Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Crafting A Traveling Icon: The Role Of Mobile Carillons In Honoring Tradition, Emily S. Clouser

Honors Program Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the role of mobile carillons in honoring the traditions of carillonneurs and universities alike. I will first discuss the history of carillons and the tradition of carillonneurs, as well as the possible impacts of exposing the technical skill required to play such a public instrument that yet uniquely isolates the performer. I will then explain the various roles that mobile carillons have served and their gradual development over the years. The purpose of mobile carillons fluctuated, first beginning as a sales tactic, then a concert instrument—which eventually became a science experiment—a home …

Unreliable Narrators; Origins And Impact, Lauren Fetzer

Honors Program Theses

Unreliable narrators can be found in every source of information. They mediate the text for the reader and raise our perceptions of stories, news articles, and forms of receiving facts. While they can be seen in a variety of different genres and forms of literature over the span of many decades, the understanding and acceptance of unreliable narrators have shifted over time. During the late nineteenth century, many authors utilized neutral narrators, intended to be without opinions or bias, when discussing social issues. In Stephen Crane’s 1893 novella Maggie: a Girl of the Streets the narrator is not the main …

Gender And Student Motivation In Domestic And Foreign Language Study, Macey Overturf

Honors Program Theses

No abstract provided.

Why Would I Read When The Game Is On?: Reasons Adults Give For Reading Or Not, Emmy C. Nelson

Honors Program Theses

This thesis dives into the ideas of why people read and do not read, beginning in their childhood years. Many different factors add to why people choose to read or why they choose not to read. School plays an important role as to why people choose to read because reading is not necessarily a natural process since it is different from learning how to speak. Reading has to be taught and understood fully in order to read independently, understand the material, expand ideas, and connect with the reading. Without this, individuals can become “poor” readers or have a low reader …

Death And Grief In 21st Century America: A Literature Review On Bereavement & Attitudes Toward Death, Jordan Whitney

Honors Program Theses

In modern Western society, death has been dissected and neatly packaged like meat at the grocery store. The unsavory aspects are hidden and our discomfort around dying has turned death into a commodity. In typical consumerist fashion, we are sold the “proper way” to die and grieve as a result. Funeral homes guide us through this new experience with the goal of assisting us through our grief. While most report positive experiences with funeral directors’ services, there remains evidence of overcharging and pressuring into the purchases of unnecessary additional services. This thesis explores modern attitudes and practices towards death, grief, …

The Thing With Feathers For Orchestra, Treyton Blaser

Honors Program Theses

I have known for a long time that in order to complete my honors thesis, I would need to write some sort of “big, monolithic” piece to show my work. Initially, I had decided that I wanted to pursue a path of electroacoustic composition to complete this piece, as this area was, and still is, a field of music composition that I lack general knowledge with. The progress on this piece was rapid at first, yet slowly came to a halt. My lack of familiarity with the processes and options available led to quickly feeling overwhelmed with the scope of …

"Sit Still, Look Pretty To Survive": An Analysis Of The Hunger Games Trilogy, Bryleigh Sharon De Jong

Honors Program Theses

In this thesis, it emphasizes that the analysis of this topic was done through an extensive literature review. Throughout the research process, academic and scholarly articles were reviewed and quoted from previous studies. From previous literature, results express the idea of varying ideals and needs for the “perfect” film adaptation; additionally how the people researched the workers within the film and seeing the differences involving work with the script and actors. Screenwriting theory was also taken into account through previous research.

At the end of a decade, a literary trilogy became a new pop culture phenomenon, The Hunger Games. The …

Le Diable Au Coeur : Bonjour Tristesse Et La Valeur Littéraire Dans Les Années 1950, Lauren E. Mccouch

Senior Honors and Award-Winning Theses

No abstract provided.

“We Gon’ Be Alright”: How Resiliency & Africultural Coping Behaviors Factor Into African American College Students’ Intentions To Seek Mental Health Services, Taylor Garland

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Background: African Americans, apprehension toward utilizing mental health services (MHS) has a long history in the United States. The low rates of utilizing MHS can result in detrimental health consequences, both mental and physical, despite there being a developing literature base on how evidence-based treatments are effective in therapy with African Americans.

