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- Title
- An exploration of religious terrorism over time: a content analysis of The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.
- Creator
- Zurburg, Heather., College for Design and Social Inquiry, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Abstract/Description
-
The current study is a content analysis and comparison of news articles from the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. The objective of this study is to explore media coverage of terrorism over the last five decades to determine the impact of religion and to compare coverage between two respected news sources that are known for their liberal (New York Times) and conservative (Wall Street Journal) view points. Using a stratified random sample, 1,832 news articles were selected between...
Show moreThe current study is a content analysis and comparison of news articles from the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. The objective of this study is to explore media coverage of terrorism over the last five decades to determine the impact of religion and to compare coverage between two respected news sources that are known for their liberal (New York Times) and conservative (Wall Street Journal) view points. Using a stratified random sample, 1,832 news articles were selected between 1960 and 2006 from the two news sources of interest. The articles were read, analyzed, and categorized. Then, a qualitative analysis examined a random selection of articles pertaining to religious terrorist events. Results suggest an increase in coverage of religiously perpetrated terrorism in recent decades. Interestingly, coverage from the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal showed similar patterns despite being representative of opposite ideologies. Implications are discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3174311
- Subject Headings
- Mass media and public opinion, Terrorism and mass media, Mass media policy, Newspapers, Objectivity, War on Terrorism, 2001-, Press coverage
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Speech inflection in American musical theatre compositions.
- Creator
- Zuim, Ana Flavia., Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of Languages, Linguistics and Comparative Literature
- Abstract/Description
-
This dissertation examines the role of speech inflection in the composition of melodies of American musical theatre and investigates how composers approached speech inflection in their work throughout this genre's history. Through analysis of songs and interviews with composers, this dissertation investigates the relevance of speech inflection in the various styles of composition existing on Broadway. The main focus of musical theatre compositions, especially post Rodgers and Hammerstein's...
Show moreThis dissertation examines the role of speech inflection in the composition of melodies of American musical theatre and investigates how composers approached speech inflection in their work throughout this genre's history. Through analysis of songs and interviews with composers, this dissertation investigates the relevance of speech inflection in the various styles of composition existing on Broadway. The main focus of musical theatre compositions, especially post Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical Oklahoma, is to move the plot along through songs. Therefore, the delivery of the text must be of ultimate consideration in the writing of modern musicals. A well-written speech-melody facilitates the process of a speech-melody-interpretation, which will result in the delivery of lyrics with an understandable, natural sounding quality. This investigation happens through a chronologic evaluation of the relevance of speech inflection during each of the distinct phases on Broadway, as well as an examination of the approach to writing with a speech-melody focus of each individual composer throughout history. This study explores the importance of speech inflection in American musical theatre songwriting focusing on a speech-melody approach to composition.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3352883
- Subject Headings
- Music and semiotics, Music and language, Musicals, Writing and publishing, Musical theater, History and criticism
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Modeling and simulation on the yard trailers deployment in the maritime container terminal.
- Creator
- Zhao, Yueqiong, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
- Abstract/Description
-
In recent years, there has been an exponential increase in container volume shipment within intermodal transportation systems. Container terminals as part of the global port system represent important hubs within this intermodal transportation system. Thus, the need to improve the operational efficiency is the most important issue for container terminals from an economic standpoint. Moreover, intermodal transportation systems, ports and inland transport facilities should all be integrated...
Show moreIn recent years, there has been an exponential increase in container volume shipment within intermodal transportation systems. Container terminals as part of the global port system represent important hubs within this intermodal transportation system. Thus, the need to improve the operational efficiency is the most important issue for container terminals from an economic standpoint. Moreover, intermodal transportation systems, ports and inland transport facilities should all be integrated into one coordinated plan. More specifically, a method to schedule different types of handling equipment in an integrated way within a container terminal is a popular topic for researchers. However, not many researchers have addresses this topic in relationship to the simulation aspect which will test feasible solutions under real container terminal environment parameters. In order to increase the efficiency of operations, the development of mathematical models and algorithms is critical in finding the best feasible solution. The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasible solution to find the proper number of Yard Trailers (YTs) with the minimal cost for the container terminals. This study uses the Dynamic YTs operation's method as a background for modeling. A mathematical model with various constraints related to the integrated operations among the different types of handling equipment is formulated. This model takes into consideration both serving time of quay cranes and yard cranes, and cost reduction strategies by decreasing use of YTs with the specific objective of minimum total cost including utilization of YTs and vessel berthing. In addition, a heuristic algorithm combined with Monte Carlo Method and Brute-Force Search are employed. The early Stage Technique of Monte Carlo method is proposed to generate vast random numbers to replicate simulation for real cases., The Brute-Force Search is used for identifying all potential cases specific to the conditions of this study. Some preliminary numerical test results suggest that this method is good for use in conjunction with simulation of container terminal operation. The expected outcome of this research is a solution to obtain the proper number of YTs for transporting containers with a minimum cost; thus, improving the operational efficiency in a container terminal.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3174315
- Subject Headings
- Marine terminals, Computer programs, Computer algorithms, Materials management, Warehouses, Management, Transportation engineering, Freight and freightage
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Attitudes and perspectives about backyard food gardening: a case study in South Florida.
