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On The Absence Of Self: A Critical Analysis Of Tsongkhapa’S Philosophy Of Emptiness., Jesse Shelton

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This paper addresses the Madhyamaka philosophy of emptiness as interpreted by the fourteenth-century Tibetan Tsongkhapa. Tsongkhapa’s emptiness maintains that all phenomena are “empty” of intrinsic existence, an idea which starkly contrasts common Western worldviews that rely of belief in self-enclosed identities or souls. Here I analyze Tsongkhapa’s arguments for emptiness and relate them to the reader using examples easily understood by Western undergraduate students. I also provide several critiques of Tsongkhapa’s position and attempt to answer them according to his philosophy. This paper is aimed to be a simple, yet thorough introduction to Tsongkhapa’s philosophy of emptiness.

Mothers Do Not Drive The Development Of Adult Homesign Systems: Evidence From Comprehension, Emily Carrigan

Master's Theses

Studying the communication systems that arise in spontaneously occurring cases of degraded linguistic input can help clarify human predispositions for language. Some deaf individuals born into hearing families, who do not receive conventional linguistic input, develop gestures, called “homesign,” to communicate. We examined homesign systems used by four deaf Nicaraguan adults (ages 15-27), and evaluated whether homesigners’ hearing mothers are potential sources for these systems. Study One measured mothers’ comprehension of descriptions of events (e.g., “A man taps a woman”) produced in homesign and spoken Spanish. Mothers comprehended spoken Spanish descriptions (produced by one of their hearing children) better than …

Eurotech Students In Germany: Preparation, Experience And Outcome, Daisy A. Michaels

Master's Theses

Higher education study abroad programs for U.S. students are on the rise. A variety of undergraduate disciplines are being coupled with international components to bring U.S. students to a higher level of global awareness to meet the demands of today’s economy. The University of Connecticut’s Eurotech Program is an example of this trend. Its students earn degrees in both German and engineering in a five year program. They are given practical training through study and internships in Germany under the auspices of the Baden-Württemberg Exchange Program. One of the Eurotech Program’s major goals is to enhance job opportunities for its …

Idea, Energy, And Power: Sayers’S Creative Process Model And The Storytelling Of Jay O’Callahan, Rebecca K. Reynolds

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research uses an adaptation of Dorothy L. Sayers's 3-step theory of creativity to analyze the self-described creation process of contemporary storyteller Jay O'Callahan. Sayers wrote that Idea, Energy, and Power are foundational elements of the creative process. Idea is the invisible image that provides vision and unity throughout a project. The Energy is the working out of art into a medium. The Power is the connective force that binds artist to art and both to audience. (Sayers, 1987). This hermeneutical study develops subcategories within each of those 3 primary elements of creativity, then uses qualitative methods to explore connectivity …

An Audio-Visual Ethnographic Case Study Of International, Rural, Nonprofit Public Relations Geared Towards Sustainable Development, A. Chase Mitchell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This paper analyzes nonprofit public relations and its relationship to development communication. It evaluates previous attempts to integrate the two fields for development purposes. The author then offers an alternative approach, a so-called public relations for community development (PRCD) model.

The PRCD model is then tested in the form of a case studyùincluding digitally recorded video interviews and observationùon Warm Heart Worldwide, Inc. (WHW), an American-founded and operated nongovernment organization (NGO) in Phrao District, northern Thailand. The study aims to identify which elements of the PRCD approach WHW adheres to, and perceived efficacy of community development as a result. …

2012 Spring Commencement, Harding University

Commencement Programs

Program for the Harding University Commencements on May 5.

Commencement Speakers:
9a.m.: Michael Claxton
1p.m.: Hewitt W. Matthews

A Portraiture Of Evelyn Thompson Lawrence, Donna Reneé Clifton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the obstacles and motivators Evelyn Thompson Lawrence addressed in her thirst for lifelong learning and desire to share that learning through her life stories. The researcher also sought to understand how everyday events played a role in the outcome of Lawrence's life. More than just observing major events, the researcher considered ways the smallest moments made an impact on Lawrence's continued desire for learning. This study evolved through Lawrence's accounts. By allowing this African American woman, who was a lifelong Appalachian, to explore her past and present, a wide array of experiences …

Open Fire: A Portrait Of Gun Control In U.S. And International Newspaper Articles After The 2011 Arizona Mass Shooting, Heidi L. Smathers

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research sought to explore media framing theory, first introduced by Erving Goffman, which asserts that the media portray certain items in a way that affects awareness, salience and tone of those items. There has long been debate about media framing especially as it pertains to the framing of violent events. Mass shootings are of particular interest because of the graphic and often senseless nature of the crime. This study looked particularly at the 2011 Tucson, Arizona mass shooting.

A content analysis of articles between February 7, 2010, and November 8, 2011, was conducted to explore media framing of gun …

Gpsa Student Council Meeting, 5/5/2012, Graduate And Professional Student Association

GPSA Meeting Agendas and Minutes

No abstract provided.

