Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Asian-Americans In The Black-White Paradigm: Nativism In The Modern Era

Philomathean

No abstract provided.

The Not So Easy Road, Samuel Oduro

Philomathean

No abstract provided.

Together, Nowhere, Wyatt Jervis

Philomathean

No abstract provided.

The Athena Parthenos: A Historiographical Critique Of The History Of The Athena Parthenos, Aubrie Louis

Saint John’s Preparatory School Student Work

This paper analyzes how the Athena Parthenos disappeared and the historical limitations found when trying to learn about how it disappeared. To answer this question, this paper will use 4 theories created for the purpose of looking further into what happened to the Athena Parthenos and how they show the various limitations of our knowledge of history. This paper will look into people who saw the Athena Parthenos and replicas used to learn more about it today. This will stem from its known existence, from before the 1st century CE, into our modern world. Our results showed there is no …

Note From The Managing Editor, Meredith Scheiner

Philomathean

No abstract provided.

In Life One Is Always Balancing, Maria Paz G. Esguerra

Philomathean

No abstract provided.

Cherophobia, Elizabeth D’Aurora

Philomathean

No abstract provided.

In Memory’S Arms, Kiya Whitaker

Philomathean

No abstract provided.

Women In Samurai Households From The Late Muromachi To Edo Periods Of Japan: An Examination Of Social Structure, Politics, And Economics, Brandy Sweigart

Research Awards

Japan and the samurai culture has fascinated many Western countries for generations, especially in modern media like video games and movies. However, the portrayal of the samurai household in these media are inaccurate to actual historical events—with this being especially true for women. Older historical research perpetuates these inaccuracies and stereotypes as well, painting women in a passive light. Samurai women in the Muromachi through Edo periods of Japan were not passive, however, directly influencing the social structures, politics, and economic structures of those medieval periods. Women in the conflict-ridden times of the Sengoku Period took it a step further—with …

Learning To Play Drums: Rote Learning Versus Note Approach, Jacob R. Brumback

Masters Theses

The purpose of this qualitative historical study is to determine whether rote-learned drummers perform better than formally trained drummers. The issue is that some drummers may excel by watching and developing aural skills exclusively, while others perform well by only reading sheet music. The goal is to decide if drummers with strong aural skills or those who rely on note-reading performed better. The rationale explained how the applicability of rudiments, complex timing, creative fills, and improvisational soloing skills influences the performances of both rote-learned and note-approach drummers. Data collection methods for this research included oral history traditions and analyzing secondary …

Design With A Purpose: An Introductory Faith-Integrated Graphic Design Textbook For Christian Higher Education, Rosealine Lemette

Masters Theses

This thesis project addresses the absence of faith-informed graphic design curriculum available to Christian higher education programs creating a curricular gap that limits students’ ability to draw meaningful connections between their profession and Christian identity. The proposed solution in this project is an introductory graphic design textbook that combines foundational design theory, historical context, and hands-on skill building from a Christian worldview. This educational resource will guide students and faculty to view their profession as a divine calling, engaging in the creative process as an act of worship while developing an ethical and spiritually grounded design process. The comprehensive literature …

Mistake: A Toolkit For Combating Maladaptive Perfectionism In Creatives, Sean D. Silva

Masters Theses

This thesis examines the potential use of a tabletop game as an approach for creatives to address their maladaptive perfectionism. Through my research, perfectionism has been identified as a pervasive barrier to creative flow, emotional well-being, and artistic growth. Motivated by my observations of increasing mental health challenges among my students, I explore how adaptive, visually engaging, and interactive analog systems might help to foster resilience and reframe failure as a necessary part of the creative process. Through a review of existing literature on perfectionism and creativity, analysis of successful tabletop and digital interventions, and cognitive-behavioral strategies, this research will …

Ezer Kenegdo: Reviving The Stories Of Our Christian Matriarchs In The American Evangelical Church, Kayleigh Funk

Masters Theses

The silencing of women’s experiences throughout history has caused a general lack of familiarity with the contributions of Christian matriarchs in most modern church congregations. This absence of historical precedent has led to ongoing issues of identity and belonging in the body of Christ among the Christian women of today. The primary goal of this thesis is to bring attention to the erasure of women in the faith throughout history and shed new light on their individual narratives.

