Digital Commons Network^™

The Need For Accurate [And Respectful] Depictions Of Mental Illness In Fiction, Jacequlyn L. Mills

Masters Theses

This thesis seeks to address the ongoing misrepresentation of mental illness in popular media, specifically within film, television, and literature. The power of the media is instrumental in public perception, and the ongoing negative misinformation and inaccuracy of mental illness those who are affected by it in media is instrumental in spreading harmful stereotypes and stigma. This affects not only the way that the general public views mental illness but also the way those with mental illness view themselves as well as their desire to seek help. I use these forms of media to showcase both the negative and positive …

Poetry For The Lord Instead Of The World: A Study Of The Romantic Poets, The Imposters, And Our Response As Christians, Annabelle Camoirano

Masters Theses

When I was a little girl, I watched my grandfather read all the time. He had shelves full of books stacked on more books. My grandparents had an entire room dedicated to holding the books he’d read over the years. Almost 5 years ago now, we had to move my grandparents out of the home that they had lived in for over 40 years. Going through all those books, my dad found one he knew I had to have. I have always loved collecting old books, and one of my favorite older poets is Edgar Allen Poe. My dad found …

Moral Injury In Military Corrections, Jeremy Ryder Meyers

Masters Theses

Over the past thirty years moral injury has been a topic of concern regarding the behavioral and spiritual health of military members. Part of that work has given a voice to Vietnam veterans and the events they faced while in combat. Some of these events were acts of betrayal at the hands of another military member or their own. This act led to an injury to their moral code. Military chaplains may have morally injured soldiers in need of pastoral care as they serve. This includes soldiers working the military prisons like the United States Disciplinary Barracks in Fort Leavenworth. …

Stories Of The Re-Awakening, Joseph Cecil Broadbent

Masters Theses

The Present piece takes a look at the realms of the fantastical and vital elements that help to create a best seller. The creative piece is a brief look into a hopefully soon to be published Fantasy/Science Fiction Young Adult Teenage series. Brief insights are followed by a prologue and four book beginnings to welcome the reader into its world.

Effects Of Microplastic Biofilms On An Anthropogenically Impacted Suburban Lake, Paris M. Velasquez

Masters Theses

Plastics have been observed in every location on the planet, and their prevalence in the environment is due in part to their strong resistance to degradation. Inland lakes are susceptible to plastic pollution by highway runoff, which contains plastic fragments of brake pads, car tires, litter, and road paint. These plastics eventually enter freshwater environments and degrade into microplastics (

Gop's Future: Adapting Professional Writing To Engage And Attract Gen Z Voters, Kerry Mckim

Masters Theses

In an evolving political landscape dominated by digital media, the Republican Party faces significant challenges in connecting with Generation Z (Gen Z) voters. This thesis explores the critical role of professional writing in bridging this communication gap between generations. With the rise of social media platforms such as TikTok and YouTube, traditional communication strategies are becoming increasingly obsolete. Gen Z's unique consumption habits, values, and communication preferences necessitate reevaluating how political messages are crafted and disseminated.

This research highlights the importance of professional writing in political communication, focusing on its impact within the GOP. By examining Gen Z's demographics and …

The Chronology Of Jesus' Triple Fulfillment Of The Feasts Of Israel, Carter Day Watson

Masters Theses

Much of modern scholarship believes that Jesus only fulfilled the spring feasts of Israel during His First Coming and will fulfill the fall feasts in His Second Coming. This thesis argues that this view is mistaken; instead, the biblical and historical evidence points towards Jesus already fulfilling both the spring and fall feasts during His First Coming: (1) Trumpets with His birth on September 29, 2 BCE (and Herod the Great's death on January 27, 1 BCE); (2) the Day of Atonement with His spiritual baptism on October 6, 29 CE and physical baptism on October 14, 29 CE; (3) …

The Two Gospel Hypothesis, Nicholas Wischman

Masters Theses

The Two Document Hypothesis, the view that Matthew and Luke used Mark independently alongside a lost source called Q, has become the predominant theory of the order of the Synoptic Gospels. This is a defense of the Two Gospel Hypothesis, the theory that Luke used Matthew and Mark used both Matthew and Luke.

