Friends of Fondren Library Research Awards

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https://hdl.handle.net/1911/21949

Launched in 2008 and funded by the Friends of Fondren Library, the Fondren Library Research Awards program recognizes students who demonstrate extraordinary skill and creativity in the application of library and information resources to original research and scholarship. Students submitted their research project and an essay outlining how they used specific library tools and resources to do their research. For more information about the awards, see here

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Safe Sex--The Dislocation of Satire onto Female Characters in Eighteenth-Century Nabob Comedy: a reading of satire in Samuel Foote's The Nabob and Elizabeth Griffith's A Wife in the Right
(Rice University, 2009) Casiano, Cassandra (Cassie)
Little is known of eighteenth-century dramatic performance. What remains are early printings of scripts and performance reviews buried in archives. In order to deal with a lack of knowledge of performance style and convention, literature scholars specializing in the eighteenth-century have tended to ignore the period's drama as a live and interactive event and treat only the primary dramatic text in their analyses. I offer authorial testimony and theatre reviews to support a reading which relies upon reception theory coupled with a view of performance as cultural barter, a la theatre anthropology. This study identifies a trend in nabob comedy of the mid-late eighteenth century in which the satire is dislocated onto economically enterprising female characters outside the marriage plot. I first investigate the practicality of this dislocation onto the "safe" and less investigated female character through a reading of a successful and often revived play by Samuel Foote--The Nabob. I attempt to prove the prudence of this dislocation by providing evidence of severe and physical audience reaction to the play. I then observe another dislocation of nabob satire onto women in the little known play, Elizabeth Griffith's A Wife in the Right. In this reading, I focus on women as a natural site for relocating nabob satire. As established internal Other in the patriarchal British society, it is a lateral shift for them to represent the threat of a cultural Other in British society-a threat realized by increased international travel. The physical theatrical space foregrounds this cosmopolitan shift in society. The staged physical representation of the female body as a canvas for wealth shown through jewels mined in the East also figures into the female characters tendency to subsume nabob satire in the highly visual medium of the theatre. In this play, the female nabobina figure must be expelled from the nation in order to mitigate the threat of the internal Other-Other in both gender and culture. Ultimately, I argue that through the dislocation of nabob satire onto women, the dramatists make progressive and influential statements about the increasingly diverse and cross-culturally inflected state of British society. In Griffith's case, I offer her nabobina character as an exercise in proto-feminism as well. All of this serves to elevate the oft dismissed genre of eighteenth-century drama and performance as a simultaneously catalytic and reflective site of change.
Dietary Supplement Industry and the Lack of Regulation
(Rice University, 2009) Dinh, Cindy
The Parenthood Problem: Examining Egg Donation, Adoption, and Frozen Embryos in Terms of Law and Economics
(Rice University, 2009) Ammons, Jackie
Architecture in the Marketplace of Ideas: Copyright and its "Chilling" Effects
(Rice University, 2009) Tankard, Jessica
This paper questions the applicability of current legal standards of copyright to architectural works. Copyright law, as currently written, does not address the unique needs and design practices common to the field of architecture. For example, in architecture, the appropriation of existing design strategies in new built works is common, and should not be seen as a copyright infringement. Secondly, architectural works integrate aesthetics and utility in ways that are often difficult to separate, therein complicating the legal distinction between patents (intended for utilitarian objects) and copyrights (intended for artistic productions). Furthermore, architectural works are not usually meant to be mass-produced and are difficult to copy, thus bringing into question the need to regulate their reproduction. The desire to create connections with the surrounding context of a built work is a fourth argument against the copyrighting of architectural works. This paper problematizes architecture’s position as a copyright protected field, synthesizing information from intellectual property law, cultural theory, economics, and architecture, using the works of prolific architect Rem Koolhaas as key examples. Copyleft thought and antirivalry policies are defined and proposed as alternative solutions to copyright law in the domain of architecture.
