Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Sinking Ships And International Relations: The Washington Conference And America's Relations With Britain And Japan, Tucker T. Peterson

Masters Theses

Following World War I, the diplomatic relationships between the United States, Great Britain, and Japan were being strained to a breaking point and the risk of armed conflict was increasing. To stave off a naval arms race and war in the Pacific, U.S. President Warren G. Harding called for a conference to discuss disarmament and questions regarding the “Far East.” The Washington Conference was held from November 12, 1921, to February 6, 1922, and delegates from nine different nations attended. Through the lenses of naval and diplomatic history, this study explores the ascendancy of the U.S. Navy, the Washington Conference, …

Theological Themes And Musical Influences Of Worship In Indonesian Immigrant Churches In The United States, Agnes Keren Bale

Masters Theses

Beyond evoking emotional experience, theologically sound songs are crucial for evangelizing, edifying the church, and congregational spiritual growth. This study examines worship in Indonesian immigrant churches in the United States, analyzing recurring theological themes in the most regularly featured songs in the worship repertoire. Additionally, it explores the influence of Western worship music which shapes the blended identity of these churches. Via the data gathered through worship service observations from a few churches and a survey for platform ministers, twenty-two congregational songs were coded and analyzed for their theological themes. Findings included the omnipotence and sovereignty of God, victory/battle, faith, …

The Positive Effects Of Audience Participation In Classic Literature, Joyelle Davis Braggs

Masters Theses

My thesis reviews the history of fan-fiction and how it plays a role in the world of literature, specifically classic literature. It focuses on Jane Eyre and Charlotte Bronte as well as the reasons why that storyline concluded the way it did. Also, I review the reasons why fans have decided to write their own versions of stories to either refresh or renew a character or storyline.

There is a brief history of fan-fiction and a simple summary of Jane Eyre. Included are examples of fan fiction that faced legal challenges both successfully and unsuccessfully. I have also shared my …

Witchcraft, Demons, And Spiritual Death: An Apologetic For The Bible's Prohibition Against Witchcraft, Joshua Dean Wrenn

Masters Theses

This paper attempts to apologetically defend the Bible's intolerance against witchcraft and other related activities that are prohibited in the Old Testament. It does so by showing that Witchcraft and other related activities gets one involved with demonic entities. It shows how demonic entities are deceitful, and how they are actually the ones behind the power of witchcraft. The paper starts by studying the history of ancient witchcraft, which is something that is useful for understanding the witchcraft of today. It then builds a profile of demons. The paper shows what demons physically do and what they attempt to get …

The Pragmatic Effect Of Φιλέω And Αγαπάω In John 21:15-17, Steven J. P'Pool

Masters Theses

The final chapter of John’s gospel is central to the New Testament in that it depicts the risen Jesus appearing to His disciples and sharing a meal with them, restoring Peter to his place as a leader among his brothers, and records John’s eyewitness testimony to the events reported. It is in verses fifteen through seventeen of chapter twenty-one that attention turns to Peter and John, with the latter eaves dropping on the conversation. John records the conversation in these three verses in which Jesus restores Peter from his trio of denials prior to Jesus’ crucifixion with three opportunities for …

Artificial Intelligence And The Urgency Of The Digitally Literate Instructor In Secondary Education, Evan Kyle Calderon

Masters Theses

The formative school years that comprise secondary education, defined as grades 6th through 8th, pave the way for student success in their foreseeable academic careers. More so than ever, the relationship between technology and student experience has significantly impacted students’ overall academic success. With the encroaching wave of artificial intelligence as a societally necessary tool, the days are fast approaching when AI will become commonplace in the classroom, for which educators of the aforementioned grade levels are overwhelmingly unprepared. In addressing the alarming lack of initiative from higher positions in the education hierarchy, an analysis of the reasons for this …

How The Flock Falters: An Analysis Of Apostasy In The Shepherd Of Hermas, Justin R. Bamba

Masters Theses

This study provides a detailed analysis of apostasy as it is expressed in the Shepherd of Hermas. Drawing from the work of B.J. Oropeza, the study offers a threefold analysis that identifies the Christian community in danger, the nature of apostasy as it pertains to this community, and the consequences of such apostasy. Special attention is devoted to Vision 3 and Similitudes 8-9 for their vivid Tower motif, a unique literary device by which the author expresses the hope and limitations of repentance, community identity, and the causes and consequences for separation from this community—all of which contribute to a …

The Importance Of Metaphysical Christian Screenplays, Francisca Dominguez Fuentes

Masters Theses

"HEAVEN AND EARTH, I AM" is a metaphysical screenplay that profoundly explores the universal theme of love. It parallels the Days of Noah and the Book of Revelation, warning humanity about the serious consequences of living without God daily. The screenplay emphasizes the urgency of this warning regarding the spiritual dangers arising from an alliance between the secular government and the church. It also examines the Three Angels' Message as described in Revelation, along with the prophetic teachings of the Bible presented by Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel. The work serves as a reminder that the first judgment occurred through water, …

Timeless: A Sanctuary In Libraries, Taylor D. Vaughan

Masters Theses

This Master of Fine Arts Creative Writing thesis focuses on the literary element: character development. It includes a vision and background for the thesis project as a whole. An analysis of characters involved in wartime conflict will focus on William Shakespeare’s tragedies Macbeth and Hamlet and various characters in C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia. The creative manuscript that concludes the thesis incorporates fantasy and war genres and character development research. The manuscript aims to shed light on traumatic events in our modern world rather than use escapism in fantasy to ignore them.

