Arts and Humanities Commons^™

The Thrill Is Here: An Instrumental Case Study Of The Pinetop Perkins Foundation Workshop Experience, Spencer Lewis Byrd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This instrumental case study aimed to discover blues music education's pedagogy, content, and teaching strategies. This was accomplished by examining authentic blues teaching through the lenses of music learning theory, the Danielson framework for teaching, and the spiral curriculum. The study built on literature relating to the historical, musical, and extra-musical contexts of the blues, popular music, community music, and workshop settings. The Pinetop Perkins Foundation’s Workshop Experience served as the single case for investigating authentic blues music education. Nine instructors, two students, two interns, and two board members participated. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, live observations, and video …

More Than Just Drums: Examining The Effectiveness Of Percussion Methods Curriculum In Preparing Instrumental Music Teachers To Develop Successful Percussion Programs, Thomas Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The typical instrumental music education major at the university level is required to take hours of methods courses on each of the standard instrument families. These courses are too broad to fit into the timeline of a semester and degree path. Many of these courses include the vast array of techniques and pedagogy that the percussion family includes. Percussion students must learn proper techniques for an infinite number of instruments. This task can be challenging to non-percussionists. This qualitative study examines the existing percussion curriculum at major universities within the state of Georgia as well as the perspectives of new …

The Road To Armageddon: American Culture And Politics During The Late Cold War, 1970-1991, David Lee Denham Iii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Bible prophecy has long engaged the American mind. By the late Cold War, Biblical prophecy increasingly shaped the political beliefs of millions of Americans within the evangelical community. The group most impacted were dispensationalist Christians who interpreted the Atomic Age through the lens of end-time prophecies. Dating as far back as the seventeenth-century, American colonists living on the frontier of the British empire in North America embraced millennialism and, at times, interpreted current events through the lens of Bible prophecy while anticipating the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the Battle of Armageddon. Through the centuries, Bible prophecy became a …

A Cosmic Conflict In Covenantal Literature, Lisa Marie Martinez-Leeper

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation examines the cosmic conflict that God declared in Genesis 3:15 in the Garden of Eden, and that will not come to fruition until the final judgment articulated in Revelation 20. This raging spiritual warfare can be seen through the lens of the covenants God made with Israel and the administration of God’s purposes through His people. Through God’s sovereign hand over Israel, His providence and grace can be seen throughout the whole of Holy Scriptures. The unfolding spiritual conflict to prevent the “seed of the woman” can be clandestinely observed in the outworking of God’s relationship with His …

Discipling Elementary Children As A Father, Jeremiah Jabez Canfield

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study aimed to show the importance and the need for the father in the home to discipline his children. God did not give a father's children to provide for them financially, but God laid a clear plan in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 on how to point one's children to God. Even though this text is thousands of years old, it is still relevant to the culture today. It is easy to see that many fathers today are clueless about discipling their children and have left this job entirely up to the church. The busyness of life has also prevented fathers …

The History And Impact Of Education In Virginia During The Civil War Era, Christopher L. Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The following dissertation is a study of the educational history of Virginia during the Civil War era, the resulting struggles that ensued, and how these challenges led to a new period of change and reform throughout the Commonwealth. Numerous issues such as academic quality control, enrollment factors, staff shortages, economic turmoil, the dangers that some school grounds faced, race relations, and the aftermath of reform that presented new educational norms to Virginia are explored. This manuscript examines circumstances in Virginia’s educational system during the decade before the war and then discuss the drastic changes that occurred when the war began …

Boundless Community: A Virtual Platform Designed For Collaborative Development Of Emotional Well-Being, Sai On Ng

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research aims to apply the US Army concept of spiritual readiness to help Christians manage emotional stress in a civilian context through an online community. This project invites disconnected Christians to join an online community where they can address negative emotions by developing self-awareness of their maladaptive thinking and embody the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love. This approach assists individuals in building emotional resilience, a concept emphasized in the military. This project addresses five negative emotions (anger, shame, sadness, fear, and loneliness) by replacing them with positive emotions taught in the Bible. The project consists of eight …

Exploring The Biblical And Theological Foundations Of Security Decisions By Church Leaders, John M. Tuohy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological multi-case study explored the practical, ethical, theological, and biblical foundations of decisions regarding an active security strategy at church gatherings by a cross-section of mainline and nondenominational churches. For the purposes of this study, an active security strategy was defined as a formal plan for site security based on the use of security personnel. This definition included any combination of volunteer personnel, contracted private security personnel, or sworn police officers acting in an official or off-duty capacity while providing security for the gathered congregation. The theory of shepherd leadership, as defined by Laniak (2006), and which related …