- Creator
- Zahina-Ramos, John G., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
As cities grew throughout the past century, the availability of locally grown food declined, mostly because urban expansion occurred at the expense of adjacent agricultural land. As a result, city dwellers turned to commercial food market systems that import food from distant production areas. Private greenspace, which is one of the largest land cover types in cities, offers the potential for substantial agricultural production. Because urban food production on private land, such as backyards...
Show moreAs cities grew throughout the past century, the availability of locally grown food declined, mostly because urban expansion occurred at the expense of adjacent agricultural land. As a result, city dwellers turned to commercial food market systems that import food from distant production areas. Private greenspace, which is one of the largest land cover types in cities, offers the potential for substantial agricultural production. Because urban food production on private land, such as backyards, requires the willing participation of landowners, resident's feelings about and experience with food growing are important to understand. The demographic groups that were most likely to food garden were those in long-term relationships, higher income brackets, those with college education and residents over 50 years old. Incentives and programs focused on producing more from existing gardens may be most appropriate for people in these demographic groups, while other groups will most require basic food growing information. Study participants highly valued intangible benefits of food gardening (e.g., relaxation, feelings of happiness and satisfaction), often more than the provision of food. Most barriers and problems with backyard food growing, such as a lack of space and the need for gardening information, were similar for those who food garden and those who do not. Results from this study indicate that traditional agricultural incentives and perspectives must be rethought if they are to be applied in urban settings. By creating incentives and initiatives that reflect the needs and challenges faced by urban growers, urban agriculture will become an integrated part of the community, improving food quantity and quality while enriching residents' lives.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361258
- Subject Headings
- Backyard gardens, Food chains (Ecology), Garden ecology, Green movement, Sustainable development
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Effects of an interactive computer-based reading strategy on student comprehension.
- Creator
- Worrell, Jamie L., College of Education, Department of Exceptional Student Education
- Abstract/Description
-
The computer-based testing mode has received limited research as a task condition for elementary students as it relates to comprehension for both narrative and expository text. The majority of schools now use computer-based testing to measure students' progress for end of the year exams. Additionally, schools are also delivering state-wide assessments like the Florida Comprehension Assessment Test through computer-based testing instead of paper-pencil testing. There is little research to...
Show moreThe computer-based testing mode has received limited research as a task condition for elementary students as it relates to comprehension for both narrative and expository text. The majority of schools now use computer-based testing to measure students' progress for end of the year exams. Additionally, schools are also delivering state-wide assessments like the Florida Comprehension Assessment Test through computer-based testing instead of paper-pencil testing. There is little research to indicate whether computer-based assessments are an effective way to measure student progress. This study investigated the effects of an interactive computer-based reading strategy on student comprehension for both expository and narrative passages. The intervention evaluated students' percentage of learned strategy use and comprehension accuracy for expository computer-based passages. Additionally, the intervention measured whether students generalized the learned strategy when given a paper-pencil narrative passage and whether generalization of strategy use improved comprehension vi accuracy. This study used an A-B-A-B design across participants, with a follow-up phase. The results from the data showed that all students made significant increases in strategy use from baseline to follow-up. Additionally, all the students had an increase in comprehension accuracy from baseline to follow-up for both computer and paper-based passages. All students were able to generalize successfully the strategy use to narrative passages, and improved their comprehension accuracy of narrative passages. The effects of the study suggest the value of teaching students the interactive computer-based reading strategy for students who struggle with passage comprehension.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3322518
- Subject Headings
- Reading comprehension, Computer-assisted instruction, Educational tests and meausrements, School improvement programs, Academic achievment, Reading, Ability testing, Computer-assisted instruction
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Dinner conversation: eating sustainably without dietary elitism.
