Digital Commons Network^™

Monstrous Feminine, Deviant Mother: Tolkien’S Shelob And The Grotesque Maternal, Sara Brown

Journal of Tolkien Research

J.R.R. Tolkien’s menacing character of Shelob embodies the ultimate danger that faces Frodo on his journey to destroy the Ring of Power. Her actions, in combination with the language that Tolkien uses to describe her, invite the reader to view Shelob with revulsion and horror, designating her as Other. However, Shelob is also undeniably a mother, a term laden with social and cultural expectation. This paper explores Shelob as a representation of what Barbara Creed, in her article “Horror and the Monstrous-Feminine: An Imaginary Abjection”, has termed the ‘monstrous-feminine’, examining Shelob’s presentation within the text as not only identified as …

Anatomy In Ink, Gabriel Scally

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

In the intersection of medicine and art lies a profound synergy that nurtures both professional and personal well-being. This piece embodies this connection through a detailed and abstract representation of the human body and its complexities. At the center of the piece, the gross anatomical depiction of the head and neck serves as a nod to the foundational knowledge in medicine. Surrounding this central figure is an intricate conglomeration of medical elements, including the inner ear canal, a fetus, a hand, an eye, the brain, nerves, chemical elements, microbiology, and excerpts from the Hippocratic Oath, tying together aspects from basic …

Volume Cxliv, Number 15, February 28, 2025, Lawrence University

The Lawrentian

No abstract provided.

Our Song: Virtual Group Songwriting With Medical Professionals, Seneca Block

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

This study investigated healthcare workers experiences in hospital provided virtual songwriting groups. Groups were led by a board-certified music therapist and prompted by one of three chosen themes from the hospital’s motto: to heal, to teach, to discover. Specifically, this work aimed to understand the role of songwriting as an arts-based intervention and its impact on aspects of workplace community with healthcare workers.

Post group interviews were conducted and analyzed, which resulted in the emergence of seven major themes including: Sense of Purpose, Point of Connection and Community, Positive Engagement and Collaboration, Enhancing Mood State and Evoking Emotions, Impact of …

Oliver Wolcott Jr.: A Political Life, John F. Lizzi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Oliver Wolcott Jr. (1760-1833) was the nation’s second Treasury Secretary and a key figure on the national stage during the Federalist administrations of Presidents George Washington and John Adams. Upon his resignation from the federal government during the Jeffersonian takeover during the Election of 1800, Wolcott prospered for many years as a private citizen. He was later elected Governor of Connecticut, serving for ten years. This project examines his contributions to both national and state government during his nearly forty years of public service. It also evaluates the extent to which he evolved politically during his long career. Wolcott’s success …

Lontas: The Aesthetic Concept Of Mortar Music Of Farmer Community In Turi Village, Indonesia, Dea Lunny Primamona, Bambang Sunarto

Bahasa dan Seni: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, Seni, dan Pengajarannya

This research is focused on the phenomena of an aesthetic impression in kothékan lesung performed by a farmer community in Turi Village, Magetan District, Indonesia. This research aims to understand the kothékan lesung as an art system and understand the idiom lontas expressed verbally in their mortar music performance. This research uses an ethnomusicology approach which includes fieldwork and deskwork. The research is sequentially conducted with observation, interviews, recordings, measurements, and studying literature and documents. This article uses Sedyawati’s concept about the art system and Sethares’s concept about the science of sound to analysis data. The result shows that: (1) …

Naomi Pemberton, Mark Naison

Oral Histories

Abstract

Interviewer: Mark Naison, Stephanie Robinson-Ramirez, Steven Payne

Interviewee: Naomi Pemberton

Naomi Pemberton, a healthcare executive and community leader in the Bronx, shares her experiences surrounding advocacy for her community and for its perpetual progression. For Pemberton, service work is a part of her identity, especially in regards to her incessant battle for her community. She plans to always remain in the Bronx with her family, signifying her love and determination to fight for the quality of life in her community, as well as the cultivation of its children. Pemberton stresses how we must use our voices to fight and …

Missions Upside Down, Aaron Baart

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

"It was a missional epiphany for me—to realize that the effectiveness and stewardship of supporting indigenous leaders would be so much more effective than anything I could accomplish."

