Sophomore Essay Abstracts

The United States as a Blank Canvas: An Argument for Visual Artists in America ~ Sara Basher Class of 2009

The United States is not fully realizing the implications that art has in society, such as in art for its own sake, or l’art pour l’art.  Art education builds creative thought in growing minds.  Art builds integrity for the culture in which it is created, and it is often a vehicle for social awareness.  Although Canadian artists are still struggling, the Canadian government has begun to recognize visual artists in their laws as well as through organizations such as CARFAC.  Conversely, visual artists in the United States have dealt with nearly losing their art in museum bankruptcy cases.  Also, although the National Endowment of the Arts was created by Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965 to help the arts, its budget was cut forty percent in 1995 and it has been struggling with its finances ever since.  Hopefully, the United States can realize how important art is to society and artists can be more appreciated.

Divided National Government:  Benefits Outweigh the Risks ~ Bill Bustin Class of 2009

The 20th century has seen a drastic increase in the number of party divided national governments in the United States.  With this increase has come much debate on whether or not the American political system functions better when unified by political party or divided.  Unified control can lead to the rubber stamping of important legislation by own party in power, and divided control to lead head on into a legislative stalemate due to partisanship.  By using past research from well known scholars on divided government and combining it with more contemporary interpretations and statistics, the legislative, oversight, and institutional benefits of divided government vastly outweigh the risk of political gridlock.

Textbooks on the American Revolution (And Why They’re Wrong) ~ Heather Cobun Class of 2010

The American Revolution was a complex event involving pride, liberty, and victory – if you were an American.  History textbook writers devote a great deal of time to the war, but when condensing the American Revolution into manageable chapters, especially for younger students, outside factors play into what they write.  I used research by historians to prove that nationalism leads to oversimplified and misleading textbook accounts.  I analyzed textbooks and found sections that use overly-patriotic language or leave out information and examined how this can allow children to develop a skewed view of the Revolution.

An Examination of Meanings of the Christ Story in Light of Resurrection Myths in Other Cultures ~ Ashley Flanagan Class of 2009

Three myths about resurrection from Native American, Celtic and Egyptian cultures are examined literally, culturally and symbolically.  Insights gained from these examinations are applied to the story of Jesus in order to see symbolism in a story which is often read only literally.  Research was done on the aforementioned cultures and their attitudes towards death, as well as how certain literal elements of the story were understood as symbols within the culture.  Analyses of symbols and their relation to the story of Jesus are solely the author’s.  The purpose of the paper was not to discredit literal readings of the Jesus story, but to add to that other, more symbolic analyses.

Wal-Mart: Apocalypse Now? ~ Brian Gilbert Class of 2010

As the world’s largest private employer and Fortune 500’s number one corporation, Wal-Mart continues to be one of the most controversial companies in the present-day society.  American media, such as movies, television specials, journals, and newspaper articles have relentlessly criticized Wal-Mart since its early days of success.  While these articles tend to be extremely popular with the media, they ignore the economic positives that are associated with Wal-Mart. In this paper, I plan to put the media’s arguments under careful analysis with the intention of showing that Wal-Mart is not the corporate monster that American media has led the public to believe; instead, Wal-Mart is just another revolutionary and successful company.   

The Evolution of Fear ~ James Grzejka Class of 2010

This essay investigates how the focuses and types of anxieties utilized in horror film have evolved in order to best adapt to a corresponding fear in society. Particular attention is paid to paranoia as a dominant anxiety over the last fifty years, and how its ebb and flow in American society has affected the content and style of horror films. The final conclusion is that paranoia has reached a peak in contemporary American society, and that as a result horror films have improved to best exploit that anxiety, much like in their heyday of the Cold War era.

