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Caring Creation: Centering Survivor’s in Katy Koop’s The Amazing Cunt and Lil’Bitch take Portland!
No full texthttps://rdc.reed.edu/v1/resources/102a2094-8061-4933-be79-5f29b790bdfd/thumb/128.jpgFor my thesis, I directed a production of The Amazing Cunt and Lil’Bitch Take Portland! by Katy Koop as a part of the Reed College Theatre Department’s 2024 season. The production sought out previously created theatrical methods for dispersing political ideals and controversial opinions and compiled techniques from each in order to create a theatrical method which not only centers survivors in a production process dealing with sexual abuse, but also stays true to the level of viscerality needed to accurately represent the topic. To achieve my goal of not retraumatizing any survivors involved in the play or viewing from the audience, I explored the Epic Theatre, Theatre of Cruelty, and Theatre of the Oppressed in combination with more recent methodologies like Feminist Theatre and different Trauma-Informed approaches. After discussing the ideologies in chapter one and relating them to the script in chapter two, chapter three provides a run-down of the ways each technique was implemented in the actual process. The final chapter also discusses the results I received from the survey I created to gauge audience traumatization during the play, and feedback received from the cast and crew at the post-mortem
Impressions of Awareness: Ouroboros Theory as a Selective Unification of Theories of Consciousness
No full texthttps://rdc.reed.edu/v1/resources/bfcac21e-2f0d-41d8-9c16-703ead2fa5a0/thumb/128.jpgHow do the physical processes in the brain give rise to our conscious experiences? The field of consciousness science contains an abundance of theories, each with a unique focus and perspective. While there are many conflicting ideas, each theory has a solid empirical and theoretical basis, suggesting possible compatibility between these differing theories and the potential for a more unified account of consciousness. Here, the attention schema (AST), beast machine (BMT), global neuronal workspace (GNW), and integrated information (IIT) theories are considered. An analysis of their empirical support, base assumptions, and implications allows for the selective unification of ideas from each theory. The impressionist viewpoint, a modified version of illusionism, is proposed as a way of conceptualizing subjective experiences as the brain’s impressions of its own state. This position is extended into Ouroboros theory, in which the process of making impressions to guide behavior necessitates the creation of a new impression, thereby beginning the cycle of repeated self-representation that we call consciousness. This account integrates ideas from AST, GNW, BMT, and IIT. It serves as a framework that can accommodate ideas from many more functionalist theories of consciousness, as well as granting them increased explanatory power
The Fool’s Errand: the Perennial Symbology of the Archetype of the Fool, and The Medium of Graphic Novels
No full texthttps://rdc.reed.edu/v1/resources/b87ea035-a208-4767-99af-f1844054a585/thumb/128.jpgThis thesis explores the enduring resonance of the "fool" archetype across literary, historical, sociological, political, and psychological dimensions. Central to numerous narratives and philosophical explorations, the fool often begins as a figure of ignorance and potential, integral to the transformative journey of the hero as posited in Joseph Campbell's Hero’s Journey. Drawing upon the analysis of figures such as Shakespeare’s characters and the symbolic tarot described by Jodorowsky, this paper elucidates how the fool’s journey mirrors the hero’s path from naïveté to self-actualization. The fool is not merely a source of comic relief but a complex symbol of change, embodying the dual capacities for both creation and disruption. Through figures like King Lear’s fool, Don Quixote, and the mythical trickster, we see variations of the fool as the natural fool, the professional fool, and the trickster, each providing insight into the dynamics of foolishness within their respective texts and contexts. Additionally, the work examines the societal and spiritual functions of fools, as seen in the professional jesters of medieval courts and the holy fools of Russian Orthodoxy, reflecting on the deeper psychological and existential implications of their roles. By embracing the archetype of the fool, societies and individuals engage with fundamental human experiences and values, navigating the balance between knowledge and folly as essential to the human condition. The exploration of the fool