Digital Commons Network^™

Arranging And Communication Techniques For The Studio Music Producer: A Curriculum, Elizabeth A. Rajcok

Masters Theses

College music students who desire to pursue careers in the commercial music industry would benefit from learning all aspects of music production, including the techniques of rhythm section instruments and the intricacies of various genres. However, courses that provide students with hands-on training in communicating and arranging within a recording studio are lacking in residential collegiate contemporary and commercial music degrees. Students lacking in multi- instrument knowledge and immersion in contemporary genres may find their insufficiency is an impediment when functioning in their desired profession as a music producer post-college. The curriculum project detailed in this study is designed to …

"Where The Heart Is Really Attached": Partner Compatibility In The Works Of Jane Austen, Mary Amick

Masters Theses

This thesis discusses the works of Jane Austen and how the author depicts marriages throughout her novels. It examines the values that Austen recommends to attain a happy marriage and argues that these values were shaped by Austen’s Christian heritage. Austen encourages people to marry but cautions them to choose their partner wisely. She makes it clear that an unwise choice would lead to future strife in the relationship. Austen claims that the traits necessary for a healthy and happy marriage relationship are a partner that encourages intellectual stimulation, a partner that is compatible both morally and temperamentally, and a …

The Brand Identity Paradox: Connecting With New Gen Audiences At Greater Scale, Osinor Xavier Kakhu

Masters Theses

This research explores the importance of authenticity in modern marketing, particularly when targeting underrepresented audiences. By examining the challenges and opportunities presented by social media, emerging technologies, and audience preference studies, this paper argues that brands must go beyond surface-level diversity efforts and genuinely engage with diverse communities. Through case studies and theoretical frameworks, the research highlights the potential benefits of authentic marketing, including increased brand loyalty, market expansion, and positive societal impact.

Settling Dust, Unsettling Ground, Olivia Newroz

Masters Theses

Understanding dust as a material system that blurs the line between ground and atmosphere, I developed a dust machine as a tool for making dust legible at the human scale. While the blurriness of ground is visualized at both particle and planetary scales, at the human scale, it becomes less evident. Drawing from Lisa’s Moffitt’s discussion of “environmental models”–that is, models that don’t merely simulate phenomena, in this case dust, but rather produce the underlying force itself––I produced visualizations of how dust, as both a grounded and atmospheric element, intertwines ground and weather across scales, through a cyclical process of …

Millennials And Fasting: A Healthy Alternative, Christopher M. Hunt

Masters Theses

Millennials are facing more chronic health problems than any previous generation. They are experiencing a higher rate of disease for all the top conditions that affected their predecessors at the same age range. Most of these issues stem from an overconsumption culture that drastically increased during the millennial generation and is only projected to worsen. These habits start from a young age when the youth are taught to finish eating everything on their plate, even if they are not hungry, and consume at least three meals a day, which is seen as a mandatory requirement for a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, …

Divine Threads: Unraveling Testimony, Character Development, And Christianity In Fantasy Narratives, Miranda Wessman

Masters Theses

Characters are the backbone of fantasy fiction novels. In fact, characters are one of the core components of any novel no matter the genre. In every successful novel, you will find at least one protagonist and one antagonist. Some novelists choose to tell their stories through the use of multiple characters, all of whom have complicated stories of their own. The reason so many fantasy fiction novels are successful is not just because of the magic and worldbuilding, but the characters using the magic. Character development is intertwined with the character’s testimony which can be seen through the characters found …

Subtext In A Screenplay: More Than Meets The Ear, Emma J. Smith

Masters Theses

The creative manuscript for this thesis is a screenplay titled Air Tax. It is a dystopian story set in a western society where the ruling power has created two classes of people. Where one class is part of the elite, the other must watch their activity level as they are taxed on the air they breathe. A rebel group works to overthrow the rulers with the hope of equality and ultimate good for all. The question becomes whether the ideal will last if all guidance is human based. One way to reveal the need of guidance beyond human understanding for …

Scientific Authorial Voice: Incorporating Explicit Instruction In Undergraduate Chemistry Courses, Emma L. Becker