Posting about ­­­­­­­­re-igniting the church's passion for the Great Commission from In All Things, an online hub that offers insight into maintaining and faithful and orthodox Reformed Christian worldview while fearlessly engaging in every aspect of contemporary life – until all is made new.

Missions Upside Down

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Individuals With A History Of Dismissive Avoidant Attachment Who Have Earned Attachment Security In Romantic Relationships., Ibukunoluwa Oluwafunmilade Aromolaran

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study, guided by John Bowlby’s attachment theory, explored the lived experiences of individuals with a history of dismissive avoidant attachment who have earned attachment security in romantic relationships. Using a qualitative design, the study employed snowball and convenience sampling to enroll eight participants. Semi-structured interviews were analyzed, and thematic coding identified key patterns related to dismissive avoidant attachment and the pathways to earning attachment security. Themes emerged regarding early caregiving experiences, including emotionally distant caregiver, physically absent caregiver, and neglect. In romantic relationships before earning attachment security, participants described themes of avoidance of emotional intimacy, self-sabotage, fear of …

Critical Scrutiny Of The World Of The Marriage As A Myth Of Male Power, Robiatul Adawiyah

Bahasa dan Seni: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, Seni, dan Pengajarannya

For centuries, men have been considered the dominant gender, exercising hegemony over women. On the other hand, women have been conceptualized as subordinates who obey the orders of men. However, in reality, all images of male power and domination are just myths, a construction made by society to perpetuate patriarchy. Warren Farrel argues that the concept of male superiority is mistaken, as evidenced by the empirical data he presents, which shows that men have long been subordinate to women. Through the Korean drama The World of The Marriade (TWoTM), this study attempts to examine the myth of male …

A Virtual Group Counseling Study On The Effects Of Renewing The Mind, Spiritual Formation, And Engaging In Community On Women Suffering From Social Anxiety Through The Use Of The Flourish Curriculum, Jennifer L. Otero

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Social anxiety impacts individuals from every walk of life, gender, and faith background. This project addresses the need for renewing the mind tools to address social anxiety for women. In addition, spiritual formation and the power of connection in community were assessed as essential tools in addressing and overcoming social anxiety. The available research on social anxiety confirms the impact that renewing the mind can have on successfully addressing anxiety at the root by changing one’s thought patterns and beliefs. Spiritual formation is central to this transformation. Nevertheless, biblical tools and curricula that are designed to address social anxiety are …

The Ties That Bind: A Comprehensive Pastoral Counseling Approach To Bridge The Gap Between Christians Struggling With Same-Sex Attraction And Cornerstone Church, Barbara Pringle Taylor

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation project explores the need for a faith-based counseling program that aligns with biblical principles while fostering inclusivity and support for Christians experiencing same-sex attraction (SSA). The study addresses the challenges faced by individuals in the church community who often encounter isolation, shame, and rejection. It proposes a comprehensive pastoral counseling program to train church leaders in providing compassionate, transformative care. This project employs qualitative research methods, including focus groups and individual interviews, to gather insights from church leaders and members. It analyzes theological, psychological, and pastoral perspectives to build a robust spiritual and emotional support framework. The research …

How Parents Participate In The Christian Education And Spiritual Formation Of Their Children: A Case Study Of Hybrid Schooling, Shannon O'Hearn Downing

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine how parents participate in the Christian education and spiritual formation of their children who are enrolled in a classical Christian, hybrid-model school in the DC Metro Region. The theory that guided this case study was Christopher Watkin’s biblical critical theory, as it provides the proper framework for interpreting how parents enculturate their children in the Christian belief system of the family. The central research question was, “How do parents participate in the Christian education and spiritual formation of their children who are enrolled in a classical Christian, hybrid-model school in …