Separation of Church and State: The Imperativeness of the “Wall of Separation”~ Siri Heian Class of 2010

The Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment together comprise a semi-permeable “wall of separation” between church and state. This wall generally keeps the government from meddling in individuals’ religious beliefs and established church’ activities. The Amendment creates an environment supportive of diversity of religious beliefs.  Further, the Amendment is supportive of good government based upon reason rather than religious beliefs.  In sum, the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States has been a leading factor in allowing expressions of religious belief to pervade our country while equally accommodating all faiths and all forms of religious expression and hostility toward none. 

Actions of God in a Quantum Universe ~ Edward Hubbard Class of 2010 

In a world of ever-expanding scientific discoveries, there exists a need in the theological community for expansion and reinterpretation of certain religious beliefs.  One of the most important areas in need of development is Divine Action.  The goal of this essay is to provide a reasonable account of God’s actions consistent with modern science.  Through a discussion and analysis of several theories, I argue that the idea of God acting through an input of information in the apparent top-down causality between the Divine and the universe, as theorized by John Polkinghorne, provides the best logical explanation to this pressing concern.

Children’s Literature: Cultivating Responses ~ Danielle Jubic Class of 2010 

“Children sometimes read as we do, but more often they read differently…children also read similarly to one another, but quite often they read differently.” This quote by Nina Mikkelsen only begins to delve into the complex relationship children have with literature. This paper explores the way children respond to literature, with an emphasis on the beneficial aspects of literacy partnership between adults and children. Looking at case studies as well as my own experiences, I conclude that children become most actively involved with literature when there is adult-child discussion of the ideas presented to them by the story.

Children’s Literature: Cultivating Responses ~ Danielle Jubic Class of 2010

“Children sometimes read as we do, but more often they read differently…children also read similarly to one another, but quite often they read differently.” This quote by Nina Mikkelsen only begins to delve into the complex relationship children have with literature. This paper explores the way children respond to literature, with an emphasis on the beneficial aspects of literacy partnership between adults and children. Looking at case studies as well as my own experiences, I conclude that children become most actively involved with literature when there is adult-child discussion of the ideas presented to them by the story.

The Role of Traditional Medicine in Modern Drug Development ~ Andrew Kester Class of 2009

 Historically, (wo)mankind has utilized plants as medicines and functional foods. Currently, 80% of the global population relies on traditional medical systems for healthcare, often involving the use of plants. Many cultural groups have acquired a knowledge of medicinal plants gained through centuries of experimentation. This knowledge, referred to as ethnobotanical knowledge, is an effective indicator of pharmacological efficacy in plants, and has the potential to benefit the drug development process. This essay surveys Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese, and Amazonian medicine to demonstrate the correspondence between biomedical research and traditional knowledge, and to argue that ethnobotanical studies should be incorporated further into modern pharmaceutical development.

The American Dream: The Transition from Bliss to Misery ~ Katie Leader Class of 2010

This essay is an analysis of the daily choices that Americans make in order to achieve goals that are clearly unrealistic.  Americans seek a feeling of satisfaction in their lives, and often feel that they can achieve it through hard work and doing as much as they can in a limited amount of time.  It has become clear that families do not spend enough time together and by working such long hours, many people have begun to feel frustrated with themselves.  Children are under a great amount of pressure to succeed, and American society as a whole has become discouraged because a perfect life does not exist. 

The Limits of Heritability:  Do Twin Studies Really Tell the Whole Story? ~ Cristina Los Class of 2010

This paper explores behavioral genetics and the limits of heritability studies.  By looking at the heritability of different characteristics, one can see the effects the gene has on the phenotypic expression of a trait.  However, new research in this field has uncovered intriguing influences of the environment on phenotypic expression.  The effects of the environment are often lost and covered up by heritability estimates, gene X environment interactions, and limitations of family study methods.  New research on how the epigenome effects phenotypic expression has lead to increased knowledge about the influence of the environment on the phenotypic expression of different traits.  This paper explores emotional and behavioral disorders, personality, social attitudes and IQ to help tease apart the effects of genes versus the effects of the environment. 