The Right to Bear Arms: Examining the Consequences of the Second Amendment in Terms of Law & Economics
(Rice University, 2010) Li, Howard Shaobo
The right to bear arms is an issue that is often disputed. In fact, there is more disagreement about this right than any other ones in the Constitution.1 Advocates believe the Second Amendment provides the citizens of the United States with an unchallengeable privilege to own firearms. Meanwhile, those who oppose the right believe the Second Amendment is outdated and stricter gun control should be imposed. Even court cases cannot seem to agree on the matter with verdicts constantly contradicting each other. With so many different arguments about the consequences of the Second Amendment, it is no surprise it is such a hot topic. This paper will address the right to bear arms and provide reasons why it is in society’s best interest to support the Second Amendment. Specifically, this paper will provide an economic analysis of the costs and benefits of gun control and legal issues surrounding the debate. In addition, this paper will examine the opinions from persons opposed to the Second Amendment and provide counterarguments to these claims. Finally, this paper will look at previous court cases to further support the argument that the right to bear arms should be protected.
Commoditizing Katrina
(Rice University, 2010) Lockrem, Jessica
Mere months after residents of New Orleans were left stranded on their roofs, before, even, all of the bodies were to be found within the flood wreckage, Gray Line New Orleans announced plans to begin bus tours of the wreckage caused by Hurricane Katrina. Such tours have now multiplied, almost a dozen companies offering bus or van tours of the death and destruction that so many watched unfold on network television. This essay will track the Katrina devastation tour through its various formations, noting, especially, its changing status as a commodity throughout. The commoditization of Katrina has not been a straight path towards increasing commoditization, but has been alternately contested and promoted as a commodity throughout its history.
Flux Qubits and Coherent Tunable Couplings between Them
(Rice University, 2010) Li, Zheng
Flux qubits (also known as persistent current qubits), one kind of superconducting tunnel junction circuits, are recently demonstrated as a promising candidate to realize quantum computations. In order to do large-scale quantum information processing, it is necessary to switch on and off the couplings between individual flux qubits in the time-domain while those qubits retain coherence. This report contains two parts: one is to describe my understanding of models, fabrications and measurements for one single flux qubit; the other is to compare two proposed schemes and the corresponding experimental realizations of coherent tunable couplings between flux qubits.
Life, Death, Nature, and Faith: The Spanish Vihuela Songs of Alonso Mudarra
(Rice University, 2010) Bandy, Amalia
This project examines the connection between music and text in works for solo voice and vihuela de mano by sixteenth century composer Alonso Mudarra. In addition to outlining the vihuela’s history as an important, yet transitory, ancestor to the modern guitar, the paper provides a detailed analysis of a selection of Mudarra’s compositions, with particular regard to text painting and conjectured musical commentary on themes of life, death, nature, and faith.
Precedents To J.S. Bach’s Fugues for Solo Violin from the Sonatas, BWV 1001, 1003, AND 1005
(Rice University, 2010) Slough, Tara
Johann Sebastian’s fugues for unaccompanied violin from the Sonatas, BWV 1001, 1003, and 1005, play a central role in the violin repertoire. Bach’s conceptualization of the fugues for solo violin, an instrument that would appear to preclude this sort of contrapuntal writing, is unique in the Baroque repertoire. This paper identifies precedents to Bach’s creation of fugues for solo violin. While Bach’s unprecedented and unmatched skill in the fugal genre provided for the creation of the violin fugues, he drew ideas from existing compositions and techniques. Specifically, he adopts the formal adaptation of the sonata da chiesa to the solo violin sonata which occurred in the Italian school of violin playing, notably Arcangelo Corelli. Furthermore, he builds upon early experimentation with the unaccompanied violin sonata and the development of virtuoso techniques within the German school of virtuoso violin playing of the late seventeenth century. Bach’s fugues for solo violin, therefore, represent a synthesis of the Italian and German traditions of violin playing.
Finding Fondren
(Rice University, 2010) Jarjour, Tawfik
The Rhetoric of Disputed Lands: A Lesson from the Camp David Accords to Create Peace in Kashmir
(Rice University, 2010) LaSalle, Dan
The complex adversarial relationship between Israel and Egypt has seen dozens of failed negotiations, cease-fires, and peace agreements (Fisher 50). Incompatible cultural and political ideologies, a history of violence, militant allies, and a plethora of other reasons make peace building a desirable, but immensely difficult, task between these two nations. The Camp David Accords of 1978 were arguably the most successful peace agreement brought between these two nations, but not because this compromise simply addressed political ideologies. This agreement respected of each nation‟s rhetorical logonomic systems. Such an understanding provides remarkably analogous insight into the conflict between Pakistan and India regarding Kashmir. This paper explicates the complex logonomic systems of Israel and Egypt, and how the Camp David Accords helped bring peace between these warring nations. Evidence is then provided to demonstrate that the conflict over Kashmir between India and Pakistan represents an immensely similar logonomic relationship, thus suggesting that maxims present in the Camp David Accords could help structure a peace agreement between India and Pakistan.
