Digital Commons Network^™

The Revolt Revisited: A Study Of Popular 20th-Century American Small-Town Literature, Ted Ray Duitsman

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The subject of small towns has both attracted and made some of the greatest authors in American literature. Through stunning imagery, description, and dialogue they create realistic portrayals of this places that lay them bare for all to see. Generous treatments portray them as generally good places that uphold the myth of small towns as utopian villages. For those with more unfavorable views, however, the literature shows the dullness of the town as well as the provinciality and closed-mindedness of its people. It is unfair to categorize some of the better works into either/or arguments however, for they involve more …

Iowa Multiverse: Stories, Darek James Benesh

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This work of creative writing consists of two stories, each of which concerns characters in closed communities in Iowa: an apartment building and a small town. The stories play with the concepts of interconnectedness, multiple perspectives, linearity, and "emergent meaning"-that the whole can be greater than the sum of its parts. The first story is comprised of interconnected third-person threads and alternate perspective views. The second story is concerned with multiple first-person vignettes dealing with interpretations of shared experiences. These stories imagine the concept of perspective as a moveable, free-floating "mind camera," able to follow any character at will, viewing …

Dances Of Courtship And Other Stories, Katherine Ware Volmensky Gannett

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This thesis is a collection of short stories mainly written in dialect. The locale of the stories is Orkney, an island group located in the Atlantic Ocean, between the north coast of Scotland and the Shetland Islands. The historical period is the 1890s.

Written On The Body By Jeanette Winterson In The Context Of Nomadology, Maria Goltsova

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study provides an interpretation of the novel Written on the Body by Jeanette Winterson in the context of nomadology, a post-modern philosophical project initiated by Gilles Deleuze. My analysis, concentrating on the plot and the narrative strategy of the novel, explores the concept of nomadic subjectivity and demonstrates how it is constructed in the text and how, if at all, it can be challenged. It also examines melancholy and loss, and their role in the formation of nomadic identity. In the novel, Louise is presented as an object of the narrator's desire; she is articulated through the examination and …

Peace Medals And The Great Father, Mark G. Thiel

Library Faculty Research and Publications

No abstract provided.

The Influence Of Significant Others On High School Students’ Expectancies, Task Value, And Motivation In Physical Education, Skip M. Williams

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

In physical education, students perform physical activities among their peers and teachers. Some students are highly skilled, while others are developing their skill, and some just do not participate at all. It has been questioned why one child would approach a new opportunity with excitement and enthusiasm and another child (with the same opportunity) would have anxiety and self-doubt. The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of significant others on high school students' expectancies for success, task value, and motivation in physical education class. Specifically, this study examined perceived influence of significant others' beliefs on students': expectancies …

Correlation Between Acculturation And Health Promotion Behavior Among Hispanics/Latinos In Black Hawk County, Iowa, Ki-Hyung Park

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The elimination of the health disparities between different segments of population such as ethnic or racial minority groups in the United States is one of the principal goals of Healthy People 2010. Since 2002, the Hispanic/Latino population has been the largest minority group in the United States, and currently Hispanic/Latinos are the largest minority group in Iowa. The study assesses the relationships among health status, health promoting behavior, and acculturation of Hispanic/Latino immigrants in Black Hawk County, Iowa. A community sample of 54 adults completed a face-to-face structured interview. The instrumentation included the Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans-II (ARSMA-II), …

Students At A Chinese Radio And Television University: Reasons For Participation, And Perceptions Of Their Status As Students And The Quality Of Their Learning, Huiping Ding

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this case study was to investigate students' participation in distance education and perceptions of their status as students and the learning achieved within the context of a radio and television university in the North of China. This study focused on the students who had completed a two-year college program and been promoted to a four-year bachelor's degree program. Data was collected and analyzed from observations, interviews and document reviews.

Results of the study identified many reasons for students' participation at the radio and television university to pursue their higher education. The primary reason for most was their …

Handful Of Dust: Poems & Memoir, Kimberly Jo Groninga

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Handful of Dust is a collection of poetry and memoir which travels through a number of subjects including trees, family, dreams, death, song, sex, and silence. Weaving through the collection is the idea that what we hold in our hands-bits of memory, cakes of earth with dangling roots, understandings and perceptions-is a place to begin. In a palmful of tiny particles, images and connections emerge. And they begin to tell the story of who we are. Identity, indeed, is the primary theme of many of the pieces within this collection.

