Composition 211: Sophomore Research Conference

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https://mcstor.library.milligan.edu/handle/11558/47

The Milligan College Composition Program offers a 2-semester sequence that begins with a focus on rhetoric and argument during the spring semester of the freshman year. The initial foundation in argumentation prepares students to read, think, and write critically in preparation for work in all disciplines. Students learn the art of rhetoric: how to recognize effective arguments, how to construct effective arguments, and how various rhetorical situations shape the context of effective communication. As sophomores, students begin to focus on advanced analysis and synthesis in the broader context of the Humanities and of their specific disciplines. This unique course prepares students to think, read, and write in upper division liberal arts classes as well as in their various fields. Students build on the first semester’s rhetorical foundation by focusing on different citation styles, longer essays, and multi-faceted argumentation. The Writing Faculty showcases some of the most innovative and well-written research in a Research Conference at the end of the Fall semester.

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 102

Everything, Nothing, or Somewhere in Between?: The Centrality of Inerrancy in the Christian Church
(2023-12-05) Magness, Bryant; Hoover, Heather
The doctrine of inerrancy, most clearly articulated in the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy in 1978, is a fundamentalist reaction to trends that were rising in the Protestant American church in the 19th and 20th centuries and has become increasingly important for American evangelicals in the past century. For many, inerrancy is now considered a central tenet of Christian faith and a hill to die on for the life or death of Christianity. This paper will focus on the historical and sociological causes and effects of this phenomenon. Although the doctrine does extend a long tradition of Christian understanding of inspiration in a faithful way, the current emphasis placed upon it by many evangelicals is often misleading to Christians and encourages disunity among academics. I argue that American Evangelicals should reimagine approaches to the doctrine of inerrancy and reduce the centrality of the doctrine in order to foster unity and liberty among Christians.
Dollar to Digital: Understanding the Risks of Retail CBDCs
(2023-11-21) McCann, Michael; Miller, Jeff
With the emergence of centralized digital currencies, commonly known as cryptocurrencies, in the mid-2010s, governments across the globe began researching and discussing developing and implementing central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). This paper delves into the implementation of various CBDC models and the potential ramifications and transformations they bring to the financial landscape. Using a holistic lens, incorporating unbanked peoples, environmental impacts, privacy, and commercial and central bank implications, I explore the opportunities and challenges created through CBDCs. I take into account a plethora of major entities and their respective positions to broaden our financial perspective and gain better monetary agency.
Contra Mundum: The European Union must seek a Rapprochement with Poland
(2023-12-09) Kearney, Arran; Hoover, Heather
Relations between the European Union and the Third Polish Republic have grown steadily worse over recent years - to the point where some political commentators have begun to speculate on the future of Poland’s membership. The key issues at hand are those of Judicial Reform, the European Migration crisis and responsibility for the refugees crossing the Polish border from the embattled Ukraine. Polish politicians have argued that the European Union is doing both too much and too little - involving themselves too heavily in the internal politics of the Polish state whilst also stymying aid when Poland needs it most. All of these issues play into broader underlying ideological differences between the European Union and Poland, defined by history, shifts in the priorities of the bloc and the modern Polish conception of its own sovereign independence. Given the historic and contemporary dynamics of Poland’s relationship with the western states, particularly with Germany, both the power and the will for reconciliation rests with the European Union - it must take the impetus in this reconciliation process to prevent any further Polish retreat into isolation within the Visegrad Group.
The Transformative Potential of Cryptocurrency
(2023-11-22) Hammond, Gabrielle; Edmondson, Todd
In the rapidly evolving landscape of the Digital Age, cryptocurrency has emerged as an influential force in a journey to reshape our financial institutions. Following a rise in paperless commerce, there has been a new push towards utilizing digital currency altogether. This research will seek to examine the profound impact that cryptocurrency has in stimulating global economic transformations while acknowledging the potential for bridging financial gaps and challenging existing financial borders. It is crucial to explore the intersection of technology and finance as it relates to cryptocurrency because it signifies a pivotal moment in the evolution of our financial system, all while opening the door for new opportunities in economic growth. Utilizing a range of diverse perspectives, this research will study the rise of digital currencies through previous real-world applications and anticipation for future developments. There have been interactions between nations and cryptocurrencies that are ripe for analysis to determine the benefits and drawbacks of implementing digital currency nationwide. With an emphasis on the role of institutions and government regulations, this research strives to illustrate the profound shifts that are occurring in modern finance and the potential societal and economic implications that come with these changes.
