Film and Media Studies Commons^™

Sacred Connections In Cartoonish Places: Exploring The Implications Of Teotl In Avatar: The Last Airbender (2008), Makenzie P. Morrison

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Taking Avatar: The Last Airbender (2008) seriously, Sacred Connections in Cartoonish Places explores the animated children’s series and how it is understood through the monistic Nahua (Aztec) concept of teotl. Relying on James Maffie’s text Aztec Philosophy: Understanding a World in Motion (2014), this thesis determines that Avatar: The Last Airbender benefits from monistic analysis. This analysis results in a breakdown of the show into four body chapters. These chapters respectively explore Aang’s role as a monistic representative, the differences between the physical and spirit worlds presented in the show, the kind of relationships that appear in the series, and …

Impact Of Personalized Interactive Storytelling On Suspension Of Disbelief In Clinical Simulation, Audra Renee-Smith Xenakis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The literature review found suspension of disbelief (SOD) in clinical simulation heavily weighted on educators alone within high-fidelity environments. The project examined a co-created narrative background story applied to a simulated patient’s clinical profile to determine achieving an improved connectedness toward the simulated patient leading to enhanced SOD and enhanced levels of learning and reaction. The studied population was third-semester associate degree nursing students over 18 years of age with prior clinical simulation experience who were not repeating the semester. The research methodology used a quantitative experimental design with cluster sampling, randomization, and post-Likert-scored questionnaires. The intervention group co-created personalized …

A Power Man’S Theology: Marvel’S Luke Cage And Black Liberation Theology, Diarron B. Morrison

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Netflix released Marvel’s Luke Cage in 2016 to critical acclaim. Born from a 1970s comic book, the series features Luke Cage, an African-American superhero. Cage is a big, bald, bulletproof black man. Instead of tights and a cape, Cage wears a hoodie calling the audience to remember Trayvon Martin and other victims of white racism. Theologian James Cone created Black Liberation Theology in the 1970s. As a result of Cone’s work, Black Liberation Theology addresses the issue of white racism from a theological standpoint. In this thesis I present a close reading of Marvel’s Luke Cage using Black Liberation Theology …

The Texts We Play: Avatar Creation And Racial Invisibility In Role-Playing Video Games, Daniel L. Archer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This project sets out to address problems of racial inequalities in role-playing video games as part of a growing field of video game studies in literary criticism. As these games are an increasingly popular form of entertainment in contemporary culture, their potential effects on players cannot be ignored. If these games continue to reflect society in a way that perpetuates racist stereotypes, social progress will halt. In order to study these games from a literary perspective, then, this project combines both narratological and ludological approaches to video game studies in order to bring about new insight from two strong perspectives. …

The Production Of Sticky Notes And Bible Quotes: Godly Answers For Sticky Situations A Children’S Musical As Directed By Julie Brinkman, Julie Elizabeth Brinkman

Honors College

This thesis reflects upon a director’s experience while directing her first production: Sticky Notes and Bible Quotes: Godly Answers for Sticky Situations by Dennis and Nan Allen. This children’s musical was produced in cooperation with Wylie United Methodist Church of Abilene, TX. Over forty children, with the help of ten adult volunteers, shared the importance of memorizing scripture and looking to God’s Word in times of trouble through song, skits, and the recitation of scripture. While reflecting upon the production process after each rehearsal, the director makes connections between her experiences as director, the content of her music education undergraduate …

What I Want To Do Before I Die, Landon Brady Saunders

Landon Saunders Documents

Saunders outlines a basic plan for Heartbeat and for himself after he steps down from Heartbeat.

Heartbeat Horizon: Saunders's Presentation To Executive Board Of Directors Sept. 2012, Landon Brady Saunders

Landon Saunders Documents

Speech/presentation by Saunders to the Board of Directors. Outlines how Heartbeat changed Saunders's view of God, Jesus, the Bible, and the church; the importance of vision and the compelling drive of Heartbeat's vision; and a proposal for Heartbeat for the next three years of 2012-2015 and the role Saunders feels he should play. Future goals include a book Saunders wants to author, a Heartbeat Institute, and a plan for laying up content and marketing it to a wide audience.

Typed presentation also contains notes and revisions handwritten by Saunders.

"Out Of The Box" Heartbeat Retreat Lecture Ii, Landon Brady Saunders

Landon Saunders Documents

Speech by Landon Saunders for the "Out of the Box" Heartbeat retreat held on July 22-24, 2011. Title indicates that this is lecture #2. Speech centers around the need to avoid church "insiderism" and have relationships with those outside church walls. Handwritten notes begin on the back of the last page and continue on subsequent pages.

How I Would Like To Spend The Last Years Of My Life..., Landon Brady Saunders

Landon Saunders Documents

A list of projects Landon Saunders wants to work on and what he wants to happen with Heartbeat when he can no longer work on it.

Heartbeat Priorities (February 8, 2011), Unknown

Landon Saunders Documents

More details on Heartbeat's possible future involving an Institute and and chaired position at a university. Universities being considered are Abilene Christian University, David Lipscomb University, and Pepperdine University. Recommends Heartbeat put together a list of benefits to the university and to Heartbeat for such a partnership. Mentions Mike Cope's work with small groups in Abilene, TX.

"What Should Lbs Do With His 'Last Energies'?", Unknown

Landon Saunders Documents

Planning document for the future of Heartbeat. Proposes that Heartbeat create an alliance with one or more universities to continue its work. Alliance could include a "Heartbeat Chair" funded with an endowment to ensure its future. Saunders would teach a class for the first semester on the history and philosophy of Heartbeat and compile the information into a book for future endeavors.

