Digital Commons Network^™

A Ravelin Outwork Uncovered In The Ottoman Fortifications Of The Old City Of ‘Akko, Joppe Gosker

'Atiqot

A small salvage excavation in ‘Akko exposed the remains of a previously unknown ravelin outwork in the counterscarp of the Ottoman-period fortifications—a previously unknown military feature—which cut through earlier Crusader and Hellenistic layers. Ravelins are known components of city fortifications in Europe from the late sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, continuing in use in the nineteenth century. In ‘Akko, it seems that the construction of the ravelin was not completed.

The Maiden’S Tower Of Femininity, Amrita Dhar

Rushton Journal of Undergraduate Humanities Research

This paper examines portrayals of femininity within “Maiden in the Tower” tales. It analyzes the means by which maturation, sexuality, reproduction, and female agency contribute to the shaping of femininity. Via Petrosinella by Giambattista Basile, Rapunzel by the Brothers Grimm, and Tangled by Disney, the paper explores how variations portray historically unique interpretations of ideal, female traits that defy common assumptions. The evolution of perspectives across “Maiden in the Tower” tales help us grasp how gender ideologies are communicated and how women are socialized.

Ballroom: An Exploration Of Queer Survival And Self-Sufficiency, Jet Mezini

Rushton Journal of Undergraduate Humanities Research

The AIDs epidemic and its disinformation alienated queer people from U.S culture. As a result, queer people, especially queer people of color, began meeting together to express their self-made culture, a series of competitions among themselves, the underground scene of “ballroom.” Ballroom reveled in self-awareness and bordered on satire, being inspired by Western standards that were unable to be applied to a queer populous. This essay will analyze these cultural norms, understanding how they served as methods of reclamation for queer people, and how ballroom evolved to reflect social progression.

Mindful Design For Adolescent Minds: Moving Away From Digital Hook Models To Mindful Innovation Models, Donald R. Hendriksen

Masters Theses

In the domain of digital technology, an ethical issue surfaces from the design of user interfaces and applications tailored for adolescent users. Techniques frequently incorporated into these targeted systems, such as continuous scrolling, rewards for uninterrupted use, and game-like features, are increasingly linked to addictive inclinations in adolescents. Central to this issue is the stimulation these apps provide for the dopamine system. Adolescents, being in a vital phase of psychological growth, are especially vulnerable to the dangerous consequences of such designs. These effects are extensive and include a perceptible drop in academic achievement, a weakening of relational skills, and an …

Mixed Race Futurity Through Contemporary Archetypes: Mutants, Cyborgs And Dhampirs, Kobe Jackson

Masters Theses

Analysis of Enlightenment philosphes reveals how the contemporary archetypes, mutants, cyborgs and dhampirs may be situated as sources for understanding mixed race positionality. Arranged on a trajectory of hybrid mythology reaching from ancient times into the present day, their contemporary relevance is put into context. Through modern speculative fiction, historical mythology and the theoretical frameworks of sociology, and philosophy, two tropes are revealed to be imposed roles for mixed race people. The first one, the tragic hybrid is a term which references a character specific to the context of American colonial slavery, the tragic mulatto. By reframing the term, tragic …

A Study On Private Piano Curriculum Using Edwin Gordon’S Music Learning Theory, Cody Chandler

Masters Theses

This quantitative descriptive research study addresses the deficiencies in modern piano educational literature pertaining to aural development at the earliest stages of piano education. Contemporary piano methodologies often prioritize music notation over aural skill development during the initial stages of instruction. This study addresses this imbalance, offering insights into curriculum selection based on its influence on competition performance scores, music theory exam results, and student retention. The participants in this study are 329 piano students who began lessons between kindergarten and twelfth grade selected from five qualified piano teachers from 2010-2024. Data was collected by recording competition and festival scores, …

Created To Be Slaves: Reexamining The Doctrine Of Original Sin, William Daniel Gamble

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

One of the earliest debates in the church was over the nature of Sin, its transmission to subsequent generations, and its effects upon man’s nature. Two terms, “sin nature” and “original sin,” have become the prevailing terminology, yet there remains debate concerning the meaning or appropriateness of these terms. This discussion will examine and assess the doctrine of Original Sin through the prism of the metaphor of slavery as found and utilized throughout the OT and NT. Ancient Slavery, in its various forms, serves as the background for understanding the idioms and metaphors employed concerning the power and role of …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of Faculty Perceptions Of A Humanistic Classical Education, Nils Ivan Borquist