Objective: There is expansive literature on several factors (e.g., stigma, cultural mistrust) that contribute to African Americans’ hesitancy concerning seeking MHS. The current study aimed to add to this literature base. Specifically, this study sought to acknowledge both African American college students’ choices to use alternative coping strategies …

In A Hell Of Our Own Creation: Spatial Context And The Wehrmacht’S Genocidal War In Eastern Europe, 1941–1943, Charles Joseph Calcaterra

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

A multitude of social, ideological, psychological, and environmental factors encouraged German servicemen to willingly commit atrocities in Eastern Europe during the Second World War. How should historians contextualize which factors held greater influence over servicemen deployed to different sectors of the vast Eastern Front? Charles Calcaterra highlights soldiers’ responses to their surrounding environments—the landscape of Eastern Europe—to explain why frontline divisions killed and destroyed indiscriminately in accessory to the Holocaust while rearguard personnel socially justified roundups, executions, and the horrid maltreatment of Red Army prisoners of war. Through the lens of military geography, the spatial contexts that fostered frontline units’ …

Law And Literature In Pennsylvania: A Changing Landscape, Juliette Gaggini

Honors Theses

This thesis examines themes of American national identity perpetuated in Pennsylvania surrounding private property through historical, literary and legal analysis. Ideals of private property and land ownership are broken into three transitions throughout Pennsylvania history: the American frontier and initial land claiming by settlers, mass-deforestation and the introduction of widespread agriculture, and finally industrialization and the introduction of mining and fracking. Each of these transitions highlights the physical changes to the region and how they were influenced by American ideals of private property, productivity, and profitability.

Throughout this thesis, I analyze both literary and legal texts to examine societal beliefs …

The Life And Times Of Anita Mattie Cummings Young, Linda Delane

Literary and Intercultural Studies | Senior Theses

“The Life and Times of Anita Mattie Cummings Young” is a memoir about my mother’s life growing up in Los Angeles, California, during a tumultuous time for African Americans in the country. During my research I discovered additional information about her grandmother that showed me who inspired her to become the woman she was.

The Acorn Contains The Oak, Bettina Jefferis

Literary and Intercultural Studies | Senior Theses

“The Acorn Contains the Oak” combines memoir and poems to explore a journey of healing intergenerational trauma.

The Myth Of Post-Graduate Employment: How Ableism And A Minority-Rights Approach To Equality Creates Barriers To Employment For University Graduates With Disability, Veronica Nelson

Theses

Despite continued growth in the number of people with disability completing university studies in Australia, this has not been reflected with an increase in employment participation post-graduation. In comparison with non-disabled graduates, university graduates with disability have lower rates of employment participation and higher levels of underemployment. This research explores the reasons for this disadvantage from the perspective of the university graduates with disability, using a qualitative methodological approach to gain new insights and to prioritise their voice, their lived experience, and their expertise. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with university graduates with disability who had graduated from 2009 onwards. The …

The Philosophy Behind The Vatican's Approach To Relations With China, John Ogilvie

Theses

The Vatican has always played a significant role in global politics, and it continues to do so in the contemporary World. The Vatican’s relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) have drawn considerable attention in recent years, especially following the signing of the 2018 Vatican-China Agreement. Some scholars and commentators suggest that the 2018 Agreement and its terms represent a significant deviation from the norm in Vatican diplomacy. In light of that controversy, the present thesis provides an introductory examination of the philosophy that possibly guides the Vatican’s relations with the PRC and the implications this holds for an …

Ernst Jünger’S Epistemology And Metaphysics, Angus Baird

Theses

Jünger is typically interpreted in the philosophical literature according to a Heideggerian reading to be a metaphysical Nietzschean who took the will to power to be the essence of reality. This is especially so for Jünger's “Gestalt of the worker.” Yet Jünger likened his Gestalt to Goethe’s “Urpflanze,” a phenomenological, not metaphysical, conception. And Jünger's uses of "will to power" and "eternal return" are inconsistent with cosmological readings of Nietzsche.