Young Adult Fiction Through The Years: An Analysis Of What Readers Want, Treanna Greenwood

Masters Theses

In this literary critique, I discuss the advantages of reading young adult fiction, specifically fantasy. I define what young adult fantasy is, and then analyze some of the most famous young adult book series and discuss how popular they are and how they contribute to the genre. I also discuss works that are relevant to the creative piece I am submitting and explain why my piece has a place in the world of young adult fantasy. Finally, I acknowledge what I hope to contribute to the field.

Critical (G)Race Theory: A Biblical Response To The Growing Secular Social Justice Movement, Tyler A. Keaton

Masters Theses

Critical Race Theory is a worldview that has taken the social justice world by storm in recent years and has even begun to present itself within the teachings of much of the Church. Oftentimes, secular social justice looks to scripture due to the commands for justice found therein to justify their goal of racial justice and equity. However, while the causes of secular social justice movements and CRT are noble, the ideologies and methods they employ are unbiblical and immoral in many instances. CRT itself is a worldview that promotes further injustices that are just as immoral, if not more …

Historical And Theological Evidence Of Jesus' Resurrection In Paul's Undisputed Letters, Steven Cung Za Kham

Masters Theses

This thesis investigates the historical authenticity and theological significance of Jesus’ resurrection as presented in the letters of Paul. The resurrection, central to the Christian faith, has sparked considerable scholarly interest as a foundational event offering humanity its greatest hope. Among early witnesses, the Apostle Paul stands out due to his transformative encounter with the risen Christ, which radically altered his life from a persecutor of Christians to an ardent advocate of the resurrection. His letters, written within a few decades of Jesus' death, provide key insights into what Paul and early Christians truly believe about the resurrection. The study …

Uncovering Faith In The Desert: A Hired Gun’S Redemption, Scott K. Shea

Masters Theses

This paper examines the perception of God during arduous times and throughout an individual's life, with a particular focus on wartime experiences. War is the backdrop for numerous personal narratives, with the themes of redemption and the search for faith central to this discussion. It raises the question, "Is it possible to find God amidst the chaos of war?" Throughout history, many military personnel have shared profound experiences of fate, often turning to God in desperate pleas for survival. It is essential to examine the concept of war in a broader context, considering its connection to biblical teachings and understanding, …

The Problem With Evangelism And A Move Towards Discipleship In Thailand, Micheal J. Hurley

Masters Theses

This paper will propose a new way for short term missions to work in Thailand. The nation of Thailand allowed freedom of religion for almost a century and a half, yet the Christian population struggles to exist. As one of the smallest religious groups, Christian missionaries have struggled to make inroads within this country. Thais do what is best for the community over themselves. They want to receive benefit today for their efforts. With little to no hope found for the next better life sought after in Buddhism, one would think Christianity would provide this hope. However, it is out …

Towards The Non-Spectacle: Responses To Necropolitics In The Artwork Of Teresa Margolles And Maya Watanabe, Leslie Anne Condon

Masters Theses

How do we engage with artwork that addresses complicated histories

of colonialism and political violence, specifically intangible and

incomprehensible violence? Mexican artist Teresa Margolles’ 2005 work, Lote

Bravo, is named after and composed of the soil from a mass grave site

discovered in 1995 in the southeastern corner of Ciudad Juárez, a city known

internationally for the femicide that has continued to haunt its streets and

peripheries since the 1990s. Peruvian filmmaker Maya Watanabe’s 2019 film

Liminal cinematically documents the official exhumation of two mass graves

in the Ayacucho and Huánuco regions of the Andes highlands, where

thousands of …

Small Town Voices And Stories: Rural Older Populations And Health Narratives, Wyatt K. Zumbahlen

Masters Theses

Stories play a vital role in our humanity; they help us understand the world around us. As we age, our experiences, along with those of the people around us, shape our perceptions of health and influence our healthcare choices. For older adults, narratives become an essential resource in making healthcare decisions. In rural communities like Coles County, Illinois, these stories are especially important for older adults who are navigating the limited care and services available in the area. This reliance on narratives impacts their willingness to seek care, highlighting the need to recognize the power of stories in empowering older …

Women Spinning On The Edge: Finding And Redefining The “Spinster” In The Witches Of Discworld, Kathryn Ann Fitzmaurice

Masters Theses

The word “spinster” has undergone a series of evolutions over the past seven hundred years, first coined to describe the occupation of women engaged in the spinning of plant and animal fibers into thread and yarn in the Middle Ages and later a legal marital status designation used until the 21^st century. The connotation associated in social contexts became pejorative. This project’s tracing of the word spinster is used to set up the broader scope looking at how the spinster can be viewed as an archetype, what we can learn through the lenses of gender and feminist theory, and …

For Her Horror: Sociopsychological Gratifications Obtained By Fem Fans Of The Slasher, Brooke Eaglesong Wilson

Masters Theses

Those who side with the unjustified killer in slasher films are doing so to fulfill sociopsychological needs that are not being met in social reality. There were three main findings found in this study. First, participants sided with the unjustified killer in slasher films to gratify needs that were not being fulfilled in their careers such as the need to perform without having to consult mentors, not unlike how the unjustified killer murders victims without discussing with others. Second, participants sided with the unjustified killer in slasher films to gratify needs in their romantic relationships such as the need to …

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 …