How Jesus Christ Saves The Addict: A Phenomenological Study On The Perceptions Of A Christ-Centered Approach To Addiction Recovery, Olivia M. Matthews

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Reaching epidemic proportions, drug and alcohol addiction is a prevalent problem within the United States that demands urgent attention. With numbers exceeding 20 million Americans struggling with a substance use disorder (SUD) and over 111,000 individuals falling victim to illicit drug overdose fatalities in 2022, the question of effectiveness in rehabilitation outlets for this subgroup is of critical concern (Lashley, 2018; CDC, 2024). The purpose of this study is to analyze the perceptions of Christ-centered initiatives in securing sobriety among addicted individuals and/or substance use offenders. This study utilized qualitative methods with a phenomenological and narrative design to explore Christ-centered …

Banr, Chris Deacy

Journal of Religion & Film

This is a film review of Banr (2025), directed by Erica Xia-Hou.

Portal To Hell, William L. Blizek, Monica Blizek

Journal of Religion & Film

This is a film review of Portal to Hell (2025), directed by Woody Bess.

Bita Joon, William L. Blizek, Monica Blizek

Journal of Religion & Film

This is a review of the short film Bita Joon (2024), directed by Sara Boutorabi.

The Chanticleer, 2025-02-27, Coastal Carolina University

The Chanticleer Student Newspaper

The editorially independent student produced weekly newspaper of Coastal Carolina University.

African American Health Disparities: Nashville’S Efforts To Bridge The Gap, Mary Y. Spence

SPARK Symposium Presentations

African Americans experience significant health disparities, including a shorter life expectancy and high mortality rate. Systemic discrimination, limited access to quality healthcare, and socioeconomic inequalities are believed to be key contributing factors. Another key factor is a historical distrust of the healthcare system as a result of unethical biomedical experiments such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. A key figure in combating these disparities was Dr. Matthew Walker Sr., a pioneering African American physician whose contributions to medical education and healthcare access helped improve the well-being of underserved populations. Dr. Walker trained numerous Black physicians and established the Matthew Walker Comprehensive …

Researching The U.S. Senate Presidential Nominee Confirmation Process, Bert Chapman

Libraries Faculty and Staff Presentations

The beginning of 2025 has seen renewed public attention and emphasis on the constitutionally mandated U.S. Senate confirmation process. This stems from the beginning of the second Trump Administration as its nominees navigate this process. The presentation provides historical background on this process, demonstrates what nominees, Senate oversight committees, and the full Senate in administering this process and enables readers to find out how to access information resources documenting this process. The confirmation process continues throughout presidential administrations and may involve little public attention and controversy or acute public attention and controversy. The contrasting 2025 confirmation experiences of Secretary of …

Qualitative Study Of Sexual Orientation In Law Enforcement, Ruby Nelson Brockenberry

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The experiences of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) persons working in law enforcement were examined in this qualitative research. While the workplace is often seen as a collaborative setting and efforts to accomplish shared objectives without discrimination or prejudice, this is not always true for LGBTQ law enforcement personnel. This research focused on gender identity and sexual orientation to highlight the difficulties as well as discrimination and harassment which can negatively impact LGBTQ officers’ general well-being. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews from a sample of 11 LGBTQ law enforcement officers in the Pee Dee Region. Date was …

Introducing A Non-Zero Post-Humanistic Framework For Problem Solving In Design Education, Louise Kolff, Robert Haubt

Staff Scholarship - Australia & Dubai

This paper proposes an innovative framework within interdisciplinary higher education courses that integrates non-zero post-humanistic design thinking and the concept of embodiment for addressing problem solving. We explore how design education can move from a human-centered approach, to a post-humanistic more-than-human approach. Central to our approach is "non- zero" thinking, emphasising collaborative solutions that benefit all stakeholders—human and non- human—recognising our shared responsibilities within ecosystems. We also introduce the notion of qualia in design education, highlighting how immersive experiences can evoke deeper emotional responses, fostering empathy and a greater understanding of complex problems. This combined approach achieves three key outcomes …