A second scenario proposes a more active role for Saunders, who does not want to retire. Saunders would teach future leaders in small seminars and have an assistant to help him recast his past work in today's language …

The Cultural Setting For Churches Today, Landon Brady Saunders

Landon Saunders Documents

Essay on the role of churches in view of the realities of the world.

Heartbeat's Future: Plan A And Plan B, Unknown

Landon Saunders Documents

Explores further the idea of Heartbeat's future resting with an Institute and an endowed chair at a university. Contains a narrative of key events in Heartbeat's history; discusses points in favor of an Institute and endowed chair, and recommends that Saunders teach a semester and retreat to Temenos for renewal while writing his book. Acknowledges critical nature of Saunders's face-to-face involvement in small groups and mentoring.

Also proposes a Plan B with Saunders producing a weekly video in story and application format and using Mike Cope to present to young audiences.

Date of document is estimated to be after February …

Heartbeat Restructuring For The Future, Unknown

Landon Saunders Documents

Planning the new future of Heartbeat. Lists changes in the marketplace, in society, and in ways information is delivered. Acknowledges the age of key Heartbeat people. Proposes creating two additional entities under Heartbeat: a named Institute for for focusing on those outside religious organizations, and a named Institute of Research and Innovation for conducting research on culture and global challenges.

Suggested names for the first Institute would be Don Williams and Jim Fisher--the Williams Fisher Institute Suggested names for the research arm are David and Jon Halbert--the Halbert institute for Research and Innovation. Also names suggested people for other key …

Life That Loves To Happen Music, Craig Addy

Landon Saunders Documents

Music for the Life That Love to Happen series. Scored for clarinet and piano. Other folder contents ACU Library include a CD of the recording.

Life That Loves To Happen Image Samples, Unknown

Landon Saunders Documents

Image mockups for book and seminar series Life That Loves to Happen. Date is estimated.

Saunders's Thoughts On Proposed New Members Of Heartbeat Board, Landon Brady Sanders

Landon Saunders Documents

Fax from Landon Saunders to Terry Koonce reflecting Saunders' thoughts about potential Heartbeat Board members.

Statement Of Board Member's Responsibilities, Donald F. Beasley, Unknown

Landon Saunders Documents

Revised statement of Heartbeat Board members' responsibilities. Includes general expectations, meeting attendance, staff relations, fiduciary responsibilities, fundraising, and committees.

Cover letter states that there are two versions here: a revised version and an older version for comparison purposes.

Letter Requesting Nominations For Possible Heartbeat Board Expansion, Terry Koonce

Landon Saunders Documents

Letter from Heartbeat Board of Directors member Terry Koonce to the other members about possibly expanding the Heartbeat Board to include more gender, ethnic, and geographical diversity among members. Asked other members to submit names of women, ethnic minorities, and other people of sufficient means to be on the board.

Making A Life While Making A Living, Landon Brady Saunders

Landon Saunders Documents

Transcript of a speech given by Saunders for Owen Oil Tools.

Heartbeat Future Movie Version 2.0, Unknown

Landon Saunders Documents

Rough content for a projected movie or infomercial explaining the Heartbeat approach, developing in conjunction with Zoetics, Inc. This version 2.0 is part of a larger document entitled Heartbeat Now and the Future.

Version 1.0 of the movie plan is contain in a separate folder in this box.

Life That Loves To Happen Brochure, Heartbeat

Landon Saunders Documents

Booklet describing and advertising the Heartbeat seminar Life That Loves to Happen. Date of publication is a very broad estimate.

Religion, God, Spirituality, Landon Brady Saunders

Landon Saunders Documents

Essay or prepared talk on relating Jesus's greatest commandment to love God and love one's neighbor -- what Saunders calls here the "Big Idea" -- to a daily life of joy and meaning.

Ten Commandments For Being With Others, Landon Brady Saunders

Landon Saunders Documents

Speech about basic principles for human relationships and community. Date and occasion unknown. Year of creation is very estimated.

Landon Brady Saunders Biography For Religious Events, Unknown

Landon Saunders Documents

One-page biography of Landon Saunders appropriate for religious events

Minutes Of Heartbeat Board Of Directors Meeting July 1994, Robert L. Baker

Landon Saunders Documents

Minutes of the meeting of the Board of Directors of Media Projects for Relations, Inc. D/B/A Heartbeat. Meeting was held on July 22, 1994 in Stowe, Vermont. Lists those in attendance, summarizes financial statements, and reports on Heartbeat's activities over the past year. Mentions progress toward financial goals, publications accomplished in response to academic and scholarly goals, and planned programs for Heartbeat outreach.

Implementation Chart For "Life That Loves To Happen", Heartbeat

Landon Saunders Documents

Chart showing the implementation stages of the "Life That Loves to Happen" program and the corresponding roles of donors/sponsors, programs and products, and participant behaviors.

Date estimated to be 1994.

Personal Notes "Such Creation Is All I Have...", Landon Brady Saunders

Landon Saunders Documents

Excerpt from Saunders's personal notes. Notes are journal-type entries that mix personal reflection with plans for Heartbeat.

In this excerpt, Saunders reflects on life priorities, the nature of creativity as a gift to God, and purpose.

Slides For Community Products, Landon Brady Saunders

Landon Saunders Documents

Handwritten slides marking the first checkpoint in the production of the series of community products.

Plan For City Outreach, Unknown

Landon Saunders Documents

Outline of the plan for product directed towards cities. Describes initial roll-out, goals, product packages, and rough budget.