Barrett, The Honors College Thesis/Creative Project Collection
Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University proudly showcases the work of undergraduate honors students by sharing this collection exclusively with the ASU community.
Barrett accepts high performing, academically engaged undergraduate students and works with them in collaboration with all of the other academic units at Arizona State University. All Barrett students complete a thesis or creative project which is an opportunity to explore an intellectual interest and produce an original piece of scholarly research. The thesis or creative project is supervised and defended in front of a faculty committee. Students are able to engage with professors who are nationally recognized in their fields and committed to working with honors students. Completing a Barrett thesis or creative project is an opportunity for undergraduate honors students to contribute to the ASU academic community in a meaningful way.
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Description
In this paper I will be addressing whether Judaism accepts organ donation. A problem that faces society today is the lack of people who are registered as organ donors. This is not only a problem in the religious world, but also the secular world. A common issue for individuals is the belief that their religion is against organ donation and does not support it. Even people who don’t practice their religion strictly bring up this issue. While this might be the case for some religions and certain parts of a religion, the majority of religions are in favor of and support organ donation to save another life. This paper explores what the religion of Judaism has to say on the matter of organ donation. There are different types of ways that one can donate their organs and this paper seeks to understand what Judaism has to say about each type of organ donation. Each type of donation brings up issues of their own because of the importance that Judaism puts on life. Judaism believes that humans are put on Earth by God and will be taken off Earth by God. This brings up the issue of what defines death, especially in regard to people who have been pronounced brain dead. As a result, each situation should be dealt with on a case by case basis and one should consult with their local rabbi on whether it would be permissible to donate their organs.
ContributorsHess, Danielle (Author) / Mirvis, Stanley (Thesis director) / Robert, Jason (Committee member) / Department of Information Systems (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05
Description
Genetic engineering and gene alterations are a very rich and complex issue that have been the talk of many ethical debates. Somatic and germline genetic engineering technologies are becoming more prevalent in the scientific community and could be provided for public use in a matter of time. These technologies raise bioethical concerns as society recognizes the challenges behind where to draw the line in use of this relatively new science. The basis of this paper is focused around a meta-analysis and systematic assessment of previous publications of major ethical debates to show the complex interests and ideas that need to be reflected and contemplated upon when deciding to genetically alter our species. A short description of background literature takes place first to show the ideas of major philosophers and bioethic figures to introduce these topics. This analysis will then continue with discussion from a religious point of view and the concerns that they have on these technologies. Next, there is a discussion regarding violation of consent, rights, and autonomy. A discussion of the potential consequential grounds of these enhancements on our species and what they could mean for our future takes ensues after this. At the end of this paper, there is a last discussion about the injustice and inequity that could form from these technologies becoming available to the public. These technologies could affect the future of our entire species and drastically shape our society, medicine, and science in ways we could never imagine.
ContributorsHinni, Danielle Nicole (Author) / McGregor, Joan (Thesis director) / Brian, Jennifer (Committee member) / Department of Psychology (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05
Description
Evangelicals (particularly American evangelicals) have largely been seen historically as a monolithic group with similar viewpoints and actions across the board. The group has been tied to historically conservative values and is often held most responsible for the election of President Donald J. Trump. Additionally, American evangelicals have, as a whole, supported the modern State of Israel (both financially through individual donations and/or lobbying efforts and spiritually through prayer). Preliminary research suggested, however, that not all evangelicals have adopted this pro-Israel stance. After conducting 10 interviews (with subjects in the United States, Israel and the Palestinian territories) and researching the history of evangelicalism in these areas, it becomes apparent that evangelicals who are from or are currently living in the United States are much more likely to support the State of Israel than those who are from Israel or the Palestinian territories - though it should be emphasized that they claim their support is not unconditional, as several polls and general attitudes toward evangelicals may imply. Above all else, this essay seeks to prove that evangelicals are not a monolithic entity wherein all of its members harbor the same beliefs and attitudes. As the remainder of this essay will show, there is a wide spectrum of perspectives as it pertains to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which suggests that this conflict is not as polarizing within the evangelical community as one might think. Polls with numbers indicating that a majority of evangelicals support Israel might imply that there must then be conflict between those evangelicals and people who do not support Israel. Such polls neglect to highlight the nuance among members of the evangelical community, a fact that this essay will attempt to rectify.
ContributorsFrank, BrieAnna Joy (Author) / Bruner, Jason (Thesis director) / Lattouf, Mirna (Committee member) / Historical, Philosophical & Religious Studies (Contributor) / Walter Cronkite School of Journalism & Mass Comm (Contributor) / School of Politics and Global Studies (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
Description
The connection between Judaism and Charitable giving was evaluated by researching what Judaism teaches about giving to charity and also how Jews practice these teachings. Primary research was gathered by referring to Jewish texts like the Torah and the Mishneh Torah. Three Jewish people were interviewed about their perspective and practices towards giving and the connection to Judaism. All answers were referenced against the research to determine the most likely causes that Jews give to charity.