This thesis will argue that the core of Jünger’s epistemology is an account of “intuitive perceptions.” Through these intuitive perceptions Jünger thought he grasped metaphysical reality. Through this grasping Jünger …

Genotype And Sex Specific Effects Of Methionine Restriction On The Life And Healthspan Of Drosophila Melanogaster, Joshua Robert Smith

All ETDs from UAB

Reduced dietary intake of the amino acid methionine has been reported to significantly extend the lifespan of common laboratory model organisms including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Mus musculus, and Drosophila melanogaster. Methionine restriction (MR) has also been achieved via non-dietary means such as metabolite supplementation and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. MR along with protein and calorie restriction are known as dietary interventions capable of producing pro-longevity benefits through regulation of nutrient sensing pathways. Recent studies in model organisms have also identified beneficial effects of a low methionine diet on aging-associated phenotypes and markers of overall healthspan. However, the effects of this intervention on …

Characterizing The Reproductive System Of Avrainvillea In HawaiʻI, Brinkley Mikayla Thornton

All ETDs from UAB

Sex has generated incredible life cycle diversity across eukaryotes. Differences in the timing of meiosis and fertilization have generated tremendous variation in the duration of haploid and diploid phases. To understand what drives eukaryotic sexual diversity, there remains a need to determine the rates of sexual and asexual reproduction in natural populations. Moreover, life cycle diversity is predicted to be correlated with the reproductive system. Yet, most studies on reproductive variation have focused on diploid or diploid dominant organisms, hindering the ability to understand sex. Macroalgae can serve as useful models to overcome this limitation via life cycle and reproductive …

"Decidedly Good Looking:" Horatio Alger’S Juvenile Heroes And The Racial Subtext Of The American Dream, Madison Robin Owens

All ETDs from UAB

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Feed Intake, Growth, And Reproduction In The Zebrafish, Danio Rerio, Fed A Gel-Based Diet, Thomas Logan Holfelder

All ETDs from UAB

EVALUATION OF FEED INTAKE, GROWTH, AND REPRODUCTION IN THE ZEBRAFISH, DANIO RERIO, FED A GEL-BASED DIET THOMAS LOGAN HOLFELDER BIOLOGY ABSTRACT The zebrafish, Danio rerio, is a valuable pre-clinical model, aiding human health understanding and translational aquaculture. Comprehensive documentation of the culture of this model exists, with ongoing efforts to optimize husbandry requirements, particularly in the areas of diet and nutrition. Labor or mechanical costs related to feeding are high in most laboratories and alternative protocols to reduce feed handling would be beneficial and could allow the capability to monitor feed consumption. A commercially produced gel-based diet has a high …

Project Portfolio: Spiritual Sexuality A Guidebook For Parents, Kelly Edmiston

Doctor of Ministry

In this project portfolio, I will address the following NPO: Christian parents of school-aged children don’t know what to teach their children about sex.

As the Lead Pastor of the Vineyard Church of Sugar Land/Stafford, I found that Christians lack integration between sexuality and spirituality. Kids and teens learn about sex from the media, and they learn about spirituality from parents and church. This led me to focus my project on an integration between the two. Spiritual sexuality is a guidebook for parents of school-aged children. In my research, I found that parents feel overwhelmed and ill-equipped to lead their …

No Leaders But The Laity: Equipping, Educating, And Training Laypeople To Lead The Local Church, Christian Bass

Doctor of Ministry

The unfortunate story for many modern independent local churches is decline, disconnect, and irrelevance. This was only exacerbated by the 2020 global pandemic. Despite well- intentioned staff and many “church growth” tools, the independent local church saw many pastors and members leave and institutions close. The good news, however, is the church was never intended to be a cookie-cutter home, a franchise, or a satellite location. It was designed to be a contextualized incarnation of the unique Gospel expression of a local community by and for the people. More than ever, the church needs its laypeople to see themselves as …

Project Portfolio: Stronger Together Virtual Clergy Groups In Small Congregations, John Fillmore

Doctor of Ministry

Ministers in small congregations suffer from isolation and a lack of personal and professional relationships that can encourage and equip them for more effective ministry. Ministry in smaller congregations combines the common continuous responsibilities of pastoral ministry in a context in which pastors are often overburdened with competing expectations and demands. Often serving as a solo minister, clergy are isolated in dispersed congregational settings and struggle to find time to participate in supportive relationships with other pastors. Utilizing discovery workshops and numerous qualitative interviews, this project found a nearly universal desire for meaningful relationships between pastors, as well as consistent …

Stop Feeding The Homeless: A Theological And Theoretical Examination Of Reconsidering Homeless Aid Through Informed Collaboration With Faith-Based Organizations, Marci Lynn Jackson

Doctor of Ministry

This dissertation examines the issue of homelessness in Dallas, Texas. It argues that simply providing meals to homeless individuals is not enough to address the complex factors that contribute to homelessness. Instead, long-term and sustained solutions are needed, which require the collaborative efforts and substantial involvement of the Church.

