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Tales Of Forbidden Love: A Sociological Analysis Of Interracial Intimacy, Candice L. Bryant

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study is to explore the constructions of race, marriage, and love insofar as these components promote the exclusion of interracial intimacy and marriage from the dominant discourse. The study focuses on the ways in which the social sciences have polarized "blacks" and "whites" (linguistically, socially, and economically) thus, making it difficult for persons living in black and white skin to experience social affirmation through literature, media, and agents in everyday life.

A qualitative content analysis of historical and contemporary literature regarding interracial marriage and intimacy were conducted in conjunction with an auto ethnography of the author's …

Investigating El Nino Southern Oscillation And Tornado Activity In Texas, Joel R. Intrieri

Masters Theses

The possible relationships between El Nino Southern Oscillation and tornado frequency and intensity (as measured by the Fujita Scale) within Texas are explored in this paper. Reported tornado occurrences from 1950-2000 are compared to the Japan Meteorological Agency's Sea Surface Temperature Anomaly Index to discover significant patterns and trends throughout the state. Overall, results reveal that more intense tornadoes are likely to touchdown during the cold phase (La Nina) of the ENSO cycle. Regional differences are also observed with the La Nina extreme favoring increases in tornado frequency and intensity within distinct areas of the state. Finally, the cold swing …

Microbial Community Structure In Hydrocarbon Impacted Sediment Associated With Anomalous Geophysical Signatures, Joseph W. Duris

Masters Theses

The Crystal Refinery is a former refinery site in Carson City Michigan that has had historic releases of refined and unrefined crude oil dating back to the late 1940's. The contamination of soil with light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPL) has had a dynamic impact on the subsurface environment in adjacent Carson City Park. Very little is known about the complex interactions between microbial communities, geochemistry and geophysics. In order to investigate possible connections between these parameters a multidisciplinary study was undertaken to investigate the hypothesis that the degradation of LNAPL by resident microbial communities causes a local increase in organic …

Mechanistic Studies On The Antagonistic Effect Of Chromium On Bpde Mutant Frequency In Human Fibroblasts, Felicia Codrea

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible mechanisms involved in the decrease in mutant frequency when cells are treated with two different types of carcinogens: chromium (VI) in combination with benzo(a)pyrene diol epoxide (BPDE). Three of our working hypotheses are: Cr alone or Cr and BPDE synergistically activate detoxifying enzyme glutathione-S-transferase (GST), Cr alone or Cr and BPDE act synergistically to inhibit cell cycle at the G₁/S boundary thus allowing more time for DNA repair, and Cr alone or Cr and BPDE synergistically activate DNA repair systems which result in more efficient repair of DNA …

Journal Of Sociology & Social Welfare Vol. 29, No. 4 (December 2002)

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• DIFFERENT TYPES OF WELFARE STATES? A METHODOLOGICAL DECONSTRUCTION OF
• COMPARATIVE RESEARCH - Rebecca A. Van Voorhis
• FROM SOCIAL WORK TO HUMAN SERVICES - David Stoesz
• "FOR THEIR OWN GOOD?": SEX WORK, SOCIAL CONTROL, AND SOCIAL WORKERS, A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE - Sephanie Wahab
• EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES: AS ASSESSMENT OF DISSEMINATION AND UTILIZATION - Teresa Dal Santo, Sheryl Goldberg, Pamela Choice, and Michael J. Austin
• HEALTH SERVICES SOCIAL WORKERS' ACTIVITIES WITH PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: PREDICTERS OF COMMUNITY PRACTICE - Richard L. Beaulaurier
• OPEN FOR BUSINESS: EXPLORING THE LIFE STAGES OF TWO CANADIAN STREET YOUTH SHELTERS …

Exploratory Research In Public Social Service Agencies: As Assessment Of Dissemination And Utilization, Teresa Dal Santo, Sheryl Goldberg, Pamela Choice, Michael J. Austin

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The purpose of this study was to investigate how nine exploratory research studies were disseminated and utilized by social services agencies in four California counties. It is based on in-depth interviews with sixteen key social service agency staff members in four counties who were involved in the planning and implementation of the research projects. While reports were disseminated internally to agency management staff, the results revealed that fewer were shared with supervisory and line staff. All of the studies influenced agency thinking and, in some cases, specific agency decisionmaking processes. The key factors influencing the utilization of research included: (a) …

Open For Business: Exploring The Life Stages Of Two Canadian Street Youth Shelters, Jeff Karabanow

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Youth shelters have emerged as significant resources for homeless and runaway adolescents. Through participant observations of shelter culture, review of agency archival materials, and in-depth interviews with 21 shelter workers (front line staff, middle managers, and upper-level executives), this analysis explores the life stages of two Canadian street youth shelters, highlighting the dramatic transformations in their internal operations and external environments. This paper also offers an understanding of organizational evolutionary processes.

