A new bill passed in Arizona by former Governor Doug Ducey has introduced new criteria for banning books in public school libraries. These criteria are vague and leave much room for interpretation from those who are challenging books and calling for them to be removed from public schools in the state of Arizona. Our examination seeks to answer what books will be banned under this new bill and what that means for censoring of literature in schools in the future, as well as looking at how this ban erases experiences of minority groups and negatively impacts students' understanding of history through a complex lens.

Taiwan, located in the South China Sea, plays a vital role in America's strategic objectives and leverage on the global stage. The South China Sea is essential for trade, travel, and geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region. Tension is rising between the United States of America and the People's Republic of China as they struggle for influence in this region. International relations are complex but critical to navigating diplomatic ties to ensure global safety and security. The world functions on a delicate balance, threatening to tip any moment. Cultural clashes, economic disparities, and military differences constantly threaten this balance. Nowhere is this dynamic more pronounced than in Asia, where the United States is navigating a tricky relationship with China. The high tensions surrounding the US-China relationship in the South China Sea and with Taiwan underscore the urgency of the American government taking action. America must have a strong military presence, cultural influence, and partners in the area to be able to correct the path the CCP is pushing the Indo-Pacific down; America must have leverage. By understanding the complexities of this region, the United States can navigate the challenges posed by China. The United States has implemented a multifaceted strategy in the Indo-Pacific region to address China's imminent threat and safeguard regional stability. These strategies consist of strengthening the military capabilities of the US and its allies, creating a political culture of democracy, and promoting robust international trade. Collaboratively, these strategies will protect Taiwan, the South China Sea, and global freedom from a forceful takeover by The CCP, which hopes to upset the international balance in their favor forever.

The Founders of the United States prioritized individualism and natural rights, yet they also enshrined religious morality and deemed it to be essential for the maintenance of a liberal nation. Scholars have offered many explanations for this dichotomous relationship and numerous variables have been credited with being the most significant in shaping the Founding, including the lack of a feudal tradition and the influence of John Locke. I will argue that Christianity influenced the Founders and their formulation of American liberalism as advanced by Locke, resulting in a liberal democracy guided by Christian morality. First, I will examine several religious experiences that occurred within the colonies prior to the Founding, starting with an analysis of the Puritans and their communities. I will also discuss the persecution of the Quakers and the role that it played in shaping the colonial religious landscape. I will similarly use the revivals of the Great Awakening to explain both the religious landscape that influenced the Founders and the acceptance of Christian morality by colonial society at large. I will then look at the period of the Founding, introducing Deism and showing that its endorsement by some of the Founders did not detract from the unique Christian morality that guided early America. I will closely examine the work of John Locke and his philosophy of natural rights and liberalism in relation to the contemporaneous Christian morality that was dominant within the colonies. Finally, the various channels through which Christianity influenced the Founders will be summarized and an alternative thesis advanced by various scholars will be presented.

Coral reefs provide many ecosystem services for coastal people. Coral reef fisheries are an important asset to food systems but their role in supporting food sovereignty for Indigenous people has not been assessed. Using ethnographic methods, I conduct a small-N comparative case study of two different areas in Indonesia to discover the role of coral reef fisheries in Indigenous food sovereignty and how food brings value to Indigenous communities.

The purpose of this thesis is to analyze in-depth the current research on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), outlining the prominently researched methods of treatment that have led to successful therapy for the ones being treated. Within this thesis, the definition of successful treatment of autistic individuals will be defined by how well the individuals can adapt to their employment opportunities and their own social lives. Success will be measured through the effectiveness of specific treatments, such as speech therapy and therapeutic-based diets, to better gauge the success rate of treatment for autistic individuals. The thesis itself will serve as a review of the currently proposed treatment methods, analyzing where the most successful treatments were derived from and then offering a summary conclusion on the overall scope of the research. Recommendations on future research will be made to encapsulate all the research provided through which a scholarly lens was applied. Overall, the best methods of treatment will involve both a dietary and occupational approach, so as to tackle any environmental or genetic origins of ASD. More specifically, through a combination of vitamin and mineral supplements to manage behavioral symptoms combined with Applied Behavioral Analysis techniques, ASD can be more effectively treated to improve an individual’s quality of life.

The Rhythm Harmonizer is a drum machine synthesizer with an experimental twist. The rhythm programming is achieved through square wave oscillator pulses. This may seem limiting as it only allows for even, metronome-like patterns, but by adjusting the speed of each voice independently, anything from triplet grooves to four on the floor rock beats could potentially be created. Furthermore, the use of pulse divisions encourages the use of polymeter, a technique that is uncommon in popular music. Another advantage of the pulse programming method is that it allows the tempo of the drums to be pushed so fast that they become sustained notes. Thus, the device can seamlessly transition from drum machine to synthesizer drone.