College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

Each segment of the capstone experience in HCOM—the seminar, the senior project, and participation in the capstone festival—should demonstrate that students meet the following learning outcomes.

• Students identify and describe major issues associated with a specific topic of shared inquiry
• Students differentiate multiple points of view associated with a specific topic of shared inquiry
• Students raise critical questions leading to a deeper engagement in the study of a specific topic of shared inquiry
• Students demonstrate ability to work collaboratively with others in the process of shared inquiry
• Students demonstrate ability to work independently
• Students apply knowledge, skills and abilities to the completion of a concrete project informed by specific topic of shared inquiry

One key element to the HCOM senior capstone experience is a discussion-based seminar organized around a broad shared theme, developed by faculty teaching each section of HCOM 475 offered in a given semester. From a core set of shared readings and other learning experiences, students develop a deeper understanding of their section's theme, drawing on the expertise of their faculty mentor to guide them in the process. Students are expected to take shared responsibility for the success of seminar discussions.

A key part of the HCOM capstone experience is the development of a senior project, inspired and informed by the particular theme of the capstone section in which students are enrolled. Students can choose either:

• Essay
• Creative Project

Each of these formats has specific expectations and guidelines available in the HCOM Capstone Senior Project Guide which you can download below. This guide contains information about the development of their senior projects, assessment criteria and standards for each project option, what to include in a final portfolio documenting the process and completion of the senior project, and formatting guidelines for a bound version of the portfolio required at the end of the semester.

Note: Always consult your HCOM 475 professor for up to date information about the process used to develop a project, relevant deadlines, and current assessment criteria and standards.

To browse examples of projects from prior semesters, see the Capstone Festival Archives below.

HCOM 475-01: Media, Pop Culture & Identity

HCOM 475-02: Our Digital Lives

HCOM 475-90: Environmental Justice

Spring 2025 HCOM Capstone Festival Presentations

HCOM 475-01: Examining Our Digital Lives

HCOM 475-90: Food for Thought: Food Ethics and Capitalism

EGS 475: Senior Capstone

HCOM 475-01: Food, Ethics, and Capitalism

Ajit Abraham

Food is central to our identity and human experience. It is a vital ingredient in our daily lives in so much as it affects our bodies and emotions, defines our cultures, reflects social inequalities, presents us with ethical dilemmas, connects us in chains of production, distribution, and consumption, inspires artistic celebration, and creates political and social conflict. This course asks students to investigate the relationship between food, ethics, and capitalism and engage each other on topics related to food sovereignty, sustainability and justice. 

HCOM 475-90: Culture & Ideology

Patrick Belanger

The course explores how public narratives create and divide communities through a variety of media and cultural practices: K-12 education, museums, statues, television, films, music, visual art, and sport. Ultimately, we assess how stories about the past, present, and future inspire and shape public life.      

Each semester, HCOM students showcase the work of their HCOM 475 sections and their senior projects at a capstone festival. Organized by students in the class, capstone faculty, and HCOM staff, the event is usually hosted in person. However, due to the unusual circumstances of Fall 2020, we conducted our Capstone Festival via Zoom. We offer our sincere congratulations to all of our graduating seniors and many thanks to the students, staff, and faculty who put this together. Please click the links below to view the presentations and posters for each section.

HCOM 475-01: Food for Thought: Engaging Food Politics and Ethics

HCOM 475-02: Culture and Ideology

Each semester, HCOM students showcase the work of their HCOM 475 sections and their senior projects at a capstone festival. Organized by students in the class, capstone faculty, and HCOM staff, the event is usually hosted in person. However, due to the unusual circumstances of Fall 2020, we conducted our Capstone Festival via Zoom. We offer our sincere congratulations to all of our graduating seniors and many thanks to the students, staff, and faculty who put this together. Please click the links below to view the presentations and posters for each section.

HCOM 475-01: Social Justice: What's Love Got to Do With It?

