Digital Commons Network^™

What Dordt Taught Me, Sarah Moss, Malachi Myers

The Voice

No abstract provided.

Transversal Storytelling | Wintersession 2026 Syllabus, Patrick Buhr, Movement Lab

Course Materials

What does "story" mean? How can stories help us understand what appears profoundly different from us? How might seemingly unrelated elements converge in poetic resonance?

A “transversal line” cuts across worlds — moving through unexpected spaces, ideas, people, and moments. In this course, we explore how such crossings can inspire new forms of expanded storytelling and technique, looking at vivid examples from animation, film, coding, and performance. The students will choose contrasting elements (stories / characters / places) from their personal experience and together explore artistic ways of creating meaningful transitions and intersections.

The class will culminate in the development …

Showpony, George Theodore Ellington

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

The poetry collection Showpony focuses on the real-life experiences of a woman in her twenties during the 1970s, who is treated by psychiatrist Dr. Robert J. Stoller at UCLA in a desperate attempt to make her normal. Mrs. G struggles with homicidal and suicidal thoughts, psychosis, as well as her homosexuality and transgender identity. Showpony examines the ways in which psychology has pathologized these experiences and the ramifications for patients, particularly those who have been publicly showcased as examples of their conditions used to train future students. The collection critiques the exploitation of patients by psychiatrists and psychologists, highlighting unethical …

Fashioning The Body Politic: Explorations Of The Political Semiotics Of Fashion In France And England During The French Revolution, Annika F. Gauthier

Scripps Senior Theses

In the midst of the French Revolution, women’s fashion underwent a complete revolution, moving from the multi-layered elaborate gowns of the ancien regime, to light, form-fitting dresses. These gowns reveal the way clothing reflects the political positions of women and the ways the French and the British used clothing to construct national identity and politics. Following research on the political symbolism and role of clothing across France and Britain, this thesis reviews fashion’s overarching connection to politics, revealing its role in the early French Revolution’s conception of women and patriotism, women’s responses to political exclusions, and rival nations’ adaptations of …

John’S Scriptural Testimony (Chapter 3 From Composite Intertextual Allusions In The Prologue And Opening Narratives), Amber Dillon

Faculty Publications - Portland Seminary

The work of this project picks up where scholarship has left the conversation open regarding the Evangelist’s use of Scripture and its implications for the Fourth Gospel and Judaism through exploring where several Johannine streams intersect in the person of John the Baptist. I propose that his characterization brings together these major conversations and offers another perspective to the discussion regarding the Jewish nature of the Gospel. John the Baptist is portrayed as the archetypal witness to Jesus as his characterization is wrapped up in composite allusions to the Jewish Scriptures. This detailed intertextual weaving is a result of the …

Ztc Sls 302: Medieval/Early Modern Cultures, Nicolette Guida

Open Educational Resources

This course explores the depiction of gender, race, and social class in Shakespeare’s plays, with a focus on how his works engage with and challenge the norms of early modern society. In this course, we will study two of Shakespeare’s comedies: Much Ado About Nothing and The Taming of the Shrew; as well as two of his tragedies: Romeo and Juliet and Othello in relation to the culture of early modern England. Through an in-depth study of these texts, students will examine the complexities of these social categories as portrayed in the plays and how they continue to resonate in …

The Good Life Of A Sportsman, Reid G. Vaillancourt

UNH URC Open (2026 and after)

The Good Life Of a Sportsman

Fifth Sunday In Ordinary Time - 8 February 2026, Errol Lobo

Pastoral Liturgy

No abstract provided.

Full Journal

Pastoral Liturgy

No abstract provided.