- Creator
- Wood, Alyssa A., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
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This study explores the perceived elitism within both the environmentalist community and general public in regards to "environmental diets" such as : vegetarianism, veganism, locavore-ism, and ethical omnivory. I explore these diets and potential expressions of elitism within the framework developed by Morrison and Dunlap in their discussion of environmental elitism. Examples come from published sources as well as personal anecdotes. Through this study, I suggest that this perceived elitism...
Show moreThis study explores the perceived elitism within both the environmentalist community and general public in regards to "environmental diets" such as : vegetarianism, veganism, locavore-ism, and ethical omnivory. I explore these diets and potential expressions of elitism within the framework developed by Morrison and Dunlap in their discussion of environmental elitism. Examples come from published sources as well as personal anecdotes. Through this study, I suggest that this perceived elitism is actually not elitism per se, but a very thin line of tension between describing the ideal food systems aside the current state of food inequity and industrial agriculture. Simply, I am trying to grapple with how to be educated in the fields of Food Studies and systems of oppression without perpetuating elitism alongside the system which desperately needs reform.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3359330
- Subject Headings
- Food industry and trade, Food habits, Nutrition policy, Food, Marketing, Eating (Philosophy), Food, Social aspects
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The intersection of gender and Italian/Americaness: hegemony in The Sopranos.
- Creator
- Wilson, Niki Caputo., Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of Languages, Linguistics and Comparative Literature
- Abstract/Description
-
This dissertation uses a multiperspectival approach that analyzes production, text, and audience consumption to explore representations of gender and ethnicity in The Home Box Office, Inc. (HBO) original program The Sopranos. I first present the social, political, and economic factors that contributed to the continued critical and commercial success of the show. The hybrid genre of the show - an intermingling of the gangster and soap opera genres - proves particularly significant in its...
Show moreThis dissertation uses a multiperspectival approach that analyzes production, text, and audience consumption to explore representations of gender and ethnicity in The Home Box Office, Inc. (HBO) original program The Sopranos. I first present the social, political, and economic factors that contributed to the continued critical and commercial success of the show. The hybrid genre of the show - an intermingling of the gangster and soap opera genres - proves particularly significant in its representation of gender and ethnicity. Both textual and audience analyses allow me to respond to the question central to this dissertation: Does The Sopranos reinforce or challenge hegemonic notions of masculinity, femininity, and ethnicity? My textual and paratextual analysis identifies the embodiment of hegemonic masculinity in the male characters, including the ways in which that hegemonic behavior leads to male violence, as depicted in the narrative, and reveals the performances of emphasized femininity and pariah femininities, class, and Italian/Americaness at play amongst the female characters in The Sopranos. Audience analysis reveals that The Sopranos broadly appeals to many Italian/Americans and self-proclaimed feminists, yet the vast majority of fans, particularly those who create fan fiction and frequent chat rooms, are drawn to the show for its violence, sexist imagery, and macho male characters. Thus, the multiperspectival approach of this dissertation proved particularly useful in determining that The Sopranos, in its entirety, ultimately repackages, but yet still reinforces hegemonic notions of gender and Italian/Americaness.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2979374
- Subject Headings
- Sopranos (Television program), Mass media and culture, Group identity, Television viewers, Ethnicity
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The rhetoric of unity in a pluralistic early America.
- Creator
- Wilson, Joel., Department of English
- Abstract/Description
-
The push of the past half century to redefine the American canon through the incorporation of writers representative of America's heterogeneousness has given voice to a range of marginalized writers. This movement, predicated on the belief that American society was never as unified as its early leaders would have us believe, has overstated what it sought to challenge : the unitedness of early Americans. Casting the leaders of the Early Republic as in complete accord, such critical readings...
Show moreThe push of the past half century to redefine the American canon through the incorporation of writers representative of America's heterogeneousness has given voice to a range of marginalized writers. This movement, predicated on the belief that American society was never as unified as its early leaders would have us believe, has overstated what it sought to challenge : the unitedness of early Americans. Casting the leaders of the Early Republic as in complete accord, such critical readings negate the significant differences that existed and the pains necessary to present something akin to national unity and identity. It is my aim to show that this unity came about through a constructed rhetoric meant to unify the citizens in colonial America and the Early Republic. In this thesis, I will examine three modes of this rhetoric : American Exceptionalism, the American Enlightenment, and the movements supporting a mono-dialectal view of American English.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3359161
- Subject Headings
- National characteristics, American, History, Civilization, History, Influence, History, Politics and government, Politics and government
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The relationship between leadership styles of directors of accredited higher education respiratory care programs and faculty satisfaction, willingness to exert extra effort, perceived director effectiveness, and program outcomes.
