Arts and Humanities Commons^™

"I Could Kill You Quite Easily, Bella, Simply By Accident": Violence And Romance In Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" Saga, Samantha Amber Oakley

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This thesis argues that Stephenie Meyer's Twilight saga is an exemplification of rape culture due to its valorization of romantic relationships that are psychologically abusive, violent, and ultimately destructive. In my analysis, I use a postmodern feminist framework to examine the four main books in the series: Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. Specifically, focusing on how the female protagonist, Bella Swan, is portrayed, I interrogate the interactions with her two love interests, Edward Cullen and Jacob Black. I found that the romantic developments between Bella, Edward, and Jacob are depicted as violent and dangerous affairs that echo non-physically …

"Not Our Population To Serve": An Examination Of Resources For Women With Physical Disabilities Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence, Kristen Lea Walters

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This thesis examines services provided to women with physical disabilities who are survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). Women with disabilities experience IPV at alarming rates and examining resources they may turn to when leaving abusive relationships is crucial to improving such services. In order to analyze services provided to this population, I surveyed staff at both domestic violence shelters and group homes. Two separate surveys were constructed, one for domestic violence shelter staff and one for group home staff. Surveys were administered to facilities throughout Minnesota in the spring of 2012. To ascertain these professionals' capacity to help this …

In-Depth Analysis And Program Notes On A Selection Of Wind Band Music, Benjamin James Druffel

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This document is an in-depth analysis of five pieces composed for wind band: Cloudburst by Eric Whitacre, Promenade and Galop by Daniel Kallman, Ave Maria by Franz Biebl (arranged by Robert Cameron), A Hymn for the Lost and the Living by Eric Ewazen, and Five English Folk Songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams (arranged by Evan Feldman). These works were conducted by the author with the Minnesota State University, Mankato Concert Wind Ensemble between October 2010 and January 2012. The following pages contain biographical information on each composer (and arranger where applicable), program notes, formal analysis, and conducting and rehearsal considerations …

"I Have Not Learned Anything About Native American Women In Minnesota": An Educational Workshop About Indigenous Women Of Minnesota, Amy Anderson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The historical and contemporary experience of Native cultures is an integral component of the history of Minnesota; however, the significance of these Nations is often overlooked in formal education, as well as culturally ignored. I have witnessed a lack of knowledge regarding Native lived experiences from both resident and non-resident college students in Minnesota. Comprehension of topics ranging from the various Nations in Minnesota to the United States-Dakota War of 1862 is absent. Furthermore, any recognition or familiarity with Native women's position is basically nonexistent. Formal education has failed to transmit the history and the cultures of this population, so …

La Mentira Como Una Estrategia De Cortesía Verbal: Estudio Pragmalinguístico De La Telenovela La Saga, Maria Carolina Torres

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Even though languages have many things in common they all differ in the way politeness is present in verbal interactions. What might be polite in certain cultures can be considered impolite in other cultures, and this is due to the relationships among the speaker and the hearer, their context, their social needs, desires, and expectations. In this thesis I will try to provide a contextual explanation for some Colombians' use of lies (as a means of politeness to deceive) in their daily life through conversations based on some of Colombia's history. Lies have become so internalized by many Colombian people …

"What's That Noise?": Paying Attention To Perception, Excess, And Meta-Art In David Mazzucchelli's Asterios Polyp, Christopher Mccarthy

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

In his graphic novel Asterios Polyp David Mazzucchelli is concerned with the nature of human perception. He highlights the limitations of perception through his title character's struggle to find a new way to filter information from the world around him. Mazzucchelli reminds us that no matter which method a person uses to look at the world there will always be excess details that he or she will ignore or simply not notice due to perceptual blind spots. I argue that, while Asterios gains a new method for perceiving the world, his true victory is in his acknowledgement that all perceptions …

Study Guide For United In Anger: A History Of Act Up, Matt Brim

Open Educational Resources

The United in Anger Study Guide facilitates classroom and activist engagement with Jim Hubbard’s 2012 documentary, United in Anger: A History of ACT UP. The Study Guide contains discussion sections, projects and exercises, and resources for further research about the activism of the New York chapter of ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power). The Study Guide is a free, interactive, multimedia resource for understanding the legacy of ACT UP, the film’s role in preserving that legacy, and its meaning for viewers' lives.

