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Take My Thesis…Please! The Art Of Stand-Up Comedy, Kyle J. Dukart

Theses and Dissertations

In my thesis, I explore the artistry of stand-up comedy primarily by concentrating on five aspects of the genre that one generally uses to discuss literature: theme, persona, language, narrative structure, and audience. My purpose is to critically analyze a mode of artistic expression that is rarely given serious academic consideration

To accomplish this purpose I researched various theories of comedy and then proceeded to listen to and read about dozens of stand-up comedians. Using my own and other's knowledge of comedy and literature, I then closely analyze parts of routines from ten of the comedians I studied, including Lenny …

Reviving The Image: Communicating The Benefits Of Labor Unions, Kathleen Mulholland

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study is to show that unions need to communicate the purpose they serve in society to revive their tarnished image. The results show through quantitative and qualitative analysis that although some studies show the public approval rating of unions has increased, a negative image still exists.

To determine the type of message the mass media is sending to the public about unions, a content analysis was performed on articles written by the Washington Post about four national strikes. Twelve individual in-depth interviews were conducted using six union and six nonunion participants to gather detailed information concerning …

Enhancing Literacy Through Creative Dramatics, Kathy Lynn Torkelson

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Glengarry Glen Ross : A Directoral Exploration Of Gender Reversal Through Performance, Sharyl L. Simeone

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Ethics Of Human Genetic Enhancement: Extending The Public Policy Debate, John J. Baumann

Theses and Dissertations

Mammalian one—cell embryos can be genetically altered, implanted into the female's uterus, and subsequently develop into biologically mature organisms in the usual manner. If the resultant adult organisms reproduce, the genetic change may be passed on to future generations. In humans, the procedure is known alternatively as "human genetic engineering" or "human germline gene therapy." Bioethicists distinguish between genetic engineering intended for the prevention or treatment of disease ("treatment germline gene therapy") and genetic engineering intended for non—medical enhancement of certain characteristics ("enhancement germline gene therapy"). Human genetic engineering has the potential to effectively replace deleterious genes such as the …

Five Days At India House, Amy M. Consiglio

Theses and Dissertations

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Shakespeare's Masks : The Transformative Performance Of Disguise, Suzanne M. Winkel

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

"Pure Otherness": Directing Sexual Identity In Mac Wellman's Dracula, Darin D. Kerr

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Study Of The Circulation Patterns And Lifestyle Demographics Of Year-Round Residents Who Use The Ocean City Free Public Library, Judith C. Perkins

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project was to determine if adult lifestyle behaviors, as identified in the 1990 U.S. Census, could be linked with circulation statistics for fiction and nonfiction books, and thereby, used to assist acquisition librarians in the purchase of library materials. The project, a partial replication of the Davis and Altman (1997) study, focused on the book selections made by adults at the Ocean City Free Public Library in Ocean City, NJ. The methodology included the examination of circulation records for these subjects during December, January, and February 1992-1997, and relating these choices to the spending potential index …

A Report On The Internship Experience In Educational Leadership At Eastern Camden County Regional School District, Audry Cser

Theses and Dissertations

The current system of record-keeping for the various student activity accounts was assessed and revised in order to establish a more accurate and efficient accounting policy of all monies. Internal audits will be implemented in order to demonstrate a more critical accounting for all student activity accounts. In addition to monthly and year ending reconciliation statements it will be necessary at the end of each fiscal year to provide district auditors with accurate financial documents exhibiting the receipt of student monies for various activity accounts.

Prior to developing a revised accounting system for student activity accounts, current practices, procedures and …

Development Of A Fire Science Curriculum Program At The University Of North Dakota, Jamie Lisell

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Drama As An Evangelical Tool, Jessica Lyn Potts

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Floating Rhoda And The Glueman : A Feminist Psychoanalytical Analysis Of Domestic Violence Through Performance, Laurie K. Hinn

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Exposure To Waste Nitrous Oxide With The Use Of Cuffed Endotracheal Tubes, Laryngeal Mask Airways, And Face Masks To Provide General Anesthesia, Craig K. Suderman

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Tensions Among Titans : The Construction Of Cultural Identity Through Conflict, Tamara Dyrud Schierkolk

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

How To Be Popular In Six Easy Steps And Other Lies They Told Us: Creating A Script Collaboratively, Andrea Nichelle Harris Weir

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this creative thesis was to examine the process of cooperatively creating and performing an original nonlinear play script with an all woman company. Several theories of post-modern theatrical scripting and staging were incorporated into the production. All participants--actors, director and designers--worked on creating a script for performance in a studio space. Media images of women in the late 1950s and early 1960s provided the subject matter for the script. The performance was evaluated by three women from different fields of study. By virtue of their written responses, the production's outcome was viewed as successful in both process …

The Metropolitan Theatre In Grand Forks, North Dakota: The Years Of Decline, 1911-1933, John M. Bell

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Costume Designes For Hamlet: A High School Production, Ardith Brooks

Theses and Dissertations

This Thesis is an exploration of the costume design approach to the Red River High School production of Hamlet. presented February 8-11, 1996. Chapter one discusses the differences in production procedures experienced between the author's prior involvement with college and community theatres and those encountered for this high school theatre production, the author's understanding of the director's concept, the author's script analysis, and the development of the costume design concept.

Chapter two examines the author's costume design philosophy, theory behind costume choices as well as costume descriptions and their execution, and technical problems encountered.