This research uses qualitative methods, such as field observations, interviews, surveys, attending webinars, and conferences to examine the homeless ecosystem in Dallas, Texas. It highlights the importance of collaboration and faith-based organizations to address homelessness, emphasizing systemic issues and potential improvements.

This research explores the Church's involvement in addressing homelessness, examining …

Project Portfolio: Connecting Women With God Through Reflective Spiritual Practices, Victoria Niebrugge

Doctor of Ministry

Although there are various learning offerings within the context of the church, women can experience a disconnect between the head and the heart, between knowing about God and knowing God. The women involved in this study hunger for greater intimacy with God. They attend weekend worship services and weekly church Bible studies. Yet, they say they know there is more of God, desire to know Him more profoundly, and are searching for a deeper relationship with Him.

The roots of the practices used for spiritual formation today are found in the ancient rhythms of the desert mothers and fathers of …

A Theological Exposé: A Microcosmic Review Of The Relationship Between The Black Male And The Black Church In The City Of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Danielle L. Paul

Doctor of Ministry

Christianity has a prolific history, including a powerful African presence whereby many of the core tenets of faith originate. Unfortunately, biblical history and the Bible's many references to Black people are often referenced only during Black History Month or specific cultural events. As a result, many Black Christians cannot defend why Christianity is a Black man's religion. The inability to defend, coupled with the notion it has nothing to offer Black men, has created a breach in the Black man and Black church’s relationship. The Black male presence is absent in Sunday meetings, ministries serving the community, and, ultimately, the …

Lifeskills And Generation Z: Equipping For Holistic Development, Societal Engagement, And Post-Pandemic Resilience, Annette Taylor

Doctor of Ministry

This dissertation conducts a thorough examination into the integration of life skills with a faith-based approach. Rooted in theological foundations and biblical exemplars, this study explores how these qualities can serve as a catalyst for transformative change amongst Generation Z.

By examining theological principles and drawing inspiration from biblical narratives, this study seeks to demonstrate their practical relevance in addressing the complex socio-cultural and spiritual challenges faced by Generation Z. Moreover, Parachurch ministries play a significant role in fostering these skills, equipping Generation Z to become agents of positive change and social healing, fostering their holistic development, and empowering them …

Befriending Doubt: Finding Freedom And Belonging In The Face Of Uncertainty, Jana Koh

Doctor of Ministry

The NPO for this project is as follows: American Millennials (adults aged 25-45) experience a lack of safety and welcome in their communities of faith during a season of spiritual doubt, causing them to disengage from their communities of faith and falling into risk of negative outcomes.

Throughout history, from Galileo to the American Colonies to present day, the church has not handled those who experience doubt in their faith with care, leaving the doubter feeling unsafe or unwelcome in their community of faith. However, a close reading of Scripture reveals that God is not intimidated or deterred by doubt; …

Intergenerational Christian Community: A Vision For Spiritual Formation For All Ages, Robin Pyles

Doctor of Ministry

For decades, American churches have been struggling with shrinking attendance, particularly among young people. An increasingly polarized society that elevates individualism and secularization, along with widespread escalating age segregation, has contributed to this trend. In response to these societal norms, many local churches have defaulted to a primarily age-segregated programming model. This model results in the absence of a sense of community and belonging, and a lack of Christian spiritual formation growth among both youth and adults within the church. This research revealed that creating regular opportunities for meaningful cross-generational interactions that combine shared experiences of play, creative expression, intentional …

Examining The Synergy Between The Marketplace And The Church In Ghana: Strategies For Enhancing Socio-Economic Development, Grace Opuni-Darko

Doctor of Ministry

This dissertation explores the complex relationship between the marketplace and Church in Ghana, seeking to identify collaborative strategies that lead to sustainable socio-economic development. The study aims to unravel the complexities of this relationship and identify effective strategies that can foster sustainable growth and development within the Ghanaian context. At the core of this research is an in-depth historical analysis, tracing the evolution of the Churches' role in the Ghanaian economy from colonial times to the present day. This historical perspective provides a critical backdrop for understanding current dynamics and trends. The study employs a multifaceted approach, incorporating both qualitative …