History Commons^™

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 …

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 …

America's Discovery Of The Arts After The Industrial Revolution: The Evolution Of The Middle Class Through Music, Rachel Blizzard

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Music in nineteenth century America was greatly influenced by the Industrial Revolution and brought about changes in society through the development of concert life, the introduction of the piano in the home, and the new role women were given in music. This paper seeks to address how the middle class in America drastically changed from exposure to music. This exposure occurred through the formation of the classical concert in Europe that spread to America and promoted an awareness for the arts. It also caused more families to incorporate music into their daily lives through the growing affordability and popularity of …

French Society Abroad: The Popularization Of French Dance Throughout Europe, 1600-1750, Adam P. Rinehart

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

This paper explores the dissemination of French dance, dance notation, and dance music throughout Europe, and it explains the reasons why French culture had such an influence on other European societies from 1600-1750. First, the paper seeks to prove that King Louis XIV played a significant role in the outpour of French dance and the arts. Next, the paper discusses prominent French writers of dance notation who influenced the spread of French dance literature and training throughout Europe. Finally, the paper delineates European composers and their involvement in the development and production of French dance music. Using academic, peer-reviewed journal …

Hitler, Anti-Semitism, And The Demise Of The Third Reich, Jacob T. Mach

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Adolf Hitler, the leader of Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945, is most well-known for two particular political/societal standpoints: German nationalism, and namely, anti-Semitism. Hitler served as the chairman of the Nazi party from 1921 till its questionable rise as the dominant party in pre-war Germany. He then rose to the position of Chancellor, and ultimately, the Fuhrer. Historically, the Nazi Party was known for anti-Marxism (anti-communism), anti-capitalism, anti-democracy, and anti-Semitism. Hitler’s rise to power in the Nazi Party shifted the focus, drawing the party away from many of its foundational tenants. During the Second World War, the “Final Solution” …

The Partimento Tradition In The Shadow Of Enlightenment Thought, Deborah Longenecker

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

This presentation investigates the relationship between partimento pedagogy and Rameau’s music theories as influenced by Enlightenment thought. Current research on partimento has revealed its importance in Neapolitan music schools of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Along with counterpoint, partimento was a core subject in the study of composition in the Neapolitan schools; however, as pedagogy and theory began to be influenced by Enlightenment ideals such as the scientific method or a preference for clear systemization, the partimento tradition began to wane. In this presentation, I examine Rameau’s music theory as an example of Enlightenment thought in music, juxtaposing the central …

Distinguishing Marks: The Politics Of The First Great Awakening, Amy C. Searl

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Few people spend much time thinking about the revivals of the 1700s on the American continent. Most Christians who do probably see the evangelical movement from about 1730 through the 1740s as a clear outpouring of God’s Spirit. In the heat of the moment, though, not all were convinced that the revivals were from God. The First Great Awakening challenged the traditional theology in the colonies, pushing boundaries and forcing churches to wrestle with new issues. The revivals started in local areas, but soon spread throughout the colonies. Without a doubt, the Great Awakening permanently altered the face of religion …

Petty Passions, Nobler Actions, And Two Peculiar Institutions: Sectionalism, Partisanship, And The United States Senate, 1845-1850, Stanley G. Schwartz

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The period from 1845-1850 was a critical moment in American history, as the question of the expansion of slavery into western territories battered the nation, turning a political system until then focused on issues of tariff and banking, to the decision of sectional and moral questions. Despite the emotion and danger of the time, the Senate, which ultimately decided the questions of slavery’s expansion, brokered the Compromise of 1850, a measure that stemmed the sectionalist fervor for a time. This was achieved only through the seasoned leadership and sacrifice of uniquely great American political leaders, overcoming complications of party and …

2017 Symposium Overview, Cedarville University

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Click the "Download" button in the top right corner to view the abstract booklet.

An Examination Of Abraham Lincoln's Racial Views, Christian Ellis

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Despite the overwhelming amount of writings that exist on the subject of Abraham Lincoln, there seems to be no clear consensus regarding what his personal views on race were. Depending on the work, Abraham Lincoln has been painted as either a color-blind Great Emancipator or a secret white supremacist who actively worked against the emancipation movement. With the recent debate over the Confederate flag and other race-related issues, the need to clarify the teachings on Lincoln has perhaps rarely been more relevant. This study examines his own writings, his public speeches, and the recollections of those who knew him best. …

Not Written In Letters Of Blood: The Forgotten Legacy Of The Army Of The Cumberland, Andrew R. Perkins

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

There is a chapter missing in the annals of Civil War history. The story of an entire army, the Army of the Cumberland, is not being told. Instead, the army teeters on the verge of absolute obscurity due to three factors: poorly timed battles, personal feuds between Union officers, and the undue emphasis of Civil War historians on Southern Romanticism.