This study will assess how Scripture originally set up leadership dynamics, encouraged women into those roles, and allowed them to teach in …

Final Project Documentation - Costume Design, Ski Sciaraffa

Graduate Artistry Projects and Performances

Costume design process and reflection for NIU's production of Accidental Death of an Anarchist, directed by Alexander Gelman with student actors and designers.

Final Project Documentation - Lighting Design, Kev Kollmann

Graduate Artistry Projects and Performances

No abstract provided.

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of The Effects Of Having A Mentor On The Emotional, Mental, And Spiritual Health Of Bi-Vocational Clergy, Kenneth E. Hall Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to understand the effect of a mentor/mentee relationship on the feelings of isolation and loneliness of bi-vocational clergy. The prevalence of bi-vocational clergy is on the rise across all denominations. Coupled with the number of clergy people leaving the ministry annually, bi-vocational clergy will become even more commonplace within the church structure. As the prevalence of bi-vocational clergy increases and the number of roles that they are expected to fill grows, safeguarding their mental, emotional, and spiritual health needs to be a priority. Bi-vocational clergy are at great risk for burnout and …

Developing Healthy Leaders For Multiplication At The Bridge Church, Joshua D. Robinson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem addressed in this DMIN action research project is the lack of a clearly defined biblical framework for the ongoing leadership development at TBC in Venice, Florida, amid rapid growth and increasing attendance. This gap has hindered the equipping of leaders to disciple and lead others and fulfill the Great Commission through church multiplication. The purpose of this project was to design and implement a biblically grounded leadership pathway, including The Bridge Institute (TBI), to equip current and future servant leaders for maturity, relational authenticity, and missional impact. The goals included developing improved assimilation, increasing volunteer engagement, and creating …

The Effects Of Music Participation On Sense Of Belonging Among Elementary Students With Traumatic Experiences, Jamie Lynn Mckoy Hill

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The unexpressed perspectives of children have long been dismissed in elementary music education. Daily agendas, curriculum, and administrative expectations direct the day-to-day functions of the classroom and negate the instructor’s assessment of students’ needs. As a result, students who have experienced trauma (various forms) will feel disconnected from the classroom and have a low level of engagement. Music educators must adapt their planning and execution and infuse empathy and flexibility in their teaching to allow all children room to grieve previous traumatic experiences. This historical research investigates the student perspectives on what music participation means effects on elementary students’ sense …

The Divine Disciplinarian: God As The Model Father, Jacob Daniel Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A pastor is responsible for instructing a congregation regarding biblical information and instruction. When a person is unsure of what the Bible teaches on a topic, the pastor can preach sermons and teach lessons that convey biblical truth. The growing congregation of Nevada Free Will Baptist Church consisted of believers who had been away from church for some time and new converts, resulting in a lack of biblical literacy due to their limited exposure to biblical truth. One area where congregants were uninformed was biblical parenting. This study addressed the problem of biblical illiteracy regarding parenting. It informed participants about …

There Is No Finish Line: The Intersection Of Sport And Race In St. Louis During The Civil Rights Era, Brandon Winfred Black

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project focuses on the intersection of sport and race in St. Louis during the 1950s and 1960s, revealing how Black athletes became both symbols of progress and targets of resistance, illustrating the broader Civil Rights Movement’s parallel fight for visibility and systemic change. St. Louis was a city of contrasts. Its location and culture made it a focal point for the racial struggles that defined the Civil Rights Movement, often symbolizing both the persistence of inequality and the potential for change. Black athletes not only challenged racial barriers on the field but also catalyzed social change off it, revealing …

Frederick Collins - Part 2, Mark Naison, Steven Payne

Oral Histories

No abstract provided.

Bryson Peter - Part 1, Mark Naison, Steven Payne

Oral Histories

No abstract provided.