Breaking Barriers: A Ministry Approach To Understanding And Addressing The Needs Of Somali Immigrants In The Twin Cities, Yared K. Woldemariam

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the relational dynamics and ministry barriers between Somali immigrant communities and Christian churches in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, with the aim of identifying practical and theological strategies for cultivating trust-based engagement. Grounded in diaspora missiology and the biblical model of hospitality in the Book of Acts, the research explores how historical experiences, cultural perceptions, and communication patterns shape present-day interactions.
A qualitative-dominant mixed-methods design was employed, consisting of twenty-one semi-structured interviews with church leaders and Somali community leaders, supported by questionnaire data to identify comparative trends. Inductive thematic analysis revealed that relationship history, language interpretation, institutional …

Turn On The Light Of Life(Tll) Pastoral Theology For Integrated Mental And Spiritual Health In The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Perspective, Leulekal Akalu Alemu

Doctor of Ministry

This study explores a unified framework for integrating mental health counseling with spiritual guidance within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church pastoral theology, emphasizing the essential role of clergy in promoting both spiritual and mental well-being. The initiative aims to establish a structured approach that aligns mental health strategies with theological principles, thereby enhancing the connection between mental wellness and spiritual vitality.

Current observations indicate that many clergy members lack adequate training in pastoral counseling, which significantly impedes their ability to effectively address the mental and social issues faced by their communities. This research seeks to empower church leaders by providing …

Re-Imagining Church As A Spiritual Family, Abraham Acosta-Newball

Doctor of Ministry

The contemporary Christian church faces a crisis of belonging; many members are opting out for non-theologically related reasons or differences. The claim for this exodus is a lack of genuine community that serves as an extended spiritual family. Modern churches function as event-centered gatherings, and less like a multigenerational community, reflecting instead a culture of individualism and spiritual consumerism. The purpose of this project is to explore strategies for churches to assume a more biblical role of a spiritual family. Particularly focusing on practical ways for building stronger community within multigenerational and multiethnic Worship settings. The project culminates in three …

From Vision To Practice: Developing A Field-Informed Framework For Music Education In Catholic Schools, Melita Mudri-Zubacz

Doctor of Education (EdD)

This study aimed to develop a sustainable and mission-focused framework for music  education in Catholic elementary schools, in order to bridge the gap between the theological ideals of Catholic education and the lack of operational models for its implementation. The problem had significant implications for school leaders, music teachers, and students, as it restricted the potential of the school’s music programs to support the development of Catholic identity and liturgical participation.

The purpose of this study was to develop a field-informed and consensus-driven framework based on Catholic identity, sustainability, and expertise. The conceptual framework for this study integrated theological and …

Student Retention In Music Programs: An Analysis Of Relationships Between Selected Student Demographics And Continued Enrollment In Music Programs With The Presence Of School-Provided Supports, Jessica Wiese

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Music education provides significant cognitive, social, and academic benefits; however, elective music programs often face substantial annual attrition. While existing literature has documented material barriers (e.g., instrument costs, transportation, scheduling conflicts), this study investigates the persistence of attrition within a medium-sized suburban district on Long Island that has systematically mitigated these obstacles. The district provides free instruments, flexible scheduling, and dedicated transportation for all students. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to determine whether demographic disparities in music enrollment remain predictive of withdrawal in such a post-barrier environment.

The research used a two-phase explanatory sequential design. In the first …

A Pageant Of Spectacles: Chromolithography In America, Matthew H. Edney Phd

Osher Map Library Exhibition Catalogs

Chromolithography was used in the nineteenth century to create full-color and realistic images of the world. A Pageant of Spectacles: Chromolithography in Nineteenth-Century America, an exhibition at the Osher Map Library from November 30th, 2023 - June 29th, 2024, explained the printing process and explored some of its particular applications to maps and bird’s-eye views. This exhibition catalog features the companion article Mapping, Printing, and Color, which explores the history of different printing processes used in mapmaking throughout history, as well as a catalog of the items displayed in the exhibition.

A digital version of exhibition is available …

Research Trends In Library And Information Science 2018–2022, Somsak Sriborisutsakul, Chindarat Berpan

Manusya, Journal of Humanities

This study maps English‑language research outputs by Thai Library Science (LIS) faculties from 2018 to 2022 using a descriptive‐mapping approach. A dataset of 197 articles was gathered from Web of Science, Scopus, and the Thai Journal Citation Index. After data cleaning (removing non‑research items, duplicates, and normalizing affiliations), articles were coded as LIS or Information Science under the ALISE Taxonomy (2023) with 94% intercoder reliability. Three analytical dimensions were examined: (1) author and institutional productivity; (2) thematic emphases; and (3) dissemination channels. King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (28.9%) and Mahasarakham University (23.9%) led output. Information Science dominated (95.4%), …