The Loathsome And The Virtuous: An Examination Of Sleeping Beauty And Snow White In Literature And Film, Heather Marie Birk

Honors Program Theses

ln this analysis I look at the differences between written text and film fairy tales, and the extent to which they help children overcome moral complexities. There are two important ideas represented in written fairy tales that place fairy tales within a tradition of moral education for children. First, the relationship between prince, princess and the wicked fairy or queen resembles the relationship between Adam, Eve and Satan. This relationship is only visible in the written version of the tales, because it depends on the Princesses playing dominant roles as Eve played in Genesis. Second, the use of the Seven …

Direction Of Ghosts By Henrik Ibsen: Theatre Uni, Spring Semester 2004, Megan E. Schumacher

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study is to record and explain choices made in the direction of Ghosts by Henrik Ibsen. This creative thesis describes the director's process and includes a production journal, research and analysis, production goals and schedules, and a visual video recording of the production in performance. The goal of this process documentation is to provide the choices made through collaboration and authenticate those choices up to performances.

Ghosts was performed in the Bertha Martin Theatre located within the StrayerWood building as part of Theatre UNI's 2003-2004 season. Henrik Ibsen, the playwright, penned a domestic tale about a …

Separation Anxiety Within The School Context: A Qualitative Study Of The Beliefs And Practices Of Parents And Teachers, Lauryn C. Muller

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This paper presents the results of a qualitative study. Data were collected from two sources close to a child/adolescent that was either diagnosed with SAD or was exhibiting the symptoms set forth by the DSM-IV-TR. The sources included the primary caregiver and the primary teacher during symptom presentation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with both sources separately. Interviews focused on the following three research question areas: (a) Parent feelings, (b) parent involvement, and (c) desire for information/supports needed. These areas are described and discussed in detail and data are analyzed while comparing parents that work within the school system to parents …

The Study Of Computational Fluency, Cassandra Hart

Graduate Research Papers

Teachers, educators and researchers are still attempting to reach consensus on the kinds and amounts of computational fluency that are relevant for today's classroom. But one thing is certain, computational fluency is one of the most vital components of developing mathematical understanding. It is absolutely necessary that students have knowledge of basic number relationships and the ability to choose from a number of appropriate strategies. The question to be answered in this study is how can Computational Fluency strategies enhance student achievement in math and improve the current climate for learning? This study evaluated the implementation of the Computational Fluency …

The Role Of The Kindergarten : History, Concerns, And Guidelines For Developing An Effective Kindergarten Program, Amanda N. Herber

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review examined the recent literature on the subject of the role of today's kindergarten program. The age of the children, maturity level, attitude.and stress, and confidence were discussed. Guidelines were also presented for developing an effective kindergarten program. Conclusions were drawn from the current literature and recommendations were made for future kindergarten programs.

Caught Or Taught : Development Of A Middle School Spelling Program, Jennie M. Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

In this literature review, the author explored research studies and literature about literacy to learn more about spelling instruction. Although much research has been done in the area of spelling instruction, little has changed in spelling instruction in the typical middle school classroom (Templeton, 2002a).

This review gives a brief overview of the basic composition of the English language and the history of the teaching of spelling in the United States. Research is reviewed that deals with the acquisition of spelling based on the developmental spelling continuum (Bear, Invemizzi, Templeton & Johnston, 1996). The author explored the connection between reading, …

Perception Of Youth Participation Of Human Service Collaboration Among Youth Workers In Hong Kong, Yuet-Mui Kong

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Human Service organizations face various challenges to providing services for their clients. Several studies pointed out the benefits of inter-organizational collaboration and youth participation. Both concepts share some common beliefs and values. They may have a role in contributing to solutions and improvements. The purpose of this study was to examine if and how youth service organizations in Hong Kong involve young people in inter-organizational collaboration. The study was designed to answer: (a) What are the characteristics of inter-organizational collaborations? (b) Is youth participation being included in inter-organizational collaboration? ( c) In what stage do young people participate in the …

Iowa Physical Educators’ Access To Usage Of, And Perceived Importance Of Technology In The Field Of Physical Education, Jennifer Hadler