The Intersection of Motherhood and Ministry: Reexamining the Woman’s Role in the Church
(2022-12-06) Roberts, Ashley; Hoover, Heather
Women are in the minority in church leadership, and historically, ministry has been a male-dominated field. Women working in ministry may have the support of other church leaders, but may face congregational pushback or be constrained to supporting roles in ministry. For a woman to work in ministry, she has to be prepared to face questions or pushback only because of her gender. I will look at gendered socialization and the conscious and unconscious prejudices that mothers in ministry face. I will analyze and examine the differences between the experiences of working mothers and working fathers.. I will implement solutions based on stories(in books, articles, and my conversation extension) of women who felt called to both ministry and motherhood. I will advocate for them by exploring ways in which women can be encouraged as both parents and pastors. I will explore practical ways that Christians can support women stepping into ministry and caretaking without burning out or having to choose between the two.
The Heavenly Host Will Let You In The Meeting: Tri-Cities Churches and COVID-19
(2022) Bible, Seth
A study of COVID-19's effect on churches in the Tri-Cities, featuring interviews with pastors and church leaders from different denominations.
Clean Energy, Dirty Prices: The Disconnect Between Low-Income Communities and Renewable Energy in Western North Carolina
(2022-11-22) Clark, Sean
Since the introduction of state- and nationwide renewable energy sources in the early 1990s, renewable energy, and its implementation into society has been an issue filled with hardship and conflict. Facing pushback from politicians and fluctuation of prices by manufacturers, Americans are struggling to smoothly make the switch to clean energy. Low-income Americans are finding it the hardest among those in the nation struggling to switch to clean energy solutions. High prices and a lack of easily accessible government solutions have made it challenging for those living in poverty to make the switch, leading to a common phenomenon known as energy poverty. In western North Carolina, specifically Asheville, these hardships hold just as true. The lack of state government funding for residential renewable energy solutions and high prices for personal renewable energy producers have created a disconnect between those living in energy poverty and renewable energy solutions. I take a deeper look into this lack of government assistance and the high prices relating to clean energy, how this combination has caused severe energy poverty in the U.S. and specifically western North Carolina and will propose possible solutions to be implemented in WNC so that renewable energy disconnect in low-income communities will slowly disappear.
“What’s Going On Inside Their Heads?”: Demystifying Emotions with Pixar’s Inside Out
(2022-12-01) Arendale, Sam; Hoover, Heather
In the summer of 2015, Pixar released Inside Out, a film about an eleven-year-old girl named Riley and the five personified emotions (Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust) inside her head that control her response to daily events. Since its release, psychologists and psychiatrists have championed the film for the way it handles complex emotional problems in a way that is comprehensible even for young audiences; other attempts to model the way our brain works have not been nearly as powerful. This research aims to uncover why we need successful emotional tools like Inside Out. What can we learn about emotions? Is there something to be gathered from the way it uses film techniques to teach lessons; to inspire metacognition on emotion? What commentary is there on the benefits of embracing emotions? I believe the compelling narrative and colorful characters, along with the scientific accuracy of the visual elements used, help to model valuable strategies for emotional maturity. To provide evidence, I look to the psychologists who aided the Pixar team, and the thoughts of many scholars within the fields of psychology, film, philosophy, etc.