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the descriptions of experiences for faculty members at classical education curriculum academic institutions at the PreK-12 school level. The descriptions of experiences were defined as phenomenal experiences of faculty through the subjective lens. The theory guiding this study was the humanistic learning theory of education as it focuses on self-directed and self-evaluative classwork as well as the common use of canonical works to cultivate a desire for students to learn and study great texts for their entire lives. The Central Research Question asked “How do faculty at classical education institutions …

The Impact Of Peer Support, Ptsd Symptoms, And Attitudes Towards Seeking Mental Help In Police Officers, Cassandra Mary Ferraro

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study to determine if there is a statistically significant difference in perceived stress, self-reported post-traumatic stress symptoms, and mental help seeking attitudes in police officers who use peer support programs and those who do not use peer support programs. Police officers are consistently exposed to stress and trauma that has negative biological, physical, and mental health effects, leaving officers at risk for the development of mental health diseases and disorders. Identifying the need for mental health resources, and peer support groups are recommended; however, there is not enough literature to determine its effectiveness. The recovery model …

Harmonizing Voices: Vocal Pedagogy In 21st Century Music Education, Thomas J. Clark

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study is to provide recommendations for improving vocal pedagogy practices in both collegiate and secondary-level education, emphasizing fair and equitable treatment alongside the evolution of teaching practices from the 1950s to the current classroom environment. Vocal education, a cornerstone of music instruction, has been shaped by the changing educational landscape over the decades, presenting educators and students with unique challenges, including the need for inclusive and culturally sensitive practices. In response to these challenges, a central research question arises regarding the evolution of vocal pedagogy and its potential for improvement within the context of fair, equitable, …

Discipling Your Children For Dating, Isaiah Del Pilar

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Currently, in the culture of the church in the West, there is a very weak support system or culture of guidance as it relates to dating and courtship. This primarily is played out on the level of discipleship with primary caregivers with their children. Participants in this research project reported a low degree of feeling prepared and equipped to properly guide their children toward a quality spouse. There is an urgent need to improve the overall ability of primary caregivers in regard to discipling their children on the subject of dating marriage. The purpose of this project is to prepare, …

Unraveling The Link Between Language Barriers And Cancer Risk, Eman A. Toraih, Mohammad H. Hussein, Manal S. Malik, Alaa N. Malik, Emad Kandil, Manal S. Fawzy

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Purpose: Clear patient communication with the physician is an integral aspect of cancer treatment and successful health outcomes. Previous research has shown improved cancer screening in cases of patient navigator assistance to limited English proficient patients, but no research has analyzed the relationship between language isolation and cancer incidence rates in the United States. Methods: Using state-level data from the United States Census Bureau and the National Cancer Institute, we analyzed the correlations between language isolation and age-adjusted incidence rates across 19 different invasive cancers. Results: A complex relationship between language isolation and cancer incidence rates was found. States such …

Gender Inequality In The House Of God: Comparing Islam And Traditional Religions In Yorubaland And Lome In West Africa, Habibat Oladosu-Uthman

Journal of International Women's Studies

Comparative studies on gender among Muslims and worshippers of other traditional religions in West Africa are limited in number. The paper makes use of a combination of social sciences and humanistic research instruments through structured interviews and participant observation to study gender politics within Islam, Vodun (a traditional religion in Lome, Togo), and Sàngό (or Shango, one of the deities in Yoruba culture) in Western Africa. This study reveals that gender inequality transcends all barriers, be it the profane or the sacred. In fact, in large parts of West African societies where traditional and Islamic norms and values hold sway, …

Cultural Linguistics And Identity Negotiation Within The Singaporean Chinese Diaspora In Hwee Hwee Tan's Mammon Inc., Hanwen Wang, Halimah Mohamed Ali

Journal of International Women's Studies

This study explores the representation of Singaporean Chinese diasporic identity in Hwee Hwee Tan’s novel Mammon Inc. with the help of cultural linguistics. This article seeks to analyze how the novel contributes to understanding diasporic identity and cultural negotiation, with a focus on how the portrayal of the main character reshapes the delicate equilibrium between traditional values and global capitalist pressures. Drawing on Farzad Sharifian’s cultural conceptualization framework and Gary B. Palmer’s ethnosemantic analysis, this study focuses on cultural schemas and metaphors in the novel. We identify passages in Mammon Inc. that illustrate themes of identity negotiation, cultural displacement, and …

A Quantitative Examination Of The Role Of Relationship Status In Asexual College Students’ Sexual Victimization, Amanda Mollet, Wayne Black, Leslie Shelton