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes of Iowa physical education teachers regarding the importance of various technologies available for use in a physical education classroom. A second purpose was to determine the access to and usage of selected pieces of technology. Data were compared based on years of teaching experience and gender. A questionnaire was sent to Iowa physical educators to determine access and use of 20 different pieces of technology. Teachers also ranked the importance of each technology as "Important," "Somewhat Important," or "Not Important." Results of the study indicated the most accessible technologies …

Robustness And Control Of A Magnetically Levitated Transportation System, Grzegorz Oleszczuk

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Electromagnetic suspension of Magnetic Levitation Vehicles (Maglev) has been studied for many years as an alternative to wheel-on rail transportation systems. In this work, design and implementation of control systems for a Maglev laboratory experiment and a Maglev vehicle under development at Old Dominion University are described. Both plants are modeled and simulated with consideration of issues associated with system non-linearity, structural flexibility and electromagnetic force modeling. Discussion concerning different control strategies, namely centralized and decentralized approaches are compared and contrasted in this work. Different types of electromagnetic non-linearities are considered and described to establish a convenient method for modeling …

Internet Reference Sources For Computing And Computer Science: A Selected Guide, Michael Knee

University Libraries Faculty Scholarship

Computing and computer science bibliographic databases, bibliographies, dictionaries, encyclopedias, directories, and guides, along with finding aids for technical reports, online books, and book reviews are listed and described. Subscription-based sources as well as free alternatives are covered. Resources are listed for all levels of computing ability including faculty and professionals, graduate students, undergraduates, and general users.

The Challenges Of Itil Implementations, Jason Gray

Theses : Honours

Originating from the UK, the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) is an IT Service Management framework whose adoption is rapidly spreading throughout Canada, Netherlands, South Africa, India, USA, and Australia. Promoted as a collection of "Best Practices" in IT service management, ITIL is gaining a reputation as a "silver bullet" to IT Service Management woes and is now .gaining popularity amongst IT vendors and leaders of best practices worldwide. Increased IT productivity, IT accountability, increased compliance and reduced IT costs, are just some of the promised list of benefits. More and more organisations are plam1ing to embark on ITIL implementations as …

Ethnic Identity During Adolescence And Adulthood: A Review ; The Impact Of Becoming A Parent On Ethnic Identity: Adult Migrant Mothers' Experiences, Abby Taylor

Theses : Honours

Developing a positive ethnic identity has often been linked to the psychological well-being of immigrants living in culturally diverse societies. Ethnic identity development theories have primarily concentrated on identity development during adolescence. As a result there are significant gaps in the literature and little is known about ethnic identity during adulthood. However, significant life transitions during adulthood, such as becoming a parent, may be influential in the development of ethnic identity. Intergenerational conflict and an increased desire to be ethnically oriented may relate to the experience of becoming a parent and influence ethnic identity. A means to achieving generativity has …

Anglo-Australians' Attitudes Towards Multiculturalism And Beliefs About Ethnic Groups, Tina Charles

Theses : Honours

Australia's policy of multiculturalism was adopted in 1978. However, recent events in Australia have suggested some public dissent concerning multiculturalism, particularly among members of the dominant Anglo-Australian culture. Previous research in the Netherlands has found that essentialist beliefs about ethnic minority groups are related to negative attitudes towards multiculturalism within the dominant culture. This study was designed to qualitatively explore Anglo-Australians' attitudes towards multiculturalism and their beliefs about ethnic minority groups. A total of 11 participants were interviewed. Results showed that the participants expressed both positive and negative attitudes towards multiculturalism, and essentialist and non-essentialist beliefs about ethnic groups. The …

The Role Of Implicit Memory In Visual Word Recognition: Principles And Processes Of Long- And Short-Term Repetition Priming, Matthew Robert Merema

Theses : Honours

This review examines the role of long- and short-term repetition priming research in the theoretical debate between episodic and abstractionist accounts of implicit memory. The empirical research and theoretical accounts of priming reviewed indicate that neither episodic or abstractionist theories alone can successfully account for the processes of long- and short-term repetition priming. The major variations between studies in experimental methods used to measure repetition priming are also examined, providing a possible explanation for contrasting results obtained within repetition priming research and a reason for why the episodic versus abstractionist debate persists. Finally, research examining the underlying mechanisms responsible for …