Her Unheard Voice in Occupational Choice ~ Catarina Manney Class of 2010

For thousands of years women have faced discrimination from western patriarchal society, which is based in part on perceptions about cognitive gender differences in language, emotional decoding, mathematical, and spatial ability. Whether such differences are due to biology or socialization, the consensus among researchers is that certain cognitive gender differences exist, but are small, insignificant, and do not imply overall differences in intelligence or ability. These differences channel and influence occupational choice and result in the under representation of women in mathematical, science, and authoritative careers. This essay provides a variety of solutions to this under representation problem.

Testing our knowledge:  An Approach to an Informed Citizenry ~ Michael Melusky Class of 2010

Ensuring that citizens make informed and responsible decisions, using preexisting knowledge of the government when voting is of utmost importance to America’s democracy.  This essay recognizes that political ignorance causes many Americans to make uninformed decisions and suggests that voters be required to take a test in order to exhibit a base level of understanding about the functions of the government.  Supporting research shows many benefits that would be gleaned from implementing these tests.  This essay addresses the logistics of the test as well as possible concerns that may arise in protest of the test’s implementation. 

The Effect of Religion on American Politics and Government ~ Kelsey Merryman Class of 2010

A high profile issue in American politics today concerns the influence of personal religious beliefs held by the electorate on political leaders (Warner 2008).  With the upcoming elections, Americans openly express their faith-based concerns in the public forum, demanding responses from candidates, and presidential candidates seem to be discussing their beliefs more openly than in previous years.  This paper looks at the constitutionally guaranteed right of religious freedom and the separation of Church and State, considering the vision of our county’s founders and the impact of religious influence in our government.  Additionally, discussion provides a view of contemporary and similar historical conditions as a demonstration of potential consequences of unchecked special interest influence on our government.

The Similarities Between Options Trading and Poker ~ Robert Miller Class of 2010

The paper focuses around the concept that there are many similarities between Texas Hold ‘Em and options trading. This statement is supported by two main arguments. The first concerns risk management and the second concerns what variables effect both poker and options trading. For risk management there is are discussions about three common option trading strategies and what their analogues are in poker. The second argument focuses on three variables pulled out of the Black-Scholes probability model. Vega(volatility), Theta(time), and Gamma(rate of return) are discussed; first in how they relate to options and then how they relate to poker.

Sarbanes-Oxley: Leaving American Businesses Hanging Out to Dry ~ Stephanie Miller Class of 2010

The purpose of this paper is to examine the fiscal and intangible of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 on both American corporations and the American public.  Applying theories of corporate governance and corporate culture, this paper examines morality and corporate ethics within the context of modern globalization.  Two battling hegemonies, the Act is the climax in the war between the American Securities Industry and the United States that began with the passing of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933.  However, the bureaucratic structure of both corporations and government limit the effectiveness of legislation, which can be achieved by natural market forces.

Micro-aid and Macro-assistance:  Comparative Effectiveness in Relieving Poverty and Raising Living Standards ~ Amanda Moser Class of 2009

The issue of poverty is an international concern that must be addressed by the international community.  Examining the abilities and shortcomings of macro-assistance and micro-aid, the two competing international aid types, it can be seen how both can be used in cooperation to effectively provide assistance to those in need.  Though it has been active for some time, macro-assistance has numerous shortcomings that can be supplemented by micro-aid, while micro-aid does not have the capability to considerably alter government institutions necessary in society.  Yet used in conjunction, international assistance would be more globally beneficial. 

Paradise Lost and the Price of Moral Knowledge ~ William Paris Class of 2010 

Often the Fall of Adam and Eve is thought of as a tragedy, but in actuality the epic poem of Paradise Lost sends a different message: the Fall was, in fact, fortunate. Through the lens of John Milton’s life—the censorship he faced from Parliament—and the depiction of Satan, Adam, and Eve the Fall appears to have been necessary for Eve and Adam to have complete free will. Without knowledge of Good and Evil, Adam and Eve could not honestly choose Good and earn their place in Heaven through their own choices and morality.