Journal of Queer and Trans Studies in Education

This exploratory quantitative study examines sexual violence among asexual college students using the Asexual Community Survey. We conducted analyses to examine the coercive tactics used by sexual violence perpetrators against asexual college students with a focus on examining statistical differences based on characteristics of students’ relationships. Findings revealed that across multiple forms of relationships, asexual college students’ relationship experiences were significantly correlated with experiencing higher levels of multiple types of sexual violence. The study challenges existing narratives of campus-based sexual violence while highlighting the unique and specific influences of power on sexual victimization within the context of asexual college students’ …

Diverse Possibilities Of Shakespeare: Teaching Twelfth Night Through A Queer Lens, Julia Ritzler

Honors Projects

This project seeks to understand the ways in which Queer Theory can be applied to secondary language arts education to enhance students' understanding of identity and gender in literature. For the purposes of this project, Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night is being used as a case study text. This project includes a thorough analysis of Twelfth Night through a queer lens, a literature review of Queer Theory and educational pedagogy, a block plan and related instructional and assessment materials, a rationale for the block plan, and project limitations and implications for future research. By analyzing scholarly texts and applying the theories within …

African Women Custodians: Teaching, Toponymy And Tacit Reverie In Heritage Education, Tokie Laotan-Brown

Wagadu: A Journal of Transnational Women's & Gender Studies

This paper investigates the critical role of women in African cultures as guardians of cultural heritage. It explores their central function in transmitting traditional ecological knowledge and practices across generations through established pedagogical methods, toponymic knowledge systems (place-names within cultural landscapes), and the cultivation of tacit knowledge. The paper emphasizes the significance of women's contributions to environmental education, often overlooked or undervalued within Western scientific paradigms. This marginalization restricts access to resources and participation in decision-making processes. It argues for the integration of traditional knowledge systems, informed by women's expertise, into formal education and pedagogy. This inclusion serves to validate …

Transgender And Gender-Queer People Belong In Jesuit Higher Education, Morgan Keating, Konstantin Platonov

Jesuit Higher Education: A Journal

This paper explores the intersection of Jesuit values and the experiences of transgender and gender-queer campus community members in Jesuit higher education institutions. Despite the adoption of inclusive policies, campus climates often lack the support of minorities, leading to discrimination and deterioration of their mental health. The core Jesuit values—cura personalis, magis, discernment and reflection, service rooted in justice and love, and solidarity and kinship—are examined as the principles that should drive more active inclusion and support. The paper also suggests practical steps to align institutional practices with these values better. By embracing these measures, …

Teaching Ettingerian Matrixial Theory, R. Michael Fisher

Artizein: Arts and Teaching Journal

Utilizing an adapted scoping review of the literature on Bracha L. Ettinger and Education (2008-2024), the author reveals the specific ways that Ettingerian Matrixial Theory (EMT) and its pedagogies are taught and can be taught in the future. EMT is argued to be a new branch of Critical Theory. The current literature shows there is mostly engagement with EMT in academic settings. As well, the literature reviewed shows EMT is used readily in arts and with artists as teachers and teachings for adults. However, the author unveils diverse other possibilities of teaching EMT. A few major themes from the literature …

Her (Ettinger’S) Diotima, His (Levinas’) Diotima: On The Vitalness Of Eros In Education, Shiran Greenberg

Artizein: Arts and Teaching Journal

No abstract provided.

Ada News - 12/09/2024, American Dental Association, Publishing Division

ADA News

Established in 1970 as the official newspaper of the American Dental Association, the ADA News serves practicing dentists and others allied to the dental profession in the U.S. and internationally. It is the No. 1 source of news and information about the many benefits and services the ADA delivers to members daily as well as timely information on scientific, social, political and economic developments affecting dentistry and health care.

Personal Legacies Of The American Empire: Witnessing The Rise Of A Western Power In The Philippines, Christian S. Condo Gilkes '25

Student Research

This historical study examines the Philippine-American War through the personal experiences of four individuals: David Fagen, a Black-American soldier who joined the Filipino resistance; Datu Ali, a Moro chieftain; George W. Suriley, an American soldier; and Apolinario Mabini, an advisor to Aguinaldo and a Filipino revolutionary. The paper explores the complex motivations, beliefs, and perspectives of individuals on both sides of the conflict, shedding light on the human cost of American imperialism and the diverse reactions to the United States' expansion into the Philippines. It further examines the racial and social dynamics within the U.S. military and the experiences of …

National Parks For Future Generations?: The Covid-19 Pandemic’S Impacts On National Parks And Tourism, Colin Cummings '25