archetype extends into the narrative of my comic book titled "The Trials of Osvaldo," which embodies the journey of a heroic fool across various cultures. This protagonist, Osvaldo, a living vegetable, symbolizes the perennial fool. He transitions from a naive, natural fool to a fully aware individual, encapsulating the different sub-archetypes of the fool at various stages of his journey. This transformation highlights the inherent cyclical nature of foolishness and self-awareness, illustrating the inexhaustible depth of human ignorance and the continual rediscovery of innocence. The comic medium itself, often underestimated and sidelined as frivolous, parallels the fool's role in societal and artistic hierarchies. Comics, emerging as a potent narrative form, navigate through cultural landscapes much like the fool stumbles through traditional tales, bringing about unexpected insights and transformations. Despite their rapid rise in popular culture and significant impact on modern art forms, comics still face challenges in gaining scholarly and critical recognition. This parallel draws a comparison between the fool's underestimated wisdom and the transformative power of comics in narrative art. The artwork and narrative structure of "The Trials of Osvaldo" utilize the fool's journey as a metaphor for personal growth and societal commentary, reflecting on the complexities of self-awareness and the universal appeal of the fool archetype. By intertwining comic book aesthetics and Jungian archetypes, the thesis presents a comprehensive analysis of the fool's role in storytelling, from ancient myths to modern media, emphasizing the archetype's enduring relevance and its profound impact on cultural narratives and individual psyche. This study not only contributes to academic discourse on archetypes but also enriches the understanding of comics as a serious art form, capable of deep psychological and cultural commentary. The journey of Osvaldo serves as a microcosm of the fool's journey, offering insights into the human condition and the cyclical nature of wisdom and folly in the continuous quest for self-discovery and societal understanding
Decentered and Embraced: The Re-Union of Character and Setting in Tess of the d'Urbervilles and Seven Steeples
No full texthttps://rdc.reed.edu/v1/resources/0e9eb94f-3e3a-4962-81c9-a508a472624c/thumb/128.jpgIn this thesis, I will examine the ways in which the relationship between character and setting in the more conventional novel reflects and upholds an anthropocentric view of the world in which the human is unique, autonomous, and central to the surrounding environment. Arguing that the anthropocentric human/environment relationship and the conventional character/setting relationship are both underpinned by the same spatial configuration: an active- center moving across and against a passive surrounding, I will explore how two novel’s, Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles (1891) and Baume’s Seven Steeples (2022), successfully undermine the anthropocentrism bound up in the novel by reconfiguring the spatial relation between character and setting. While their methods of reconfiguration are unique, both novels ultimately offer a similar depiction of the storyworld as, not a place made up of discrete and opposing elements, but a dynamic whole constructed through interaction and intermingling
Do you hear “Talk about” or “Taco Bell”: A Raciolinguisitic View of the Indexical Orders of /l/ Vocalization
No full texthttps://rdc.reed.edu/v1/resources/ab2a80ff-edaf-4d00-aeb0-cd93fbb580db/thumb/128.jpgThis thesis performs an indexical analysis of /l/ vocalization in American English from 3 cities, San Francisco, California; Columbus, Ohio; and Montgomery, Alabama. Participants rate traits after hearing either /l/ vocalization in the coda final position or dark /l/ pronunciations in the coda final position. Then, participants are asked to rate the speaker on a likert scale of the likelihood they are a given race. Next with this methodological approach, this thesis studies participants’ constructions of race of a singular white southern female voice by tying a raciolinguistic perspective in with indexical orders to denaturalize racial categories in the study of Race in indexes of language,(Silverstein, 2003; Rosa & Flores, 2017). Results show that participants’ own background were not significant in predicting the ratings of traits, but that the racial category pariticpants’ assigned the speaker was. When Partipants constructed the voice as African-American “Education” was rated as less when vocalized, while when the voice was constrcuted as European-American, no distintion was made between vocalized and non-vocalized guises. Discussion situates the process of this as a result of first order ‘whitening’ and ‘blackening’ first order indexes racial categories that exist as a result of the indexical search for proof of racial categories, (Silverstein, 2003; Inoue, 2004; Rosa & Flores, 2017). I then discuss the racialization of language as ‘standard’ due to the ‘whitening’ index and ‘incorrect’ due to ‘blacking index of /l/ vocalization