Thematic Analysis Of Medium And New Medium Theories On Popular Netflix Series’ Facebook Audience Engagement, Priyadarshini G. Roy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study aimed to find the recurring themes amidst Facebook audience engagement of the Netflix drama series. The series sampling size was collected from Nielsen Ratings (2023) and Netflix’s (2022) top ten charts for three consecutive months from 11/4/2022-1/29/2023. Netflix was the most-watched streaming platform, with 80% of viewership, with drama being the most prevalent genre. The theoretical frameworks were medium and new medium theories. The Craig’s traditions were sociopsychological and sociocultural. The literature review expanded on the impact of the medium of streaming media, the binge-watching phenomenon, and genre studies. Five hundred ninety-one comments were manually scraped and …

Engaging An Unengaged Demographic: A Phenomenological Study Of Christian Millennials’ Engagement With Religious And Nonreligious Memberships, Stephanie F. Prince

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Church membership is declining worldwide. Studies show that Millennials are less likely to belong to a church than previous generations. Even among churched Millennials, only 48% of church-attending Millennials are church members. Simultaneously, organizations such as health, fitness, and social clubs are seeing an increase in Millennial membership growth. Brand loyalty is high among Millennials, but church loyalty is low even among practicing Christian Millennials who attend church at least once per month. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore how practicing Christian Millennials understand the nature of engagement with church and nonreligious memberships and the factors …

A Model For Biblical Worldview Development In Non-Denominational Christian Young Adults: A Dissertation-In-Praxis, Calvin Perry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The ideas of worldview and worldview development have not been around long but have been a matter of interest and understanding in the non-denominational area of Christianity, along with the field of scholarly research. Organizational theories play a major role in the development of all individuals. The purpose of this dissertation-in-praxis study was to test and apply a theoretical model for biblical worldview development among non-denominational Christians, ages 24-29. A qualitative method was employed using an applied research design following a deductive research approach. A worldview model was created to help understand the worldview perspective of participants. In qualitative research, …

A Grounded Theory Study Of Digital Discipleship Methods For Effectiveness In The Phygital Church, Daniel L. Tebo Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this grounded theory study was to investigate digital discipleship methods and their effectiveness in the phygital (physical + digital) church within various US- based evangelical networks. Throughout this research, a grounded theory study was generally defined as one “in which a researcher derives a general, abstract theory of a process, action, or interaction grounded in the views of participants” (Creswell & Creswell, 2017, p.13). Furthermore, the phygital church was defined as a group of 10-100 people who “utilize the strengths of physical church and the strengths of digital church” (Stadia Church Planting, 2020, p. 4) to gather …

Thomas Jefferson: Slavery, Education, And The Public Mind, Brendan Lenahan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Thomas Jefferson’s autobiography reveals his continual struggle against slavery and his frustration at the resistance of the “public mind” in Virginia, predominantly composed of slave-owning aristocrats. Despite vocal condemnations of slavery, attempts to translate his anti-slavery stance into formal documents faced significant resistance from the society he aimed to change. Even within the House of Burgess, Jefferson's support for a bill allowing individual slave owners to free their slaves was met with contempt. His draft of the Declaration of Independence, condemning the King for slavery, was revised by delegates, impeded by both northern financiers of the slave trade and southern …

A Phenomenological Study In Attitudes And Belief About The Northern California Homeless Population, Ethel Diane Mckay

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Homelessness is a problem in the United States. By observing and collecting data regarding the views of multiple stakeholders, this researcher offers a study regarding attitudes and opinions about homelessness in two rural, northern California cities (Barmann, 2018, para. 2). By using a phenomenological approach for gathering and analyzing data, the researcher offers the essence of experiences of those who are helping the homeless population. By interviewing local government officials, pastors, and homeless advocates, where they are, in their offices, churches, or at local coffee shops, this researcher went to where the phenomenon occurs. The purpose of this phenomenological study …

Creating And Implementing A Mentorship Ministry For New Believers, Moses Aleman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A major spiritual crisis exists in the Christian church due to the lack of care and attention given to new believers. Although many churches provide conversion opportunities, they may not prioritize discipleship and support for those who are new to the faith. Consequently, some new believers resign their faith when faced with difficulties, while others may struggle without crucial elements of their faith and doctrine, causing obstacles in their future spiritual journeys. This thesis project argues that having a New Believers Mentorship Ministry is vital and effective in addressing these issues. The project coordinator has three specific expectations for the …

