years after his arrival in America. My thesis ends at the Murray/Kendall settlement …

“Jugando En Serio” And Other Works, Shoney Flores

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

In the critical introduction of this thesis, I explore how the different choices we make as creative writers affect the targeted audience of a work. I focus on the endless battle between genre writing and literary writing, in hopes of there being a style of writing that can utilize the best of both. I write about the issues and themes of the works in this thesis that come close to being nonfiction. Finally, I highlight how stylistic choices in bilingual writing can change or destroy potential audiences. These are aspects that have shaped the creative writing included in this collection. …

Edge Of Existence, Mack Liao

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The painting, Edge of Existence best describes my surreal world at its current state. The idea started with the crisis of global warming. I want to express the peril of the creatures that are on the frontier of the global warming effect. The idea for the structure of the painting came from a Magritte painting called, The Domain of Arnheim. He has transformed an undeniably grand impression of a moonlit mountain landscape by means of a mental technique related to that of Poe and his imaginary friend Ellison, who described a magnificent, complicated, and weird landscape in which the natural …

Touching The Truth: Applying Literary Realist Theory To Jose Rizal's “Noli Me Tangere” (Touch Me Not), Francesca T. Falqueza

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

When criticized for exaggerating events written in Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not), Jose Rizal claimed that he was "ready to match every incident in his novel with one from life" (Guerrero 10). This thesis attempts to prove the validity of this statement using literary realist theory. Moreover, the novel's factual aspect proves to be not as important as its faithful depiction of Filipino life during Spanish rule. A close reading of the text examines specific incidents within the novel which reveal Rizal's intent for the novel as well as the message he desired to convey to his people. Further, …

Visual Cultural Identity In South Texas Art And Design, Mirla Gonzalez De Martinez

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Transculturation as the key element in the search for autochthonous visual richness and profundity is the theme for my investigation. In the process, numerous questions arise for the need for authentic cultural expression but also ownership of cultural, social identities. I selected the Rio Grande Valley region having little knowledge of conflicts that surround this border and its territories. I also explored the social and cultural histories that included art making and architectural and graphic design. The transfer of cultural imprints, sometimes accepted but often rejected or unknown, forms the basis of this inquiry. My intent resides in a respect …

The Borderline Between The Personal And Political, Celeste De Luna

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This paper is a documentation of the form, content, techniques, and processes of the body of visual artwork I created for my M.F.A. graduate coursework. My work frequently uses themes based on the migrant/border experiences of women, children, and families throughout generations in the context of the larger American experience. My acrylic paintings on canvas, assemblages and installations validate Latino/Chicano experiences and invites reflection and learning. My work is influenced and relates to contemporary Chicano and Post-Chicano Art, Feminist Art, and the writings of Gloria A. Anzaldua.

Chicana Identity: Recognizing The Hybrid Self In Demetria Martínez's “Mother Tongue”, Cathy Ann Cortina

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This study argues that although borders divide and fragment identity, there can be an embracement of a hybrid identity. Mártinez's novel, Mother Tongue, uses the representation of a Mexican-American female who has recognized and endeavored to cross a border to better understand the complexities of her hybrid identity. This journey is represented through Mary, a young woman who resides on a physical border between the United States and Mexico and lives on a cultural border between New Mexico and El Salvador. Martínez presents the cultural, historical, linguistic, and psychological aspects of living on a border between the United States …