Using Music as a Tool in the Elementary Classroom ~ Megan E. Petrie Class of 2010

Throughout history, music has been used for many purposes, but music is also very useful in the classroom setting. It can be used to improve learning, communication and relationships with children with autism, and be a sedative for distracting, inappropriate behavior. Music therapy is a fairly new form of therapy using singing, musical instruments, and body movement, but many studies have already been conducting trying to validate its legitimacy as a method of improvement. Music therapy can be benefit children or adults, including those who suffer from physical or mental illnesses. Although research is still in progress and some results have been insignificant, the overall research seems to imply success for the future.

The Lost Art of Armor ~ Joseph Pilcavage Class of 2009

Armor is a unique art form that began from the earliest established civilizations of man and peaked at the time of Medieval Europe. Armor is most commonly linked to Knights shown in a full suit of Iron Plate. Although this depiction, however, is far from origins or the ends of the use of armor, it does generally account for the complexity of armor at its historical peak.  To understand the true complexity and various forms and functions of the armor of medieval times, I have traced its evolution starting with the earliest recorded occurrence of armor use; Egypt.

Volunteers, the Media, and New Orleans Today ~ Claire Polcrack Class of 2009

The relationship between the media and volunteerism and their impact on the city of New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina is described.  An analysis of the media coverage of the state of city and then of the work of volunteers is used to find a connection between volunteerism in New Orleans and the media.  Included in the paper are the findings from a Lexis-Nexis search on the number of articles published on volunteerism and New Orleans in the years after Hurricane Katrina hit.  The paper concludes that the media could not handle the memory of Katrina and that volunteers are working to keep the city of New Orleans and its memory alive. 

Orientalism" in French Film:   A Study of Culture and Film ~ Therese Ryley Class of 2009

Edward Said first published his renowned book, Orientalism, nearly forty years ago.  In it he discusses Western perceptions of people from North Africa, the Middle East and Asia; perceptions which began to develop during the Crusades.  Today Westerners have been experiencing a more intimate interaction with “Orientals” due to immigration.  France is one particular Western nation that has had a significant influx of immigrants from the “Orient.”  By analyzing three films: Chaos, Monsieur Ibrahim et les fleurs du Coran, and Le fabuleux destin d’Amélie Poulain, this paper explores French understandings of immigrant culture in relation to Said’s Orientalism.

Yorkist Propaganda during the Wars of the Roses:  Defending the Right to the Throne of England ~ Kayla Smith Class of 2009

During the Wars of the Roses, the members and supporters of the House of York used various methods of propaganda to claim their superior right to the throne of England and control of the government. Evidence of this includes “The Arrivall of Edward IV” and “The Edward IV Roll.” These documents are used to promote the Yorkists by emphasizing Christian themes in connection with Edward IV, by discrediting Henry VI, and by glorifying the reputation of Edward IV. The circumstances of the political environment and views of the time were the reasons the aristocracy felt the need to promote its cause with propaganda.

Addictive Online Fantasy Role-Playing Games:  A “Gateway” to Future Online Addictive Behaviors? ~ Nicholas Stepanik Class of 2010

The use of online fantasy role-play games has been considered by some researchers to be an “addiction” especially when played for hours at a time.  This paper explores the various characteristics of online role-play gaming behaviors, as well as the commonalities shared between online gaming and other potentially addictive online behaviors, such as gambling and pornography.    Lastly, possible triggers are identified as a way for a potential “link” between online gaming and other online behaviors to be established.  Drawing from the commonalities between online gaming and the other online behaviors mentioned (online gambling and pornography); these “links” can be justified.