Not In My Social World: A Cultural Analysis Of Media Representations, Contested Spaces, And Sympathy For The Homeless, James A. Forte

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The social constructionist approach offers conceptual tools that may augment social workers' persuasive powers and problem solving capacities. In this case study, I examine a newspaper campaign to cast the homeless in negative terms and justify the closing of a shelter. Findings are presented as seven themes used by competing claims-makers. Each constructs a different depiction of the homeless, of homelessness, and of preferred solutions. Linkages between community memberships and favored problem definitions are identified. I conclude with suggestions for how "intelligent social reconstruction" might help social workers function as sympathy brokers for the vulnerable. (Key words: homelessness, NIMBY, mass …

Arab American Interest Groups And Congressional Decisionmaking: A Case Study Of The Arab American Institute, Robert L. Harbaugh

Masters Theses

Unlike other ethnic communities in the U.S., such as the Jewish and Hispanic communities, the political power of the Arab American community is largely unknown. Therefore, one manner to gain insight into the political power of Arab Americans is to study the interest groups that represent their ethnic community. This study uses the Arab American Institute as the leading Arab American interest group.

The study recognizes that there are three important variables to determining Arab American influence. The first is voting and is not examined in this study. The second two, which are examined, are direct lobbying on Congress and …

Lincoln Savings And Loan Scandal: A Case Study Of State-Corporate Crime, Ronald B. Coleman

Masters Theses

This thesis elaborates on the nature and scale of state-corporate crime in the Lincoln Savings & Loan Scandal. It provides an account of a political history of the savings and loan industry, the effect of economic deregulation, and the Garn-St. Germain deregulation legislation in the 1980s, which produced the criminogenic (conducive to crime) environment in the savings and loan industry.

This case study supports the hypothesis that criminal behavior at the organizational level results from a coincidence of pressure for goal attainment, availability and perceived attractiveness of illegitimate means, and an absence of effective social control. Therefore, the Lincoln …

Integrated Geophysical Examination Of A Former Refinery Site, Carson City, Michigan, Kennedy Opiyo Mwanda

Masters Theses

Integrated geophysical surveys, including electromagnetic (EM-31), magnetic, dc resistivity, and ground penetrating radar (GPR) methods and soil borings were used to investigate part of a former refinery site in Carson City, Michigan, which has more than a 50-year history of hydrocarbon contamination.

Although not readily evident on the magnetic anomaly maps, the EM-31 conductivity map clearly revealed many sections of buried pipes of various lengths and orientations. Also evident on the EM maps are extensive near surface conductivity anomalies. Soil borings in zones of anomalous conductivities to the west suggest the presence of shallow clays with pooled hydrocarbons at depths …

Western News, Nov. 14, 2002, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Floyd commits to the University of Missouri, Accounting alum is next on tap for Haworth speaker series, Nov. 24 concert set to honor WMU bands founder Meretta, Trustees to move swiftly to fill presidential post, New Great Lakes center funded by EPA will combine WMU research; Ann Arbor firm’s technology, Trustees sign off on 12 faculty; staff retirement notices, Fenn named by Gov. Engler to Michigan's Board of Medicine, Litynski lauded in ceremony at Polish consulate general in NYC.

The Merling Trio, 11/9, College Of Fine Arts

School of Music Faculty Recitals

• THE MERLING TRIO
• Renata Artman Knific, Violin
• Bruce Uchimura, Cello
• Susan Wiersma Uchimura, Piano
• assisted by Scott St. John, Viola

Western News, Oct. 31, 2002, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Benton Harbor facility inaugurated Oct. 25, Engler taps Floyd for spot on Life Sciences Corridor Board, Senator to announce federal funds for research initiative, WMU institute gets $1 million in NSF funding for teaching initiative, Pherigo to head Horn Society, Fails-Nelson, Harris take top posts with education group, Vossen giving back to community as loaned executive, Palmer and Flanagan trounce competition in Windy City, Sky Broncos snag top honors at NIFA event.

Western News, Oct. 17, 2002, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Pilot plant is first WMU Parkview site open, 9/11 art proposals sought, WMU personnel lead Egyptian water project, CD review means high praise for WMU Jazz Orchestra, Garmon among three honored with COE education awards, Student affairs promotes three, names three new directors, Nominations sought for staff service awards.

Western News, Oct. 3, 2002, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: NIH grant to boost HHS research capacity, Fall enrollment nears 30, 000, Parkview Campus to see first engineering opening Oct. 11, Illinois-based engineering firm NASCO is newest BTR Park partner, United Way goal will ‘give community a lift’, Ramona Bernhard honored for support of the arts at WMU.

Searchpath To Information Literacy, Elaine A. Jayne

Gatherings: Friends of the University Libraries Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Gatherings No. 31 Fall 2002, Friends Of The University Libraries

Gatherings: Friends of the University Libraries Newsletter

Complete issue of Gatherings no. 31. Edited by Laurel Grotzinger.

The Relationship Between Positive Adolescent Attitudes Toward Reading And Home Literary Environment, Kelly Partin, Cindy Gillespie Hendricks

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

While factors known to positively affect attitudes toward reading have been investigated, the relationship between attitudes toward reading and home literary environments, particularly with older students, needs to be more fully explored. This investigation focused on the nature of the relationship between high school students' reading attitudes and the literary environment in which they were raised.