- Creator
- Weissman, Nancy L., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this study was to examine the leadership characteristics of respiratory care program directors and determine the relationship between the director's leadership style, effectiveness, faculty satisfaction, extra effort, and program outcomes. Differences between the directors' perceived leadership style and faculties' perception of the directors' leadership style were also examined. Directors' leadership styles were measured by the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ)....
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine the leadership characteristics of respiratory care program directors and determine the relationship between the director's leadership style, effectiveness, faculty satisfaction, extra effort, and program outcomes. Differences between the directors' perceived leadership style and faculties' perception of the directors' leadership style were also examined. Directors' leadership styles were measured by the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ). Director, faculty and program information was measured with a researcher-designed questionnaire. CoARC accredited program directors (n=321) and their full and part-time faculty (n=172) received an e-mail and a web link to obtain demographic information. All participants received an e-mail from Mind Garden, Inc. with a web link to complete the MLQ. Regression analysis and t tests were used to analyze the data. The results found a significant relationship between faculty satisfaction, extra effort, and perceived director effectiveness and each of the predictors transformational, transactional, and passive/avoidant leadership behaviors. There was no relationship between program director leadership style and program outcomes. This study found no difference between the directors' and the faculty's perception of the directors' transformational and transactional leadership behaviors. However, there was a significant difference between the directors' and the faculties' perception of the directors' passive/avoidant behavior.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/186324
- Subject Headings
- Educational leadership, Evaluation, College teaching, Evaluation, Organizational behavior, Medical care, Motivation in education
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Principals' attitudes toward the use of culturally relevant pedagogy and culturally responsive leadership in predominantely [sic] African American schools.
- Creator
- Weaver, Tressey., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this study was to determine principals' attitudes toward the use of culturally relevant pedagogy and culturally responsive leadership in predominately African American schools. Culturally relevant pedagogy, culturally responsive teaching, culturally responsive urban leadership, and ethnohumanist leadership are the study's theoretical underpinnings. The research question was as follows: To what extent, if any, do principals of predominately African American schools promote...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine principals' attitudes toward the use of culturally relevant pedagogy and culturally responsive leadership in predominately African American schools. Culturally relevant pedagogy, culturally responsive teaching, culturally responsive urban leadership, and ethnohumanist leadership are the study's theoretical underpinnings. The research question was as follows: To what extent, if any, do principals of predominately African American schools promote culturally relevant pedagogy and utilize culturally responsive leadership? The sample for this mixed methods study was secondary school principals and teachers in predominately African American schools. Seven principals and 43 teachers participated in the study. The research methods used were vignettes, interviews, surveys, content analysis, and document analysis. Vignettes containing 10 scenarios of principals performing culturally responsive leadership practices were distributed to principals who were asked to rate them with a Likert scale. In addition, principals were asked 13 open ended questions about culturally relevant pedagogy and culturally responsive leadership in an interview. Teachers were asked to complete a 10 question on-line survey about their principals' leadership from a culturally responsive perspective. Reviews of school improvement plans, principals' messages, and mission and vision statements were also conducted., The study found that (a) principals admitted that they had a limited knowledge of the concepts of culturally relevant pedagogy and culturally responsive leadership, (b) principals theoretically viewed culturally relevant pedagogy and culturally responsive leadership as useful tools in educating African American student populations as evidenced by their responses to the vignettes, (c) principals had a general understanding of African American culture and exhibited sensitivity to the cultural needs of African American students, (d) stressed the managing of difficult students or the diffusing of problematic situations as a benefit of having teachers trained in culturally relevant pedagogy and (e) principals in the study did not actively encourage teachers to utilize culturally relevant pedagogy as a means to improve the academic achievement of African American students.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/215296
- Subject Headings
- Educational leadership, Critical pedagogy, African American children, Education, Afrocentrism, Study and teaching, Educational equalization
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The Florida School Recognition Program: the relationship between participation in the program and adequate yearly progress under the No Child Left Behind Act.