The Love Doctrine: Reducing Recidivism in America
(2022-11-21) York, Wheatley; Hoover, Heather
Recidivism is an ongoing crisis in the U.S that only exacerbates the overcrowding issue faced by many correctional facilities. People who suffer from mental illness, addiction or marginalization are the most likely to be incarcerated. Offenders suffering from mental illness, addiction, or marginalization are also the most likely to reoffend. Offenders are released into society only to find themselves stuck in a cycle that leads them back to prison. As of 2021 76.6% of offenders in the U.S will reoffend within five years of their release into society (Benecchi). I will take a closer look at why over 70% of offenders in America are placed back in a system that failed to rehabilitate them the first time. I want to investigate the reentry programs, educational reforms, and second chance programs offered to offenders in the U.S. Focusing on ways to relay the importance of an offender’s successful reentry to families, employers, and taxpayers, I wish to show how essential it is that inmates are receiving proper rehabilitative care. I will advocate policy changes for the availability of transferable education, health care, support groups, addiction counseling, and job connections to inmates.
Enhancing an Autistic Child’s Daily Reality Using Virtual Reality: The Benefits of Incorporating Virtual Reality in Occupational Therapy
(2021-12-07) Koch, Bram; Richardson, Heather
Autism spectrum disorder can drastically affect the social skills of people. There are several standard treatment methods used in the clinical setting of occupational therapy. Interestingly, there is potential for occupational therapists to use virtual reality as a treatment method to improve the social skills of patients with autism. Researchers are trying to find the most effective way to help children and adults improve their social skills. Unfortunately, most occupational therapists lack knowledge, resources, and training in order to adopt virtual reality into practice. A new form of therapy requires education and financial investment. This research will provide information related to helping children with autism improve their social skills; current treatments for patients with autism; and examinations of recent studies involving virtual reality. This research may be beneficial to parents of children with autism, individuals working in healthcare, people who are interested in the topic, or interested in entering a field that works with children who have autism, such as teachers, teacher assistants, and counselors.
Food Fight: The True Cost of Agriculture in the Amazon Rainforest
(2021-12-07) Fauver, Blake; Hoover, Heather
Amazon Rainforest deforestation has been a volatile topic over the past half-century, but it has truly come to light in the last five years. Past governmental administrations in Brazil had numerous laws/regulations in place to prevent detrimental use of the forest edge. This is the most vulnerable are of forest because it is easy for humans to access. As the Bolsonaro administration has risen in Brazil, environmental regulations have fallen by the wayside. Since 2016, political ideology has become increasingly economy-based, and this has threatened the sustainability of the rainforest. Resource-intensive agriculture is supported because it yields the highest profits, which is what is best for Brazil’s economy. To combat this recent spike in deforestation, I will investigate new ways to potentially increase the effectiveness of agricultural processes so that less farmland has to be use and less rainforest is destroyed. I will also research the relationship between building a stable economy and sustainable agriculture. This natural ecosystem struggle stems from the balance of providing for a growing population, sustaining one of the largest biomes on Earth, and satisfying human greed. By understanding the impact of economy on agriculture and vice versa, Brazil can begin to make stable change that benefits both economic and environmental ecosystems.
The Interdependency of Detroit and the Automotive Industry
(2021-10-27) Millington, Miranda; Edmondson, Todd
Detroit, Michigan and the automotive industry have been intertwined since the automobile was invented. The success or failure of one has defined the success or failure of the other. Their intense reliance on each other became an issue when the industry and overall economy took a downturn in the late 20th century. Detroit and the automotive companies were hit hard as they could not function independently. This research will examine how the companies and city became so interdependent, the impact this had on Detroit’s culture, and the efforts being made to rebuild the two as individual entities. Detroit’s convenient location and foundation in manufacturing made it an obvious choice for companies like General Motors to settle. The influx of jobs brought a large population of African Americans to Detroit shifting the racial relations and demographics. But with the initial success of the industry and city, they seemed unstoppable. In recent years, the city has been forced to strengthen themselves against the volatile automotive industry in order to provide stability to its people. This research shows how these historical, economic, and cultural factors contribute to the past, present and future of Detroit and the automotive industry.
