Digital Commons Network^™

Education For Woman’S Ministries: A Rationale For And Review Of Woman’S Ministries For The Beginning Of The 21st Century, Monica Dawn Rose

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this project is to provide a theoretical basis for the development of programs for women in the church and Christian ministries. The author will approach this project by first defining women’s ministries as well as presenting the two predominant evangelical views of women in ministry. This project will also provide an overview of issues women encounter and the needs women have in today’s culture. After presenting a need analysis, the author will provide an overview of academic institutions training women in the field of women’s studies and/or ministries as well as curriculum being used to equip women …

Understand The Misunderstanding: A Study Incorporating Uses And Gratifications Theory On Why Chinese Film Audiences See America The Way They Do, Meng Zhao

Masters Theses

The Uses and Gratifications Theory states that audiences are active and they seek satisfactions when selecting media. This theory redirects the typical theoretical emphasis on media content to an emphasis on the active audience. The present study focuses on this theory by evaluating the gratifications Chinese audiences receive when watching American films. It discovers gratifications Chinese audiences seek in films, in general, and how their gratifications may be fulfilled by watching American films. The preference for American films among a majority of Chinese audiences would likely affect Chinese audiences’ understanding of the American culture. To be more precise, the study …

Interpersonal Effects On College Age Children Based On The Parenting Style In Mothers With Bipolar I Disorder, Marissa L. Monger

Senior Honors Theses

Bipolar Disorder is a socially crippling disease. Not only does it affect the one with the diagnosis, but it also affects the family through caregiver burden, particularly the children. Children of mothers with Bipolar Disorder encounter positive and negative effects from an upbringing by mothers with Bipolar I Disorder. Some symptoms of a mother’s Bipolar Disorder influence the child’s attachment style, coping mechanisms and sociability. A study was conducted testing how the parenting style of mothers with Bipolar I Disorder affected the college age students in their childhood and their current interpersonal experiences. A two part survey rated statements about …

A Literature Review: Current Trends In Holistic Nursing, Angela J. Wolf

Senior Honors Theses

There is scarcity of documentation that seeks to define spirituality relating to holistic nursing; consequently, a literature review was formulated to define spirituality and guide nursing practice towards recognizing the importance of and implementation of spiritual care. By researching the current trends in peer-reviewed journals from the past three years and analyzing associated articles, this paper addresses the need for a comprehensive definition of spirituality. Key concepts such as belief, values, interconnectedness with self, others and God, energy, hope and transcendence will be analyzed, and the accumulated data will be complied into a framework that is easy for a nurse …

Program Evaluation Of Child Advocacy Centers In West Virginia, Christopher Baker

Senior Honors Theses

In West Virginia, the law mandates a multidisciplinary team (MDIT) approach, (involving the collaboration of legal, social work, and other professionals), in dealing with child abuse. West Virginia code also mandates a periodical case review, requiring the MDIT members to review all open investigations of child abuse. In some counties, the MDIT includes a Child Advocacy Center (CAC). The CAC has three broad goals, which are (a) to make the process of reporting child abuse as easy and free of trauma as possible for the child, (b) to help coordinate the investigation, and (c) to be a strong support and …

The Impact Of Imaginary Companions On Social Development, Emily Bloom

Senior Honors Theses

The imagination and creativity of children is often puzzling to the adult mind. Pretend play and make-believe friends are often prevalent in the life of a child. Past research shows a relationship between the use of the imagination in children’s play and their social, cognitive, and emotional development. Furthermore, there are a number of gender differences in the type of imaginary play and pretend friends children create. Children of all ages reported engaging in make-believe play. Therefore, this study investigated whether children create imaginary companions as a result of their social adaptability or socially adapt in the way that they …