- Creator
- Wanza, Valerie Smith., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
- Abstract/Description
-
This study was designed to determine the relationship between Florida School Recognition Program (FSRP) participation and adequate yearly progress (AYP) criteria met during school years 2004-2008. It also intended to discover whether schools' socioeconomic status, minority rates, and levels moderated this relationship as well as a difference in average AYP criteria met for schools that maintained FSRP participation and those that do not. The study further sought to determine whether these...
Show moreThis study was designed to determine the relationship between Florida School Recognition Program (FSRP) participation and adequate yearly progress (AYP) criteria met during school years 2004-2008. It also intended to discover whether schools' socioeconomic status, minority rates, and levels moderated this relationship as well as a difference in average AYP criteria met for schools that maintained FSRP participation and those that do not. The study further sought to determine whether these school characteristics and schools' grades predicted maintenance of participation in the FSRP. A quantitative method, including three statistical analyses, was employed to respond to 6 research questions and test 14 corresponding null hypotheses. Three thousand and seventy-seven schools were identified for data collection and analysis. Six independent variables were defined as school level, average socioeconomic status, average minority rate, average percentage of AYP criteria, aggregate number of years 100% of AYP criteria was met, and average school grade. One dependent variable was defined as aggregate years of FSRP participation. The study found that there was a relationship between participation in the FSRP and AYP criteria met, and school level, socioeconomic status, and minority rate moderated this relationship. While school level and minority rate moderated a difference in average percentage of AYP criteria met in schools that maintained participation in the program and those that did not, socioeconomic status did not. Moreover, all independent variables served as predictors for maintenance of participation in the FSRP. The study found that schools' demographic characteristics influence student achievement and participation in incentive pay programs., Six implications for future research were identified to further explore the FSRP and AYP relationship, the unintended consequences of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, the appropriateness of incentive pay education, the distribution of FSRP award dollars in schools, and student achievement by school level. Recommendations were to add an AYP criterion to the FSRP, assess the effectiveness of inducement policies in education, and add a provision for program evaluation to the FSRP statute.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/332912
- Subject Headings
- Academic achievement, Education and state, Educational equalization, Education, Aims and objectives
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Health of veterans home from war.
- Creator
- Wands, LisaMarie., Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
- Abstract/Description
-
Approximately 1.76 million men and women have served in the Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) military campaigns since October 2001. The transition from living in a war zone to resuming a fulfilling life at home is often difficult for veterans. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to gain understanding of the issues that complicate health for veterans and approaches veterans used to resolve complicating health issues associated with the challenge of...
Show moreApproximately 1.76 million men and women have served in the Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) military campaigns since October 2001. The transition from living in a war zone to resuming a fulfilling life at home is often difficult for veterans. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to gain understanding of the issues that complicate health for veterans and approaches veterans used to resolve complicating health issues associated with the challenge of coming home from war. Qualitative data collection and analysis was guided by story inquiry method. Quantitative data was collected using the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey, Version 2 (SF-36v2) and analyzed using QualityMetric Health Outcomes[TM] Score Software, Version 4.0. Seven OEF/OIF veterans who had completed at least one tour of duty in Iraq since October 2001 participated in this study. Three themes emerged from the qualitative data that capture the complicating health issues that participants encountered when coming home from war: flipping the switch, figuring out how to belong, and living the stress of a new normal. Two themes emerged from the qualitative data that capture approaches used to resolve complicating health issues associated with returning home from war: connecting with others and choosing a positive attitude. Quantitative data revealed that the majority of participants scored at or above general population norms on three of the subscales that measure physical health, as well as on two of the subscales that measure mental health; however a significant percentage scored below norms on the subscale that measures social functioning (57%) and on the subscale that directly measures mental health (43%)., All three themes describing complicating health issues that emerged during qualitative data analysis resonated with the SF-36v2's measures of mental health, especially social functioning which inquires about experiences with social interactions. Both themes describing movement toward resolving resounded strongly with the SF-36v2's measures of mental health. From this study's findings, changes to policy and practice, education of nurses and post-secondary faculty, and future research have been recommended to continue to assist the war veteran who is coming home.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3322516
- Subject Headings
- Post-traumatic stress disorder, Resilience (Personality trait), Veterans, Mental health, War, Psychological aspects, Iraq War, 2003-, Veterans, Medical care, Afghan War, 2001-, Veterans, Medical care
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The consequences of conditioned democracy promotion by the United States in Latin America.