ContributorsBloom, Arianna Layla (Author) / LaRosa, Julia (Thesis director) / Ripley, Charles (Committee member) / WPC Graduate Programs (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor, Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
DescriptionI created a multimedia website exploring the history and influence of Christianity in Native American communities throughout the Southwest. More specifically, this project explores how Christianity was introduced in these communities, how Native Americans responded to it, and how it has impacted them since.
ContributorsMeza, Vivian Mariza (Author) / Hawthorne James, Venita (Thesis director) / Fixico, Donald (Committee member) / Walter Cronkite School of Journalism & Mass Comm (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
Description
Historians periodize the ancient past in order to better facilitate its study. From period to period, the ideas, figures and discussions that define as distinct become trapped within the walls that historians have artificially imposed. However, history is not nearly so clean, and that which we have selected to define each period may be carried forward beyond their period or retrojected into a past period. This thesis will explore how ideas and concepts travel backward and forward in time, through construction of memory and through cultural hybridity and intertextuality, by casting the royal ideology of the Hasmoneans as seen in I and II Maccabees in light of the legacy and memory of the Achaemenid Persian Dynasty. The first two chapters discuss the development of Achaemenid Royal Ideology, beginning with the conquest of Babylon by Cyrus II and his adoption of the ancient Near Eastern “Restorer of Order” literary paradigm to restructure the past for political legitimacy, and continues to the rise to power of Darius I, who in many ways built off of the Restorer of Order paradigm but innovated in establishing a new, more equal relationship between the divine and the royal receiver of the divine mandate to rule. The second two chapters begin with a discussion of II Maccabees and its use of the Restorer of Order paradigm, but goes more into detail on how it constructs an “idyllic past” that not only connects the Maccabees to mythic biblical figures but also reconstructs the Persian past of the Jewish people that mirrors and legitimizes Hasmonean royal ideology in sacred time, and ends with a discussion of how the innovations of Darius might have shaped the eventual conflict between the Hasmonean dynasty and their opponents over the correct responsibilities of the High Priest in Jerusalem.
ContributorsDanesh, Hal Tzvi (Author) / Langille, Timothy (Thesis director) / Mirguet, Francoise (Committee member) / Historical, Philosophical & Religious Studies (Contributor, Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05
Description
In this thesis I will explore the connections that exist between sport and religion by considering how both involve pursuit of perfection, shared lexicon, significant events and rituals, and heroes and legends. Then I will devote time to exploring two other major themes: (a) how religion utilizes sport and (b) how sport incorporates religion.
ContributorsBarno, Michael Joseph (Author) / Kassing, Jeffrey (Thesis director) / Kunkel, Kenneth (Committee member) / School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (Contributor, Contributor, Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-12
Description
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of the generation. Both faith organizations and scientific research are striving to solve problems related to climate change. Both show significant motivations to act on the effects that global warming is predicted to have. Combining the motivations and finding common ground could be the key to changing the fundamental issues that lead to climate change and both sides need each other to carry out the goal of preventing climate change. Some potential outcomes of cooperation are explored and the impact that these measures could have are described. These effects will be synthesized from previous research on the subjects, compiling qualitative data on the motivations and effects of both religion and science on climate change.
ContributorsAdcock, Randall (Author) / Fellars Watrous, Lisa (Thesis director) / Berry, Evan (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Chemical Engineering Program (Contributor) / School of Sustainability (Contributor) / School for Engineering of Matter,Transport & Enrgy (Contributor)
Description
Workplaces in the U.S. have historically been plagued by incivility directed at minority employees. Individuals have continuously been subjected to harassment, hostility, and discomfort while at work due to the lack of support given to minorities in these spaces. In a constantly changing environment, this problem only appears to be getting worse. Examining the issue through an intersectional lens shows a fuller picture. By putting into place a dynamic framework that identifies, solves, and predicts demographic related workplace incivility, organizations will be better equipped to create a positive work environment. The outcome being improved productivity and synergy. Most importantly, empowering minority groups that have previously been mistreated is invaluable to the wellbeing of these individuals and the employers.
ContributorsFincher, Joshua (Author) / Sturgess, Jessica (Thesis director) / O'Flaherty, Katherine (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Dean, Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts (Contributor) / School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor)
Created2022-05
Description
This thesis project utilizes four frames created by Bolman and Deal’s book, Reframing Organizations to take a look at the Young Single Adults of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The thesis begins by presenting the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the bigger picture of religion in the world and narrows down into the particular branch of the church centered on the Young Single Adults who are made up of unmarried 18-31 year olds. From there, opportunities for improvement within the Young Single Adult wards and stakes are mentioned. Then using the four frameworks from Bolman and Deal and outside research an analysis of the YSA is conducted, followed by potential solutions to the challenges and the opportunities for improvement within the Young Single Adults are discussed. The thesis is then concluded with any limitations and a final push for the implementation of these changes.
ContributorsO'Hare, Samuel (Author) / deLusé, Stephanie (Thesis director) / Manis, Jack (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor)
Created2022-05