The Army of the Cumberland won numerous victories, including Shiloh, Stones’ River and the Tullahoma Campaign. Yet, because the Eastern army, the Army of the Potomac, fought larger battles at nearly the same times, the Cumberlanders did not receive their …

Inspiration Or Distraction: Eugene Debs At The Head Of American Socialism 1895-1921, Stanley Schwartz

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

This project seeks to provide historical context for the modern revival of avowed socialism in America through an examination of Eugene V. Debs leadership of American Socialism from 1895 to 1921. The paper argues that Debs’ leadership of American socialism was unsuccessful because he left the critical task of convincing the American people that the ideology of Socialism is correct and fundamentally different from traditionalism, capitalism, and progressivism, incomplete. Reform Socialism did not distinguish itself from local progressivism, and revolutionary Socialism adopted violent, opportunistic methods which prevented broad support. Debs’ unique ideology of Founding ideals, faith in democracy, and total …

“Musical Fury”: Impressing Through Expressing In Baroque Improvisation, Hannah M. Rinehart

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Baroque music experienced a dramatic change in performance practice which sprang out of certain techniques used in the Renaissance period and the emphasis placed during this time on expression and emotion in music. In the Baroque time period, much emphasis was placed on expression, emotion, and creativity in both the academic sphere and in the arts. In the arts this can be seen in elaborate and decorative architecture, emotional and expressive paintings, and creative and individualized music. Music itself developed from the simple, structured forms of the Renaissance period to the driven, complex, emotional and expressive forms of the Baroque …

From Sin To Sensation: The Progression Of Dance Music From The Medieval Period Through The Renaissance, Jillissa A. Brummel

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

This research paper explores how dance music has been part of the foundation for musical art in world history and the key to unlocking information concerning societal atmospheres throughout history. With each age and progression of music came new genres, instruments and social beliefs that were woven through religious and secular culture, each of which impacted the production of dance throughout the centuries. As dance music infiltrated the social and religious scenes of the medieval period, the sacred value of dancing was questioned which are presented through historical sources on pagan culture in the medieval period. Further research on improvements …

Should English Spelling Be Reformed?: A History Of English Spelling, Rachel M. Schloneger

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

This paper explores the deep, and surprisingly informative, history of English spelling. It is a well-known fact that English spelling is confusing and troublesome for native speakers and non-native speakers alike. Its history is a winding road that ventures into various languages, picking up rules and idiosyncrasies along the way. The question facing linguists and other English language scholars is whether the system that is worth keeping or if reformative measures are needed. In its history, English has overcome invasions, subjugation, and conversion efforts to become what it is today. In the past many individuals have suggested reforms and have …

The Woman Composer: Culture And Social Ideologies Behind Her Success In Music Composition, Julia K. Brummel

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Music is an art that has been enjoyed since almost the beginning of time. This art has carried many traditions and ideologies with it that are still prevalent today. One such idea that began early on and is still an attitude that must be fought in today’s musical culture, is that women are unable to be quality composers. For as long as music has been composed, men have dominated in writing and performing their own works. The lack of women composers throughout history is a subject that has interested many music historians. There are reasons behind this issue and many …

Development And Dissemination: Deliberations On Spanish Renaissance Music, Lindsey E. Pfeifer

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Throughout history, every musical culture grew and developed under a specific set of influences, whether political, philosophical, or geographical. Varying sets of influences created likewise varying types of music. Spanish music, in particular, enjoyed an especially unique array of influences during the fifteenth century. My presentation explores these influences. How did the interaction of Spain’s three major religions—Christianity, Islam, and Judaism—affect musical development? How did the newly unified government, ruled by Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, influence the musical culture? How did Spain’s discovery and conquest of the New World facilitate the spread of Spanish music …

The Sound Of The Silence: Music In World War Ii Concentration Camps, Jacob A. Tudor

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Music was a constant and crucial component of everyday life in World War II concentration camps. In the concentration camps, there were many genres of music performed and written by victims of German brutality. The Germans used the power of music in the concentration camps as a way to degrade and torture the victims. On the other hand, World War II concentration camp victims used music as a response of the perception to the reality of daily life. It was also used as a coping mechanism and a way to provide the strength to survive on a day-to-day basis. Furthermore, …

A Somewhat Silent Protest: How Dmitri Shostakovich Used His Music, Not His Words, To Rebel Against The Soviet Government, Michael J. Wood

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Dmitri Shostakovich composed in an environment which was extremely hostile toward artists—especially those that were innovative. Shostakovich was denounced by the Soviet government and had to be cautious with his compositions. If the government disapproved of his work, they could have killed him, as they did other artists. Shostakovich obviously had to keep his opinions to himself for fear of being killed. Although he had to keep his unfavorable views of the Soviet government private, he found ways to make bold, rebellious statements through his music. This paper will seek to show several pieces in which Shostakovich demonstrated his disapproval …