The Worldviews Of Hinduism And The Christian Believer, Will Hedrick

Senior Honors Theses

In this thesis, the Vedanta branch of Hinduism will be studied in order to gain an understanding of this diverse religion. The Vedanta concept of God, the self, the problem of life, the cause of this problem, the solution, and means to reach this solution will be examined in detail. After explaining these concepts, they will be compared with Christianity in order to see what common ground exists. Along with this, apologetic thoughts will be presented so that the Christian can better evangelize the Hindu. Finally, the concepts will be reexamined with the goal of finding truths that may help …

Textile Dyes: Techniques And Their Effects On The Environment With A Recommendation For Dyers Concerning The Green Effect, Charity Goetz

Senior Honors Theses

Abstract This thesis examines different classes of dyes, the processes they require, their use on different textiles, and their potential effects on the environment. Additionally, experiments with natural dyes were conducted and documented. Natural berries, roots, and other dyestuffs were collected and used to dye both natural and synthetic textiles. Through research and experimentation, the different types of dyes and techniques were compared and contrasted. Each type of dye has benefits and disadvantages. Every system of dyeing produces waste along with the finished product. Current government standards regarding textile waste are discussed as well as ways to reduce costs while …

Shaping Future Generations, Lynnea D. Strathdee

Senior Honors Theses

Due to the extent and variety of research available on the topic of child-targeted advertising, it was determined that an appraisal of the current state of the situation was necessary in order to determine the best course of action. After summarizing the history of children’s advertising and considering the arguments on both sides of the debate – from the children’s advocates and the advertising industry – the previously recommended solutions were evaluated in the paper. Each of these possible solutions were considered, and led to the proposal of a best solution. Supported by research, the best solution advocated a joint …

The Influence Of The Brazilian Dictatorship On Brazilian Music: A Rhetorical Analysis Of Protest Songs, Fernanda P. Rezende

Senior Honors Theses

In 1964, Brazil suffered a military coup that established a dictatorship in the country until 1985. During this period, the armed forces used unrestrained violence to suppress the opposition, and the government placed a heavy censorship on the media and the arts. Music was a targeted area due to its great influence on society, especially on the youth, and many songwriters and singers were exiled. In order to escape from the censors and still be able to convey a revolutionary message to the people, they had to use different literary devices and create new methods of writing. It was in …

The Essentials Of Financial Planning For College Graduates, Amy E. Williams

Senior Honors Theses

As graduation day approaches, many college students look forward to a time of independence when they can pursue their lifelong dreams and passions. Due to a lack of knowledge about personal finance, young adults are inadequately prepared to manage their money after they graduate from college. These individuals usually make many detrimental mistakes until they finally learn how to make good financial decisions; however, most never master this art. If college graduates have the correct knowledge and motivation for getting control of their finances, they can achieve financial security by making wise decisions from the start. College students need to …

Job Satisfaction Of Adjunct Faculty Serving In The Online Environment At A Private Evangelical University, Anita Satterlee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to describe levels of satisfaction of the adjunct faculty who teach in online modalities of instruction at a private evangelical university located in the southern United States. The three faculty groups included in the study were (a) online adjunct faculty (independent contractors), (b) adjunct faculty (university full time staff and administrators teaching part-time in the online program) and (c) full-time residential faculty who teach online courses in the distance format. The abridged Job Descriptive Index and the abridged Job in General index were chosen to survey respondents regarding satisfaction levels. The results of the …

Separate Threads Or A Single Woven Piece? A Phenomenology Of The Integration Of Faith And Learning, Elizabeth Canby Sites

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenology investigated integration of faith and learning among eight Liberty University faculty members. Criterion sampling was used by asking 150 randomly selected graduate students to nominate the professor from whom they had learned integration the most. All participants described their holistic, existential, faith-praxis integration. Themes pertinent to their understanding of integration included the inseparability of faith from their being and a sense of calling. The outworking of their faith was seen in two main themes: teaching practices that included Biblical truth, and the humility and deliberate actions that develop relationships with students, colleagues and staff. Counseling and generalist participants …

A Critical Examination Of The Biblical Teaching On The Image Of God, And Its Implications For Christian Living, Timothy T. Faber

