Digital Commons Network^™

Commencement Convocation Program, St. Petersburg Campus, May 6, 2018, University Of South Florida St. Petersburg

USF St. Petersburg Graduations and Commencements

King O'Neal Award: Catherine Taunton, Daniel Adams; Outstanding Graduate: Alexandra Kuchta

How High School Students With Dyslexia Use Assistive Technology; A Teacher's Perspective, Tara Granzen

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

High school teachers of students with dyslexia face unique instructional challenges. Students’ with dyslexia experience levels of difficulty in reading and writing tasks that have now transmigrated into the digital realm. These teachers are working to collaborate with and teach students that are dyslexic, using technology tools. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to gain an understanding of how these teachers are using technology to support the learning of students with dyslexia. Two research questions guided this study: How do the teachers of high school students with dyslexia perceive the use of digital technology to assist in the …

What We Talk About When We Talk About The Ramsays: Gender Politics In To The Lighthouse, Ashley Riggleson

Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects

In my essay, I seek to complicate typical ideas surrounding gender politics in Virginia Woolf’s Modernist novel, To the Lighthouse. To do this, I first consider the portraits of Mr. Ramsay and his son, James, to show that Woolf, contrary to popular opinion shies away from simplistic portraits of masculine power. That is, rather than creating two typically masculine gentlemen, as most critics posit that she does, Woolf instead creates two characters who fail to conform to masculine norms. This discrepancy suggests that, Woolf captures a shifting cultural landscape in language and portrays the birth of a more “Modern …

Nigerian Terror: The Rise Of Boko Haram, Kelly Moss

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

The Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria was the world’s deadliest terrorist group of 2014, second deadliest in 2015, and is one of the most perplexing terrorist groups to arise in the past 50 years. This study sought to identify how Boko Haram rose to power in Nigeria, and found the following factors to be explanatory: Nigeria’s weak state capacity stemming from colonialism and poor post-colonial governance, the politicization of religion, and Boko Haram’s relationship with other terrorist organizations such as Al-Shabab, Al-Qaeda, and Daesh. This study further analyzed domestic and international responses to Boko Haram, up to present day, and …

An Analysis Of Public And Feminist Rhetoric For Menstrual Equity, Margaret Linscott

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

In August of 2017, James Madison University installed free tampon and pad dispensers in major restrooms across its campus. This development was the result of the campaign Free the Tampon which used the themes of menstrual equity, public writing, and feminist rhetoric to achieve its outcome. Using writing and rhetoric, the campaign successfully engaged with 2000 students in passing a petition and in reaching out to key JMU decision makers. This project designs the origin, implementation, and effects of Free the Tampon on JMU’s campus and the ways in which concepts of menstrual equity informed the campaign.

Biosemiotics As An Argument For The Recontextualization Of Biological Discoveries: A Critical Analysis Of The Biosemiotic Model Of Marcello Barbieri., Augustus Morrissey Snyder

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

The primary purpose of this project was to investigate and explain the philosophical approach of biosemiotics to understanding living systems in contrast to the current scientific paradigm. Secondary goals were to evaluate the potential merits and relevance of this approach to biology and to introduce such a topic for discussion to biologists in a formal academic setting. My method consisted of critical textual analysis supplemented by analogy and biological examples where appropriate. In general, contemporary biosemiotics argues for a teleologic recontextualization of biological discoveries in practice and education. This is accomplished in a sophisticated fashion through the application and modification …

Study Abroad Blog: A Comprehensive Exploration Into Country And Culture, Kristin Zimney

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

This writing serves as the reflective/contextual essay component of my creative thesis project. My creative project includes a detailed study abroad blog with photos, videos, and translated interviews I conducted with Salamanca locals regarding certain aspects of Spanish culture. This essay details the workings, text, and video content of my study abroad blog, and is intended to inform on a deeper basis with supporting research, the topics covered in the interviews.