A Lost Cyclical Tale
(Rice University, 2010) Brookstone, Benjamin
Commons Knowledge (a library for rare books yet to be written)
(Rice University, 2010) Dewane, David
This thesis is a typological investigation of the library - specifically examining how digitizing information informs design. The agency of the book, which has historically been the protagonist of library design, is being radically transformed by the migration to the digital. An analysis of this shift reveals opportunities where new and provocative juxtapositions can be sought within this ancient and well-known building type. This library seeks to respond formally to the current condition of the book, which, as it is translated to the electronic, is divided into three phases: the absent, the common, and the unique. The absent is an acknowledgement that information is now produced in a wide variety of media whose representation can no longer be accommodated by the book alone, the common is an affirmation that the mechanically reproducible book is still legitimate, and in fact can be radically recast using existing technologies, and finally the unique is an understanding of how to treat objects resistant to digitization. Conceptually, the ambition of the library is to provide increased access to materials available online, while also providing opportunities to access that which cannot be easily reproduced. It stages a relationship between the two, and in the process tries to strengthen its position as an agency of culture
The Unchanging Mind: Origen’s Lifetime Argument and The Dissolution of the Devil
(Rice University, 2011) Domeracki, Michael Stefan
Typically, scholars have concluded that Origen advocated a universal salvation model where the devil is saved. Many scholars today maintain this position and typically cite Peri Archon, composed very early Origen’s writing career. There are some scholars, however, who cite Contra Celsum to demonstrate that Origen does in fact hold the devil will not be saved, and therefore does not propose universal salvation. But many scholars, lie somewhere in between arguing that Origen is simply inconsistent on the matter. It is the intent of this paper to show that Origen never held the devil would be saved, but was rather misunderstood and misrepresented in his own life and forced to clarify his own position. In tracing Origen’s writings and social conflicts, I will show that Origen proposed a universal salvation system, but never believed the devil would actually choose to repent and be saved. His later writings do not belie an inconsistent theology, but rather demonstrate a response to misinterpretations regarding his own theology. The paper will begin outlining Origen’s salvation model evident in Peri Archon, then discuss the social conflicts of Origen, and conclude with a study of his later writings. By following his life and writings chronologically, I will show that Origen did not change his mind, but rather wrote in reaction to his opponents to clarify and further explain his salvation theology.
Stylistic and conceptual similarities in the psalm settings of Mikołaj Gomółka and Claude Goudimel
(Rice University, 2011) Robak, Tomasz
Polish-language polyphonic music from the Renaissance has been largely ignored in English-language music historical literature. However, this repertory is of the highest quality and is comparable to the output of other Western European composers. Because this music deserves closer study, I explore and compare a portion of the output of Mikołaj Gomółka, a significant exponent of compositional trends in Renaissance Poland, and of Claude Goudimel, a more renowned French composer from the same period. Both of these composers wrote musical settings of vernacular translations of the Psalms of David. Through my study I find that historically, Gomółka’s compositional undertaking reflects many of the same religious and humanistic attitudes as Goudimel’s and that it is a further testament to the religious reform of the era. Furthermore, by examining several Psalm settings by these composers I also prove that Gomółka and Goudimel share many of the same masterful compositional techniques while preserving a distinctively original style.
Archival (Yellow) Fever: The Letters of Kezia Payne DePelchin and E. Kate Heckle
(Rice University, 2011) O'Leary, Joanna Shawn Brigid
I originally submitted “Archival (Yellow) Fever” as my final paper for Dr. Helena Michie’s graduate seminar on Victorian fiction and historicism. This paper includes my analysis of the DePelchin/Heckle materials, a collection of writings by two female nurses serving in the 1878 Mississippi Valley Yellow Fever Epidemic; a meta-reflection on my experience in the archive; and proposals for two future research projects based my preliminary research. My first project, “Narrativizing Disease,” explores how DePelchin in particular sought to establish herself as an authorial figure via elaborate literary motifs and highly stylized language. This project also investigates the possibility that both women used war metaphors in their descriptions as a means of positing the Epidemic as a new sort of battle that specifically required female “soldiers” (i.e., caregivers). “The Legacy of Infection,” the second project, in turn examines how yellow fever may have permanently “infected” a household, that is to say, changed its gender and economic hierarchies, altered power dynamics, and/or transformed the space of the home. Because DePelchin and Heckle provided detailed accounts as to how patients and families operated during the Epidemic, the task of this second project is to extend and/or resolve those narratives begun by DePelchin and Heckle by engaging in a scholarly scavenger hunt of sorts through various historical sites and archives throughout the country.