Masters Theses

The effective development of undergraduate chemistry students for success in professional and academic careers involves emphases on content knowledge and on writing and authorial voice. Unfortunately, most undergraduate chemistry instruction wholly neglects writing and authorial voice instruction in favor of content knowledge instruction. This results in the development of chemistry students who know the content of their field but not how to communicate that knowledge or how to enter the chemistry discourse with their own research. This integrative review identified 71 pieces of scholarly literature and synthesized these sources to reconceptualize writing instruction in undergraduate chemistry and propose explicit instruction …

Character Development And The Inspiring Novelist, Halley Nicole Villegas

Masters Theses

This thesis explores the pivotal role of character growth and development in narrative writing, examining how it can significantly influence the overall success and reception of a story. Through a detailed analysis of various literary works and theoretical frameworks, this study identifies key elements that contribute to compelling character arcs and their impact on reader engagement. By contrasting well-developed characters with those that are poorly constructed or static, the research highlights how nuanced character development enhances plot progression, emotional resonance, and thematic depth. Additionally, the paper examines the importance of authenticity and relatability in character portrayal. The findings suggest that …

Broken Picket Fences, Lori Ann Feeley

Masters Theses

Broken Picket Fences is a women's fiction novel that explores the bittersweet reunion of two young sweethearts who see each other again after twenty years. Love is reignited, old memories die hard, and dark secrets struggle to find the light of day in a maze of choices. Raeanne finds that what she thought she wanted may not be what she truly needs. She embarks on a journey through her past to rediscover the essence of who she really is. It has been so long since she viewed her own life through a clear lens. She desperately searches for who she …

Spirits Of The Yule, Cole W. Hamilton

Masters Theses

This thesis is a ninety-page screenplay in the fantasy-horror genre titled Spirits of the Yule.

The plot is set is set in Medieval England. The plot is about an abby of monks that is being terrorized by a species of demons called the Krampus. Their motivation is to revert the abby to its pagan roots so that the old gods can regain their power. The monks are aided by two supernatural figures—Nora, the queen of the elves, and Saint Nicholas, an immortal saint.

The most prominent monk in the screenplay is Eli. He beings as the story’s protagonist. Eli is …

The Difference(S) Between Autistic Individuals And Neurotypical Individuals When Learning To Identify Pitch, Kayla Faith Bostic

Masters Theses

This study aimed to compare and determine possible differences between autistic and neurotypical individuals in learning to identify pitch. This study investigates whether autistic individuals are more accurate at pitch-matching than neurotypical individuals. This study employs a quantitative approach and a variation of the pitch-matching test. The population for this study consisted of males and females from West Virginia, with 20 autistic and neurotypical participants aged 18 years and older. The study included 50% of participants with autism and 50% of neurotypical participants. In each group, there were an even number of males and females, neurotypical and neuroatypical, and a …

Embodied Apologetics As Pragmatic Evidence For Christianity, Peter F. Grett

Masters Theses

Embodied apologetics as pragmatic evidence for Christianity: how the lived experiences, visible practices and demonstrated values of believers serve as a compelling defense of the faith in a post-Christian society.

1930 Chicago, Irish American Life, And Its Adaptation Into Historical Fiction: The Ups And Downs Of Percival Dooley, A Novella, Katy Leigh Foster

Masters Theses

The thesis examines and explains literary techniques of historical fiction. Observations and studies of historical photographs and handwritten letters, along with qualitative research through studies, journals, historical fiction pieces, and Chicago info-maps, provided accuracy for the historical fiction and a clear reflection of humanity, which is significant in understanding the argument.

Ultimately, the historical fiction shows not just 1930 American society, but where it is today. The thesis argues and proves that whimsical tones are appropriate and effective despite the uneasy time and setting and the foreboding conflicts during 1930.

The story is set in Chicago in the year 1930. …

Wellness Awakening: Gen Z As The Catalyst For A Well-Being Revolution, Juliet Milillo

Masters Theses

This research project delves into the realm of holistic wellness management with a specific focus on engaging Generation Z (Gen Z). Holistic wellness encompasses a comprehensive approach to health and well-being considering physical, emotional, spiritual, social, occupational, and intellectual aspects. Members of Gen Z who are currently in college or recently graduated are the ideal candidates for holistic wellness management education as they are at the prime age to begin establishing long-term habits and lifestyles. Individuals in this age group are settling into their occupations, housing conditions, relationships, exercise patterns, nutritional habits, etc. The study employed a mixed-methods approach. It …

Discovering The Value Of Decision-Making Through Meaningful Experiences During High School Marching Band, William V. Reese