- Creator
- Walsh, Kelly., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
-
Democracy promotion is an important tenet of United States foreign policy. However, U.S. democracy promotion efforts are conditioned by geopolitical concerns, economic goals, and security interests. This thesis analyzes the impact of U.S. foreign policy in Chile, Colombia, El Salvador and Nicaragua. Evidence from these cases suggests that United States foreign policy has contributed to the growth of unhealthy or pseudo-democracies in Latin America because frequently the policy reinforces the...
Show moreDemocracy promotion is an important tenet of United States foreign policy. However, U.S. democracy promotion efforts are conditioned by geopolitical concerns, economic goals, and security interests. This thesis analyzes the impact of U.S. foreign policy in Chile, Colombia, El Salvador and Nicaragua. Evidence from these cases suggests that United States foreign policy has contributed to the growth of unhealthy or pseudo-democracies in Latin America because frequently the policy reinforces the political and economic power of entrenched elites or the military. These groups, whose interests more closely align with U.S interests, are often uncommitted to supporting policy that promotes human rights and equitable distribution of wealth and power or that demands universal political liberties. Democracy is promoted rhetorically rather than in practice, and consequently is unresponsive and illegitimate. Future democracy promotion efforts by the United States, if they are to be successful, must overcome this illegitimacy by compensating for the conflicts that conditioned democracy produces.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/210005
- Subject Headings
- Democracy, Democratization, Government policy, Politics and government, Foreign relations, Foreign relations
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- " Guilty" until proven innocent: interrogation and false confessions.
- Creator
- Wailes, Meridith, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
-
In 1956 Darrel Parker was convicted of murdering his wife, with no evidence of his guilt except his own confession. Like Parker, some individuals confess to crimes which they did not commit. These confessions are generally made with a lawyer present when police us deception or coercion. While deception is constitutional, and a permitted police tactic, coercion is not. THis paper distinguished between the two and provides a philosophical framework for determining when deception becomes...
Show moreIn 1956 Darrel Parker was convicted of murdering his wife, with no evidence of his guilt except his own confession. Like Parker, some individuals confess to crimes which they did not commit. These confessions are generally made with a lawyer present when police us deception or coercion. While deception is constitutional, and a permitted police tactic, coercion is not. THis paper distinguished between the two and provides a philosophical framework for determining when deception becomes coercive. While non-coercive deception can lead to false confessions, I do not argue that deception should be banned, as it is a useful tool for police in catching criminals. Instead, I argue that police may deceive suspects, but prosecutors and judges should provide a check by using a three-pronged test to ensure that individuals are not convicted of crimes they did not commit.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3359324
- Subject Headings
- Confession (Law), Psychological aspects, Police questioning, Psychological aspects, Criminal justice, Administration of, Moral and ethical aspects, Interviewing in law enforcement, Criminal investigation, Psychological aspects
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The Roma uncovered: deconstructing the (mis)representation of a culture.
- Creator
- Velez, Alexi M., Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of Anthropology
- Abstract/Description
-
The Roma people, often referred to by the derogatory misnomer of "gypsy," are an ethnic group plagued by (mis)representation in popular culture. Roma representations in cinema, literature, journalism, and other forms of popular culture have perpetuated a long history of Roma exclusion. This thesis aims to identify not only the many manifestations of Roma (mis)representation, but also apply anthropological theory as a means of analyzing the ramifications of such (mis)representations on the...
Show moreThe Roma people, often referred to by the derogatory misnomer of "gypsy," are an ethnic group plagued by (mis)representation in popular culture. Roma representations in cinema, literature, journalism, and other forms of popular culture have perpetuated a long history of Roma exclusion. This thesis aims to identify not only the many manifestations of Roma (mis)representation, but also apply anthropological theory as a means of analyzing the ramifications of such (mis)representations on the Roma people. This paper concludes with suggestions for an anthropologically informed methodology of representation, and hopes to challenge long standing stereotypes and misinformation about the Romani culture.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3352886
- Subject Headings
- Romanies, Social life and customs, Romanies, Social life and customs, Romanies, Public opinion, Stereotypes (Social psychology)
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The relationship between professional development and the changing reading practices of teachers in low-performing elementary schools.