Arranging And Communication Techniques For The Studio Music Producer: A Curriculum, Elizabeth A. Rajcok

Masters Theses

College music students who desire to pursue careers in the commercial music industry would benefit from learning all aspects of music production, including the techniques of rhythm section instruments and the intricacies of various genres. However, courses that provide students with hands-on training in communicating and arranging within a recording studio are lacking in residential collegiate contemporary and commercial music degrees. Students lacking in multi- instrument knowledge and immersion in contemporary genres may find their insufficiency is an impediment when functioning in their desired profession as a music producer post-college. The curriculum project detailed in this study is designed to …

"Where The Heart Is Really Attached": Partner Compatibility In The Works Of Jane Austen, Mary Amick

Masters Theses

This thesis discusses the works of Jane Austen and how the author depicts marriages throughout her novels. It examines the values that Austen recommends to attain a happy marriage and argues that these values were shaped by Austen’s Christian heritage. Austen encourages people to marry but cautions them to choose their partner wisely. She makes it clear that an unwise choice would lead to future strife in the relationship. Austen claims that the traits necessary for a healthy and happy marriage relationship are a partner that encourages intellectual stimulation, a partner that is compatible both morally and temperamentally, and a …

The Brand Identity Paradox: Connecting With New Gen Audiences At Greater Scale, Osinor Xavier Kakhu

Masters Theses

This research explores the importance of authenticity in modern marketing, particularly when targeting underrepresented audiences. By examining the challenges and opportunities presented by social media, emerging technologies, and audience preference studies, this paper argues that brands must go beyond surface-level diversity efforts and genuinely engage with diverse communities. Through case studies and theoretical frameworks, the research highlights the potential benefits of authentic marketing, including increased brand loyalty, market expansion, and positive societal impact.

The Importance Of Community Rehabilitation: Evaluating Effectiveness Of Tennessee Interventions, Sarah Grace Knight

Masters Theses

Rehabilitation for offenders has been a topic of discussion for decades. While the system expresses that rehabilitation is the best method of practice, statistics show that these individuals still struggle to reenter society successfully. This study addresses environmental factors and barriers that can make the reentry process difficult and increase chances of recidivism. Additionally, this article takes a look at the state of Tennessee in particular, considering its high crime and recidivism rates. While many states have programs in place, it is apparent that the government needs to focus on creating more stable financial budgets for both community and prison …

Project Rethread: Developing Habits Of Sustainable Fashion Consumption Among Gen Z, Jason Daniel Moore

Masters Theses

Fast Fashion yields profound negative consequences on both the environment and society, leading to an annual release of 4.13 billion lbs. of CO2 emissions (according to the IEA). Driven by passing trends, fast fashion brands flood the market with excessive merchandise, often priced lower than more sustainable alternatives, promoting a culture of rapid consumption and disposal among consumers.

The number of Gen Z (born between 1995 and 2010) who shop for fast fashion is higher than ever, despite this generation’s stance on environmental sustainability and social activism. While there are many possible reasons that influence Gen Z to shop fast …

Settling Dust, Unsettling Ground, Olivia Newroz

Masters Theses

Understanding dust as a material system that blurs the line between ground and atmosphere, I developed a dust machine as a tool for making dust legible at the human scale. While the blurriness of ground is visualized at both particle and planetary scales, at the human scale, it becomes less evident. Drawing from Lisa’s Moffitt’s discussion of “environmental models”–that is, models that don’t merely simulate phenomena, in this case dust, but rather produce the underlying force itself––I produced visualizations of how dust, as both a grounded and atmospheric element, intertwines ground and weather across scales, through a cyclical process of …

Discovering The Value Of Decision-Making Through Meaningful Experiences During High School Marching Band, William V. Reese

Masters Theses

This paper reviews the decision-making skills that can be acquired during a young musician’s life while participating in the marching band. Marching band can have a major effect on a person’s life, and many things can be connected to the life practices of a civilized adult. Characteristics of good judgment can be exercised when participating in a marching band. There are a lot of decisional practices that can be displayed in the growth of a scholarly musician and their journey to becoming a responsible adult. The purpose of school is to prepare the youth for adulthood choices and marching band …