Introducing Urban Farming to Johnson City
(2021-11-05) Pickelheimer, Darin
There has been a social, political, and economic drive to address the world’s problem with decreasing farmland despite an increasing population. Urban farming was a concept developed out of the need to solve this problem and is being implemented around the world. Johnson City is no exception to this issue with its recent population growth being reported as faster than the state itself. This study aims to determine whether the environmental, social, and economic benefits of implementing urban farming in Johnson City would complement the region. A thorough review of literature from experts and critics of the topic was performed to answer questions regarding the possibility of Urban Farming’s impact on our region’s economy, environment, and social health. Based on this review I found that urban farming to have only positive implications for the social and environmental health of our region. There was also strong support for a positive impact on the economy, however there were a few exceptions regarding the possibility of high startup costs. The results indicate the urban farming would benefit Johnson City’s economy, environment, and social health.
Recidivism and Reintegration: Barriers Facing Ex-Offenders of Color in Employment
(2020) Quarton, Bethanie; Dove, Kristal
Studies have found that job placement is a great way to combat recidivism, but for many ex-offenders finding work can be difficult. Despite job training and placement programs, many ex-offenders are rejected by companies because of their criminal record. For ex-offenders of color, this problem is exacerbated by racial discrimination. One study found that companies responded more positively to white applicants with a drug felony than to black applicants with the same charge. The existing policies need to change to further protect ex-offenders and racial minorities. In this paper. I will examine models for legislation and work environments that will give ex-offenders an equal chance in the workplace. This will include current or potential legislation that could be passed, as well as incentives for businesses to hire ex-offenders. I will be investigating current hiring practices that exclude ex-offenders from the workplace and looking at how they can be reformed.
The Systemic Plague: Racism in the American Health Care System
(2020-12-01) Harvey, Tiara; Walker Edin, Kayla
While health care for Blacks in modern America has improved since colonial times, there are still underlying systemic problems of racism in our health care system. In this paper, I discuss how health care for Blacks in America since colonial times form the present health care system and how those very instances shape the quality of health care that Blacks receive in today’s American society. I argue that the quality of health care for men and women not only significantly varies between races, but also according to the location of the hospitals. Many deaths that Black men and women experience are preventable if proper care is taken to preserve their health. The morbidity disparities shown between White and Black women during childbirth, for example, are prevalent even in other aspects of health care, such as with the number of individuals dying from COVID-19 cases in “White” hospitals when compared to those in “Black” hospitals. Black men and women between the ages of 18 and 55 are more likely to die than White men and women between the ages 18 to 55, because of experiencing inadequate care in hospitals due to the systemic racism that has shaped the quality of health care that can be received by Blacks in America.
Blessed are the Peacemakers? : Christianity's Perpetuation of Violence against Women of Color
(2020-12-01) Brokaw, Olivia; Hoover, Heather
Violence against women of color takes many forms. These forms include domestic violence, racialized violence, and institution-initiated violence. While Christianity may not be a direct cause of violence against women, it nevertheless perpetuates this violence. This paper attempts to trace Christianity’s perpetuation of violence, which is often traced to theological and cultural perversions of the Bible’s messages of peace, love, and forgiveness. This paper also addresses current examples and facts regarding violence against women of color, along with systemic injustices prevalent within modern society. Finally, the paper proposes actions to mitigate and abolish violence against women of color. These actions include improving theological viewpoints on women and improving dialogue within the Christian church on issues of race and violence.
Pregnant and Afraid: Opioid-Using Expectant Mothers Facing Injustices in Rural Appalachia
(2020-11-12) Burns, Aliya; Walker Edin, Kayla
The United States Food and Drug Administration first approved several opioids—oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, etc.—for prescription use in the late 20th century. What started as simple, effective painkillers quickly led to a nationwide addiction epidemic, perhaps creating more problems than it solved. In the case of pregnant women, both mother and unborn child face the effects of addiction. The newborn often suffers from Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, a condition frequently associated with motor-disabilities, upon birth. Many pregnant women in rural Appalachia face a myriad of additional problems including, but not limited to, finding available treatment providers, facing charges from the criminal justice system, and receiving care for underlying childhood traumatic experiences. Though the roots of this crisis require action on a national level, I address the injustices facing rural mothers already caught in the cycle of addiction and present solutions for diminishing them. To expand the accessibility and effectiveness of opioid agonist treatment (OAT) for expectant mothers residing in rural Appalachia and improve outcomes for both mother and newborn, rural primary care physicians should become DATA-waivered buprenorphine prescribers, politicians should avoid legislature that criminalizes the mother, and treatment facilities should integrate a trauma-informed care (TIC) environment.