Sympathy For The Devil?: Reflections On The Crime-Fraud Exception To Client Confidentiality, David S. Caudill

Journal of Civil Rights and Economic Development

No abstract provided.

Teddy And Howie Are Back: The Return Of The Judicial Nomination Procedure, Part Vi, Ann H. Coulter

Journal of Civil Rights and Economic Development

No abstract provided.

Swedish Art Song: A Singer’S Handbook To Diction And Repertoire, Anna Christine Hersey

Open Access Dissertations

This essay is a guide to Swedish lyric diction for American singers. An overview of the linguistic traits and basic grammar of the Swedish language prepares the reader for a detailed description of Swedish phonemes and their occurrence in the language. Differences in pronunciation conventions as they pertain to classical singing, particularly the contrast between högsvensk (high Swedish) and talad svenska (spoken Swedish), are explored. The author offers repertoire suggestions for various voice types and levels of study, with special attention to the Swedish songs of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Finally, translations and transcriptions into the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) …

Commencement Convocation Program, Usf, Baccalaureates, May 4 And 5, 2012, University Of South Florida

USF Graduation and Convocation Programs

King O'Neal Scholars - Shannon Arant, Meika Billings, Amanda Brady, Farah Britto, Ryan Cardew, Meagan Eastman, Bryan Gassaway, Amy Hoover, Kallee Humerick house, Michael Thomas Massengill, Stratton David Nauman, Nicole Perkins, Sumayya Saleh, and Courtney Warters; President's Global Leadership Award - Gabriella Ganugi; Outstanding Graduate - Matthew A. Diaz

Nationalism In Afghanistan: Colonial Knowledge, Education, Symbols, And The World Tour Of Amanullah Khan, 1901-1929, Jawan Shir

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Nationalism in Afghanistan has not received attention from the scholars of the country despite its significance, at least locally. Using a post-modernist analysis of nationalism, this thesis will study nationalism in Afghanistan in the context of colonial knowledge, class, and cultural institutions between 1901 and 1929. Chapter one is about colonialism and its impact on nationalism in Afghanistan. In the nineteenth century, colonial activities constructed the political, epistemological, and territorial foundation of Afghan nation. Chapter two shows how previous studies of nationalism in Afghanistan have explained nationalism in the country. As the review of the previous studies of nationalism in …

Digital Morphogenesis: A Computational Housing Typology, Bryce R. Willis

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

Architects have integrated computers into firms to streamline the documentation process and which has allowed for the integration of rapid prototyping and digitally driven technologies and tools. Although this has increased the efficiency of the traditional approach to architecture, an alternative methodology has the potential to adapt the computer’s role in architecture, making it a more integrated part of the design process. Within a traditional process, software allows a designer to build the documentation of his designs around the relationships between elements. Instead, new methodologies can be used to imbed the nature of an architectural design within a system of …

Factor Structure Of A Multidimensional Gender Identity Scale In A Sample Of Chinese Elementary School Children, Lu Yu, Dong Xie, Daniel T. L. Shek

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

This study examined the factor structure of a scale based on the four-dimensional gender identity model (Egan and Perry, 2001) in 726 Chinese elementary school students. Exploratory factor analyses suggested a three-factor model, two of which corresponded to "Felt Pressure" and "Intergroup Bias" in the original model. The third factor "Gender Compatibility" appeared to be a combination of "Gender Typicality" and "Gender Contentment" in the original model. Follow-up confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated that, relative to the initial four-factor structure, the three-factor model fits the current Chinese sample better. These results are discussed in light of cross-cultural similarities and differences …

Individual Differences And Basic Logic Ability, Christopher R. Runyon

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

The study of reasoning and information processing in cognitive science has often used problems derived from classical propositional logic inference rules in order to see how people make decisions, often comparing the qualities of those that can and cannot successfully complete these tasks. However, the majority of research that has been done has only focused on one inference rule: the material conditional. This narrow focus does not allow for inferences to be made about the role of logical ability simpliciter in cognitive science research. In order to better understand the relationship between cognitive ability and successfully completing tasks based on …

The Emergence Of Language As A Function Of Brain-Hemispheric Feedback, Eric Alexander La Freniere

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

This text posits the emergence of language as a function of brain-hemispheric feedback, where “emergence” refers to the generation of complex patterns from relatively simple interactions, “language” refers to an abstraction-based and representational-recombinatorial-recursive mapping-signaling system, “function” refers to an input-output relationship described by fractal algorithms, “brain-hemispheric” refers to complementary (approach-abstraction / avoidance-gestalt) cognitive modules, and “feedback” refers to self-regulation driven by neural inhibition and recruitment. The origin of language marks the dawn of human self-awareness and culture, and is thus a matter of fundamental and cross-disciplinary interest. This text is a synthesized research essay that constructs its argument by drawing …