- Creator
- Vaughan, Michelle., College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this multi-case study was to identify the influence of professional development experiences on the changing reading practices of third-grade teachers in low-performing schools. Schools were chosen to participate based upon a steady increase in reading achievement scores despite failing to meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and being placed within the Corrective Action Phase of No Child Left Behind. Six teachers from 4 schools were chosen as participants based on the changing...
Show moreThe purpose of this multi-case study was to identify the influence of professional development experiences on the changing reading practices of third-grade teachers in low-performing schools. Schools were chosen to participate based upon a steady increase in reading achievement scores despite failing to meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and being placed within the Corrective Action Phase of No Child Left Behind. Six teachers from 4 schools were chosen as participants based on the changing reading practices they reported on an initial survey of 13 teachers. Interviews, observations, focus groups, and collection of archival data was completed over the course of 5 months in order to determine the influence of professional development on their reading practices. It was determined that teacher change following professional development is heavily influenced by the domain of power the directive or development is coming from. A continuum was developed to illustrate the relationship between these varying domains of power and their influence on changes made within reading practice. The changes were categorized as tending toward self-propelled or compelled changes. Teachers within this study reported higher levels of change when they were personally vested in professional development experiences and when those experiences met the immediate needs of their own personal growth or the growth of the students in their classroom.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/227978
- Subject Headings
- Teachers, Training of, Educational change, Language arts (Elementary), Reading, Study and teaching (Elementary)
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Tradable permits as a policy mechanism for greenhouse gas abatement.
- Creator
- Van Treese, Jeff., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
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This paper examines permit trading as an instrument for greenhouse gas emission abatement and suggests that a cap and trade scheme is the lowest-cost option for achieving this goal. The paper examines relevant examples of emission trading within the United States, including the Acid Rain Program contained within the 1990 Clean Air Act, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and the Chicago Climate Exchange. I address the circumstances, constraints, and degree of success of such programs in...
Show moreThis paper examines permit trading as an instrument for greenhouse gas emission abatement and suggests that a cap and trade scheme is the lowest-cost option for achieving this goal. The paper examines relevant examples of emission trading within the United States, including the Acid Rain Program contained within the 1990 Clean Air Act, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and the Chicago Climate Exchange. I address the circumstances, constraints, and degree of success of such programs in relation to the Kyoto Protocol as well as other possible permit schemes at the national level within the United States. I contrast tradable permits with other forms of environmental abatement policy including command and control regulation and taxation. Finally, I analyze the effect of several variables including population and GDP on emissions growth and draws conclusions on what extent those variables play on shaping a domestic greenhouse gas trading program.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/40973
- Subject Headings
- Emissions trading, Greenhouse gases, Environmental aspects, Climatic changes, Government policy, Greenhouse effect, Atmospheric, Environmental policy
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Beyond fidelity: relating educational practices and their determinants to student learning gains.
- Creator
- Urdegar, Steven M., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
- Abstract/Description
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This study explored how contextual factors influenced the effect of educational practices on student reading achievement and describes an alternative means of assessing educational programs under conditions of multiple-treatment interference and innovation diffusion. Over 1,500 reading teachers at 69 elementary schools within a large diverse district completed surveys regarding multiple aspects of the reading program, actions of their reading leaders, and instructional program coherence at...
Show moreThis study explored how contextual factors influenced the effect of educational practices on student reading achievement and describes an alternative means of assessing educational programs under conditions of multiple-treatment interference and innovation diffusion. Over 1,500 reading teachers at 69 elementary schools within a large diverse district completed surveys regarding multiple aspects of the reading program, actions of their reading leaders, and instructional program coherence at their schools. Nearly 13,000 students in grades 2 through 5 were assigned to those teachers. Factor analyses were used to separately identify patterns within survey items that measured educational practices, leadership actions, and instructional program coherence. Then, the students' achievement gains were adjusted for the effects of fixed demographic and organizational variables through hierarchical linear modeling. Finally, classroom level relationships between the adjusted achievement gains, and subscales computed from the factors that were identified, were examined through a path analysis. Educational practices were found to align to six factors labeled Technology, Training Utility, Advanced Skills, Basic Skills, Grouping, and Assessment. Leadership actions were found to align to two factors labeled Relationship and Task. Fixed effects at the student, classroom, and school levels were found to have an impact on both the initial status and growth components of student achievement. In the path model, Task was found to have a significant direct effect on Advanced Skills, while the effect of Relationship on educational practices was partially mediated by Instructional Program Coherence. Both Advanced and Basic skills were found to have positive effects on Adjusted Gain when taught at the appropriate level, and negative effects, when taught at the inappropriate level., Technology was found to facilitate Basic Skills instruction overall, with greater benefits seen at the upper grades. It was concluded the rates of use seen for Advanced and Basic skills instruction were similar at the three types of schools examined because of poor differentiation due to innovation diffusion. Teachers who perceived their leaders as supportive, tended to rate their schools as more coherent and training requirements as more appropriate, and used technology and assessment more often, leading to gains in student achievement.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/77653
- Subject Headings
- School management and organization, Decision making, Education, Evaluation, Educational tests and measurements, School improvement programs, Evaluation
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The effects of student participation in the cultural Spanish translation of the Student Success Skills program on high school student achievement.
