Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Clinton’S March: A Strategic And Logistical Study Of The Crown Forces’ March Through New Jersey In 1778, Colin Edward Zimmerman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This paper reexamines the British army's march through New Jersey in the summer of 1778, led by Sir Henry Clinton, challenging the traditional narrative that portrays Clinton’s movements as a mere retreat following the loss at the Battle of Monmouth. Instead, it argues that Clinton’s actions were part of a calculated strategy to provoke General George Washington’s Continental Army into a decisive engagement that could potentially end the Revolutionary War. By analyzing Clinton’s leadership decisions, logistical considerations, and the army’s experience during the march, this work reveals a more nuanced intention behind the British movements. The paper contends that Clinton’s …

Care Providers Caring For Military Members Struggling With Grief, Clara Altagracia García

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research aims to address the lack of grief support services for service members (SMs) and veterans, which affects them and the wider community. The mission is to uncover the needs of SMs and veterans and devise effective strategies to support them. The literature review will provide the foundation for the need for research and create a reasonable solution for a healthier grieving process for SMs. This research aims to determine how complicated grief goes undetected and how counseling can help SMs and veterans. The thesis project will impact the grief counseling process of others in this field and bring …

Technology-As-Instrument: A Case Study Of Undergraduate Student Experience With Daw Technology, Brian Coski

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Within the typical music appreciation class, diverse subsections of students exhibit varying levels of experience that can result in challenging inequities in engagement and comprehension. For those students with no background in playing an instrument or singing, musical ideas often need more context and perspective. Technology can present an opportunity for all students to explore the elements of music by utilizing music production software as a virtual instrument. In this study, the researcher utilized curriculum strategies specifically designed to foster deep musical connection through a technology-as-instrument approach. Through informal learning and the tools of music production, students visualized and interacted …

William Bradford: An Unexpected Father Of Early Colonial American Politics, Megan E. Romero

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation is a project dedicated to explaining and defining not only who William Bradford was a person, but also as a leader to the people of Plymouth Colony and the Puritan faith. He was an individual who was dedicated to establishing a society that was fairer and more equal for all people, who could have the chance to grow economically, practice their faith freely, and live a more politically stable life. Through research conducted on Bradford’s life, it became easier to understand that due to his determination and hard work he quickly rose up in the ranks and perspectives …

Red Herring: The Overstatement Of Soviet Power In The Early Cold War (1945-1953), Ronald R. Shaw

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The early Cold War (1945-1953) was a defining period for the 20th century, setting the grand strategic approach to the post-World War II era for the United States and Soviet Union. A common method employed by both sides was to overstate the power, capability, and aggression of the Soviet Union to enable grand strategic planning objectives. While acknowledging the tangible menace of communist expansion, President Truman used the illusion of an immediate Soviet existential threat to stoke fear, reject traditional isolationism, and facilitate American international engagement to protect free and open markets in Europe. Josef Stalin made use of American …

What Hath Jerusalem To Do With Chile: Towards An Evangelical Understanding Of The Enneagram And Its Usage For Spiritual Development, Wesley E. Scholtz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Currently, it is estimated that the personality testing market is worth approximately $2 billion. The Church has expressed interest in understanding personality types through various testing methods. The Enneagram offers a possibly ancient method to help people understand who they are in a spiritual capacity, which can be an aid in connecting more closely with God. This dissertation addressed the research gap that exists within the current literature which is the lack of data concerning whether adults who are professional, ordained ministers are aware of, use, and may be skeptical of the Enneagram. The research method in this dissertation was …

A Philosophical, Theological, And Biblical Defense Of The Hebrew Concept Of Resurrection, Daniel M. Danciu

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project challenges the consensus view on the origins, hermeneutics, and validity of resurrection hope in Hebrew thought. It provides a scientific, philosophical, theological, and historical defense against minimalist and moderate perspectives. The case against the minimalists offers empirical evidence for an afterlife. It demonstrates that the Hebrew Bible discloses the afterlife and that early passages express the Hebrew concept of resurrection. New scientific data for near-death experiences, as well as the existence of the soul, which contradict specific neuroscience perspectives, support this argument. The practices such as necromancy and the resurrection of Jesus provide additional evidence for an afterlife, …

The Judgment Seat Of Christ: Motivation For Faithfulness And Eternal Rewards, David R. Gaines

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation analyzes the topic of the judgment seat of Christ to show that it is an event when Christians will have their lives come under the scrutiny of the Lord Jesus, resulting in the receiving or loss of eternal rewards. While this subject can be overlooked and misunderstood, the judgment seat of Christ encompasses the fear of the Lord as a constant reminder that what Christians do with their lives matters and has dire consequences. The judgment seat of Christ has been interpreted as a time when Christians will have their eternal destination determined. However, this dissertation argues that …