Competitive Dance And The Adolescent’S Body: Considering Pedagogical Approaches To Teaching Competitive Dancers, Catri E. G. Barba

Dance (MFA) Theses

Diving into the past and researching for the future, this thesis explores the development and perpetuation of hyper-sexualized adolescent bodies through the competitive dance scene. Drawing on dance theorists, educational theorists, and embodied research (i.e., the author’s body archive), this thesis explores how the competition gaze is performed for and by a capitalist patriarchy. Specifically, this thesis critically reflects on the author’s career as a young competitive dancer in the greater Los Angeles, California, area during the 1990s and 2000s, as well as a competition dance instructor and K-12 educator for two decades, and how those personal experiences have shaped …

Rediscovering The Hidden Nan Yumiao (Mysterious Rain), Katherine E. Nettles

Dance (MFA) Theses

This thesis explores complex themes of becoming, belonging, and how they shape identity through the perspective of transracial adoption. The investigation draws from personal experiences, cultural texts, and nature vs. nurture research. Combining self-reflection with scholarly sources allows for a broader picture of adoption trauma rather than a fixed bias. The author's research considers the circumstances surrounding adoption, including birth parents giving their child up due to social, economic, legal, or political constraints. This thesis examines finding a place of belonging in public, in community, in family, and in society. This concept of belonging has different meanings based on people's …

An Analysis Of Gustav Mahler’S Use Of The Timpani With Reference To Historical Performance Practice And Contemporary Performances Of His Works., Stephen Kelly

Research Theses

Gustav Mahler (1860–1911) held important positions in Europe and America in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century as a conductor of operatic and symphonic repertoire. As a composer, his output spans a significant transitional period in classical music, from Romanticism to early Modernism. His life and work represents a revolutionary period of change in many developmental aspects of the modern orchestra. Changing social norms, larger concert halls, and technical developments in instrument-making all combined to alter the presentation and, as a consequence, the reception of classical music during this time. As conductor of some of the finest orchestras …

The Weaponization Of Religion, Culture, And Politics During The Troubles In Northern Ireland, Erika Holmberg

Undergraduate Symposium

From 1968-1998, Northern Ireland experienced a wave of sectarian violence known as The Troubles. During this period, the fighting between Republican and Loyalist paramilitary groups caused countless civilian casualties, economic hardship, and social turmoil. This presentation will explore how each side justified their violent actions through promotion of cultural ideals, religious division, and political manipulation. Both sides of the conflict gained and lost public support based on how they presented each of these issues, and to this day, historians are uncovering their impact.

Maslow’S Hammer: The Problem Of Scientism And The Philosophy Of Science In Maslow’S Later Work, Richard Grego

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies Advance Publication Archive

This paper examines how Abraham Maslow’s concern with the pervasive intellectual and cultural influence of scientism shaped his philosophy of science and anticipated contemporary discourse on the nature of scientism. Although he never articulated a thorough, formal, or systematic philosophy of science, Maslow’s conception of science’s nature and scope is evident through the course of his work, and it was shaped by his concern with the emerging influence of scientism. The prominent intellectual status science has enjoyed since the Enlightenment has made scientism a powerful influence on postmodern intellectual and popular culture that is currently the subject of a wide …

Creating The Role Of Passerby And Stationmaster In The Cherry Orchard, Selwyn Ofori

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This paper will serve as a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting. It is a detailed account of Selwyn Ofori's artistic process in creating the role of Passerby and Stationmaster in Anton Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard staged at Ted Paul at Minnesota State University, Mankato in Spring 2026. This thesis entails the actor's analysis from pre-production till performance in five chapters, namely: pre-production analysis, historical and critical perspective, journals, post-production analysis, process development, and appendix. The sources of my research are also recorded in the works cited.