Navigating the intersection of Faith and Finance: The role of Islamic Finance in shaping FDI decisions in Muslim majority countries
No full texthttps://rdc.reed.edu/v1/resources/101f51d0-ed3b-43cf-92fa-59708fff0b94/thumb/128.jpgThe rapid growth and increasing prominence of Islamic finance have reshaped the global financial landscape, particularly in Muslim-majority countries. This thesis explores the intricate relationship between Islamic finance and foreign direct investment (FDI), focusing on the case studies of Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. By examining the opportunities, challenges, and policy implications associated with this nexus, the research aims to contribute to the understanding of how Islamic finance principles can be leveraged to attract FDI and promote economic development. The thesis adopts an interdisciplinary approach, drawing insights from economics, finance, law, and public policy to provide a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics of Islamic finance and FDI. The research methodology includes a thorough literature review, comparative case studies, and an in-depth economic analysis of the benefits, risks, and challenges associated with Islamic finance in FDI. The case studies of Saudi Arabia and Indonesia offer valuable insights into the different approaches and strategies employed by these countries in developing their Islamic finance ecosystems and attracting FDI. The thesis examines the regulatory and institutional frameworks, the role of government policies, and the impact of Islamic finance on economic diversification and sustainable development in these countries. The economic analysis reveals that Islamic finance principles, such as risk-sharing, asset-backing, and ethical investing, can contribute to greater financial stability, economic diversification, and inclusive growth. However, the thesis also highlights the challenges and risks associated with Islamic finance in FDI, including regulatory fragmentation, limited market liquidity, and perception gaps among investors. The findings of this research have important policy implications for countries seeking to leverage Islamic finance for FDI and economic development. The thesis suggests that policymakers should focus on developing a comprehensive and enabling regulatory framework, promoting standardization and harmonization of Islamic finance practices, and investing in education and awareness-raising initiatives to bridge the perception gaps and foster a deeper understanding of Islamic finance among investors and stakeholders. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of literature on Islamic finance and FDI by providing a nuanced and evidence-based analysis of the opportunities and challenges associated with this important nexus. The insights and recommendations offered in this research can inform policy discussions and guide strategic decision-making in countries seeking to harness the potential of Islamic finance for economic growth and development
Navigating Neurodevelopmental Biology via Computational Genomics: An Accessible Perspective on ADHD & Autism
No full texthttps://rdc.reed.edu/v1/resources/85b5eece-3388-4e66-9920-6941c75a6f64/thumb/128.jpgThis thesis embarks on a journey to elucidate the complex interplay of genetics and neurobiology underlying Autism and ADHD, aiming to bridge the gap between scientific inquiry and practical, destigmatized insights. Grounded in historical perspectives and modern diagnostic criteria, it navigates the social and biological complexities of these disorders while exploring their clinical treatment approaches and the challenges of biological medicalization. From the fundamental concepts of genes and genomics to the intricate landscape of neurodevelopmental differences, environmental influences, and genetic mutations shaping behavioral phenotypes, this work provides a comprehensive primer on the biological underpinnings of Autism and ADHD. It further explores the utilization of computational genomics tools and methodologies, from variant analysis to machine learning, in unraveling the mysteries of these disorders. Finally, discussing the clinical and translational implications, it advocates for precision medicine interventions, interdisciplinary collaboration, and person-centered care, grounded in neurodiversity principles, to foster a more inclusive understanding of Autism and ADHD with implications extending to clinical practice and public policy
