Projects
The projects featured here are among the most important to my growth as a student, a dedicated life-long learner, and a human being, as well as demonstrative of various veins of information collection and presentation. While each project relied on citations or were centered around texts, I learned more about people, global cultures, and the world at large than any of the individually assigned subjects.
The White Tower, Tower of London
Application of Location to Text
Plaque in the Bell Tower (where More was held), Tower of London
During my summer study abroad experience with "Xavier in London" in 2023, I was tasked with analyzing one of our assigned readings in context with the places we visited. A Man for All Seasons is a play about Sir Thomas More, who was a loyal advisor to King Henry VIII until the split from the Roman Catholic Church led to More's execution for treason. It was profoundly reflective to curate this project, which discusses the play's initial audiences, the author's motivations, and the poignancy of visiting the locations read about as American college students. It was soul-altering to have this experience while in undergrad, forever broadening and contextualizing the events and locations I study and research about.
Case Study: Great Britain
In a Comparative Governments political science course at Xavier University, I was assigned to formulate a case study about a country and ask a question about its government system. I selected Great Britain, as I was already registered for my London study abroad. I enjoyed researching the demographics, statistics, and historical information that related to my question regarding the survival of the British Monarchy. Because I created this presentation in early October 2022 ('humorously' and unfortunately), I had to change both the Head of State and Head of Government names in the week leading up to my oral presentation. I appreciated the opportunity to 'deep dive' into a country that I was going to be visiting and studying in within the following summer.
Cinematic-Literary Analysis
In a Classics course titled "Myth and Film", we spent the duration examining first mythology and then modern interpretations of the myths. As a history nerd and a fan of The Odyssey, I leaped at the chance to give an oral presentation on the applications of the early 20th century southern US context to the original hero's journey. There were facets of Homer's work that were more identifiable in the newer context and others that were sly nods to the text for the more Homer-versed audiences. Within my work, I always enjoy a cross-temporal relation between materials and love when there can be more complex layers of interpretation. This presentation combined several of my interests into a succinct package.
Holistic Biography & Interpretation of Cleopatra
In a Classics course on the prominent figures of Rome, I saw that Cleopatra VII was an 'option' for the final paper and presentation, and I've never selected a topic so quickly. Given the centuries of international propaganda, religious and social values, and Roman 'superiority' thrust upon this era of African history, Cleopatra VII has faced mountains of misinterpretation and utter lies coloring how modern media depicts her. Timely, with the release of a new Netflix film, I analyzed several biographies and multiple ancient historians' attempts to characterize her and her motivations. The presentation was partnered, and my partner and I both wished to emphasize what we did know and not allow our audience to keep their outdated (sexist or racist) assumptions of Cleopatra's features and political abilities. We had to counteract solidified cultural understanding and help recontextualize the remnants of her life that exists.
Theological Reinterpretation
This presentation is from my Theology course, The Death of Jesus, which discussed the historical sources and earthly evidence of the Gospels. For my final oral presentation, I selected this book as my basis. Saving Paradise is a thoughtful brick of a reexamination of early Christianity's actions and priorities. This course expanded my ability to comprehend and discuss religious matters outside of my own beliefs and upbringing in respectful manner.