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A zombie wanders around towards an unknown destination and interacts with the world around her. All the while, the voice of the late Dr. Lauren Maldonado's essays plays overhead, completely unaware to the corpse's behavior. The essays, explorations of zombies' roles in media, are revealed to have been written by

A zombie wanders around towards an unknown destination and interacts with the world around her. All the while, the voice of the late Dr. Lauren Maldonado's essays plays overhead, completely unaware to the corpse's behavior. The essays, explorations of zombies' roles in media, are revealed to have been written by that zombie before she was turned. Dr. Maldonado's body eventually stumbles into her old self’s office. Here, she begins to eat the papers she finds on the desk. The Zombie as the Undefinable Monster is a non-fiction analysis on the zombie metaphor in media paired with a fictional narrative. For each scene, there is a short analytical essay to match. In conjunction, the five scenes with the five essays explore the relationship between zombies and identity. Within the narrative, those five essays are written by the deceased character Dr. Lauren Maldonado. Her zombified body serves as the main character of the story. Preceding the storyboards and the essays, there is an appendix written outside of the narrative containing two additional essays. The first is an artist statement detailing my creative and thinking process. The second is a written explanation of the zombie mechanics within the narrative.
ContributorsTorres, Anastasia (Author) / Schmidt, Peter (Thesis director) / Davis, Turner (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Art (Contributor)
Created2022-05
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Description
This thesis takes the form of a nonfiction graphic novel to analyze how ideas about monsters are subverted in DreamWorks’s How to Train Your Dragon and Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water, and how these subversions are queer acts. Both of these movies initially introduce the inhuman as something

This thesis takes the form of a nonfiction graphic novel to analyze how ideas about monsters are subverted in DreamWorks’s How to Train Your Dragon and Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water, and how these subversions are queer acts. Both of these movies initially introduce the inhuman as something to fear, but later deliver messages of empathy and respect as the protagonists learn to communicate with and befriend the inhuman. Interestingly enough, these movies present contrasting opinions on whether monsters should be integrated into society or remain outcast; How to Train Your Dragon shows a society where dragons become normalized by the end and argues for the integration of monsters into society. Conversely, The Shape of Water concludes with the protagonist Elisa escaping society with the Amphibian Man, therefore arguing that the monstrous is to be kept separate from society at large. The act of personifying monsters elevates them to the same level of respect as humans. I maintain that the personification of monsters queers the definition of both person- and monsterhood by blurring the distinctions between the two. This is important because it allows humans to recognize not just the humanity of monsters, but the monstrosity in ourselves.
ContributorsPhillips, Kelsey (Author) / Van Engen, Dagmar (Thesis director) / Deacon, Deborah (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / School of Art (Contributor)
Created2022-05
Description

This creative project examines identity, autonomy, and social hierarchy by manipulating the traditions and iconography of female figural painting. Female identity and autonomy is often marked by a tense relationship between the self and the body. Socially acceptable self-expression of one's behavior, body, and desires is strictly regulated within a

This creative project examines identity, autonomy, and social hierarchy by manipulating the traditions and iconography of female figural painting. Female identity and autonomy is often marked by a tense relationship between the self and the body. Socially acceptable self-expression of one's behavior, body, and desires is strictly regulated within a set of often paradoxical parameters that repress abject, 'animal' behaviors. This series of three paintings reacts to this culture of restraint and repression by exposing the body to nature once more, finding catharsis in annihilation and the destruction of boundaries between the Self and the Other. The human body is depicted as a host for animal life cycles, exploring the duality of creating and supporting life while simultaneously being destroyed. Animals that embody socially unacceptable behaviors are brought crashing back into the human form, reuniting the idealized, contrived female figure with an expressive, imperfect nature and sense of self. Hybridized animal-human relationships in the paintings break down the falsely hierarchical distinction between 'humans' and 'animals' that distances and privileges humanity from that which is considered primitive. By releasing the human body to the uncomplicated consumptive and reproductive forces of ‘trash’ animals in these paintings, the work challenges how the worth of existence is socially defined, instead affirming that all life has some inherent value distinct from its transactional worth to society at large. This celebration of the grotesque shakes off repressive social constructs, offering a unique form of catharsis and agency.

ContributorsBuettner, Marie (Author) / Solis, Forrest (Thesis director) / Broglio, Ronald (Committee member) / School of Art (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2021-12
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Description

"Calico" takes a look at the Japanese art form of "Manga" and what makes it stand out from similar art forms seen in the west such as comic books and graphic novels. After researching art techniques and the history leading up to modern manga practices, "Calico" summarizes it all together

"Calico" takes a look at the Japanese art form of "Manga" and what makes it stand out from similar art forms seen in the west such as comic books and graphic novels. After researching art techniques and the history leading up to modern manga practices, "Calico" summarizes it all together in the form of a manga itself. The story of "Calico" uses manga art techniques to tell the story of a young girl who finds solace in a street cat following the death of her mother.