- Creator
- Urbina, Ivett., College of Education, Department of Counselor Education
- Abstract/Description
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The purpose of this quantitative study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Spanish cultural translation of the Student Success Skills (SCT-SSS) classroom program as a school counselor intervention for increasing Hispanic student academic achievement scores as measured by standardized mathematics and reading tests. The research question evaluated in this study was: "What is the effect of student participation in the SCT-SSS on student achievement of high school Hispanic students in...
Show moreThe purpose of this quantitative study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Spanish cultural translation of the Student Success Skills (SCT-SSS) classroom program as a school counselor intervention for increasing Hispanic student academic achievement scores as measured by standardized mathematics and reading tests. The research question evaluated in this study was: "What is the effect of student participation in the SCT-SSS on student achievement of high school Hispanic students in reading and mathematics as measured by Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT)"? The sample for this study included 352 Hispanic students in Grades 9 and 10 from two public high schools in south Florida. The treatment group included 166 students and the comparison group included 186 students. In order to be eligible for participation in this study, students had to meet three different criteria: (a) they identified themselves as Hispanic on their school registration form; (b) they were enrolled in a Spanish for Native Speakers foreign language elective course: and (c) they had Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT) pretest scores on the reading and math tests. A series of preliminary univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) were conducted to determine if differences existed between participants on the FCAT reading and mathematics pretests Developmental Scale Scores (DSS). To control for grade level and English language learner (ELL) differences between study participants on pretest reading scores, a univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted using the FCAT reading pretest DSS as the covariate. An overall effect size of the current study was +0.50 with a variance of 0.0060 (95% CI [0.35, 0.65])., The results for the overall math effect size was +0.32 with a variance of 0.0115 (95% CI [0.10, .53]), and the results for the overall reading effect sizewas +0.70 with a variance of 0.0127 (95% CI [.48, .93]). These effect sizes were statistically significificant at the.05 level. The results from this study demonstrated that the SCT-SSS classroom program is an effective intervention for increasing student achievement for high school Hispanic students. Students who received the SCT-SSS classroom program achieved greater gains when compared to students who did not receive the intervention.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3334099
- Subject Headings
- Achievement in education, School improvement programs, Children of immigrants, Education, Hispanic American children, Education
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- DeShaney v. Winnebago County Department of Social Services: state accountability for private violence.
- Creator
- Tunick, Rachel, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
-
The Supreme Court's Ruling in DeShaney v. Winnebago County Department of Social Services (1989) eld that "A State's failure to protect an individual against private violence simply does not constitute a violation of the Due Process Clause." (489 U.S. 189 at 197). A state child protection agency's failure to prevent near-fatal abuse of a four year old child under its supervision was not considered a violation of the child's fourteenth amendment rights. This thesis critcally examines the...
Show moreThe Supreme Court's Ruling in DeShaney v. Winnebago County Department of Social Services (1989) eld that "A State's failure to protect an individual against private violence simply does not constitute a violation of the Due Process Clause." (489 U.S. 189 at 197). A state child protection agency's failure to prevent near-fatal abuse of a four year old child under its supervision was not considered a violation of the child's fourteenth amendment rights. This thesis critcally examines the reasoning behind the majority decision in DeShaney ; and using feminist legal theory, discusses ways to effectively address state policy and liability when private violence is used on vulnerable citizens, challenging the arbitrary dichotomy between the public and private spheres.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3359319
- Subject Headings
- Trials, litigation, etc, Child abuse, Law and legislation, Due process of law, Children, Legal status, laws, etc
- Format
- Document (PDF)