Of The Silmarils And The Ring: J. R. R. Tolkien's Fiction And The Importance Of Creation And Art, Michael Hartinger

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

J. R. R. Tolkien embodies the opposing ideals of Enchantment and the Machine in the Silmarils and the One Ring respectively. These created objects oppose each other just as Tolkien’s ideals of art do. Enchantment is art’s ideal, it's purpose is to glorify and enrich the beauty of reality through subcreation. The Silmarils exhibit the delight of making and perceiving beauty. Whereas the Machine is art’s shadowy reflection that utilizes apparatuses or devices rather than personal talent in order to coerce others and reality itself. Overall Tolkien's aesthetic theories reflect many fears surrounding modern attitudes toward weaponizing art. Tolkien supplies …

A Step Towards Differentiating Language Difference From Disorder, Sarah Scribano

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

English learners (ELs) composed 10% of the American school-age population in the 2014 – 2015 school year. However, only a small percentage of speech language pathologists (SLPs) report feeling well qualified to address the cultural and linguistic needs of ELs. This can be attributed to a number of factors, including inadequate clinical markers, a shortage of developmental data for ELs, and a lack of cultural consideration in standardized assessments. Due to these barriers, SLPs struggle to differentiate between language differences and language disorders and are at risk for over-identifying or under-identifying language impairment (LI) in ELs. Research suggests that a …

Augmented Reality For At-Home Speech Intervention, Emily Vayo

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that allows users to view graphics, videos, or other applications in their environment in real time using mobile devices, such as a smartphone or tablet. It provides an interactive way to combine technology and learning. Although AR has potential applications in the field of Communication Sciences and Disorders, few studies have investigated its reliability in speech intervention. This project explores whether parents are receptive to implementing AR technology into speech intervention and addresses one way to make intervention more engaging. The project looked at parental attitudes toward AR in integrating speech intervention goals at …

Use Of Behavior Strategies In Speech-Language Therapy: A Survey Of Virginia School Based Speech-Language Pathologists, Gillian Withers

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

In the public schools, Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) serve as clinicians to children with various language, articulation, and communication disorders. Often times, these conditions are present in children who also have disruptive or inattentive behaviors. SLPs in the school system are required to provide effective treatment to each child; however, too often the effectiveness of treatment is hindered by behavior outbursts from the children. Although there are empirically supported plans and strategies for behavior management in general elementary school classrooms, little is known about the knowledge and implementation practices of SLPs who serve school-age children. The purpose of this honors thesis …

Coding For Infant Vocalizations Amongst Mid And Low Socioeconomic Status Families, Lera Young

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

Many studies have been conducted to examine the various effects on infant and toddler speech development. Numerous studies have proven that there are a myriad of factors that impact the production of speech. Some of these factors include family dynamics, physical ability, health, socioeconomic status, etc. This Honors Project investigated the differences in infant vocalizations from low and mid SES families. We first developed a classification system to define and categorize intentional vocalizations; and then applied this classification system to determine differences in the low and mid SES recordings. A comparison of five recordings from both low and mid SES …

Conversational Speech Characteristics During Entrainment, Pamela Molnar

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

This study examined the acoustic characteristics of conversational speech associated with entrainment, which is the tendency for communicative behaviors of individuals engaged in a given communication context to become alike (Borrie & Liss, 2014). The study adopted a within-speaker approach to evaluate changes in speech production characteristics relative to the given individual, defined as the repeated speaker. Across experiment sessions, the repeated speaker interacted with different communication partners, who were defined as the non-repeated speakers. In each session, the repeated speaker and one non-repeated speaker engaged in a series of tasks in the following order: conversation, interactive picture description task, …

Comparing Two Naturalistic Pragmatic Assessments: The Celf-5 Pragmatic Activities And The Yale In Vivo Pragmatic Protocol (Yipp), Rebecca Reid

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

Pragmatics, or the social use of language, is a dimension of communication skills that is very difficult to assess due to its dependence on cultural norms, situational context, and speaker differences. Of the current methods for evaluating pragmatic language skills in children, the literature most frequently recommends naturalistic assessment because it allows the clinician to most closely simulate a real-life interaction. Despite these recommendations, limited information exists to guide clinicians in making decisions about which activities yield the most representative pragmatic language sample. This preliminary study compared two naturalistic pragmatic assessments, the Pragmatic Activities from the Clinical Evaluation of Language …