What Christians Should Expect: Life Immediately After Death, Larry Kuka

Masters Theses

This paper examines Old Testament, New Testament, ancient Jewish, Near Eastern, and Christian documents to determine what the Word of God says about life immediately after death (afterlife). I will not examine references to the resurrection or to end times. The research for this paper from primary, secondary, and tertiary sources will be examined and explained, and the conclusions drawn will identify the passages in Scripture and other scholarly sources that explain life immediately after death for believers of Jesus Christ. Theological documents, cultural interpretations, societal perspectives, as well as biblical teachings will be examined to establish understanding, reassurance, and …

1930 Chicago, Irish American Life, And Its Adaptation Into Historical Fiction: The Ups And Downs Of Percival Dooley, A Novella, Katy Leigh Foster

Masters Theses

The thesis examines and explains literary techniques of historical fiction. Observations and studies of historical photographs and handwritten letters, along with qualitative research through studies, journals, historical fiction pieces, and Chicago info-maps, provided accuracy for the historical fiction and a clear reflection of humanity, which is significant in understanding the argument.

Ultimately, the historical fiction shows not just 1930 American society, but where it is today. The thesis argues and proves that whimsical tones are appropriate and effective despite the uneasy time and setting and the foreboding conflicts during 1930.

The story is set in Chicago in the year 1930. …

Reid Technique, An Effective 45-Year-Old Interrogation Technique? Or An Outdated Technique?, James A. Campoverde

Masters Theses

The Reid Technique is a 45-year-old technique that has not been revised. It is the most widely used method of interrogation but has led to numerous wrongful convictions. The Reid Technique can be an effective tool but shouldn't be the only interrogation tool used by law enforcement agencies. Other methods of interrogation can be used other than the Reid Technique.

Millennials And Fasting: A Healthy Alternative, Christopher M. Hunt

Masters Theses

Millennials are facing more chronic health problems than any previous generation. They are experiencing a higher rate of disease for all the top conditions that affected their predecessors at the same age range. Most of these issues stem from an overconsumption culture that drastically increased during the millennial generation and is only projected to worsen. These habits start from a young age when the youth are taught to finish eating everything on their plate, even if they are not hungry, and consume at least three meals a day, which is seen as a mandatory requirement for a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, …

Divine Threads: Unraveling Testimony, Character Development, And Christianity In Fantasy Narratives, Miranda Wessman

Masters Theses

Characters are the backbone of fantasy fiction novels. In fact, characters are one of the core components of any novel no matter the genre. In every successful novel, you will find at least one protagonist and one antagonist. Some novelists choose to tell their stories through the use of multiple characters, all of whom have complicated stories of their own. The reason so many fantasy fiction novels are successful is not just because of the magic and worldbuilding, but the characters using the magic. Character development is intertwined with the character’s testimony which can be seen through the characters found …

The Decline Of Mentorship And The Urgency To Share Valuable Knowledge With The Next Generation, Morgan Christopher

Masters Theses

Senior mentorship of junior professionals is in decline, risking the loss of generational guidance and support, limiting career opportunities, and hindering social and professional development for both parties.

The thesis discusses the definition of a mentor and types of mentor relationships, the benefits of participating in a mentor relationship, and the influence junior professionals have on these relationships. However, extensive research is lacking in determining the practical steps senior professionals can take to reverse the decline of mentorship and bring our society back to the mentoring mindset we once possessed.

The topics that have been examined are as follows:

1. What …

Embracing Positivity: Using The Power Of Positivity To Enhance Design Classroom Critiques To Encourage Students To Feel Empowered As Artists, Angela M. Keeler Reeves

Masters Theses

While ample research and ways to handle an artistic critique exist, there is not enough that is created in conjunction with visuals to help and empower our art faculty. As a graphic design instructor at a regional university, I struggle every day to make sure that my students end not only becoming better designers, but also understanding that critique is about making them better and not meant to tear them down. My graphic design professors varied in technique when it came to the critique process and caused quite a bit of emotional distress on a young growing design student. I …

Subtext In A Screenplay: More Than Meets The Ear, Emma J. Smith

Masters Theses

The creative manuscript for this thesis is a screenplay titled Air Tax. It is a dystopian story set in a western society where the ruling power has created two classes of people. Where one class is part of the elite, the other must watch their activity level as they are taxed on the air they breathe. A rebel group works to overthrow the rulers with the hope of equality and ultimate good for all. The question becomes whether the ideal will last if all guidance is human based. One way to reveal the need of guidance beyond human understanding for …

