http://hdl.handle.net/2451/14814 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 06:55:16 GMT 2026-06-15T06:55:16Z http://hdl.handle.net/2451/75808 Title: SkyDive: A Black Cosmopolitan’s Story in Sound Authors: Racine, Justin Abstract: This is a part of my story from my time as a freshman and junior in Paris, France. I was deeply involved in the youth community and aimed to explore new dimensions of myself and the city. Through trial and error, I put together a narrative of what it’s like to be thrown into a new city without any bearings. Through the music I share, I hope to bring new elements to the experience of a young international student. In my case, I am a Black American in Paris, seeking to discover my identity away from what I know in America. I experienced what racism looks like when it’s not systematically targeted at you. I also felt tension as an American, given that my country’s president at the time was promoting a narrative that did not align with French standards. Despite this, I met amazing people who allowed me to create music and tell stories in all the cities I’ve lived in, from Phoenix to Paris to New York City. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2451/75808 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2451/75807 Title: The Language of Exile Authors: Procanik, Kayleen Abstract: Exile—once used to signify the event of a political banishment—has now evolved to incorporate a wide range of human experiences. It has often been portrayed in literature as a romantic or tragic tale, though in reality there is no simple way to describe the truly complex experience an exiled individual undergoes. This article aims to explore the intersection of exile and literature through an investigation of the lives of writers Joseph Brodsky, Aimé Césaire, and Elena Ferrante. These writers all operate from a place of exile, and together they demonstrate the multifaceted face of exile. As the exiled experience gives way to a dynamic and contrapuntal perception of self, the above writers use language as a tool for exploring and sharing their unique visions of the world around them. Joseph Brodsky demonstrates the ability of translation to create a homeland made up of fragmented cultures by preserving memories of his past. Aimé Césaire uses his mastery of the French colonial language as a means of resistance, reimagining his lost homeland without the interference of European colonization. As a pseudonymous writer, Elena Ferrante explores the face of an ever-changing identity and the preservation of her own sense of self through a disassociation with her works. These writers show that exile can never be easily defined, as it encompasses a multitude of experiences, from irrecoverable losses to immeasurable liberties. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2451/75807 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2451/75788 Title: Empowering Ghanaian Youth: Integrating Local Ecological Knowledge in Environmental Education Authors: Whitney, Lucy Abstract: In the face of transboundary environmental crises, moving away from education systems with colonial legacies would empower Ghanaians to lead adaptation and resilience efforts in their communities. Nuanced, culturally relevant, place-based education can fight the entwined threats of climate change, biodiversity loss, and the rise of infectious diseases. This article delves into the environmental education landscape in Ghana, finding that integrating informal, cultural learning with formal curricula is a strong pedagogical strategy. Ghana is the focus because it is a lower-middle-income country whose formal schooling was introduced by the British colonial power. Many other formerly colonized countries face a disproportionate environmental burden, so lessons from Ghana can be helpful elsewhere. This article contributes to the ongoing discourse on preparing the next generation for the new planetary conditions, offering a roadmap for a more integrated, holistic approach that harnesses the strengths of cultural knowledge and communication. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2451/75788 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2451/75783 Title: Protest in Flames: The Symbolic and Political Power of Self-Immolation, 1963-2024 Authors: Dungan, Skyler Abstract: Self-immolation, the act of lighting oneself on fire as a form of political protest, has a long and complex history across various cultural, religious, and political contexts. This article explores the phenomenon of self-immolation, its symbolic significance, psychological underpinnings, and sociopolitical implications. Through a comparative analysis of case studies from South Vietnam, Tunisia, and the United States from the 1960s until 2024, this article uncovers the relationship between systems of structural violence—war, colonialism, and occupation—and self-immolation. Self-immolation functions as a radical form of communication, challenging authority while raising questions about martyrdom and self-sacrifice. The findings suggest that self-immolation often serves a pivotal role in political change by generating media attention and public discourse. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2451/75783 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z