An Auto-Ethnographic Study Of Foreign And Native Language Education In The United States Of America, The Dominican Republic, And Spain, Mary Margaret Hawkins

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

The paper is a reflexive ethnography documenting the researcher’s change and growth “as a result of doing fieldwork” (Ellis, Adams, & Bochner, 2011, p. 278) in the United States of America, the Dominican Republic, and Spain. The purpose of this research is to examine and reflect on the researcher’s journey of acquiring language proficiency in Spanish, developing cultural competence, and navigating cross-cultural interactions. This paper also explores how readily students may be able to access language education in both the native and foreign realms and examines the emphasis placed on language education in each of the countries, as observed by …

The Impact Of Dual Language Programs In Elementary Schools, Melanie Callihan

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

The presence of dual language programs in Elementary schools is becoming increasingly popular across the United States. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the intent of such programs, the successful implementation of the programs, and the outcomes these programs produce. This was done through a literature review and research. The research was done on the current Dual Language Program that has been implemented in the Harrisonburg City Public schools. This study found that typically these programs are implemented to support populations of students in schools who are English language learners. In order to implement such a program there …

Study Abroad And Track Ii Diplomacy, Makena Rafferty-Lewis

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

Track II diplomacy, or person-to-person diplomacy is one of the most basic, but also most important types of international relations. Track II diplomacy requires not just effective legislature to be in place, but also requires individuals to have cross-cultural competency. One question that arises is how is this type of connectivity between cultures is formed. One of the most direct links can be found in students. As the political environment changes, young minds and rising experts will be the people who need to handle future international problems, that are possibly different from what we have seen in the past. How …

When You Have A Postcard For A Father, Abigail Shea Nibblett

Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects

When You Have A Postcard for A Father

Abigail Shea Nibblett

ENG 470C: Creative Nonfiction Seminar

Sponsoring Faculty: Prof. Colin Rafferty

“When You Have A Postcard for A Father” explores the complicated emotions and memories tied to being the daughter of a constantly travelling United States Air Force Chief Master Sergeant. The long essay explores how he maintained a positive presence in the girl’s life despite the challenges of his schedule and how the souvenirs that he always brought back showed his love even when he could not be there physically. By tying in the lyrics of “I’m Already There,” …

An Exploration Of Community Mural Making In The Context Of Art Therapy And Social Action: A Literature Review, Sarah Wilkie

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

This literature review examines and discusses the various aspects of mural making in the context of both traditional art therapy and social action art therapy. The goal of this literature review is to explore and examine the therapeutic benefits of the artistic medium of mural making within the context of art therapy. In the context of traditional group art therapy, research indicates that mural making can assist in developing social and communication skills, conflict resolution skills and result in a sense of accomplishment and enhanced self-esteem. Including a brief introduction and history of mural making in America, key themes …

Hilltops And Marches: A Cultural And Semiotic Analysis Of Pepsi And Coca-Cola Advertising Strategies, Samuel Herrmann

Senior Honors Theses

The Coca-Cola Company released an advertisement in 1971 that had powerful themes of unity in a time of significant discord around the world. Almost 50 years later, the Pepsi Company released an advertisement that aimed to accomplish similar values of unity and commonality when the world seemed at odds with itself. While both advertisements sought to convey similar messages, the reception could not have been more different. Coca-Cola has experienced continued praise for their famous “Hilltop” advertisement while Pepsi was forced to take their advertisement down within 24 hours of its release. This paper utilizes semiotic theory to analyze the …

Speaking Truth To Power: Writing (Against) History In "The Brief Wondrous Life Of Oscar Wao" And "The Things They Carried", Karen Chau

Theses and Dissertations

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao and The Things They Carried subvert dominating historical narratives by challenging the frameworks that construct them through introducing alternate narratives. By reframing the ethics of truth, they rupture central narrative space with marginal perspectives, rewriting History in service of their own truths.