HCOM 475-02: Diaspora

HCOM 475-03: Social Identities, Politics and Change

HCOM 475-04: Hidden Histories

Congratulations to the Class of 2020 video from HCOM Faculty

Professor Renee Curry

This capstone course will engage you in study, discussion, and development of projects regarding the numerous ways we come to recognize, comprehend, and make meaning of humanity. We will ask, "How is perception related to reality and truth?" "If multiple realities exist, how then do we love and live together?" "How do memories, dreams, and imagination help us to know ourselves?" "What roles do faith and belief play in understanding the world around us and the potential hereafters?" And, "Why do we rely on language to affirm, validate, and share that we exist?" Throughout the course, we will analyze various texts and develop capstone projects related to the ways we come to know and understand ourselves and each other.

Senior Projects - Ways of Knowing Humanity

• Bannister, Christopher (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Loving and Compassionate Behavior is Learned”
• Caladiao, Rebecca (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Changing Sexuality Education through Literature”
• Canales, Monica, (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Can So-Called ‘Bad’ Youth Be Redeemed?”
• Candelaria, Christian (Creative Writing and Social Action), “When the Flower Blooms”
• Cecil, Carson (Literary & Film Studies), “A Wizard in Westmont”
• Denicola, Daniel (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Working Towards a Sustainable Global Future”
• Fink, Shaina (English Subject Matter Preparation), “An Examination of Human Goodness through Literature”
• Hollis, Brighton (Journalism & Media Studies), “Grandpa's Letters”
• Holmes, Sakeena (Pre-Law), “Where's Humanity for African Americans in the Justice System”
• Hughes, Kelley (Journalism & Media Studies), “What America's Modern Standard of Living Means for Humanity”
• Lopez, Jocelyn (Journalism & Media Studies), “The Perception of Beauty and Womanhood: A Memoir”
• Luna, Samantha (Journalism & Media Studies), “Finding Humanity through News Media”
• Majjasie, Jeremy (Journalism & Media Studies), “What You Don't Say Might Still Kill You”
• McAuliffe, Christopher (Creative Writing, Social Action), “Pointless”
• Mireles, Osiel (Pre-Law), “The Effects of Repatriation Among the Migrant Agricultural Working Families in California”
• Orosco, Zackary (Journalism & Media Studies), “Light from Within”
• Pourroy, Ashley (Pre-Law), “Why We Stand Divided”
• Rhone, Jasmine (Pre-Law), “A Split Second”
• Samp, Sierra (Pre-Law), “Caring for Humanity: Non-Profit Elderly Law”
• Sigala, Ryan (Journalism & Media Studies), “Through the Lens: How Four Major Religions Make Meaning of Humanity”
• Smith, Amy (Pre-Law), “Stepping Into the Shoes of Your Client: The Importance of Equal Access to Justice”
• Stalling, Justin (Practical and Professional Ethics) “Afterschool Programs Benefit the Development and Success of Students”
• Texeira, Jesse (Creative Writing and Social Action), “The Impossible Tapestry”
• Vigo, Nicholas (Practical and Professional Ethics), “What is Moral Courage and How is it Viewed by Society?”
• Wotherspoon, Peter (Journalism & Media Studies), “Acting Humane: Learned or Inherent?”

Professor Mridula Mascarenhas

Food is a vital ingredient in our daily lives. It affects our bodies and emotions, defines our cultures, reflects social inequalities, presents us with ethical dilemmas, connects us in chains of production, distribution, and consumption, inspires artistic celebration, and creates social conflict. In our capstone seminar, we will be using the tools of the humanistic disciplines, including communication, philosophy, literature, journalism, history, ethnic studies, legal studies, and creative writing to understand how human experiences are shaped by the politics and ethics of food choices. Students will have the opportunity to define, investigate, and impact their own chosen topic within the general theme of food politics. Student projects can engage the theme at the individual, communal, cultural, organizational, national, or global levels. Our overall goal is to use our expertise as humanities scholars to grow more informed and critical in how we view, talk about, and ultimately make choices about food, both individually and collectively.