Arguments For The Sovereignty Of God In The Book Of Job, Elizabeth J. Welch

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The book of Job is a complex piece of wisdom literature studied for centuries using various methodologies to elucidate theological doctrines, biblical themes, and literary motifs. This dissertation aims to demonstrate that a midrashic form of exposition significantly expands the understanding of the Joban arguments for and against the sovereignty of God within the context of the ancient views of divine retribution and human suffering. Encapsulated in the legal motif, the disclosure and discussion of these views with associated themes, such as theocracy, theodicy, justice, and theophany, identified God’s sovereignty as the most prevalent doctrine in the book. The three …

A Written Dissertation Of A History Of The Ethnic Identity Of The Irish Child Laborers In Saint Louis, Missouri: 1890-1930, Deserea A. Morse

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The study of child labor helps us better understand the connection between labor, ethnicity, and crime within America. Throughout this dissertation, there will be a closer look into the influence that child labor has had on the growth of this nation. It also grants a look into the design of society within Progressive America and gives a voice to the story of the child laborer and his experiences. Currently, there is an ever-changing debate on the role child labor played within American history, specifically between the years 1910-1930. This period of years is critical as it signals when reform programs …

From Classrooms To Conflict: How Missionary Education Paved The Way To The Korean War, Douglas K. Sutherland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation explores the pivotal role of Protestant missionaries and humanitarian actors in Korea’s quest for a unified, independent nation, examining their influence on social, cultural, and political transformations through education. Beginning with the arrival of the first Protestant missionaries in the late 19th century, the study delves into their impact on Korean society by establishing schools and hospitals that introduced Western education and healthcare practices, challenging traditional Confucian norms and fostering a new intellectual and ideological landscape. These institutions became centers of modernity and nationalist ideologies, cultivating a generation of Korean leaders who played significant roles in the independence …

Ministry Organization Response To The Mental Health Crisis, Bryn L. Wood

Senior Honors Theses

The mental health crisis has been negatively affecting individuals across the globe for about half a century, only growing in its impact each year. However, following the Covid-19 pandemic, mental health crises skyrocketed. This is especially true for youth and young adults as physical isolation has altered many facets of their lives. This thesis will explore the mental health crisis, as well as the way it has impacted youth and young adult organizations. Specifically, it will discuss research on recommended ways for these organizations to respond to the mental health crisis through unique programming and how these practices have been …

Bytes, Banter, And The Bible: An Interdisciplinary Account Of Objective Meaning, Cameron Bonin

Senior Honors Theses

The claim that the Bible has objective meaning is contested in a postmodern world. This claim can be more persuasively defended when it is addressed by insights from multiple disciplines. In particular, the field of computer science is apt to illuminate the concept of meaning through its reflection on the nature of languages and its concern with the accurate transmission of information. By synthesizing insights from the field of computer science, such as that of Claude Shannon, with Nicholas Wolterstorff’s use of speech-act theory, the concept of meaning can be understood more clearly. Consequently, this synthesis assists in answering questions …

Communicating The “Already, Not Yet” Through The Visual Arts, Hadley Jacobs

Senior Honors Theses

The “already, not yet” is a theological concept that addresses the tension of Christian living. Although believers are free from sin’s power, they are not free from its effects. This thesis examines the “already, not yet” through a series: one graphite drawing, one colored pencil drawing, and one oil painting. The graphite drawing depicts a ruined building, the colored pencil drawing depicts a building being rebuilt, and the oil painting depicts a restored building. They represent the fallen state of man, the state of believers on earth, and the state of believers after being restored, respectively. Together, these pieces create …

Addressing A Lack Of Counseling Programs To Diminish The Psychological, Emotional, And Mental Impacts Of Church Closure Grief, Marcel Berrios

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Besides spiritual activities, the social activities that happen in church buildings are vital to the functioning of most communities; therefore, churches play a central role in the social fabric and social infrastructure of communities in ways not necessarily thought about until they are no longer around. The looming absence of this role or function of the church becomes the overarching focus to address when an announcement is made that a church is permanently closing. Lost in navigating the business and community aspects of a church closure is the congregation's metamorphic spiritual, emotional, and psychological journey. Subsequently, many church members are …

The Other War: The Evolution Of United States Psychological Warfare In The Vietnam War From 14 May 1965 To 11 September 1966, Brandon J. Libro