Student Research

This paper explores the complex relationship between tourism and the environment in U.S. National Parks, with a focus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It examines how increased visitation affects wildlife, the spread of invasive species, and the overall health of natural ecosystems. The author argues for a shift in public perception of national parks, emphasizing education, community engagement, and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of nature to ensure the preservation of these areas for future generations. The paper also discusses the role of park rangers and historical interpretations of wildlife and the environment, as well as the …

Methods In Environmental Studies, Erika Dunagan, Maya Mendoza, Posey Graber, Alex Cullins, Emma Mcginnis, Ally Nepomuceno, Isabella Buchan

Featured Student Work

This publication is a collection of undergraduate research conducted in the Methods in Environmental Studies course at the University of San Francisco in Fall 2024. The student-led projects explore the intersections of place, policy, ecology, and cultural identity through applied environmental research methodologies. Topics include a decolonial examination of the Forest Park Mound Group and Indigenous resilience in St. Louis; a comparative study of Navajo cosmology and ecological justice; a social and environmental impact assessment of Costa Rica’s National Decarbonization Plan; a psychogeographical analysis of Golden Gate Park and its impact on the psyche, emotions, behaviour, and health of urban …

The Nuances Of Self Construction: Dialogism And Discourse In Claudia Rankine’S Citizen: An American Lyric, Asunta Ross

Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects

This paper analyzes the Black American experience presented by Claudia Rankine in Citizen: An American Lyric through the lens of Mikhail Bakhtin’s theories of dialogism and authoritative and internalized discourses. Literature’s appeal lies largely in its ageless relatability, a trait Mikhail Bakhtin explains hinges on the novel’s ability to provoke and contribute to discussions across time. Active listeners internalize the utterances around them, and Rankine translates this theory into personal experiences by showing the effects of structural racism on discourse. I argue that, like Bakhtin, Rankine highlights how the perception of race discourses by racialized people contributes to the formation …

Bechen-Rivera, Liam, Devon Rosano

Querying the Past: LGBTQ Maine Oral History Project Collection

Liam Bechen-Munoz is a 38-year-old trans man living in Portland, Maine. He grew up in a conservative Catholic town in Massachusetts before attending the University of Maine in Farmington, where he performed and did activism as a member of the Queer Student Alliance. After coming out, Bechen-Munoz faced discrimination and experienced getting fetishized online. He is a queer musician who has dealt with substance abuse but became sober in November of 2023. In this interview, Bechen-Munoz discusses some of the challenges he has faced, especially around coming out.

Examining The Implicit Association Between The ‘Caucasian’ Race And Scientific Ideals, Erin Cain, Tim Messer-Kruse, Anne K. Gordon Dr.

Honors Projects

This study examines the implicit associations between the term ‘Caucasian’ and scientific ideals. The racist and pseudoscientific history of the word ‘Caucasian’ invalidates its credibility and insinuates persistent racist ideologies that continue to manifest today. The term ‘Caucasian’ seems to be popularly thought of as a more exact, specific, and scientific term than that of ‘White’. This paper includes a review of the literature about the White race and the term ‘Caucasian’, how this term originated, and the pseudoscience that created it in the 18^th century. The experiment includes a control condition, and an experimental condition that primes the …

Claire Archer: Trans- Cending -Gender, Billy Adams

English: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Wildflowers A Novel, Kelli Roberts

Theses

Abstract for Wildflowers

Wildflowers is a feminist literary novel that examines the intersection of sex, power, and free will, exploring how these forces shape and define human agency. The story follows a group of women drawn to an enigmatic leader who promises enlightenment and empowerment through embracing their desires. As they navigate the fine line between self-actualization and manipulation, the novel delves into themes of liberation, coercion, and the choices we make to create the lives we long for. Provocative and thought-provoking, Wildflowers invites readers to consider the complexities of desire, the cost of empowerment, and the courage required to …

Little Shop Of Patriarchy : Analyzing Constructed Vs. Essential Gender Roles, Taylor Gadsden-Deterville

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Frank Oz’s Little Shop of Horrors (1986) is more than a silly kooky musical. The comedic plot dramatically dances with themes of domestic violence, poverty, and sexism. For this project, my poster will explore the expectations and representations of femininity and masculinity set up at the film's beginning versus the end. The film’s context will connect to research involving gender essentialism (innate, biological sex) and gender constructionism (socially constructed gender roles). I will analyze the roles of Seymour, Audrey, and Orin to exhibit how they discover their constructed and essential gender identities. The film represents Audrey as a ditsy hyper-feminine …