Boron Chemistry Applied to Metformin: A Promising Alteration to the World’s Go-To Pharmaceutical Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes
No full texthttps://rdc.reed.edu/v1/resources/2280ad3e-02fb-4d6c-a024-88672a2012d4/thumb/128.jpgTo better serve the growing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) population, which affects 90% of the nearly 1 of 11 adults globally with Diabetes Mellitus in 2021, improve their HbA1c levels and ultimately achieve remission, we sought to improve stability of their go-to medication, metformin (4, 9, 22, 28). Metformin is a hygroscopic pharmaceutical solid and is prone to significant changes in physicochemical properties (Figure 10) (4, 28). Given the poor remission outcomes for T2DM under the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Care, and the relationship of glycemic control, high obesity rates among T2DM, and storage, there is a need to improve metformin (8, 9, 20, 23). We show here that condensation of metformin with phenylboronic acid (PBA) results in novel structure, metforon, via formation of reversible covalent bonds between Boron and metformin's two imino nitrogens at N1 and N3 (Figure 4, 5, 6, 7, 8). Metforon showed mild increases in O2 consumption compared to metformin in vivo on Drosophila Melanogaster fly, strain D2-5-C2 (P26) cells (Figure 9). Our experiments show promising first steps in our overall effort to address the need for a more stable form of metformin, and ultimately achieving improvement in the effectiveness of ADA's current guidelines for possible remission of T2DM (21, 22)
Dust Motes and Galaxy Formation
No full texthttps://rdc.reed.edu/v1/resources/872dd451-ef89-47f6-a4ce-77e12c2bda24/thumb/128.jpgThe interstellar medium is the distribution of hydrogen and helium gas, dust, and radiation that stretches between star systems in galaxies. While many of the fundamental processes in the interstellar medium are understood, the role of dust distributions in the formation of stars and galaxies and the enrichment of the surrounding interstellar has remained an elusive topic in recent decades. Recent efforts by Thilker et al. (2023) to map the dust filament networks of nearby galaxies using the code filFinder has provided new insight into the complex morphology of the dust distribution at wide-ranging scales from the size of a single molecular cloud to the entire arm of a galaxy. This thesis attempts to determine whether smaller structures like the dust clouds in the nearby Milky Way show the same morphological diversity at various extraction scales using data from the ALLWISE survey. Additionally, this thesis attempts to identify a Milky Way analog to the small compact dust clouds, ”dust motes,” found outside the dust filament network of galaxies observed by Thilker et al. (2023). No dust motes were identified by applying filFinder to the candidate nearby cloud, NGC7538, despite the presence of numerous cold, dense dust sources in the diffuse nebula. The idea for a 3D expansion of filFinder analysis to the Milky Way is introduced as a potential project to provide insight into the role of the dense clusters of dust in star formation activity in Milky Way nebulae
Indefinite and Definite in Anaximander and Early Greek Poetry
No full texthttps://rdc.reed.edu/v1/resources/fc14ffaa-6bbf-4108-bb98-d5e98ceba87c/thumb/128.jpgAnaximander (fl. 560 BCE) was one of, if not the first to practice philosophy. Ancient and modern commentators alike have had trouble understanding Anaximander’s basic and originative stuff, which he called the apeiron. It is unclear whether Anaximander’s apeiron is ‘unlimited’, ‘infinite’, ‘indefinite’ or ‘indeterminate’, all of which are possible translations of that word. In order to come to a better understanding of the apeiron, I examine the word peras, ‘limit’, in early Greek poetry, specifically in Homer and Hesiod. I determine that peras occurs mostly in the formula peirata gaiēs, ‘limits of the earth’, and that three things are said to be the limits of the earth: Tartaros, Ocean, and the westernmost extreme of Ocean. These places are described in the same terms as each other, and, oddly, a mythical figure can be in multiple or all of them, with no apparent contradiction. I conclude that the peirata gaiēs are spatially or topographically indefinite. Returning to Anaximander’s apeiron, we see that the apeiron and the peirata gaiēs both serve to clarify what they limit through opposition to what is limited