Fab:Ulous! Family Literacy Nights: Learning To Listen To Families, Ellen Mcintyre, Hope Longwell-Grice, Diane Kyle

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

This article describes our implementation of a program aimed at supporting families' literacy through books and strategies and through capitalizing on what the families know and care about. We held several Family Literacy Nights in which we planned activities, workshops, and book give-aways around families' interests, discerned during the first event. We struggled with simultaneously accomplishing our goals and those that reflected the families. In this article we share our successes as well as the lessons we learned about how to do this work.

Perceptions Of Preservice Elementary Teachers On Multicultural Issues, Mary Alice Barksdale, Janet Richards, Peter Fisher, Marge Wuthrick, Jean Hammons, Dana Grisham, Heather Richmond

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

This paper reports an exploratory study of preservice teachers' knowledge of multicultural education and preparedness for literacy instruction with diverse populations. We conducted the study across a variety of college and university contexts. Results showed that preservice teachers did not feel well prepared to teach children of diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. We also found evidence that these preservice teachers had not developed a strong knowledge base about multicultural education, despite the fact that they had all been introduced to multicultural topics in their teacher education coursework. This study demonstrates that there is a need for examination of current methods …

Medievalism And Literature: An Annotated Bibliography Of Critical Studies, Richard Utz, Aneta Dygon

English Faculty Publications

This annotated bibliography represents a solid first selection of critical studies discussing the creative and scholarly reception of medieval literary texts in post-medieval times.

Western News, Sept. 19, 2002, Western Michigan Univeristy

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Deans appointed to libraries; engineering, President Floyd on Capitol Hill, WMU community observes 9/11 anniversary, donations still sought for employee memorial, Franquesa recognized by Academy of Management, Zegree named composer of the month by publisher, University; community will partner for MLK observance.

Western News, Sept. 5, 2002, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Summit puts TIER in the eyes of local leaders, AAUP members to review new contract tonight, vote Sept. 12, Engineering Dean Litynksi takes over academic reins as new provost, Lyman returns to foundation; Aardema named interim dean, Campus prepares to remember Sept. 11 next week with four memorial events, Hovestadt to head national marriage and family group, Haenicke's career feted by international colleagues, Beauregard goes on extended medical leave, Schmotter to explore corporate scandal cause, On Campus with StevanVeldkamp.

Recruitment And Foster Family Service, Mary Ellen Cox, Cheryl Buehler, John G. Orme

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Using data from the National Survey of Current and Former Foster Parents this study examined how foster parents first found out about the need for foster parents (mass media, other foster parents, religious organization, or civic organization) affected foster family service (number of children fostered, years of fostering service, fostering of children with special needs, and families' intent to continue fostering). Respondents who became aware of the need for foster parents through religious organizations fosteredfor more years; respondents who became aware through mass media fostered for fewer years. How foster families first found out about the need for foster parents …

Message From The President, No.34 2002, Anne Clark Bartlett

Medieval Feminist Forum: A Journal of Gender and Sexuality

No abstract provided.

Defining The Terms: Postfeminism As An Ideology Of Cool , Anne Clark Bartlett

Medieval Feminist Forum: A Journal of Gender and Sexuality

No abstract provided.

How Does It Mean? Literary Theory As Metacognitive Reading Strategy In The High School English Classroom, Lisa J. Schade

Dissertations

In the last two decades, serious scholarly attention has been paid both to theories of teaching reading and to theories of literary interpretation. These potentially related fields have been treated as separate, focused either on teaching reading in the elementary grades or on teaching interpretation to advanced college literature students. Until very recently the relevance of either reading theory or literary theory to middle school or high school pedagogy has remained unexamined. My research, as a reflective practitioner, addresses this important gap. I focus on the teaching of literary theory in the high school English classroom as a strategy to …

Job Satisfaction And Leadership Style: A Study Of Michigan High School Principals, David A. Barry

Dissertations

Given the magnitude of importance in the role of the school principal, it is important to understand some of the job satisfaction factors related to the retention of current school principals particularly as it relates to leadership style. This study focuses on the retention of current principals by analyzing the job satisfaction of Michigan high school principals and examining its relationship with the principal’s leadership style. This study incorporates correlation research methods and survey procedures which include a self-administered questionnaire by the principal. The subjects for this study were randomly selected from the target population of all Michigan public high …

Teachers' Perceptions Of School Safety, Safety-Based Changes, And Their Resultant Impact On School Climate: A Case Study, Laura L. Finley

Dissertations

In the last decade, several high-profile shootings in suburban school districts have drawn attention to the issue of school-based violence. Consequently, schools all over have responded in many ways. The literature reveals that many suburban and rural schools have adopted the same measures as have urban districts, despite the fact that their discipline and violence problems are qualitatively different. These responses have generally been punitive and technological in nature, rather than curricular or structural reforms. This has included institution of metal detectors, more restrictive student dress codes, zero tolerance laws and others. Some, though, have suggested that these responses may …