American Kathaks: Embodying Memory And Tradition In New Contexts, Anisha Muni

Theses and Dissertations

Kathak, a classical Indian dance, is practiced in the US by hundreds of practitioners. Through ethnographic research, this study asks how nostalgia, authenticity, tradition, and gender meet in the collective Kathak memory, examining what the study and performance of the dance symbolizes within American contexts.

James Baldwin's Soundscape And Grain Of The Racialized Body, Vallerie M. Matos

Theses and Dissertations

I will investigate the language around, and in direct relation to, the musicality of James Baldwin’s work. The interdependence of music and literature compose the majority, if not all, of his literary corpus. However, at some point both art forms bifurcate and we are confronted by the difficulties of writing about music and sound, and about music in text. I confront Roland Barthes’s disdain for the adjective and his theory of the “Grain of the Voice” in order to argue that attention to Black expressive musical narrative forms make audible and allow readers to witness to the grain of the …

Remembrances Reconsidered: Site-Specific Affective Retellings, Melanie W. Lozier

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is an examination of the ways in which strong affective feelings, trauma, and memories are written about by women through diverse narrative forms. Through storytelling, writers engage with the relationship between deep feelings, significant places, and language, such as the frequent employment of words containing the prefix "re."

The Renaissance Woman's Guide To Divorce: Exploring Marriage In Arden Of Faversham And The Tragedy Of Mariam, Briana Tyler

Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects

The societies in the Arden of Faversham (1592) and The Tragedy of Mariam (1613) reflect the patriarchal values of Renaissance England. Alice Arden, Arden’s female lead, and Salome, the antagonist in Elizabeth Cary’s Mariam, defy the social and legal parameters placed on early modern women by killing their husbands in order to marry their lovers. While Alice and Salome succeed in carrying out the respective murders, Alice is killed for her crimes and Salome remains unpunished.

In this paper, I argue that Alice’s lack of access to legal power means that she must act outside the law; however, her reliance …

Hashtag: Journey To Me: Self-Fulfillment Via Education, Janice Riley

Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects

In this paper, a non-traditional student in college (disabilities aside) is defined as someone who didn’t enter college directly after high school but undertook life’s responsibilities – job, family, military. My paper is an autoethnography titled “Hashtag: My Journey to Self-fulfillment Via Education and shares my educational journey to higher learning as a non-traditional student deciding, at the age of fifty-nine, to matriculate at a community college then continue to a major university in my sixties. My non-traditional journey depicts my path in the job market and having to come to terms that a change was needed after facing brick …

The Progression Of Communications: The Lifeline Between Deployed Military Personnel And Their Families, Cierra Mckinney

Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects

In order to understand how far communication between deployed personnel and their families has progressed we have to examine the history of communication. As technology has advanced communication to those deployed has changed over the course of time. In the last century communication with military family members deployed overseas was regulated to letters, phone calls, telegrams, audio and videotapes and possibly the Military Auxiliary Radio System or MARS line when available. However, today communication has vastly improved allowing people to communicate in real-time or near real-time by utilizing communication tools such as: email, Skype, FaceTime, Hangouts and Facebook. These types …

Performing Authentic Savagery: National Myth-Making And Indigenous Survival At American World's Fairs, 1893-1904, Hannah Facknitz

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

The late nineteenth century in America was a period of intense change, where society took on the project of describing what exactly made America what it was. An important vehicle for this exploration of identity was the world’s fair. This paper analyzes the Chicago World Columbian Exposition of 1893, the Omaha Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition of 1898, and the St. Louis Louisiana Purchase Exposition of 1904 and their depictions of Indigenous North Americans which were closely tied up in the current project of national myth making. A three-way conflict emerges in this study between contemporary anthropologists, entertainment professionals, and so-called …

School Of Law Commencement: May 5, 2018, University Of North Dakota

UND Commencement Programs

UND School of Law Commencement program from May 5, 2018.

2018 Spring Commencement, Harding University

Commencement Programs

Program for the Harding University Commencements on May 5.

Commencement Speakers:
9a.m.: Jo Goy
noon: Dan Tullos
3p.m.: Tim Howard