Gun Points: The Call for Stronger Gun Control Laws in the United States ~ Billie Tadros Class of 2010

U.S. losses of life call into serious question the extent of gun ownership guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the Constitution, pushing the nation to question the efficacy of its current gun control measures and the validity of pro-gun lobby efforts that impede further measures.  This analysis examines the arguments of experts from both sides of the debate, firearm homicide and suicide statistics, current statutes, current events, and national and international studies.  The evidence points to one conclusion:  the U.S. is in desperate need of stronger gun control measures to curb our rates of firearm homicide and firearm suicide.

Psychology of Music ~ Sarah Thompson Class of 2010

Music serves many functions in everyday life that allow it to have an effect on a person’s mood.  Because of this connection to mood, it was thought that music may be effective in helping to treat depression.  Music therapy has proven to be especially useful in the treatment of depressed adolescents, who have historically been treated for depression in the same way as adults.  There are many theories as to why music therapy has been successful in treating adolescent depression, but an ultimate answer has not yet been reached.

The Master Becomes the Pupil: John Coltrane and the False Visionary Label He Assumed in Creating “Ascension” in the Image of Ornette Coleman’s “Free Jazz” ~ Gregory M Trout Class of 2010

This essay argues that John Coltrane’s free jazz work was not entirely of his own creation. It examines the influence of other avant-garde musicians, most specifically Ornette Coleman, on Coltrane’s embrace of free jazz, and parallels their most groundbreaking free works (Coleman’s “Free Jazz” and Coltrane’s “Ascension”) in order to demonstrate that Coleman deserves far more credit for his influence on Coltrane’s work in free jazz than he receives. This essay also, however, reinforces Coltrane’s rightful place as an important figure in the history of jazz, and does not discount his contributions to any area of the music.

The Ethics of Subliminal Advertising ~ Amber Welborn Class of 2009

Subliminal advertising is a creative method of advertising that aids in jogging memories and creating feelings that one can associate with a specific brand or product; therefore, they are not detrimental to the health or safety of the general public and should not be seen as unethical.  This paper argues that the objectives of subliminal advertising have been misperceived and blown out of proportion by a public uneducated on the topic.  It is common for people to fear something they do not know.  Subliminal advertisements have never been proven or shown to cause any type of detriment to one’s mental or physical well-being.

Fists versus Words:  Explaining Gender Differences in Aggressive Behaviors ~ Sarah Weller Class of 2009

There is a solid research base showing that men are more physically aggressive than women. There are two major theories which attempt to explain gender differences in aggression. The first, social constructionism, attributes gender differences to social and cultural shaping. The other, evolutionary  biology, attributes gender differences to natural and innate qualities of males and females and ultimately to the evolutionary forces that shaped these qualities.  This paper explores the theoretical and research literature on gender differences in aggression in order to evaluate these two claims.  Although these two views are traditionally held as incompatible, the literature suggests that both are equally influential in the creation of aggression.

Small Business Retail: What it Takes to Succeed ~ Alexander White Class of 2009

Small business retail is a constantly evolving game, and one that has not been immune to the arrival of the automobile, the emergence of the Internet, and the passing of various business and economy-oriented federal and state legislations.  However, these factors only make it more challenging for small businesses to succeed.  Retailers must learn to think not only as businesses, but also as customers.  The three most important distinctions for a business to focus on are customer service, product differentiation, and connections.  Given these three foci, it is possible for a small business retailer to succeed.

An Inquiry into the Compatibility of Christianity and Freemasonry ~ Cynthia Wilson Class of 2009

The organization of the Freemasonry has caused a lot of controversy throughout history. Due to its mysterious and ambiguous rituals and mission, an aura of secrecy has become associated with this group.  Numerous historians have devoted their time to researching the origins of this association as well as its effect on society today.  Many Christians believe it contradicts fundamental beliefs set forth by the Christian religion; however, despite this common misconception, the ideologies of these two organizations are compatible.  One may hold the status of a member of both organizations without detracting from the experience of either one.