Gilgamesh To Blade Runner: Teaching The Catholic Intellectual Tradition In Rscc104, Christopher J. Kelly

Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies Faculty Publications

Professor Kelly describes his teaching of the core curriculum course in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition at Sacred Heart University. He states "that our careful reading of Genesis, Augustine, Blade Runner, Gilgamesh, etc. provides them [students] with certain tools with which they will be able to reflect upon their own “contexts.” This is exactly what I ask them to do for their capstone project in the course. It is an assignment many are loathe to do because I keep it fairly vague, which requires them to do some self-initiated thinking and work. The payoff, however, has enormous potential. If I …

The Optimism Of Pre-Millennialism, Henry Clay Morrison

Heritage Material

No abstract provided.

Will God Set Up A Visible Kingdom On Earth, Henry Clay Morrison

Heritage Material

No abstract provided.

Developmentalism, William J. Prior

Philosophy

Developmentalism is a theory concerning the order of composition and the interpretation of Plato's dialogues. It is a modern phenomenon; ancient interpreters of Plato were ' unitarians' (Annas 1999:3-5; unitarians believe that there is a systematic unity of Platonic doctrine or belief among all the dialogues). There are several varieties of developmentalism; what is common to them all is the idea that the philosophical views contained in the dialogues, which are taken to reflect Plato's own views, changed significantly over time.

Transcendentalism’S Advocacy And Perpetuation Of Capitalist Ideology : The Physical And Spiritual Profitability Of Henry David Thoreau, Geoffrey D. Borshof

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Henry David Thoreau is often perceived as a naturalist, a minimalist, and an anti-capitalist. However, more in-depth readings of Walden reveal numerous fundamental similarities between Transcendentalism and Capitalism. This thesis argues that Henry David Thoreau did in fact advocate a capitalist agenda not merely through his texts, but his lifestyle as well.

Much of Thoreau scholarship places an emphasis on several fundamental points including individualism, the right to ownership, support of the abolitionist movement, frugality, and Thoreau's experience as an inventor and engineer. By examining these values and exploring the foundation of Capitalism through readings of Adam Smith's A Wealth …

The Effect Of Music Therapy Versus General Classroom Instruction On The Social Skills Of A Preschooler On The Autism Spectrum In An Inclusive Setting, Rachel A. Crawford

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

The purpose of this case study was to examine the effects of music therapy on the development of the social skills of a preschooler on the autism spectrum in an inclusive setting. The study was performed in an inclusive preschool classroom at the Ben Samuels Children’s Center on the campus of Montclair State University. A literature review related to this topic included information on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the etiology of the disorder and the use of music therapy in the inclusive school setting with students on the autism spectrum. The review also covered the effect music therapy has on …

Negotiating National Identity : “Between The Saxon Smile And Yankee Yawp. The Devil And The Deep Sea.”, Norman C. Defilippo

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Analyzing the colonial/postcolonial significance of Irish homes in James Joyce’s Ulysses, Samuel Beckett’s Molloy, and Flann O’Brien’s At Swim-Two-Birds requires an analysis of the spaces outside the home and the underworld each of the main characters traverses. These three interrelated spaces, and the characters’ experiences in them, reveal distinct versions of Ireland in each novel. An analysis of Ulysses unveils an Ireland of self-alienation and figurative exile in each space, which seems to lead to an actual exile. Examining Molloy reveals an Ireland of intense attraction and repulsion, which results in perpetual colonial-like oppression and psychological paralysis. And a study …

La Censure Ressentie : Une Enquête Sur Les Effets Tangibles De La Censure Dans La Littérature Française Entre Le Seizième Et Le Dix-Neuvième Siècle, Jeffrey D. Indiveri-Gant

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Written in French, this thesis examines literary censorship in France from the sixteenth through the nineteenth century. Specifically, the thesis centers on the tangible manifestations of censorship imposed on authors and literary works during this time period. Across four case studies, the tangibility—that is, an effect of censorship that can be observed, quantified, or otherwise measured—is determined through exploration of specific examples of censorship.