Chapter three is an evaluation of …

Four Girls Respond To Young Adult Horror Fiction, Betty Silliman

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study provides insight into the separate reading experience of four adolescent girls as each engaged in the reading and discussion of a popular, self-selected young adult horror novel. The analysis and interpretation of data focused on the appeal of texts and the sociological implications of the reading experience. While questions regarding the appeal of young adult horror fiction grew from work with adolescent female horror readers, the social dimension of the inquiry stemmed from concerns of critical literacy theorists with regard to the ideological content of texts and its potential to shape readers into accepting dominant views.

Data …

A Showcase Of Sanford Meisner's Acting Theory: An Experimentation, Marcie K. Gallagher

Theses and Dissertations

Sanford Meisner's theories of acting are based upon his belief thaf good acting is defined by "living truthfully under imaginary' circumstances" (Meisner 15). However, it seems that his theories are more appropriately applied to realistic texts. In my project I explored the use of Meisner's acting techniques in a non-realistic text, Fickv Stingers, written by Eve Lewis, which 1 directed in a rehearsal process with an ensemble of four actors. This work resulted in a showcase of our work together on February 23, and 24, 1997. In Lewis' play she examines the power relations which encompass the issue of rape. …

One Thing In Common : The Creation Of A Multicultural Children's Theatre Script And Production, Paul H. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Tiffany Windows In Richmond And Petersburg, Virginia, Rachel M. Bradshaw

Theses and Dissertations

Louis Comfort Tiffany began his career as a painter in the 1860's, illustrating his love of color and nature through genre scenes and landscapes. Unfulfilled as a painter he established a successful interior design firm, L. C. Tiffany and Associated Artists, designing interiors for America's rich and elite, all the while trying to bring his vision of beauty within their reach. He is greatest remembered by his contributions to the industry of colored glass and the development of Tiffany Studios. Inspired by the colors in the stained glass windows of the twelfth and thirteenth century and by the lack of …

An Investigation Of The Relationship Between Popular Music And Analytic Cubist Paintings In Prewar Paris, Lulan Yu

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis addresses the connection between Analytic Cubist paintings and popular music culture in pre-World War I Paris. In particular, it focuses on popular music, performance, song lyrics, music iconography and its connected poster advertising as each relates to the Analytic Cubist paintings of Braque and Picasso. During the last years of the nineteenth century, the world of fine art came into close contact with the realm of popular entertainment, in particular institutions such as the cabaret, cafe'-concert and the music-hall. A revival of this performance which occurred around 1910, not only impacted the everyday world, but also the Cubist …

Jungian Dream Theories Applied To Judith Thompson's White Biting Dog, Vicki Lynn Pozzebon

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Gray Matters : Perceptions On Race : An Original Performance In Grand Forks, Katrina L. Wagner

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Transformational And Transactional Leadership Behaviors Of Administrators Of Performing And Visual Arts Schools, Angela F. Koppang

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the extent to which administrators in performing and visual arts schools demonstrate transformational and transactional leadership behaviors. Administrator self-perceptions and teacher perceptions of transformational and transactional leadership behaviors of administrators in performing and visual arts schools were compared. Eight transformational and transactional leadership behaviors and four leadership effects were examined. The eight leadership behaviors examined were attributed charisma, idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, individual consideration, contingent reward, management-by-exception active, and management-byexception passive. The four leadership effects examined were laissez-faire, extra effort, effectiveness, and satisfaction.

Data were collected by obtaining responses to a survey instrument mailed to …

Enrichment Course In Environmental Education For Studying Coastal Wetlands Ecology Through The Visual Arts, Cynthia Lynn Hasbrouck

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project was to develop an environmental education course to be offered to students in grades 4-6 at the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. The course was designed to teach coastal wetlands ecology through the visual arts to supplement and enrich the current environmental education program offered by the Institute. Although the course is designed specifically for use at the Institute, the activities can be adapted to a similar wetland site and used in part by a resourceful teacher to suit the needs of students of any age or level.

The course format consists of …

In Search Of A Transcendental Film Style: The Cinematic Art Form And The Mormon Motion Picture, Thomas J. Lefler

Theses and Dissertations

This project is an effort to establish a paradigm for reading and tracing transcendence in film art and film propaganda. It addresses the intersection of aesthetic and spiritual planes which is supported by a long and complex tradition of art within religious worship. The study selects a single film as a microcosm of larger issues of cinematic representation and spirituality, in particular the theology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). It makes a formalistic comparison of structural and and stylistic elements between a Mormon long-form narrative, Legacy (1994) with the classic Hollywood narrative on the one …

Eighteenth Century Men's Civilian Waistcoats, Frances Burroughs Loba

Theses and Dissertations

A number of general studies of the history of eighteenth century men's clothing have been written by authors such as Zilla Halls, Avril Hart, and Norah Waugh. However, a cursory review of costume literature reveals a lack of academic study on specific men's garments and their history. This work focuses on documenting the development of eighteenth century men's waistcoats using the artifacts themselves. The purpose of using extant waistcoats is to study closely their construction and decorative details with close attention to the similarities and differences in the style, cut and assembly of the garments.

Staging The Illusion Director As Magician, Steven Harders

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis serves as an examination of the process I underwent to arrive at answers to those questions. Chapter I examines differences between Pierre Corneille's seventeenth century L'Illusion Comique and Kushner's modern-day adaptation. Chapter II takes a closer look at textual analysis specific to Kushner's adaptation. Chapter III documents pre-rehearsal and designer collaboration. Chapter IV follows the production process from casting to performances. This chapter also includes many of the problems encountered and solutions reached. Chapter V, the summary, includes an assessment of the entire process, including; rehearsals, production, and my role as director. A summary of audience evaluations also …