Certified Athletic Trainer's Knowledge On Sports Hernias, Stephanie M. Pikus

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Context: Over the past twenty years, the number of athletes diagnosed and treated with a sports hernia has increased significantly. A sports hernia is a chronic injury which produces debilitating groin pain caused by a tear or weakness of the transversalis fascia causing compression of the ilioinguinal nerve. Athletes diagnosed with sports hernias are often unable to continue their sport unless they get surgery. Certified athletic trainers (ATCs) are commonly the first people to evaluate an injured athlete and must be knowledgeable in sports hernia recognition and treatment.
Objective: To examine if ATCs have the appropriate knowledge of sports hernias …

Blurring The Lines Of Traditional Gender Roles: Beliefs Of African American Women, Jasmine Abrams

Theses and Dissertations

Gender role beliefs of African American women in the United States should be investigated in a manner that considers their unique experiences and the distinct background of her cultural sharing group. In this study, gender role beliefs of African American women were examined by addressing the research question: What are the gender role beliefs of African American women for African American men and women? Eight focus groups comprising 44 African American women were conducted. Women were diverse in terms of age, religion, and socio-economic status. An ethnographic phenomenological approach was used to explore views related to gender roles among African …

Counternarratives Of The Diaspora: Haitian Musical Performance In World Beat Markets, Kevin Francis Mason

Open Access Theses

This study will investigate the performance motivations of three Haitian musicians based in South Florida who use their artistic platforms to offer a version of their country omitted from dominant media projections of the country. This study focuses on narrative as a device that allows these musicians to offer counterstories against dominantly negative media projections that have real effects on Haitians. The thesis will examine the work of world beat artist Erol Josué and his performance motivations in global record markets. His work as a oungan (Vodou priest) plays a large role in the composition of his “electro-Vodou” world beat …

Marcos Suzano And The Amplified Pandeiro: Techniques For Nontraditional Performance, Brian James Potts

Open Access Dissertations

Widely recognized in Brazil as the nation’s quintessential percussion instrument, the pandeiro (or Brazilian tambourine) has long been an integral part of samba and other popular styles of Brazilian music. However, in recent years, the pandeiro has increased in prominence within the international percussion community as performers have used contemporary techniques to broaden the possible applications of the instrument. These advancements arose largely from the work of the percussionist Marcos Suzano, whose name has become almost synonymous with the pandeiro itself. Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1963, his innovative use of sound reinforcement and development of new performance techniques …

Boise State International Insider Newsletter, 2012-05-03, International Student Services

International Student Services

No abstract provided.

Healthy Aging And Older Asian Indian Immigrants: A Key Informant Survey Of Seven Ethnic Community Centers In Santa Clara County, Sadhna Diwan, Sharvari Dixit

Faculty Publications

This study is an examination of the present status of healthy aging programs and services provided to older Asian Indian (AI) immigrants in Santa Clara County. The primary goals of the study were to develop a profile of programs being offered to AI seniors at various ethnic community organizations; and to determine the met and unmet needs for programs and services that promote healthy aging in the AI senior population. A key informant survey was conducted with leaders of seven different organizations in Santa Clara County known to currently provide some services to AI seniors. These seven organizations are estimated …

Doing It The Hard Way: My Life As A Story Of Hope, Joshua Adam Lovelace

USF St. Petersburg campus Honors Program Theses (Undergraduate)

In order to understand everything that follows I think it's important to understand why I joined the Army in the first place. I didn't do it for glory or recognition. I didn't do it because I felt I was a troubled youth in search of some modicum of structure (though, as it turns out, I was to some extent). I didn't do it because I felt an overwhelming sense of patriotism (although I do now). I joined because late in my high school career I learned that I was going to be a father. I'm not sure I can fully …

The George-Anne, Georgia Southern University

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Manipulatives And The Growth Of Mathematical Understanding, Stacie Joyce Gibbons

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to describe how manipulatives facilitated the growth of one group of high school students' mathematical understanding of combinatorics and Pascal's Triangle. The role of manipulatives in mathematics education has been extensively studied, but much of the interest in manipulatives is focused on the general uses of manipulatives to support student learning. Unfortunately, there is a lack of research that explicitly defines how manipulatives can help students develop mathematical understanding. I have chosen to examine mathematical understanding through the lens of the Pirie-Kieren Theory for Growth of Mathematical Understanding. Through analysis of the students' explorations …

The Voting Rights Act Of 1965: All Bark, No Bite?, Gary Day

Journal of Civil Rights and Economic Development

No abstract provided.

Constitutional Challenges To Official English Legislation, Carmen B. Tigreros

Journal of Civil Rights and Economic Development

No abstract provided.

The Structure Of Sensory Imagination, Nicholas Wiltsher

Open Access Dissertations

My dissertation concerns sensory imagining: experiences like imagining a colorful parrot, or imagining its squawk. Just as with perception, there are three sorts of question to be asked about imagination. First, what is it like, phenomenologically, to imagine? Second, what can we do by imagining? Third, what is the essential nature of the experience? There are many theories about perception's nature, which explain its phenomenology and capacities. By contrast, there is some work on imagination's phenomenology, and a lot of work about its putative capacities, but very few theories of its nature. In the dissertation, I give a theory of …