Hegemony within Higher Education: The Creation of an "Ideal" Student

<div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span>This paper is an examination of how higher administration at Jesuit schools use hegemony to create an ideological definition of the ‘ideal’ student. I use rhetorical criticism as a means of explaining how students are characterized and defined based on Creighton University sanctioned webpages. The results provided two major ideological principles that influence Creighton’s discussion of the overall student population, the privileging of numbers and the construction of a preferred student model. These ideological themes in combination with hegemonic principles promote the creation of an ‘ideal’ student that no individual is fully capable of attaining. </span></p></div></div></div>

Mother Knows Best? Evaluating the Roles of Stoic Parents in Gladiator (2000)

<div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span>My paper uses the 2000 Ridley Scott film </span><span>Gladiator </span><span>as a vehicle for exploring Stoicism, specifically the ways that Stoic parents ought to behave in different situations. The film includes a portrayal of the historic emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius and uses Stoic themes. I explore the ways in which two of the main characters, the general Maximus and Marcus Aurelius’ daughter Lucilla, demonstrate Stoic values through their parenting. Through an analysis of the works of Stoic philosophers Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, I examine these characters’ decisions and ultimately conclude that Maximus upholds Stoic values better than Lucilla. Through my paper I hope to invite a unique perspective on parenting that differs greatly from the modern, Christian-centered tradition and to give readers a clearer understanding of Stoicism. </span></p></div></div></div>

"Feminism" and Feminism: A Rhetorical Criticism of Emma Watson's Address to the U.N.

<div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span>This analysis uses metaphor criticism to decipher how metaphors function in Emma Watson’s address to the UN. Metaphor criticism proves useful in this critique because it can be used to determine the rhetor’s motive, to evaluate the effectiveness of the message, and to decipher the rhetor’s perspective on a particular subject. This critique uncovers two types of metaphors: those that describe “gender stereotypes” and those that describe “feminism.” The first subgroup of metaphors describes gender stereotypes as evil, oppressing entities that can be overcome or defeated. The second, more complex subgroup of metaphors for feminism suggests the term “feminism” has a negative connotation; one that conflicts with the true definition of the term. In addition, Watson’s inconsistent use of the “fight” metaphor suggests she is hesitant to use “feminism” to describe gender equality. In attempt to make the feminist movement more inclusive of men, Watson resists using the term and instead replaces it with phrases such as “he for she.” Watson’s metaphors suggest she is an advocate for gender equality but that she recognizes the stigma behind the term “feminism” and thus she uses metaphors for “feminism” instead of using the term directly. Since her speech aims to galvanize men and boys for change, she may ultimately be trying to create a new label for gender equality that is inclusive of men. </span></p></div></div></div>

Energy Consumption in Creighton University Residence Halls: Comparing Attitudes and Behaviors

<div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="section"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span>“On U.S. college campuses, growing concerns since the 1960s have demanded that we become more knowledgeable about our impact on the environment.” (Ruckelshaus 455) </span>This research has aimed to understand attitudes and behaviors regarding energy consumption in Creighton University Residence halls by employing quantitative data gathering methods and analysis of campus energy use. The program Stata will be utilized in analysis to allow for a statistical understanding of student attitudes and behaviors regarding their energy consumption. The findings of this research are meant to allow Creighton University officials to understand student energy consumption habits and interest allowing for better energy consumption practices in the future. </p></div></div></div></div>

Family Communication and its Effects on Child Developmental Progression

<div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span>Because divorce rates are high in the United States, the current paper assesses how stepchildren may respond to the introduction of a stepparent, and at what age this introduction may make the most impact. The current study seeks to assess the relationship between family communication in a divorced family with the recent introduction of a stepparent and a stepchild’s subsequent developmental progression through Sigmund Freud’s and Erik Erikson’s life stages. This study also observes the association between reported closeness and levels of satisfaction within the stepparent and stepchild relationship. </span></p><p><span>It was hypothesized that participants who were introduced to a stepparent at an older age, such as adolescence or young adult, would be more impacted in their development. Results did not indicate a significant relationship between age at introduction to stepparent and subsequent relational satisfaction </span><span>F</span><span>(5, 45) = .84, </span><span>p </span><span>&gt; .05. This study makes contributions toward further study in the subject of age at introduction and subsequent relational satisfaction while making suggestions for the introduction of a stepchild and stepparent. </span></p></div></div></div>

Christian Base Communities in Peru: Lessons for North America

<div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span>This research hopes to bridge the gap between the churches of North and South America by advocating for Christian base communities (CEBs) in North America. It is necessary to look at Catholic Action in conjunction with Catholic social thought, as well as the Second Vatican Council. Finally, personal interviews with those involved with CEBs in two districts of Lima, Peru – Villa El Salvador and El Agustino, revealed there is a failure of CEBs to develop in those two respective areas. Despite the failure of CEBs to develop in those areas, CEBs are relevant to North America as they can contribute lessons for parishes in the U.S. The Catholicism in CEBs in Peru is not prevalent in North America because the standard is to focus on individual spirituality and there is a lack of emphasis on social Catholicism. </span></p></div></div></div>