Masters Theses

The creation of the Joint United States Public Affairs Office (JUSPAO) on 14 May 1965 revitalized the psychological warfare (PSYWAR) campaign in Vietnam after decades of post-World War II drawdown and initiated a more targeted and efficient employment of psychological operations (PSYOP) throughout the American war effort. To understand the evolution of Vietnam-era PSYOP, it is imperative to explore the United States military’s implementation of PSYWAR and analyze how it changed throughout the conflict. The challenges the United States faced conducting the “other war” in Vietnam were evident from the start of its involvement in Vietnam, and the PSYWAR effort, …

The Impact Of The Virginia Department Of Education On Music Education During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Erica S. Denham

Masters Theses

This research was to identify how the Virginia Department of Education handled Music Education during the COVID-19 pandemic. When proper support from the Department of Education is given, music educators can run their programs efficiently without doing much research on their own. By examining the COVID-19 policies and procedures created by the Virginia Department of Education, this qualitative study investigated how much emphasis was put on the unique needs of an education in music. Therefore, this investigation examined these policies and procedures to note in what ways music education was taken into special consideration. This study explored three distinct phases …

Jesus's Use Of "Woman" In The Fourth Gospel, Cori Mcgrew

Masters Theses

In John's Gospel, Jesus uses the word "woman" in surprising ways: to address his mother at the wedding in Cana and at the Cross, to address a woman in Samaria, in a parable about a woman giving birth in his Final Discourse, and finally, to address Mary Magdalene at the garden tomb. This thesis uses the unusual way Jesus addresses his mother in the Fourth Gospel as a catalyst to find a connection between all five uses of "woman" by Jesus in John's Gospel, concluding that these instances evoke creation imagery, in particular of Genesis 3:15. The allusion to Genesis …

Update The Console: Educating The Next Generation About The Benefits/Problems Of Video Games, Nicholas A. Del Rio

Masters Theses

Video games have changed since the late 90s and early 2000s. Technology has advanced, graphics have gotten more detailed, stories and narratives have become more intricate, and gameplay has become more involved. Gaming nowadays is much more accessible, popular, well-known, and widespread compared to back then. It is important to not only know about the roots of video games, but also how it has changed over the years. With many new advancements comes many new benefits and problems. This research covers how video games affect the new generation of gamers, especially children, compared to the older generation of gamers, along …

Son Of A Preacher Man: There Is Something Beautiful Waiting To Be Born Within You, Georgia Peddie

Masters Theses

In moments where we feel that there is nowhere to go, to turn…in the aftermath of a personal storm, there is One who is always there. Open your heart to discover, dare to surrender…

Are second chances meant for everyone?

A woman who has lost her only son, lost her marriage…

A man who lost a best friend and then his father…

A God of second chances introduces the two

A story of grief and love…

A story of letting God in to move forward…

Son of a Preacher Man is a love story exploring loss, love, and surrender.

Set …

Earnest And Authentic Translation From Victorian England To The Wilde West, Carly E. Mcclure

Masters Theses

Oscar Wilde’s critical, theatrical, and fiction works (notably The Importance of Being Earnest and The Picture of Dorian Gray), critique Victorian societal norms through themes of authenticity, duplicity, and identity. In a period marked by strict domesticity and concealed social contradictions, Wilde’s satire dismantles rigid ideologies, exploring self-discovery and societal expectations. Through a retroactive and contemporary definition of authenticity, Wilde’s works exhibit an advocacy for art as a central pursuit rather than purely a reflection of societal norms, which is a defining value of his Authenticism. Wilde’s emphasis on Aestheticism is a key component of his authentic representation of self, …

George Butterworth’S Musical Contribution To A.E. Housman’S A Shropshire Lad And Bredon Hill And Other Songs, Brenden M. Smith

Masters Theses

​George Butterworth and A.E. Housman were highly influential scholars at the turn of the 20th century. Both men were well known for contributing to folk genres in their corresponding fields. Many famous composers implemented Housman's works, the most conspicuous of which was Butterworth. The composer was tragically killed in World War I in 1916, and today, two song cycles of his remain, both are the poetry of A.E. Housman.

​Butterworth's Shropshire Lad cycles are some of the less-performed works in our classical repertory today because Butterworth abandoned most of his works during World War I. The following paper will give …

Mundane And Magical: How Studio Ghibli Adapts Female Protagonists Toward Gendered Narrative Reconstruction, Lauren F. Frymire

Masters Theses

This paper explores the literary significance of film adaptations, specifically focusing on Studio Ghibli's adaptations of children's novels. Through examining the themes of self-discovery, transformation, and cultural representation in films like *Kiki's Delivery Service*, *Tales from Earthsea*, and *Howl's Moving Castle*, it discusses how Ghibli’s choice of young female protagonists connects with both their original audiences and broader cultural narratives. Drawing on Carl Jung’s theory of the unconscious, Linda Hutcheon's theory of adaptation, and Mariah Chiara Oltolini’s insights on mass media adaptations, the study argues that these films successfully preserve the "magic" of their source material while offering unique, culturally-infused …