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this thesis is to provide a biblical understanding of what it means to be human. The purpose and intent of God in creating man in His own image is explored. How being made in the image of God impacts one’s life and purpose is also considered. In this process, the effects of sin on the image of God, how man attempts to compensate for sin’s damage, and how man expresses the image of God as a result of sin are discussed. Finally, the ways Christ demonstrates that He is the exact representation of the divine nature, the …

The Enemy In The Screen: A Collective Case Study On Perpetrators Of Internet Crimes Against Children, Janet M. Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This collective case study explored the phenomenon of Internet crimes against children from the perspectives of select Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigators. The research focused on three questions: (1) How do select investigators describe perpetrators of Internet crimes against children? (2) What, if any, common characteristics do participants identify among the perpetrators and (3) How do participants' descriptions compare and/or contrast? Data was obtained utilizing semistructured, conversational interviews with eight ICAC investigators. Three main themes emerged from these interviews: general demographic descriptions, motivations and behaviors. Perpetrators of Internet crimes against children were found to be predominantly non-Hispanic males. Other …

Entering The Virtual Teacher’S Lounge: The Efficacy Of Community In Computer-Mediated Communication Based Environments For Professional Educators, Randall S. Dunn

Faculty Dissertations

This study seeks to illuminate an understanding of naturally forming online communities of professional educators in the context of off-line communities. Essentially, an online discussion forum for educators is evaluated for the purpose of determining whether the forum provides a “space” conducive for the development of a community of professional educators as benchmarked against an understanding of offline community formation and existence. The foundational works of Ferdinand Tonnies, James Coleman, and Ray Oldenburg are used to develop 13 characteristics of community - as understood in the context of informal social communities as opposed to the types related to more formal …

Life-Long Learning: Inspiring 87-Year-Old Graduates Through Distance Learning Program, Liberty University

March/April 2008

No abstract provided.

Reports Relating To The Fifty-Ninth Annual Meeting Of The Society, James A. Borland

SOR Faculty Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Measuring The Effectiveness Of After-School Programs Via Participants’ Pre And Posttest Performance Levels On The Georgia Criterion Referenced Competency Test, Cheri Lynn Ogden

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Schools failing to demonstrate Adequate Yearly Progress on annual state assessments are given federal and state funds to support supplemental educational services. This study was designed to measure the effectiveness of two after-school programs in one middle school in a medium-sized county in Georgia. The school has failed to demonstrate Adequate Yearly Progress for eight years and has been offering supplemental services for six years. The after-school programs are funded and students are offered opportunities to participate based on low performance on the annual assessment, the Georgia Criterion Referenced Competency Test. The effectiveness of the after-school programs was assessed based …

Role Of Spirituality In Persons Choosing A Career In Education: Calling As A Motivating Factor, Jared Bigham

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The job of a teacher undergoes more scrutiny and accountability with each passing year. The esteem for the profession and extrinsic rewards do not increase commensurately to the ever growing challenges that teachers encounter. It therefore raises the question what motivates a teacher to enter such a profession? Many teachers in the profession say they answered a calling to teach. This phenomenological study examined the role that spirituality plays in persons choosing a career in education. Participants were chosen from college students who were in their methods semester of training. The participants were interviewed, and the dialogue was analyzed for …

The Relationships Between Cognitive Deficits And Spiritual Development, Charles Nolan Thomas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

An individual’s spirituality is shaped and supported by his or her cognitive capacities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between various cognitive deficits and the spiritual development in individuals who qualified for special education under the category of Specific Learning Disability. Participants were randomly selected through systematic sampling of students and former students of Kellyville Public School who met the criteria. The cognitive deficits were measured by the Woodcock-Johnson III Tests of Cognitive Abilities (2001) or the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery- R (1989), and spiritual development was measured by the Spiritual Assessment Inventory (2002). The results of …

The Cell Keys Are Turning: Spiritual Integration In The Treatment Of Christian Women With Anorexia Nervosa, Lisa Sosin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This case study explored Christian spirituality, counseling practice, and recovery from anorexia nervosa. A spiritual integration model based on a comprehensive review of the literature was proposed. This model reflects a step care treatment approach, including the current standard of practice, spiritual integration, and Christian spiritual integration.