Persons with Mental Disabilities and the United States Justice System: a Study of Injustice and Contradiction
(Rice University, 2011) Brookstone, Benjamin
This paper explores a short history of the mentally challenged in the legal system and makes comparisons between how the legal system treats subjects with borderline intellectual functioning and juveniles with normal intellectually functioning. The research contained in this paper amply proves the prevalence of nefarious consequences stemming from strict legal boundaries through two case study examples. The paper then proposes an experiment designed to prove that mentally challenged offenders do not meet the culpability standards set forth by the legal system. Conclusions drawn from the experiment are elaborated upon through their constitutional implications.
A Call for Medical Pluralism in America: Integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine
(Rice University, 2012) Kong, Jiayi
China has adopted a unique policy of medical pluralism, whereby traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and western biomedicine (WM) are both widely used in the health care system to provide optimal health outcomes to patients. Indeed, this fusion of traditional and western principles may seem contradictory, as there are fundamental differences in philosophy between TCM and WM. For example, TCM emphasizes the concepts of “Qi, Zang”, the “Yin-Yang” theory, “Shen”, and “Bianzheng lunzhi”. To the Chinese, health is viewed holistically, encompassing psychology, activity and diet. On the other hand, WM is much more concerned with intervention, focusing on the biological determinants of illness, and viewing health simply as the absence of disease. Despite these differences in theory, there are great advantages to combining TCM and WM, as illustrated in the successful integration seen in China since the 1950s. This integration improves health outcomes in chronic diseases. Furthermore, it also increases cost-effectiveness of health care. Finally, it meets an increasing demand for complementary medicine and cultural sensitivity. Indeed, research shows that the application of both TCM and WM in many cases would be more efficacious than the use of just one method alone. In the future, it is recommended that America combine TCM and WM through increased awareness of the benefits of medical pluralism and alternative medicine. Ultimately, Western practitioners should learn more about traditional medicine in organized settings such as medical schools, and be encouraged to accept new perspectives and philosophies about health care.
Implications of Multiple Intelligences and Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic Learning Preference
(Rice University, 2012) Conlon, Paul M.
This qualitative study refutes cognitive assessment instruments as definitive measures of human intelligence. Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences (MI) is found to agitate the conventional wisdom concerning the appraisal of human intellectual proclivity. Though Gardner’s theory is defended as a more comprehensive, assessment methodology; limitations to multiple intelligence theory are elucidated. Visual/Auditory/Kinesthetic (VAK) Learning Modality is correlated as an appropriate model for evaluating multiple intelligence theory due to its multi-sensory foci. The resultant analysis reveals objective correlation between MI and VAK to be consternated by variables such as culture and self-bias; however, the research advances the discussion as to how to more efficiently and effectively increase learner achievement and outcomes.
Sunlight and Fresh Air: Picturing Life in the Central-Hall Houses of Beirut, 1890-1920
(Rice University, 2012) Hooper, Rachel
In the last thirty years of Ottoman rule in Beirut, Lebanon, a form of domestic architecture developed that became the ultimate status symbol for the burgeoning bourgeoisie of the city. This new type of dwelling came to be known as the central-hall house. Based on a historiography of this housing type, I will use recently published photographs from this same time period of 1890 to 1920 to reconsider three major design elements of the central-hall house: the triple arched window, plan of the central hall, and red tile roof in light of how these architectural features can be seen to be a part of the the inhabitants' lives. Based on photographic evidence, I will show that upper-class women were a touch point for changes and conversations taking place in the last thirty years of Ottoman rule in Beirut. New urban homes, educational opportunities, access to infrastructure, and conspicuous consumerism were a part of the lived reality of these women's day-to-day existence. By taking these socio-cultural factors into account, iconic features of the central-hall house offer a view of space, place, and gender in the early stages of modernization in city of Beirut, the area of Lebanon, and the greater Syrian geographic area.

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