To add to the existing discourse on literary censorship during the time period in question, the idea of censorship itself is also further scrutinized. Through this line of inquiry, a generic idea of censorship is refined …

The Newbury Prayer Bill Hoax: Devotion And Deception In New England's Era Of Great Awakenings, Douglas L. Winiarski

Religious Studies Faculty Publications

[...] [T]he “Tappin manuscript,” as I refer to it in the essay that follows, presents an intriguing puzzle. If Christopher Toppan did not compose the unusual prayer request, then who did? When? Why? Solving the riddle of the Tappin manuscript leads us into the troubled final years of one of New England’s most pugnacious ministers and the evangelical underworld of the Great Awakening that he had come to despise.

Climb To The Ice, Richard Vaughan

Articles by Maurer Faculty

The article, originally presented as a lecture, discusses George Bird Grinnell's 1887 climb of the Montana glacier that eventually become known as Grinnell Glacier. Grinnell’s efforts to establish Glacier National Park are detailed. Grinnell's previously unpublished descriptions of the glacier and its surrounding area are analyzed by the author.

Originally delivered as a lecture at the Montana History Conference, October 2, 2010. Full issue available at: http://issuu.com/um_crown_gye/docs/crownofthecontinent-autumn2012

Writing In The Preschool Classroom : The Emergent Writer, Lisa Walsh

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

This thesis is an exploration of how preschoolers write, what preschool writing looks like, and how teachers can better position themselves to create strong and engaged writers. Intended to provide busy preschool teachers with real-world solutions, this thesis will focus on the research that points to best practices in the classroom and discuss what works and what doesn’t. While discussing the common challenges in preschool literacy, this thesis will discuss how home involvement greatly affects writing literacy and will therefore suggest ways in which to better engage and train parents. Current theories of literacy development are also explored through the …

Modern Muses, Shanna Goodwin

Phi Kappa Phi Research Symposium (Archived)

Excerpt: "To understand the modern muse one must first look at the roles of ancient and classical muses."

Charles Iv: An Endless Search For Tongues And Toes To Enrich His Empire, Shanna Goodwin

Phi Kappa Phi Research Symposium (Archived)

Excerpt: "This paper will discuss why Charles IV used reliquaries to enrich his empire and will also explain their importance to the king himself."

Navigating Expectations: A Comparative Analysis Of Writing Standards, Denise Pichardo

Department of Writing and Communication Theses

Writing, for some, is seen as a predominantly subjective subject. Many standards of how writing is evaluated exist among institutions and professionals, and along with this, there are complications with fulfilling these standards because of the variety of opinions in what makes someone ready for college-level work. Because of this, it is hard for high schools, universities, and other organizations to agree on and determine one set of standards. This chapter will discuss the issue of college readiness and will introduce and discuss the need for an understanding of how college-level writing is defined among four different organizations. Then I …

Listening For The Squeaky Wheel: Designing Distance Writing Program Assessment, Virginia M. Tucker

English Faculty Publications

Distance writing programs still struggle with assessment strategies that can evaluate student writing as well as their ability to communicate about that writing with peers at a distance. This article uses Kim, Smith and Maeng's 2008 distance education program assessment scheme to evaluate a single distance writing program at Old Dominion University. The program's specific assessment needs include the ability to determine how well students are developing expert insider prose and working together as a virtual community. Kim, Smith and Maeng's assessment scheme was applied to six courses within the writing program, revealing that programmatic assessment weaknesses included providing varied …

Openings, 2012, Trinity Christian College

Openings

Visual Arts: Drawing - Reflecting by Kaitlyn VanDellen - 3 / Graphic Design - Ubuntu by Karlie Monsma - 7 Manifest Destiny by Melissa Peterson - 15 / Painting - Sunset by Alissa VanderWilt - 6 / Photography - Clementine Blues by Anna Flier - Cover / Fotosharp by Melissa Conrad - 6 / Backflip by Brittany Rucin - 1O / Color Blind by Katherine Stachula - 11 / Foggy by Sarah Jasperse - 12-13 / Sleeping Roommate by Steve Martinez - 19 / If You Build It by They Will Come by Brady Davidson - 20-21 / Tattoo by …

