Sample Thesis/Project Titles

Below are some examples of disciplines studied and Theses completed by graduates:

Melvin Beavers (Rhetoric, History, Mass Communication): “Authenticating Blackness: The Problem of Cultural Appropriation and Representation on Television and in Film.” Melvin is now a full-time Instructor in the Department of Rhetoric and Writing at UALR.
Elaine Corum
Elaine Corum (Rhetoric, Gerontology, Social Work): “Through the Valley of the Shadow: A Journey of Commemoration and Healing.” Elaine is a full-time Instructor of writing at the University of Central Arkansas.

Britney Finely (Psychology, Health Science, Education): “How the President’s Challenge Serves as an Assessment Tool to Motivate Third Graders in an Inner City Elementary Physical Education Class

Lori Gardner (Rhetoric and Psychology): “Gender Bias As Evidenced on Political Blogs in the 2008 Presidential Elections”

Regina Gibson (Gerontology and Health Science):  “Physician Communication with Older Patients, Particularly, Older African-American, About Sexual Health and Sexual Risk Behaviors for HIV/AIDS”

Sheila Glasscock (English and Music): “Characteristics of Modernism in Selected Works of T.S. Eliot, George Gershwin, and Eugene O’Neil”

Natalie Griffin (Music and Education): “An Analysis of Elementary Student Piano Compositions “

Stacy Harter (Rhetoric and Learning Systems Technology): “Elements Used to Build Online Community: E-Learning Versus Social Networking Websites”

Barbara Hildebrand (Psychology and Health Science): “Predictors of Smoking Behavior in a National Dataset of Adolescents”

Ana Hollis, Psychology and Health Sciences: “Psychological Correlates from Diabetes”

Deborah Hreczkosij (History and English) “The Great Depression: A Comparative Literature Examination Through the Use of Newberry Award Books.” Deborah is finishing up a PhD in History and teaching as an adjunct in Floraid.

Steve Jauss (English and Rhetoric and Writing): “Toward a Unified Theory of Quotation”

Valerie Johnston (Psychology and Rhetoric): “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Theory of an Efficacious Treatment Plan”

Jessica Kokinos (Rhetoric/Writing and Non-Profit Studies): “Nonprofit Ethos and Identity: An Interdisciplinary Analysis of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ Websites”

George Lea (History and Political Science): “A Diamond in the Rough: The History of Taylor Field”

Samuel Onyegam (Political Science and Rhetoric): “Historical Comparative Case Study of Emerging Hegemonic Behavior: Perspectives on the Peoples Republic of China.”  Samuel is now a practicing attorney in Dallas, TX.

Kevin Quinn (History and Journalism): “The old gray lady and the campaign for the equal right amendment in Arkansas: A content analysis of the Arkansas Gazette 1972-1979”

Jane Rampona (Psychology and Social Work): “Psycho-sexual Politics of Life on the Streets: Narratives of Homeless Women and Formerly Homeless Women”

Clay Robinson (Political Science and History): “Of the Common Law World view and the American Constitution.” Clay passed away in 2009. Obituary

Laura Tharel
Laura Tharel-Keener
(English and History): “Arthur and Guinevere, Medieval to Modern: An Historical Analysis of the Arthurian Legend”

Laurie Vescovo Knight (Psychology, Gerontology, Education): “The Prevalence of Overweight in Elementary School Children: An Interdisciplinary Approach for a School-Based Intervention”

Doug Weatherly (English and History): “An Amicable Divorce or Irreconcilable Differences: The Aesthetic Value of Ezra Pound’s “Hugh Selwyn Mauberley” Outside of Its Historical and Intellectual Contexts.” 

Below are some examples of disciplines studied and Final Projects completed by graduates:

Cynthia Beck (English and History): “Nubbins. A Digitization of a book of Poetry by Hen-Toh (AKA Bertrand N. O. Walker), with Introduction and Annotation.”  Cindy teaches English and Writing at Pulaski Technical College and UALR.

Chelsea Bishop-Ward (Rhetoric and Education-Student Affairs): “A Rhetorical View of Grant Writing”

Damon Bullock
Damon Bullock
(Gerontology and Criminal Justice): “Elder Abuse: Prevention and Intervention Project.” Damon received a PhD in Sociology and now teaches Military Sociology.

Jayme Butts-Hall
Jayme Butts-Hall
(History and Political Science): “Turning Compassion into Action: Animal Welfare in Little Rock, Arkansas.” Jayme received a law degree from Bowen School of Law and works in Little Rock.

Shannon Caldwell (Rhetoric and Applied Communication): “Communicating with the World One Moment at a Time: Teachable Moments with Bill Clinton”

Terry Espino-Bright, Rhetoric and Spanish: “A Memoir of Language and Motherhood”

Brian Kinder
Brian Kinder
(Music and Studio Art): “One More Time”: An Audio CD of Children’s Songs Composed and Published by Brian Kinder. Brian writes and performs children’s music.

Larry Lachowsky (Philosophy and Higher Education): “Course Development: Ethics and Professionalism for Land Surveyors.”  Larry teaches surveying and philosophy at Univ. of AR Community College at Morrilton.

Daisy Lee Stringer (Rhetoric and Education): ”Meeting the Unmet and Under Served Social Needs of Older Adults in Rural Populations of Arkansas”

Gretchen Skinner (Psychology and Social Work): “Effects of Demographic Variables and Motivation on Training Needs of Family Service Workers in Arkansas”

Judy Warner (Music and Rhetoric): “History and Practice of Ozark Fiddling.” Judy teaches music and also performs with her band throughout the region.

Lance Watson (Music and Radio, Television, Film): “A Comparison of Church Music Service Software Including a Pilot Project to Allow End Users to Assess Software and Equipment”