ContributorsRamirez Cordero, Andrea (Author) / Boyce-Jacino, Katherine (Thesis director) / Deacon, Deborah (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Art (Contributor)
Created2021-12
Description
Attending college brings on new experiences and challenges. In order to survive college, a student must figure out what resources are available to them and what will help them succeed. The purpose of this study is to learn about what students struggle with the most. Students were also asked about

Attending college brings on new experiences and challenges. In order to survive college, a student must figure out what resources are available to them and what will help them succeed. The purpose of this study is to learn about what students struggle with the most. Students were also asked about what advice they have for future students and what they would change about their own experience. Participants of the study consisted of ASU students 18 or older. Information was collected through interviews, an online survey, and a paper survey. Many students feel that high school has not prepared them for college. Some students continue to struggle with time management. With students coming from many different backgrounds, it is up to the college to provide resources to help students to succeed. However, it is up to the student to make the effort to find, ask, and use these resources. The student ultimately decides to use the resources and tools provided to them in order to survive college.
ContributorsMartinez, Precious (Co-author) / Serrano, Hazel (Co-author) / Van Fleet, David (Thesis director) / Hutt, Roger (Committee member) / School of Art (Contributor) / Morrison School of Agribusiness (Contributor) / College of Letters and Sciences (Contributor) / Human Systems Engineering (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2016-05
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Description
Fringe: Abstract Fringe is a feature length screenplay and a work of original science fiction. The story takes place in the future, on a planet far from Earth but it is told from the human perspective and is meant to draw into question many issues present in society today: prejudice,

Fringe: Abstract Fringe is a feature length screenplay and a work of original science fiction. The story takes place in the future, on a planet far from Earth but it is told from the human perspective and is meant to draw into question many issues present in society today: prejudice, hatred, multiculturalism, war, and social division. The screenplay seeks to pose an allegorical relationship between the humanity living on the planet, and the enemies they face, and the present day conflict between America and the Middle East or ISIS. The story follows Miles as he is forced to ally with his sworn enemy, the Lue, and learn to fight together to save his world from destruction. Miles begins the film bitter, resentful, and filled with prejudice towards his foes, much like a majority of Americans today. Instead of focussing on that conflict though, my story unites these two bitter enemies and asks them to put aside their violent and hateful pasts to fight a new, more powerful foe together. As the events unfold my characters learn that their enemies can be just like them and that they have something valuable to offer their world. My screenplay is about finding commonality with the enemy, on both sides of a conflict. By the end of my tale, Miles learns that there is good to be found in the world, even in his sworn enemies, if he looks close enough. It may seem like an archetypal plot on the surface but I worked hard to create a world that has not been seen in film before, an original science fiction universe that can bring these issues into the light and entertain an audience while doing so. I feel that my screenplay does just that, offering entertainment with and edge of social commentary, and stays true to the science fiction form.
ContributorsTrcic, Colton Walker (Author) / Maday, Gregory (Thesis director) / Bernstein, Gregory (Committee member) / WPC Graduate Programs (Contributor) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / School of Film, Dance and Theatre (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2016-05
Description
Cultural perpetuation is the ongoing process of celebrating a culture, which allows for continual life to be blown into the culture. This paper explores the reasoning behind the facilitation of a luʻau, which is one way to perpetuate Polynesian culture. This work finds significance particularly on the ASU Tempe campus

Cultural perpetuation is the ongoing process of celebrating a culture, which allows for continual life to be blown into the culture. This paper explores the reasoning behind the facilitation of a luʻau, which is one way to perpetuate Polynesian culture. This work finds significance particularly on the ASU Tempe campus because of the lack of such an event. There is a heavy focus on the Hawaiian context, which provides motivation for cultural perpetuation. Findings in working with the Hawaiʻi Pacific Islander Club at ASU then support the practicality of a luʻau and its future implications.
ContributorsCoh, Elizabeth Esperante (Author) / Sumner, Carol (Thesis director) / Golden, Amy (Committee member) / Department of Information Systems (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Department of Supply Chain Management (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2016-05
Description
Africa has some of the "fastest growing economies," yet there is a lack of a middle class (Economist). Natural resources have attracted foreign investments, however, most of the revenue exit these economies. What remains a consistent, permanent advantage is culture; it has been the most integrated core value before and