The Racial Disproportionality of the Foster Care System
(2020-12-01) Alford, Hannah; Edmondson, Todd
Racial disproportionality has been a factor in the foster care system since 1950 when the American foster system began accepting children of color. Since then children of color have been significantly overrepresented. This disproportionality is primarily seen in African American children. In 2019 the total percentage of African American children in the United States was 14%, however the total percentage of African American children in the foster care system was 23%. No other ethnic group comes close to matching this amount of overrepresentation. This research will examine the primary causes and factors associated with this racial disproportionality. These causes include: the unconscious racial biases and prejudices that have been systematically embedded in the foster care system, systemic racism, the high rates of poverty and single-parent households among African American communities and the locality of these communities, and the effects of abuse, maltreatment, and racism in the removal of children from their homes. This research shows how each of these factors contributes to the overall problem of overrepresentation and it examines how the history of foster care contributed to this racial disproportionality.
Milligan's Passivity During the Civil Rights Movement: Its Theological Roots and the Hopeful Movement Towards an Active Approach to Social Justice
(2020-12-01) Wood, Isaac; Edmondson, Todd
Throughout the history of racial injustice, there have been Christian institutions that have refused to side with racial justice. This should be a concern for any person wanting to live as Jesus called us to. During the Civil Rights era, the well known Evangelical movement was led by Billy Graham, who made great steps in the field of evangelizing but is not well known for speaking out against racial injustice. Amidst that broader Christian context was Milligan College, a Christian liberal arts institution of higher education founded upon the ideals of the Stone-Campbell movement. This paper describes Milligan's response to the Civil Rights Movement based upon articles from the school's newspaper, The Stampede. Articles from the late 1960s reveal an institution that decided to enact change on their campus, including integration. However, that resolution came fifteen years after the United States government had made that decision in Brown v. Board of Education. Milligan did not lead the charge for racial justice. From there, the paper will explore the aspects of the Stone-Campbell movement in which we might find the roots of Milligan's response during the Civil Rights era. Barton Stone and Alexander Campbell's responses to slavery during their time will be used to explore the relationship between social reform and the Christian Gospel according to their theologies, with Alexander Stone favoring unity over an outright renunciation of slavery and Barton Stone speaking and living against the institution. With an understanding of the movement's different approaches to slavery, the paper will then explore how Milligan and the Stone-Campbell Movement could move forward towards better participating in the redemptive work of healing racial injustices.
Protecting Posterity: The Effect of Disability and Poverty on Children
(2020-12-01) Dines, Molly; Edmondson, Todd
This paper exposes the adverse effects that poverty and disability have on children in the many aspects of their lives. Among these aspects are home life, education, future prospects, and social life. In researching studies, reviewing articles, and conducting interviews with people in the field, I have found that the intersectionality between disability and poverty can produce much hardship in children’s lives. The effects of poverty and disability are intertwined and often the presence of one can bring the onset of the other. Having both of these hardships in ones’ life can lead to lack of education, social exclusion, difficult home life, poor health, and limited future prospects. This problem is one of great importance to disciplines that interact with children or deal with poverty and disability. Some ways to begin to diminish this problem are to change the way in which society views these problems. In changing the attitude of society toward these children, we allow them to have opportunities which they did not before. We can also do more research to figure out the relationship between disability and poverty and how it affects children. Additionally, the expansion of helpful programs would allow for more children to be reached and assisted. These interventions can aid in improving the lives of children.

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