Staring Into The Void: What Absolute Nothingness Reveals About Existence, Anxiety, And Love, Jasper Datta

CMC Senior Theses

We use contrast to understand the characteristics of the world. Green is understood in contrast to the possibility of being red or blue, and your identity is understood against the possible background of being someone else. In the philosophy of Nishida Kitaro, he extends this approach to define a concept of absolute nothingness, the thing in contrast to which being itself can be understood. In Chapter I, this thesis reconstructs the argument for absolute nothingness, explains how it is situated in Nishida’s broad system, and explores how it entails a philosophical contradiction we ought to accept. I then move on …

Pillpetz: A Smarter Way To Encourage Medication Adherence In Children, John H. Begley

CMC Senior Theses

Medication adherence is usually framed as a problem of patient behavior, but this thesis argues that it is equally a problem of design. Children who take daily medication face barriers that adults often do not: developing executive function, dependence on caregivers, shifting school and home routines, privacy concerns, and stigma around being perceived as different. The standard prescription bottle, by contrast, was designed primarily for dispensing efficiency, safety, and accidental ingestion prevention—not for sustained daily use by a developing child.

This thesis proposes PillPetz, a smart pill case and digital companion that uses routine, play, dose confirmation, and caregiver-connected support …

Goods, Practices, Excellence, And The Law: Steps To An Internal Theory Of Value, Rowan Gray

CMC Senior Theses

Practices are the coherent and complex social activities we spend much of our lives engaging in. This category encompasses everything from figure skating to wine-tasting to friend relationships. We gain immense value from participating in practices, and philosophers have articulated a number of accounts for where the value emerges from and how we can best experience it. Many of these theories are ‘externalist’, because they posit that value is incidental to practices and emerges from outside of them.

In contrast, this thesis will argue that the value in practices is internal to each practice. The value comes from each practice’s …

Founding Mothers: The Nineteenth Amendment’S Place In Originalist Due Process Analysis, Tracy Turner

American University Journal of Gender, Social Policy & the Law

[INTRODUCTION] During a public speech in 1856, Sojourner Truth is described as stating: “I have had two husbands yet I never possessed one of my own. I have had five children and never could take any one of them up and say “my child” or “my children . . .” One of Truth’s two husbands was an older enslaved man, forced upon her for the purpose of providing new victims of slavery. The second husband may have been a man she considered to be her real husband but was never allowed to marry. By law, Truth’s children belonged entirely to …

Supporting Comparative Studies Of Judicial Behavior: Introducing The Australian High Court Database, Patrick Leslie, Zoë Robinson, Russell Smyth, Tonja Jacobi

Faculty Articles

Comparative research on law and legal institutions depends on high-quality data infrastructure. This article introduces the Australian High Court Database—a new resource that encodes structured information on all full judgments of the High Court of Australia between 1995 and 2020, and all leave applications (Australia’s equivalent to petitions for certiorari) from 2003 to 2018. The database is built in accordance with core principles that support comparative research: it is adaptable, and comparable. By attending to jurisdictional specificity while adhering to general standards, the database supports both within-country analysis and cross-national comparison. We illustrate how the Australian High Court Database can …

Crisis Communication In The Influencer Era: A Crisis Response Analysis Of Poppi And Alani Nu, Meredith E. Staley

Honors College Theses

As social media continues to reshape modern public relations practice, beverage brands like Alani Nu and Poppi offer relevant examples of influencer-driven communication and crisis response. This honors thesis compares and contrasts these brands following two major crises: Poppi’s influencer vending machine campaign and the health concerns and backlash surrounding Alani Nu’s energy drinks. Despite the well-known prevalence of these brands, there is little scholarly research examining their crisis communication strategies. Guided by Situational Crisis Communication Theory, this study uses a combination of social and news media content analysis to evaluate how each brand responded to its respective crisis. Each …

Voice And Student Engagement With Writing: Integrating Perspective, Personality, And Style, Sara S. Martin

English Dissertations

The rise of generative AI has many teachers worried about the future of writing classes and students’ desire to learn. However, instructors can motivate students to write by valuing what AI can never replace: their voices. Previous definitions of voice took the concept for granted and left it either vague or reductive, unhelpful for structured lessons. I propose a new, more teachable definition of voice as perspective, personality, and style. Perspective takes priority because it belongs solely to the individual and the unrepeatable moment of composition. Personality infuses passages with emotion, forming a bond between author and reader. Style, the …

Three In One: An Examination Of Women’S Roles In The Life And Literature Of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Ashley Lear

The Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Journal of Florida Literature

No abstract provided.