The Experience Of The Transition To An Aged-Care Facility: A Qualitative Exploration, Jenny M. Smith

Theses : Honours

The transition from one's place of residence to an aged-care facility may be a daunting prospect, with many factors relevant to the degree of ease in which this change occurs. Whilst this is a significant life event, qualified information about older adults' experience of it is limited, with little found about Australia. Much of what is available focuses on the caregivers' and relatives' viewpoints or their interactions with staff and do not pertain to the transition period itself, but to aged care in general. The main findings from the available literature suggest that the way a new resident perceives their …

Discovering The Self: An Enquiry Into Spiritual Seekers Journeys Towards Self-Realisation, Marianne Batenburg

Theses : Honours

This thesis explores the notion that a spiritual search for meaning can lead to the discovery of one's true nature, known in the Eastern tradition as Realisation of the Self. The necessity of a teacher to assist the seeker on this spiritual journey is also investigated. Three questions in particular are raised that will facilitate the analysis of this journey of discovery: 1) Is the longing for a sense of completeness, Beingness, awakened by a particular experience or is it in fact inherent in each human being? 2) Do spiritual seekers need to go out into the world to find …

The Influence Of Genetics And The Environment On Human Personalities, Relationships And Experiences, Patrice Smith

Theses : Honours

It's no mystery that our genetic make-up plays an integral part in the outcome of our lives, but to what extent exactly are our personalities, relationships and experiences pre-determined by this genetic code? There are two forces that contribute to the outcome of these aspects of our lives. Genetics and Environment. The significance of the environment, i.e., our upbringing, lifestyle and the world around us is often emphasized by psychologists as the more dominant force, however our genes are just as, if not more, influential on our lives. My choreographic process is directly in relation to the group of artists …

The Camfields : "The Comforts Of Civilisation" In Early Colonial Western Australia, Joan Groves

Theses : Honours

This thesis explores and examines in some detail the lives of a little known Anglican missionary couple in early colonial Western Australia. Henry Camfield and Anne Breeze came to the Swan River colony separately: Henry as farmer-settler and Anne Breeze as governess. They married, moved in the higher echelons of Perth society and later went to Albany where Henry took up the position of Government Resident. Subsequently they both became involved in raising and "Christianising" Aboriginal children in an institution known as Annesfield. While some prominence has been given to a well-known pupil of that institution, Bessie Flower (later Cameron), …

Transforming Messiaen : The Application Of Elements Of The Musical Language Of Olivier Messiaen To The Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, Johannes Luebbers

Theses : Honours

The music of Olivier Messiaen is a unique and interesting contribution to the canon of 20^th Century art music, but one that has received little attention from the jazz world. Through a detailed study of his music, this dissertation aims to gain a deeper understanding of Messiaen's musical language and investigate the possibilities of applying that language within the jazz idiom. In addition to a discussion of Messiaen and his music, a detailed analysis of the author's own composition for pipe organ and jazz orchestra, Auguries of Innocence, will explore the results of this application. The complete scores and …

Tan Dun's Eight Memories In Watercolor: Insights Into Performance, Zhen Zeng

Theses : Honours

"Shostakovich, as· a composer also living under a dictatorship, taught me to express deep humanity. From Takemitsu, I learned that Western and Eastern instruments can be part of the same color palette. John Cage led me to discover structures and sounds as yet unknown, by always keeping an open mind. I owe deepest thanks to these three composers, whose contributions to music have also helped me develop myself---as a composer from a·. traditional culture, growing up in a high-pressure society, living in a now international world." (Tan Dun) The global reach of Tan Dun's music reached its zenith recently at …

Impressions Of Standard Japanese And Osaka Dialect, Stephen Bumstead

Theses : Honours

In various countries there has been much research involving attitudes to standard and non-standard language (for example Giles, Baker and Fielding 1975, Strongman and Woosley 1967, Cheyne 1970), much of which has found a tendency to ascribe speakers of a standard dialect or accent with higher values in status traits such as intelligence, but lower values in solidarity traits such as sincerity, than speakers of a non-standard dialect or accent. The current research investigated and compared the attitudes towards standard Japanese and the Osaka dialect. The participants were 5 males and females born and raised in Tokyo and 5 males …