Senior Projects - Food for Thought: How the Humanities Can Engage the Politics of Food

• Al Asadi, Hanan (Journalism & Media Studies), “Veganism Advocacy: Is it an Ethical Social Media Fad?”
• Arnez, Kadie (Literature & Film), “Transcending Borders through Cuisine: How the Taiwanese Diaspora Remains Close to the Homeland through its Cuisine”
• Bruno, Steven (Pre-Law), “Food Deserts: A Polarized Issue”
• Cabriales, Mary (Women's Studies), “The Second Harvest Food Bank (Non-Profit Organization) Combating Food Insecurities for Local Residents in Santa Cruz County”
• Dougherty, Thomas (Journalism & Media Studies, Pre-Law), “From Wheaties to Gatorade: Are Products Endorsed by Athletes Really Good for You?”
• Ferris, Savannah (Practical & Professional Ethics), “The Family Meal: Why is it So Important?”
• Flores, Alexis (Journalism & Media Studies), “Future Uncertain: Small Scale Fishermen of the Monterey Bay”
• Friedman, Noah (Journalism & Media Studies), “Gluttony: The Price of Admission to the American Holidays”
• Garcia, Amanda (Practical & Professional Ethics), “Whole Foods: Catering to the Rich, and Contributing to a Wider Racial and Social Class Divide”
• Gomon, John (History, Oral History, and New Media), “The Face-Off Between Nutrition Regulators & the Food Industry”
• Gottlieb, Jennifer (Practical & Professional Ethics), “Meals and Memories: Immigrants Share their Stories”
• Helm, Michael (Practical & Professional Ethics), “Finding Me(an) Within: Obesity and the Role of Fat Shaming in the United States”
• Jensen, Parisa (Pre-Law), “American Foodways and Law”
• Lepor, Kimberly (Practical & Professional Ethics), “Brain Food: Changing the Way We See the Connection Between Diet & Behavior”
• Ochoa, Maria (Pre-Law), “Food Contamination and Food Safety: A Look into Food Laws and Regulations in the US”
• Peralta, Josiah (Creative Writing and Social Action), “Food Transitions: How Food Symbolizes Another Chapter”
• Saladrigas, Seana (Pre-Law), “The Blind Mind: A Study of Deception in Food Advertisement”
• Smith, Paul (Pre-Law), “Communal Gardens: Creating Neighborhoods While Promoting Wellbeing”
• Sorensen, Tiffany (Practical & Professional Ethics), “Food Envy”
• Sykes, RaJhon (Pre-Law, Women's Studies), “Food and Representation”
• Talbot, Melissa (Creative Writing, Social Action), “Behind the Shelves: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Working in the Average American Grocery Store”

Professor Jennifer Fletcher

Stories are everywhere; they’re important to all academic disciplines and discourses. Storytelling is a best practice in business, politics, law, the STEM fields, and, of course, in the arts and humanities. In Minds Made for Stories (2014), literacy scholar Thomas Newark argues that narrative is the primary way we understand ourselves and our world, observing that “as humans, we must tell stories.”

HCOM students are particularly well prepared to investigate the impact of stories on our ways of knowing and being. Our interdisciplinary major includes the fields of literature, philosophy, journalism, history, ethnic studies, pre-law, communication, and creative writing and social action—fields all characterized by storytelling. In this Senior Capstone Seminar, we’ll examine digital stories, narrative as rhetoric, storytelling in the workplace, narrative and literacy, narrative and argument, and media filters that influence our access and response to stories. Drawing on Newark's scholarship, students will explore this uniquely human and compelling capacity from a variety of disciplinary perspectives and socio-cultural contexts on their way to telling their own research, creative, or project-based story.

