Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Bluegrass Backstory: Connecting People To Local History Through Podcasting, David Hunter Hartlage

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Kentucky has a rich cultural identity, built upon a storied local history. Unfortunately, certain aspects of local cultural history, such as the origins of Kentucky vernacular music or how the bourbon industry has promoted growth in Kentucky’s communities, are not readily apparent. The increasing popularity and accessibility of podcasting offers local historians an opportunity to address this problem.

The goal of this project was to create a podcast program which makes information regarding the history, culture, and identity of Kentucky accessible to all in a scholarly—but engaging—way. I researched podcasting equipment and how to use it, then purchased that equipment …

I Hear You: The Everyday Struggle Living With Misophonia, Ashton Jones

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

The term misophonia is derivated from the Greek words misos, (hate), and phónè, (voice); it translates as hatred of sound. It is the term used to describe people who are irregularly affected by everyday noises. The first scientific observations by Pawel J. Jastreboff regarding misophonia indicate “individuals with misophonia are sensitive to a specific set of trigger sounds, which are usually recognized since childhood.” These types of sounds tend to be trivial noises, such as chewing or crunching, sniffing, breathing, clicking, lip smacking, and tapping. The noises can trigger an onslaught of negative emotions and violent reactions.

This documentary film …

A Hard Row To Hoe: Suicide Among Kentucky Farmers, Olivia Eiler

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, male farmers die by suicide at nearly twice the rate of the general population. My research focuses on understanding the factors contributing to this trend and identifying potential solutions, with a specific focus on the Commonwealth of Kentucky. I have collected qualitative data through video interviews with political leaders, scholars, and youth who are active in the agriculture community. These individuals have identified several key stressors, including stigma, a lack of healthcare providers in rural areas, financial insecurity, a lack of appreciation from the public, and uncertainty due to decisions made …

The Picnic: Fancy Farm's Homecoming, Elijah Smith

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

The bond of community and the sense of a home are essential to the essence of the human soul. In my documnentary, “The Picnic: Fancy Farm’s Homecoming,” I look to capure that feeling in the community of Fancy Farm, Ky during their biggest fundraising event of the year, the Fancy Farm Picnic. However, there is more to just fundraising when it comes to the Fancy Farm Picnic, there’s also politics, BBQ, and a true feeling of homecoming that is unique to the community of Fancy Farm. The following thesis will double as a production book which is common for the …

Vlogging In Korea: From Film Student To Youtuber, Kalyn Edwards

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Video blogging, or vlogging, has become its own genre on YouTube in almost a “reality show” type atmosphere. This project aims to examine that world of video blogging from a personal level, not only as a film student, but also from the perspective of an aspiring businesswoman. The goals of this project are to take on the role of a vlogger, along with all its struggles, while exposing myself to a new culture in hopes of appealing to a certain demographic. It appears as though we have gone from a world relying on telegrams and postcards to becoming a society …

The Running: Live At Mercy Lounge, Caitlin Richard

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

This video is a one-hour live performance program created for the band The Running. The Running is a rock-reggae three-piece band originating from Nashville, Tennessee, consisting of a guitar player and vocalist, Mike Williams, a drummer, Andy Zimmerman, and a bass player, Christ Mironescu. The three artists have been playing together in and around Nashville for the past five years, as well as producing two albums and touring the Virgin Islands. After over 500 shows the band has created a large fan base among rock-reggae listeners. The Running: Live at Mercy Lounge was created to document a show performed …

Raising A Ghost Town, Bethany Truax

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

This video documents the town of Oakwood Acres in McKee, KY. Oakwood Acres is a 1920's era town built completely by eighty-eight year old McKee resident, Travis Sparks. With no blue-print, Sparks created the entire town by hand. Currently there are twenty-two buildings on site, including a farm house, blacksmith shop, general store, school house, doctor's office, service station, and a church. Raising a Ghost Town looks at the motivation behind Oakwood Acres and how it continues to grow. In three segments the video moves from an over view of the town, to Sparks tour guide, to the future Oakwood …

The Corporeal Idea, Brian A. Shaw

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

The act of transforming the ever elusive idea to the glorified art that appears on the “silver screen” is neither glamorous nor easy. I find the process often misrepresented in the eyes of the common viewer, and until the last four years of my undergraduate career, I saw through those same skewed eyes. The art of filmmaking is in its very essence a battle of wills and a test of endurance. It takes more than a great idea to breathe life into a project. It takes perseverance, preparation, cooperation, and most of all, a lot of luck! My experiences as …

Getting A Job: How Effective Are Broadcasting Internships?, Erica L. Hardy

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

The job market today in the broadcasting industry is highly competitive. Students with degrees and field experience may still be left jobless. It is believed throughout the industry that an internship is mandatory to get into the business. I agree. But, some students who are doing internships and finishing college are not getting jobs. This means students are reevaluating their life decisions and transferring to non-related fields to move on in life. In my research, I examined the journals of 37 Western Kentucky University interning during the summer of 2006. I evaluated their experiences based on the journal they turned …

The Fairness Doctrine: Broadcaster's Friend Or Foe?, Jill Miller

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

No abstract provided.

Nightline: Network News Or Newsbuffs' Oprah, Julia Nienaber

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

No abstract provided.