Understanding The Chinese Superintendency In The Context Of Quality-Oriented Education, Xiu Chen Cravens, Yarong Liu, Margaret Grogan

Education Faculty Articles and Research

The implementation of national educational reform in China calls for newer and stronger school administration. Recognizing the need to establish a knowledge base for leadership development, we employ a set of existing US professional standards for educational leaders as a frame of reference to unpack the complex role of Chinese superintendents. Using data collected from two surveys administered to more than 200 Chinese superintendents in 2007, we find that many indicators of leadership considered essential in the United States are also viewed as necessary for effective superintendency in China. Feedback from the superintendents also points out gaps between what is …

Contribution Of The Film & Television Industry To The Economies Of Oregon And The Portland Metropolitan Area: An Economic Impact Analysis For The Oregon Governor’S Office Of Film And Television, Jeff Renfro, Jenny H. Liu

Northwest Economic Research Center Publications and Reports

Research report on the economic footprint of the TV and Film Industry in Oregon and the Portland Metro Area.

Beyond Coffee Plantations : Coffee Production, Emerging Economic And Social Spaces, And The Q'Eqchi' Maya In Senahú, Guatemala, Winston Kent Scott

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

This dissertation examines various aspects of economic and social consequences associated with the history of coffee production in the rural municipality of Senahú, a province located in the central Guatemalan province of Alta Verapaz that is home to one of the four major Mayan language groups in Guatemala; the Q'eqchi' Maya. In particular, the investigation is concerned with how German and other Anglo-European entrepreneurs initiated large-scale coffee production in the late 19th century and the social and economic disparities that arose with the early successes of large-scale coffee production. This examination also presents how the collective society in Senahú became …

Life As Contagion : Sheppard Lee And Arthur Gordon Pym's Viral Travel Logs, Lucy Turner

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

This research looks at Robert Montgomery Bird's novel Sheppard Lee, Written by Himself and Edgar Allan Poe's only work of long fiction, The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket. Posing the narrators as viral agents within their respective plots, the research draws from contemporary antebellum sources as well as earlier, and more modern ones, ranging from Descartes to Agamben and Esposito. Following the viral model, the role of the protagonists is mapped in an effort to expose how their infectious actions lead to greater implications such as how they function as the virus, how they infect those around them, …

Sowing The Seeds Of Change : The Back To The Land Movement In St. Lawrence County, Ny 1960-1980, Willow Nolland

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

From 1965 - 1980, numerous individuals established homesteads and communes in St. Lawrence County, NY as part of the Back to the Land Movement. The Back to the Land movement occurred as a direct response to the problems that arose in the 1960's and 1970's. Unlike the radical activists of the 1960's, the Back to the Landers chose to show their disgust with mainstream society by dropping out. They sold their belongings and relocated to the country, where they attempted to live off the land. St. Lawrence County was a popular destination for Back to the Landers because it offered …

The Sabatoge Of Joseph Conrad's "The Secret Agent" : Hitchcock Reads Conrad, Robert Benton Preslar

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

This paper traces the ways in which Joseph Conrad's novel The Secret Agent and Alfred Hitchcock's 1936 film Sabotage each comment on their respective mediums. Taking the object which is left behind in the wake of Stevie's death as its starting point, the triangular piece of cloth, this thesis examines the ways in which the figure of the delta alerts the reader to a commentary on language and text that echoes throughout the novel. As that triangular piece of cloth becomes a film tin bearing the title "Bartholomew the Strangler," this paper then traces the resonances that film and the …

The Force Of Reason : An Argument Against David Hume's Doctrine On The Inertness Of Reason, Damian Christopher Thibeault

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Is human reason capable of being the direct cause of an action? David Hume's answer to this question was an unequivocal no. He argues that "reason is perfectly inert," and instead claims that only our emotions are capable of moving us. The argument of this paper is that given Hume's empirical account of causation, as he establishes it in Book One of his Treatise of Human Nature, his inertia of reason doctrine fails. This paper will demonstrate that Hume has not shown--and perhaps cannot show--that reason is incapable of causing action.