Frederick Collins - Part 1, Mark Naison, Steven Payne

Oral Histories

Dr. Collins tells the story of 1520 Sedgwick as a place of loss and morality, where tragic events happened “few and far between,” but the community always looked out for each other and was primarily peaceful and safe. It was this environment, of eager youth and supportive adults, that helped the culture that hip hop would blossom from. The sounds that would subsequently be created were a product of this safe space. Also prevalent in the interview is the accurate account of this development from Collins’ perspective, as one of the first three children to live in the building. He …

Bryson Peter - Part 2, Mark Naison, Steven Payne

Oral Histories

No abstract provided.

Cheryl Simmons Oliver, Mark Naison, Steven Payne

Oral Histories

Simmons-Oliver’s education reflected those same values. Attending Catholic institutions—St. Anthony of Padua School, Cathedral High School, and Marymount Manhattan College—she encountered racial and ethnic diversity that deepened her awareness of inequality and strengthened her commitment to inclusion and justice. Her studies continued beyond college: she earned a Master of Science, a Juris Doctor, and an M.B.A. from various institutions throughout her career, a rare feat for any woman of her generation, and especially for a Black woman in mid-century Americas. For Simmons-Oliver, education was more than achievement; it was a means of self-definition and a way to honor her family’s …

A Phenomenology Study Of African American Male’S Perception Of Black Church Leadership, Eric Lewis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Previous research has identified a gender disparity exists within the context of the Black Church. More specifically, the gender disparity focuses on the fact that there are more women than men in the context of the Black Church. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the perceptions and attitudes that African American males have about Black Church leadership. In addition to this, to also identify if there is a congruence between the perceptions that Black males have about Black Church leadership and their level of engagement or non-engagement. The theory guiding this study is hermeneutic phenomenology, also known …

In His Own Words? An Argument For Jesus As The Origin Of The Antithesis Formula In Matthew 5:21–48, Michael W. Herbert

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation explores the origin and authenticity of the antithesis formula, “You have heard that it was said…[OT reference]…but I say to you…,” which appears only in the Gospel of Matthew (Matt 5:21–48). This uniqueness of the antithesis formula contributes to it being one of the most intriguing yet contentious New Testament phrases. As such, there is no scholarly consensus regarding the origin of the antithesis formula. The relevant English language literature presents theories concerning the origin of the antithesis formula that generally conform to form-critical, source-critical, and redaction-critical approaches. However, this literature lacks an extended argument for this formula …

The Holy Spirit Fulfills The Great Commission By Affecting The Soul – The Conscience, Intellect, And Affections – Of Believers Through The Agency Of Discipleship, Farrah K. Stewart

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Statement of Problem

A knowledge and awareness of the Holy Spirit tends to be the missing from the church today, although his power, presence, and role is not only needed, but is necessary to fulfill the last commandment given by Christ. Though silent, he and his work are – and should be – evident among, to, and through believers, both corporately and individually.

Research Question

What do the Great Commission passages in the Gospels and the book of Acts reveal about the mission of the Holy Spirit for the church today?

Thesis Statement

This dissertation argues that, according to the …

The Divided Self: Gothic Duality In Literature, Sarah Anna Meeks

Masters Theses

Gothic literature of the nineteenth century is haunting due to its frequent use of ghosts and monsters. However, the true terror lies in a deeper horror, one that is more intimate and destabilizing– a fright that leaps out of the text, looking into the heart of the reader: the fractured mind of the self torn between reality and repression, haunted by its own, newly manifested internal disunity rather than external monsters. The characters of Gothic fiction are typically caught in a psychological turmoil. They battle with split morals between duty and desire, morality and madness, and science and spirituality. Specifically, …

Red Scare At Cuny: A Research Guide, Wilhelmine Coste, Scout Zabel, Erin A'Hearn, Patrick J. Mcgee

Publications and Research

The Red Scare at CUNY is a comprehensive guide to archives documenting anti-communist political repression of faculty, staff, and students at CUNY, primarily from the 1930s-1960s. Organized by repository, it highlights relevant collections within CUNY, evaluated by the authors in consultation and collaboration with archivists at Brooklyn College, City College, Hunter College, and Queens College in 2025. Each entry is accompanied by a description that incorporates information from finding aids and other published research. These collections include faculty personal and professional papers, student activist materials, and oral histories. The guide also includes collections from other repositories within New York City …