Masters Theses

This paper reviews the decision-making skills that can be acquired during a young musician’s life while participating in the marching band. Marching band can have a major effect on a person’s life, and many things can be connected to the life practices of a civilized adult. Characteristics of good judgment can be exercised when participating in a marching band. There are a lot of decisional practices that can be displayed in the growth of a scholarly musician and their journey to becoming a responsible adult. The purpose of school is to prepare the youth for adulthood choices and marching band …

The Phenomenological Effects Of Fidel Castro’S Communist Revolution On The Christian Church In Cuba, Daniel Orama

Masters Theses

The claims that religious freedom in Cuba can coexist alongside the Communist, Marxist, Socialist regime without hindrance contradicts the Word of God and eyewitness testimonies of those who serve in the Cuban Christian church. Church pastors in Cuba often suffer imprisonment as long as twenty years before being allowed to return to their homes and communities. This study regains the views of countless pastors and those serving in churches throughout Cuba, whose opinions concerning Christians who put themselves in harm’s way against the communist authorities are expurgated. Using the qualitative research paradigm, this study utilizes qualitative artistic and creative research …

How Music Genres Affect Test Anxiety Among Third-Grade Elementary Students, Amy Summersett Ardovino

Masters Theses

This descriptive case study investigates the effects of classical, rap, electronic, and jazz genres of music played during a test administered to third-grade elementary students. Many studies focus on three main genres, such as classical, rock, and popular music, and not new, emerging popular music genres. With learning performance being a primary concern in education, it is beneficial to ascertain if different music genres affect anxiety in third-grade elementary students. Third-grade students serve as the population for this study; the sample involves 123 third-grade students from Chelsea Park Elementary School. This study implemented the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAI-CH) …

Are You Really Qualified? Overcoming The Challenges Of Authentic Voice In Characterization Across Race And Gender, James B. Myers

Masters Theses

This thesis challenges the idea that writers lack the qualifications to write in authentic voice across race and gender. The artist’s statement explains the origin of the novel and the driving forces that contributed to the creative manuscript. The desire to develop a piece of historical fiction with characters of different races and genders necessitated an in-depth critical analysis. In the analysis of the obstacles associated with writing across race and gender, the thesis identifies challenges, the psychological aspects of character development, and the solutions to overcoming inherent problems. God’s Word and unwavering love is woven throughout the work to …

When The Tide Comes: A Critical Examination Of The Novel-Screenplay Hybrid With Example Chapters, Morgan F. Taylor Moore

Masters Theses

This thesis presents my research on the psychological realism genre, the stream of consciousness narrative technique, the usage of second person and the present tense, the biblical reasoning behind depicting the ordinary as extraordinary, the role of the demonic in domestic violence, the incorporation of screenplay styles, the scientific reasoning and personal findings of my project’s formatting, the examination of primary sources (novels) that have inspired my project, and finally, the research on ADHD, PTSD, and C-PTSD as the results of domestic abuse. Sample chapters of my project are included.

The Impact Of Social Media On Young People And Christian Chaplains, Darrien Defederico

Masters Theses

Social media is a ubiquitous form of technology in the modern world. It encompasses not only cell phone applications such as Facebook, but also gaming platforms and even the Internet itself. Social media has negative effects on not only psychological development but also on spiritual development. It has far-reaching influence, can be extremely addicting, and can dull spirituality. However, with the right training, social media can be used for beneficial psychological and spiritual development. There is research that social media largely amplifies the mindset users are already in. This can result in spiritual growth if that is the user’s intent. …

“The Soviet Union Is Different From Us”: The Sino-Soviet Relationship And Split From The Chinese Perspective, Enfeng Wang

Masters Theses

The thesis demonstrates and explains the complex relationship between the Soviet Union and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) from the late 1940s to 1969. The period of the Sino-Soviet relationship was marked by initial military and economic cooperation followed by increasing ideological divergence and political and diplomatic tensions. The paper briefly introduces the historiography of the Sino-Soviet relationship. The thesis starts with the establishment of the PRC in 1949 and the subsequent alliance with the USSR, rooted in shared communist ideologies and mutual strategic goals. The paper shows the gradual deterioration of the Sino-Soviet relationship after the death of …

Teaching Instruments To Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Students, Angelina Kim