Reproductive Labour: Preventing Babies, Making Babies, And Growing Babies, Elizabeth J. O’Reilly

Journal of International Women's Studies

During her reproductive years, a Canadian heterosexual cisgender woman will likely engage in the labour of preventing pregnancy, trying to achieve pregnancy, and/or being pregnant. While each stage of reproduction involves significant time and energy, the labour tied to preventing pregnancy, conceiving, and growing life is undervalued, unrecognized, and rendered invisible. Much of the work around reproduction involves not just cognitive function, but also a mental load and emotional labour. It is assumed that women need to do this labour as a pregnancy exists within her reproductive body; however, this assumption fails to acknowledge the reality of how laborious each …

Cultural Representations Of Obstetric Violence In Contemporary Italy, Veronica Frigeni

Journal of International Women's Studies

This article is the first examination of a hybrid corpus of cultural narratives of obstetric violence in contemporary Italy. Adopting a reproductive justice approach, the paper considers obstetric violence as gendered, intersectional, and ontological violence against reproductive subjects over the course of their lived reproductive experiences. Combining personal and cultural narratives, the article examines the 2022 comic “Da Che Mondo È Mondo,” written by Irene Caselli and illustrated by Rita Petruccioli, Alberto Basaluzzo’s 2018 short film Si È Sempre Fatto così, and Antonella Lattanzi’s 2023 novel Cose Che Non Si Raccontano to assess how and to what extent they …

Encouraging Conversation: Sharing The Oral History Of Nepalese Refugees Through Dialogical Preaching To Inspire Intercultural Collaboration, Matthew Clark

Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project

Clark, Matthew J. “Encouraging Conversation: Sharing the Oral History of Nepalese Refugees through Dialogical Preaching to Inspire Intercultural Collaboration.” Doctor of Ministry. Major Applied Project, Concordia Seminary, 2025. 286 pp.

The project attends to the context of Ascension Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Missouri, where a minority group of church members are refugees from Nepal. As Ascension grows in ethnic diversity, however, much of the congregation has only a shallow multicultural level of engagement, where different cultural groups are only aware of each other as they exist parallel to one another with limited interaction.

The project seeks to answer the …

02.24.2025 Ored Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

Collaborate Opportunity

SEC Faculty Travel Grants

Participant Support Cost Resources

Student Senate Meeting Minutes February 24, 2025, Student Senate-Winona State University

Student Senate Meeting Minutes

This document is the official Winona State University Student Senate Minutes for February 24, 2025.

Michael Anthony Chatman

African American Funeral Programs

Michael_Anthony_Chatman.pdf - Funeral program for Michael Anthony Chatman

Jewish Emigration And Satire In The Soviet Union (Ca. 1970), Jack I. Reppen

Binghamton University Undergraduate Journal

The Dymshits-Kuznetsov affair provides an important case study of the use of satire in Soviet media, primarily through easily understood cartoons like the ones seen in Krokodil. These satirical cartoons exploit Jews for alleged scapegoatism, anti-Sovietism, and other characteristics relating to internal problems. In this paper, the author explores the idea that when disinformation disguises itself as satire, it subverts the revolutionary and critical components that are traditionally attributed to the genre of satire.

Reading The Rainbow: Exploring Themes And Identities In Lgbtqia+ Picture Books, Amanda Melilli, Alicia G. Vaandering, James W. Rosenzweig

Library Faculty Presentations

This presentation shares an analysis of over 275 picture books featuring LGBTQIA+ identities, providing evidence that the depiction of queerness in children’s literature is complex and varied. Tools for defining narrative themes and LGBTQIA+ identities will be shared as well as data on queer characters with intersecting identities. By exploring the nuances of LGBTQIA+ representation in picture books, attendees will gain a better understanding of novel research inquiries into representation.