Intentional Discipleship: Implementing A Theology Of Discipleship For Spiritual Growth, Sheina L. Rivera

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

One of the greatest needs for the church today is to equip believers to become biblically informed, fully developed disciples so that they are prepared to carry out the mission of Christ. Without fully understanding mature discipleship practices, believers cannot fulfill the Great Commission to “go, teach and baptize” to make other disciples. The failure to understand and teach these practices has led to complacency, lack of interest, and the inability to become disciples among long-term church laity. This dissertation implemented biblical discipleship teachings and practices in a local church through a Sunday School curriculum and was evaluated through participant …

Self-Care Practices, Mental Well-Being, And Motivation Among Mothers: A Cross-Sectional Assessment And Self-Care Intervention Pilot Study, Jennifer Lynn Plum

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Women with children have poorer mental health than their peers who do not have children due to the additional stressors brought on by their roles as parents. Previous research has shown that when the amount of time a person practices self-care increases, their mental well-being and satisfaction with life also increase. What research had not answered is whether increased amounts of time spent practicing self-care increases a mother’s motivation to complete her daily tasks. There is also a gap in research for specific self-care interventions that result in improvement in well-being and motivation. I sought to identify the correlation between …

The Art Of Animation: How Animation Is Creating A Better Film Industry, Judah Cooper

Senior Honors Theses

With the progression of streaming services in recent years, the art form of animation has gained traction, continuing to develop into exceedingly creative forms through the work of talented artists. Animation has developed alongside the film industry, achieving great success in the process. This thesis will define animation and its place within visual effects, critically analyze categories of character design, theme, and story while demonstrating their relationship with animation, and contrast animation with live action films to understand its strengths and differentiations. The research concludes that animation has great benefits to offer the film industry and should be continued to …

"The Last King Of America" By Andrew Roberts- A Review, Michael A. Smith

Bound Away: The Liberty Journal of History

"The Last King of America" by Andrew Roberts is a meticulously researched and engaging account of King George III's reign over the American colonies. Roberts dispels myths surrounding George III and explores his efforts to maintain control over the colonies, the tensions that led to the Revolutionary War, and the eventual loss of American territories. This thought-provoking book delves into the more significant themes of monarchy, colonialism, and revolution while offering fresh insights into a pivotal historical moment. Roberts' narrative skill and thorough research make "The Last King of America" an essential read for history enthusiasts and general readers.

State Power And Control: Core Elements Of Fascism In Fdr's Regime, Edwin Vazquez

Bound Away: The Liberty Journal of History

Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR), the hero of the Great Depression and WWII, employed fascist elements into American society. The term fascist is used as a mere epithet today, just as it was in the 1940s. Some argue it is a phenomenon of the political Right, others of the political Left. Notwithstanding, a definition, or a detailed description for the meaning of the term is hardly ever undertaken. The meaning of a term is essential if one hopes to find where it exists. Part of the task in this work is to attempt to define or describe the term fascism with …

Catholic Identity And Allegiance To The Patriot Cause In The American Revolution, David Gray

Bound Away: The Liberty Journal of History

Abstract

Always a minute and persecuted minority in British America, most Catholics by the time of the American Revolution flocked to the Patriot cause for independence, and greater liberty for themselves. This paper explores the historical basis for Protestant prejudice toward Catholics, and reveals that Protestant Patriots in America accepted Catholics in the ranks of the Continental Army and Navy in the common struggle to achieve American independence.

Reverend Gideon Blackburn, Alice Jacobson

Bound Away: The Liberty Journal of History

Gideon Blackburn (1772-1838) was a Presbyterian minister, missionary to the Cherokees, church planter, college president, and anti-slavery leader. His career in the ministry was not static, owing to his drive to evangelize as well as his pioneer restlessness to move further west into the frontier. Born in Virginia, Blackburn and his family moved into the area of east Tennessee while he was still a youth and where he converted at age 15. Following his theological education, in 1792 Blackburn moved to the Maryville, TN, area and served as an itinerant chaplain to Tennessee militia while pastoring two churches and planting …

Keepers Of The Peace Or Soldiers: An Analysis Of The 1983 Beirut Marine Barracks Bombing And The Rationale Behind Deploying Troops In A Peacekeeping Capacity, Brock Bellinger

Bound Away: The Liberty Journal of History

Despite President Reagan’s historic foreign policy success in ushering in the collapse of the Soviet Union and liberation of Eastern Europe, the loss of life during the Beirut Marine barracks bombing marks a substantial failure in Reagan’s foreign policy record. Reagan’s foreign policy failure in Beirut that resulted in the deaths of 241 Americans merits further examination amongst students of international relations as this peacekeeping mission illustrates the dangers of sending American troops into harm’s way without a clear and decisive goal and exit strategy. By evaluating the 1983 Beirut Marine barracks bombing, the hindsight and judgment of history allows …

Taking Dominion To End Dominion: The Mennonite Influence On The End Of Russian Serfdom, H. Michael Shultz Jr.