Masters Theses

This curriculum project provides information regarding teaching musical instruments to Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students in elementary school settings. Previous studies have addressed teaching DHH students reading, writing, and general music, but not much on implementing musical instruments for DHH students. In this study, the researcher will have extensive document reviews on the importance of music education for DHH students and identify the ways to teach DHH students about instrument playing. Furthermore, the researcher will prepare lesson plans teaching musical instruments for DHH students in elementary music classrooms and add more data for analysis. The results of this …

A Descriptive Analysis Of Barriers Faced By The Lgbtq+ Community In Relation To Organized Sport Participation In Their Youth, Jay Hoppes

Masters Theses

Background: Participating in organized sport plays an important role in youth development. The sport environment may exclude different minority groups, including the LGBTQ+ community, because they do not fit within societal norms. Most of the research has focused on the lack of participation from LGBTQ+ youth and has not offered any solutions.

Purpose: (1) To conduct a pilot study in which the LGBTQ+ community identifies constraints faced when participating in organized youth sports. (2) To connect the identified constraints to the benefits of using recreational therapy as a treatment modality to lessen or eliminate said constraints. The research questions asked …

Moral Education Through Mass Art: Implementing Vanderpump Rules In The Modern Ethics Classroom, Madison A. Cosby

Masters Theses

In a world dominated by screens, professors more than ever need to diversify their pedagogical methods to compete for the tech-dependent students’ attention. In Section One, I argue the traditional method for teaching ethics does not cater to the modern student, thus to cultivate a more compassionate and ethical society, we should rethink how we conduct our ethics classes.

Traditional ethics classes rely too much on bizarre thought experiments, convoluted and abstract texts, and unstimulating lectures making them less effective at achieving their true purpose, i.e. cultivating what Martha Nussbaum (2010) calls the democratic citizen. I argue that Nussbaum’s narrative …

Digital Storytelling: Rhetorical Purpose, Modes, And Community Across Pots-Centered Instagram Accounts, Sara Jordan Eaton

Masters Theses

This study explores a digital community of Instagram accounts centered around participants’ experiences with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS. POTS is an autonomic system disorder that primarily affects women and, due to this patient demographic, is associated with high rates of misdiagnosis and long delays between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis. In exploring why these women have formed a digital community to share their stories, this study found that these women initially sought out POTS-centered social media accounts to engage in tactical technical communication and experience community. These transferred to their own accounts, which share three rhetorical goals: …

Lizzie: A Work Of Historical Fiction, Sandra Rouse

Masters Theses

This thesis was completed as a part of the MFA program in Creative Writing at Liberty University. The critical paper covers the genre of historical fiction. The creative piece contains the opening chapters of Lizzie, a novel of historical fiction covering the life of Elizabeth Evelyn Wright.

Living A Life Behind Filters And Smiles, Lisa K. Bohler

Masters Theses

This thesis is built on the authentic life stories of a family that endured the painful realities of child abuse and neglect. The artist's statement provides insight into the origin of the memoir-style story and why it is appropriately labeled as autofiction. The limitations in the research were not hindrances but rather a testament to the veracity of the stories, which are true memories. The critical research paper aims to determine whether the popularity of autofiction is a genuine reflection of society.

The Patriarchal Framework Of Extreme Religious Cult Communities And The Post-Exit Affect On Families, Pamala M. Schievelbein

Masters Theses

The Lies We Keep is a screenplay about Pinnacle, a patriarchal cult community that employs mind control and narcotics to subjugate the women in the community. They follow a false religious doctrine and community framework that were created during the Victorian era when the Mormons migrated west and ended their culture of polygamy to avoid prosecution. This thesis brings to light the many facets of extreme religious cults and their daily lives within a controlling framework including specific gender roles, abuse, manipulation, and inequality. Government intervention and Freedom of Religion are also discussed in parallel to the Branch Davidians in …

The Persuasiveness Of Point Of View, John Brandon Keever

Masters Theses

An obsession with the point of view, POV, as a craft element, drove the impetus of this research. The artist's statement highlights a love affair with escapism through the written word in fiction. The critical paper reviews evidence of the persuasiveness of point of view, POV, as a critical craft element as seen in the nuances of POV in The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks, Persuasion and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, and A Time to Dance by Karen Kingsbury and in first-person testimony in journalism. While some research into POV exists for literary classics, like Pride and Prejudice, this …