Music Sight-Reading Systems In Secondary Choral Education, Savanna N. Hagerty

Masters Theses

The purpose of this qualitative case study is to demonstrate the effects of various music reading systems in the context of secondary choral education by exploring the incorporation of the chosen system, determining the benefits of student’s musical understanding and performance because of that system, and defining how various music reading systems compare to one another. The data will be drawn from the survey of middle and high school chorus educators in the 14th District of the Georgia Music Educators Association. The importance of this study is that it will present the impact associated with specific sight-reading methods as they …

Sixth Grade Music Composition Unit: A Second Semester Curriculum For Georgia’S Middle School Choral Students, Michaelyn Cortez Findley

Masters Theses

This research presents a music composition curriculum unit designed for middle-school choral students in Georgia, aligned with the state's Standards of Excellence in Music. The unit emphasizes composing, revising, and integrating technology, with a focus on a spiral curriculum that builds upon students' prior knowledge. Key elements include solfege, Takadimi rhythms, call-and-response melodies, and folk songs, providing a comprehensive framework for learning. MuseScore, a music notation software, is used as the primary tool for students to develop and notate their compositions progressively.

The research identifies a gap in resources for teaching composition to choral students with existing musical knowledge and …

The Choir Effect: A Case Study On Adolescent Boys’ Academic Self-Confidence, Dedrick L. Guyton

Masters Theses

Realizing the cognitive and social benefits of choral participation in early adolescent boys may be critical in understanding their academic self-confidence. This qualitative research study examines large public school choral ensemble participation and the academic self-confidence of boys between the ages of twelve and fourteen. Previous studies on formal music education in children suggest that active music participation has academic and social benefits. However, research has not addressed the effects of early music exposure on adolescent boys who sing in a large public school choral ensemble. The research illustrates the experiences of approximately 20 twelve-to-fourteen-year-old male choral ensemble members within …

Beyond The Uncanny Valley: A Tradigital Strategy For Emotional Connection In 3d Animation, Alan Gregory Wyatt

Masters Theses

This thesis investigates Tradigital art - combining the aesthetics of traditional animation with the optimization of digital 3D animation. This cross-disciplinary study investigates how traditional artistry can still be preserved and enhanced in modern digital workflows without causing the emotional disconnect often found in the "Uncanny Valley" of contemporary 3D animation. This research, based on a literature review, case studies, and visual analyses, identifies elements of traditional 2D animation that can still enrich digital 3D animation without compromising the flow and optimization of the pipeline in many studios. Research shows that the utilization of both methods has the potential to …

The Coalition Development Of Allied Close Air Support Doctrine During World War Ii, David S. Stieghan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research aims to discover how the American and British air forces worked collaboratively to provide ground support to their armies in Europe during World War II. While the official histories and scholars of the two countries concentrate on their unique national efforts, they analyze little of their cooperative efforts. By examining primary and secondary research sources to discover the experiments, doctrine development, and combat experience of both air forces, an understanding emerges that both nations combined their efforts in World War II in separate directions until beginning to work together on planning for the D-Day invasion.

By discovering the …

Harmonizing Faith Across Generations: The Spiritual Resonance Of Modernizing Traditional Worship Lyrics, Hyoeun Eunice Jeon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The quest to create an inclusive worship environment that honors diversity without sacrificing the sacred essence of traditional hymns is challenging. This study is anchored in the understanding that music, as a profound expression of faith, has the power to transform individuals and communities, and therefore modernizing traditional hymn lyrics could be vital in bridging the generational divide. This would then enhance the sense of togetherness in communal worship. By employing a qualitative research approach, this study analyzes the impact of lyrical modernization on intergenerational engagement within worship settings. Data was collected through interviews and participatory observation, tapping into the …

Easy As 1, 2, 3: An Analysis Of Rhythm-Counting Systems And Their Affect On Performance Accuracy In Beginner Band Students, Brendan Beiersdorfer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Music educators implement rhythm-counting and syllable systems globally to guide students in rhythm interpretation and performance. These systems are often associated with music disciplines and cultural regions; however, the influence of these systems on students’ rhythmic performance accuracy is not well-documented. This quantitative, quasi-experimental study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Traditional, Kodály, and Takadimi rhythm-counting systems on the rhythmic performance of beginner band students. The sample included students from three educational settings (n = 146), each providing instruction in one of the three rhythm-counting systems. Pre- and post-instruction assessments were administered to measure rhythmic accuracy and compare each …