Bound Away: The Liberty Journal of History

Serfdom in Russia was abolished in 1861, only 76 years after the first Mennonites were invited into Russia by Catherine II. By examining the lifestyle of the Mennonites who settled in the agriculturally productive “New Russia” (modern-day Ukraine), as well as the impact that the Mennonites had on the Imperial family, peasantry, and government, it is evident that the Mennonites played a recognizable role in bringing about the abolition of serfdom across the empire.

Using Graphic Design To Develop And Promote A Character Development Program, Mia Mummau

Senior Honors Theses

There are many out-of-school time (OST) programs such as sports, art, and community clubs. The majority of these programs have been strategically designed to assist with child development. Non-profit organizations, such as OST programs, struggle to gain funding and parental support due to the inability to communicate their message effectively. Branding is key for the programs to capture the attention of children and parents to better communicate core values and positive intentions. This project will assist a football team's character-building program in its communication of the vision, scope, and sequence. This will help gain parent buy-in and donation of resources.

Truth From Fiction: The Apologetic Use Of Christian Allegorical Literature In The 21st Century, Terri Nicole Boutte

Masters Theses

Christian allegorical literature is a genre that explores apologetic claims in a unique and creative way. Although this genre has attracted many readers over the years, there is hesitation and reluctancy to accept Christian allegorical literature as a genre that should be used as an apologetic method. Namely, the didactic intent of this genre has caused some critics to question whether Christian allegorical literature promotes critical reading and thinking skills in a way that leads readers to make their own spiritual decisions. Some skeptics believe that sharing theistic truths that are disguised by fictional storylines is a creative way to …

Groove Comes To The Cumberlands: The Importance Of Percussion Education In Appalachia, Timothy Adam Hopper

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative ethnographic study is to determine the effects and influences of percussion ensemble literature in underprivileged secondary schools in the Appalachian region of eastern Kentucky. This study was conducted within the framework of psychologist Yuri Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory of development. The aim was to research the importance of percussion pedagogy on the global musical knowledge and cultural understandings of high school music students and their communities from underprivileged schools in eastern Kentucky. The study sought to determine how percussion students, non-percussion students, and non-music students conceptualized these diverse and modern pieces of percussion literature. The study …

Improving Diversity And Inclusion Increasing Multiethnic Presence Within Religious Organizations, Marquita Nicole Davie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The program is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within a religious organization by increasing the participation of individuals from various ethnic backgrounds. The validity of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s statement regarding the most segregated time in Christian America being Sunday mornings will be evaluated through observation, exploration, and scholarly articles. The Fort Leonard Wood Protestant Women of the Chapel will serve as a framework for program design and implementation. The program serves to boost the presence of multiethnic members and leaders by 10% and 5%, respectively. This program will adhere to a logic model that will include five …

Unique Challenges In State Defense Force Chaplaincy, J. Todd Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As the impact and effectiveness of traditional ministry wanes in this current culture, the influence of chaplaincy is expanding and making new inroads into numerous fields, including business, sports, health care, and the military. Chaplaincy’s commitment to pluralism and emphasis on spirituality instead of denominationalism makes it the perfect vehicle for ministry to this seemingly secular population still searching for meaning, purpose, and connection. These chaplains must be well trained for these serious moments in time and the lives of individuals. State Defense Forces are the nation’s least-known uniformed service and, therefore, lack the resources and funding of other services …

The Transformative Preaching And Teaching Of The Old Testament Through Its Expositional Approach, Sony Olivier

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The aura of the Old Testament preaching and teaching today has been absorbed by the enthusiasm of its fulfillment in the New. Thus, the interest in exploiting the Old Testament principles as fulfilled in Christ through its expositional preaching and teaching needs to be revised. As revealed in the book of Acts, the commitment to preach the complete Word of God, the Old Testament, is vividly clear as Christ being the center of their preaching and teaching. Therefore, in today’s context, proclaiming the whole counsel of God’s Word calls for every preacher to consider Scripture in its entirety duly, from …