Wellness Awakening: Gen Z As The Catalyst For A Well-Being Revolution, Juliet Milillo

Masters Theses

This research project delves into the realm of holistic wellness management with a specific focus on engaging Generation Z (Gen Z). Holistic wellness encompasses a comprehensive approach to health and well-being considering physical, emotional, spiritual, social, occupational, and intellectual aspects. Members of Gen Z who are currently in college or recently graduated are the ideal candidates for holistic wellness management education as they are at the prime age to begin establishing long-term habits and lifestyles. Individuals in this age group are settling into their occupations, housing conditions, relationships, exercise patterns, nutritional habits, etc. The study employed a mixed-methods approach. It …

Character Development And The Inspiring Novelist, Halley Nicole Villegas

Masters Theses

This thesis explores the pivotal role of character growth and development in narrative writing, examining how it can significantly influence the overall success and reception of a story. Through a detailed analysis of various literary works and theoretical frameworks, this study identifies key elements that contribute to compelling character arcs and their impact on reader engagement. By contrasting well-developed characters with those that are poorly constructed or static, the research highlights how nuanced character development enhances plot progression, emotional resonance, and thematic depth. Additionally, the paper examines the importance of authenticity and relatability in character portrayal. The findings suggest that …

The Six Ps: A Faith Journey, Deborah Keizer

Masters Theses

The Six Ps is an epistolary memoir about a faith journey to find my twin flame and purpose. The journey began when I discovered my higher self in a guided meditation. After that incident, I received my first prophetic dream message. God also gave me the directive to write, using the Ps (plots) from Joseph of Genesis: Prophetic dreams, Pit, Potiphar’s wife, Prison, Palace – No Pharaoh, Purpose. After the first Prophetic dream I was guided to return to my homeland, and so I jumped into the Pit which I also call the Abyss – (to confront the false beliefs …

An Online Beginner Piano Course: A Fully Asynchronous And Online Curriculum For Beginner Piano Instruction, Jonathan David Holowaty

Masters Theses

The purpose of this applied curriculum is to provide piano instruction through an online and asynchronous method. Online and asynchronous methods of learning have been increasing in higher education and, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, have been used in the primary and secondary levels. This trend shows no signs of stopping. Much research has been done in online methods of learning in higher education; however, not nearly as much has been done with lower age groups. More research and experimentation is needed in the application of these methods at the primary and secondary levels. Considering this, the course conceived of …

Orichas Roots Of Latin American Music: Syncretism, Music, And Its Possibilities For Missionaries, Erika Dianne Ray

Masters Theses

The African diaspora as a result of the Caribbean slave trade had long reaching consequences, specifically for the Ikwere people. Due to the Catholic Church's support and, at times, encouragement of syncretism, a new religion was formed. Lucumi tradition is based on the musical rhythms specific to the Orichas from Nigeria, referred to as Igboland, the term employed by the citizens. The Ikwere are one people group of many affected by the slave trade and had their religious practices transformed as a result. The Ikwere are focused upon due to their prominence as the majority of slaves from Igboland were …

Broken Picket Fences, Lori Ann Feeley

Masters Theses

Broken Picket Fences is a women's fiction novel that explores the bittersweet reunion of two young sweethearts who see each other again after twenty years. Love is reignited, old memories die hard, and dark secrets struggle to find the light of day in a maze of choices. Raeanne finds that what she thought she wanted may not be what she truly needs. She embarks on a journey through her past to rediscover the essence of who she really is. It has been so long since she viewed her own life through a clear lens. She desperately searches for who she …

How Music Genres Affect Test Anxiety Among Third-Grade Elementary Students, Amy Summersett Ardovino

Masters Theses

This descriptive case study investigates the effects of classical, rap, electronic, and jazz genres of music played during a test administered to third-grade elementary students. Many studies focus on three main genres, such as classical, rock, and popular music, and not new, emerging popular music genres. With learning performance being a primary concern in education, it is beneficial to ascertain if different music genres affect anxiety in third-grade elementary students. Third-grade students serve as the population for this study; the sample involves 123 third-grade students from Chelsea Park Elementary School. This study implemented the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAI-CH) …