The core objective of this thesis project is to highlight the enriching contributions of Japanese authors to university-level literature courses that survey human history through literature. Japanese literature, rich in its exploration of complex emotions and philosophical depths through the novella and other forms, presents a unique opportunity to broaden the scope of "Great-Books" courses. Traditionally, these courses have predominantly featured Western texts, inadvertently reinforcing the notion that modern philosophical thought is exclusively a Western domain. This project has taken thematic elements from HON272 at Arizona State University (ASU), Barrett, The Honors College's flagship humanities course, as a basis for analysis. A selection of texts from a diverse array of Japanese literature was then methodically paired with these materials based on periodization, thematic resonance, and the audience's interests. Of the twenty-seven different pieces of literature spanning from 1651 to the present day included in HON272, this project has identified twenty-one Japanese novels or primary texts that can serve as complements to the existing curriculum. This approach not only enriches the curriculum but also empowers professors to introduce themes vital for a comprehensive understanding of human history and thought, thereby enhancing the flexibility and inclusivity of their course designs. To support this endeavor, a comprehensive sourcing guide has been developed. This guide prioritizes Japanese literature, listing these texts first and detailing their potential integration into conversations typically dominated by Western texts. It provides, where possible, links to free online PDF versions or excerpts, purchasing information, and availability within the ASU library system. This initiative aims to foster a curriculum that appreciates the global expanse of intellectual heritage and encourages a move away from a Euro-centric narrative. By doing so, it aspires to cultivate a diverse cultural perspective within higher education, both for faculty and students alike. By embracing the vast thematic landscapes offered by Japanese literature, this project serves as a step towards avoiding the pitfalls of cognitive imperialism. It champions the cause of diversifying educational content, ensuring we are moving in the right direction by celebrating and integrating the depth and diversity of global literature into our academic pursuits.

This thesis explores the various aspects of being an abortion provider during times of strife. Both before and after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, healthcare providers in this space have faced many obstacles. Whether it be protestors, continuous changes to regulation, the threat of prosecution or a number of other factors, the challenges that these professionals face undoubtedly have a negative impact on their mental and emotional wellbeing.

The White Lotus is an award-winning television series about characters staying and working at a fictional hotel and resort chain. In this project, I identified numerous literary allusions present in The White Lotus and took their existence as an invitation to analyze thematic parallels between the television series and Homer’s Odyssey. Through this process, I discovered a shared theme of hospitality, and thus explored the Greek concept of xenia (guest-friendship) in Homer’s work. I also discussed the social commentary about economic privilege in The White Lotus and identified key criteria for a season of the show. Ultimately, all of these measures informed my creation of a new prospective season of the television series which is directly inspired by aspects of Homer’s Odyssey. Completing this project allowed me to think critically about how ancient Greek literary works are applicable to modern society and led me to contemplate both direct and indirect influences of ancient Greek culture in the present day.

This thesis project focuses on the rhetoric of dress reform in The Sibyl, the official journal of the National Dress Reform Association from 1856 to 1864. The American Dress Reform Movement grew out of the women’s rights and health reform movements during the Second Great Awakening. Dress reformers viewed women’s fashionable dress as both a symbol of and reason for their political and economic oppression. They believed that by modifying women’s everyday dress, women’s health (and in turn, the health of their descendants) would improve and they would have more opportunities outside of the home. Close reading of The Sibyl reveals that dress reformers gravitated towards the rhetoric of slavery, comparisons to non-Christian nations, and the characterization of women as weak to advocate for their cause. I argue that this rhetoric disempowers women and promotes racist and xenophobic ideas, which ultimately undermines the movement’s goals.

I created a creative thesis project in which I discussed multiethnic identities in a children's story. It is a story about a young girl who is exploring who she is as an individual concerning her two cultures; Japanese and Brazilian. Looking at both cultures and applying equal weight and the importance of ensuring that she has a strong sense of self regarding ethnic socialization and identity formation which is extremely important to the foundation of a healthy sense of self.

A novella combining fantasy and romance with art history and mythology that touches on themes of love, power, fate, religion, and hidden identities. Venus forces her son Cupid or "Beau" to make people fall in love by pricking them with a ring full of blessed myrtle oil. Beau dreams of being free from Venus's control and having a love story of his own, but he is emotionally guarded to prevent himself from becoming attached to the people he "falls." Eloise Rose Nightingale is a hopeless romantic who lives in an apartment with her best friend, Leo. She works as a dramaturg at Palais Garnier. Beau encounters Eloise, and, angry with Venus, decides to pursue her. But Venus is a powerful goddess unwilling to relinquish control of her son. She will force Beau to question: what is worth risking for the chance of true love?

Victim advocacy is a free and confidential service provided to individuals who have experienced sexual violence. Due to the intense expectations associated with this role, victim advocates often suffer from mental health issues, including compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue occurs when individuals in helping professions become overly exposed to clients’ traumatic experiences and suffer from debilitating symptoms that impact their daily lives. Through this project, I identified aspects of the role that put victim advocates at a high risk for developing compassion fatigue. I then explored methods for mitigating the negative effects of compassion fatigue including The Accelerated Recovery Program for compassion fatigue, humor as a coping technique, Eye Movement Desensitizing and Reprocessing therapy, comprehensive training efforts, personal and organizational self-care, and social support. With an emphasis on the benefits provided by social support, I developed a resource guide about the prevalence of violence in our community, aimed to help create more open dialogue surrounding sexual violence.