Africa has some of the "fastest growing economies," yet there is a lack of a middle class (Economist). Natural resources have attracted foreign investments, however, most of the revenue exit these economies. What remains a consistent, permanent advantage is culture; it has been the most integrated core value before and after colonialism. The concept of culture has become a part of the identity of Africa and it has not been leveraged to its full potential. The 2013 Creative Economy Report states, "Culture is a way to create jobs and improve people's lives. It empowers people. It works for development" (UNESCO/UNDP). Cultural industries create local sustainable jobs that are less susceptible to the fluctuation of the global economy compared to jobs in factories and multinational companies. They are based on "local tacit know how" that is not accessible globally as they are people intensive rather than capital intensive (Scott A.J, 1999). Activ8 seeks to tap into this opportunity by maximizing the economic potential of developing economies by investing in their cultural industries. Activ8 aspires to accomplish this by targeting two sets of customers: creators, who are the activators, and investors. Our activators consist of two target segments: one living and working in these industries in a developing country, and the other being refugee clients who may have been exposed to a cultural industry and may want to pursue developing cultural products in their new country of asylum. Our investors are globally minded individuals who want to be culturally aware, have an appreciation for authentic cultural products, or seek to invest in entrepreneurial pursuits in Africa. During our first phase we will focus on the cultural industries in Ghana, West Africa. This will range from products in the textiles industry to sculptures and traditional instruments. We plan to pilot the first phase in Ghana and in the second phase, form a partnership with the International Rescue Committee, a refugee settlement agency, in Arizona. Our goals are to provide education and mentoring, market accessibility, product development, and financing to encourage and empower activators to be self-sufficient and successful cultural entrepreneurs, whiles improving economic development in their communities. Our online store will feature our activators' authentic products, their stories, and the cultural importance of each product. There will also be a platform for entrepreneurs in other industries in Africa to connect with venture capitalists or angel investors around the world. The educational component will be infused with product development and entrepreneurship training derived from the "From AHA!! to EXIT" strategy coined by Aram Chavez from the College of Technology and Innovation at ASU. In order for Activ8 to successfully execute its mission, Activ8 will need to be able to give our team and our activators access to technology, mentorship, and financial resources to operate an online store and rum Activ8's educational program. We also envision creating partnerships with boutiques and retail corporations to adapt these cultural products. Our long-term goal is formulate the conditions conducive for economic growth and sustainable development to ensure Africans become the main agents of development.
ContributorsAdusei, Esther (Author) / Chavez, Aram (Thesis director) / Schoellman, Todd (Committee member) / Department of Supply Chain Management (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / Economics Program in CLAS (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2015-12
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Description
Familiar Places: Ghosts of a Memory is a thesis exhibition, presented in Gallery 100 in Tempe, AZ, accompanied by a written investigation into the function of photography in the home and art. This project is a diaristic photographic record including images of myself, my family, my environment, and mementos or

Familiar Places: Ghosts of a Memory is a thesis exhibition, presented in Gallery 100 in Tempe, AZ, accompanied by a written investigation into the function of photography in the home and art. This project is a diaristic photographic record including images of myself, my family, my environment, and mementos or objects that embody family history. I am interested in what we hold onto to keep memories and create our "home". I moved frequently growing up so my sense of home became firmly grounded in family, tradition, and the things we kept close, making home a practiced space not a place. This thesis project explores how material culture, including photographs, is used in creating the space of the home. Questions regarding the nature of the photograph as a memory keeping device or memory trigger is investigated to understand their usefulness and accuracy to the memory. A deeper examination of the difference between an artist's photograph of family and home versus the family photograph is discussed and presented by utilizing installations in the exhibition. The photographs can be seen at www.gwendolynanne.com
ContributorsDavies, Gwendolyn Anne (Author) / Smith, Stephen Mark (Thesis director) / Danh, Binh (Committee member) / Loebenberg, Abby (Committee member) / School of Art (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2015-12
Description
Japanese puzzle boxes are exquisite wooden creations that combine artistry, craftsmanship, and the thrill of solving intricate puzzles. Originating in Hakone, Japan, over 100 years ago, these boxes are called "himitsu-bako," which translates to "Personal Secret Box" due to their meticulously designed hidden compartments and complex locking mechanisms. Unlocking these

Japanese puzzle boxes are exquisite wooden creations that combine artistry, craftsmanship, and the thrill of solving intricate puzzles. Originating in Hakone, Japan, over 100 years ago, these boxes are called "himitsu-bako," which translates to "Personal Secret Box" due to their meticulously designed hidden compartments and complex locking mechanisms. Unlocking these boxes involves a precise sequence of movements, twists, and rotations, turning the process into an interactive and engaging challenge. The goal of this project is to create a puzzle box from scratch while incorporating some of the mechanics from the traditional Japanese puzzle boxes.
ContributorsChallaram, Greeshma (Author) / Beiner, Susan (Thesis director) / Ang-Wanek, Nicole (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Art (Contributor) / Computer Science and Engineering Program (Contributor)
Created2024-05