Next, a phenomenological analysis of document, interview, and observation data revealed several themes pertinent to counseling practice with Christian women suffering with anoexia nervosa. These themes were classified as (a) prior to treatment: spiritual disconnection, including suffering and brokenness, taking control of brokenness through anorexia nervosa, and her broken faith; (b) during treatment: …

Crisis 911: Toward A Comprehensive Intervention Model, John C. Thomas

Faculty Publications and Presentations

Suffering softens calloused hearts; but it can also embitter them. The prudent helper seeks to seize critical moments for Kingdom purposes through service to those affected. Being armed with a multi-functional crisis intervention model provides guidance and allows versatility so this end may be achieved. To even approximate the ambitious goal of creating a comprehensive model requires an understanding of crises and crisis intervention.

Under The Yellow Tape: Working Within The Medical, Legal, And Judicial Systems, John C. Thomas

Faculty Publications and Presentations

The types of problems addressed in an office differ dramatically from those that happen in the context of violent crimes, horrific accidents, and hostage scenes. The first contact with victims might be in homes, streets, emergency rooms, shelters, jails, and law enforcement offices. Arriving at a scene that is marked by yellow tape is daunting. Counselors must develop a frame of mind that allows them to get into the trenches. Additionally, they must work collaboratively with other crisis response systems to ensure that victims receive timely holistic care. Following are some principles to guide counselors in working with multiple systems.

02-26-08 (The Liberty Champion, Volume 25, Issue 16)

2007 -- 2008

No abstract provided.

Character Traits In Newbery Award Literature 1997-2007, Julie Beth Bryant

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the character example elements in the Newbery Award winning books from 1997-2007. Content analysis was used to identify the pertinent character traits identified by the researcher using the acronym C.H.A.R.A.C.T.E.R. These example elements include: (a) caring/compassionate, (b) helpfulness, (c) acceptance, (d) respect, (e) ambition, (f) citizenship, (g) trustworthiness, (h) encouragement, and (i) responsibility. Using a coding system developed for this study, four readers read and discussed the books to attempt consensus as to the character traits identified. The researcher sought answers to the following questions: (a) Do the Newbery Award winning books …

01-29-08 (The Liberty Champion, Volume 25, Issue 13)

2007 -- 2008

No abstract provided.

Is Response-To-Intervention Good Policy For Specific Learning Disability?, Kenneth A. Kavale, Lucinda S. Spaulding

Faculty Publications and Presentations

The reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA, 2004) established new provisions for specific learning disability (SLD) identification, including: (a) no longer requiring consideration of IQ-achievement discrepancy, and (b) permitting response-to-intervention (RTI) as part of SLD evaluation procedures. We discuss several policy implications of these new regulations by considering the original construct of SLD, the still “experimental” status and implementation of RTI, the closer alignment of RTI objectives with No Child Left Behind (NCLB, 2001) than former IDEA regulations, and the shift in focus from serving as a special education identification procedure to a general education instructional procedure. We …

Sacrificing Motherhood On The Altar Of Political Correctness: Declaring A Legal Stranger To Be A Parent Over The Objections Of The Child's Biological Parent, Rena M. Lindevaldsen

Faculty Publications and Presentations

This Article examines the legal and policy implications that arise when two women involved in a same-sex relationship both claim motherhood status to a child who is biologically related to only one of them. These cases involve a biological mother who is artificially inseminated with donor sperm and gives birth while she is involved in a same-sex relationship. When the relationship ends, courts are asked to decide whether the former same-sex partner, who has no legal or biological relationship to the child, should be treated as a parent to the child for custody and visitation purposes. Since the United States …

Chinese And Western Worldviews: Implications For Law, Policy,, Jeffrey C. Tuomala

Faculty Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.