Senior Projects - Story: The Heart of the Humanities and Communication

• Calcagno, Jennifer (Journalism and Media Studies).
• Wick, Christian D. (Pre-Law), “The Power of Narrative in the Legal World”
• Chavez, Jonathan J. (Pre-Law), “Telling a Story, Changing the World: California Rural Legal Assistance”
• Corona, Elizabeth K. (Chicano Studies), “We are Chicanos”
• Cummins, Dominic (Writing and Rhetoric), “Human Revolution”
• Denevi, Anthony (Journalism and Media Studies), “ACL:”
• Emanuel, Nick D. (Journalism & Media Studies), “The Communicative Aspect of Advising”
• Espinosa, Sarah A. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Life in the System: Monterey County Public Defender Office”
• Esquer, Joselyn (Chicano Studies), “Stop the Stigma”
• Fender, Natalie R. (Multicultural Studies), “Becoming Professional”
• Grazia, Giselle (Literary and Film Studies), “How To Trick People Into Thinking You Know What You’re Talking About: Literature and Film Edition”
• Hernandez, Alma Haide (Pre-Law), “Make CalWorks Great”
• Hernandez, Marcia (English Subject Matter Preparation), “The Voices That Remain Silent”
• Leyva, Mirella (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Silenced Stories that Linger”
• Lubke, Jessica (Literary and Film Studies), “Through the Abyss and Back”
• May, Jessica (Journalism and Media Studies), “Shaping Our Youth”
• Menard, Myka (Creative Writing and Social Action), “Coming into Understanding"
• Montoya, Leah (Creative Writing and Social Action), “Life as I Know It: My Story Told through Poetry”
• Poole, Taylor (English Subject Matter Preparation), “A Wall Turned On Its Side Is A Bridge”
• Roessler, Karen E. (Creative Writing and Social Action).
• Terry, Michael (Literary and Film Analysis), “True Form of Greatness”
• Tertulien, Charlemagne Jr. (Journalism), “The Past’s Divide and the Future’s Uncertainty”
• Trujillo, Jessica (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Does Building a Bridge Help Bridge the Gap?”
• Tyler, Stefanie (Creative Writing and Social Action), “Sin and Forgiveness”
• Wick, Christian (Concentration).
• Williams, Gheorghe (English Literature and Theatre Studies), “Getting Somewhere: People vs. Turner (2016) and the Efficacy of Survivor Narratives”
• Zavala, Crystal (English Subject Matter Preparation), “No Longer Frenemies in the Academic World”

Professor Patrick Belanger

Haitian scholar Michel-Rolph Trouillot once wrote: “When reality does not coincide with deeply held beliefs, human beings tend to phrase interpretations that force reality within the scope of these beliefs.” This course explores the interface of rhetoric and ideology, and assesses the implications for social transformation. We take three steps. First, we track the rhetorical creation of inclusion/exclusion. Second, we explore theories and practices of public memory. Third, we evaluate narratives circulated through diverse media and cultural practices (e.g., museums, film, digital campaigns, journalism, visual art, religion, sport). Ultimately, we assess how stories about the past, present, and future fortify and/or transform society. Throughout, we learn to better: 1) interpret the communication around us, and 2) advocate for change in the world.

Senior Projects - Rhetoric and Justice

• Achelle Reynoso, (Journalism/Media Studies), “The Power of Contrasting Rhetoric: An Analysis of the Rhetorical Styles of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X during the Civil Rights Movement”
• Aquino, Nohami (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Two Sides of the Border: Overcoming Walls, Bans, Stereotypes and Everyday Struggles in a Divided Country”
• Audyski, Heather (Practical and Professional Ethics), “The Power of a Woman’s Voice”
• Bagno, Grace (Women’s Studies & PPE), “Quiet Brilliance in a Loud World”
• Basso, Olivia (Literary and Film Studies; Journalism & Media Studies), “You Can’t Be What You Can’t See”
• Bell, Duce (Pre-Law), “A Day in the Life of A Student Athlete”
• Cnudde, Zeno (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Teaching Rhetoric and Grammar in Secondary Schools”
• Cruz-Orduna, Karen (Media Studies and Journalism), “Rhetoric Within the News and Salinas, CA”
• Devine, Roque (Media and Journalism Studies), “Damsels Not Distressed”
• Diaz, Brenda (American Multicultural Studies), “Cultural Identity”
• Duer, Hayden (Journalism and Media Studies), “A Voice for the Voiceless”
• Fernandez, Belén (Journalism and Media Studies), “What News Programs Don’t Want Us to Know”
• Garcia, Anthony (Pre-Law), “The sale of Happiness in Media”
• Joseph, Kyra (Journalism and Media Studies), “Giving a Voice-Untold Tales of the Santa Cruz Homeless”
• Katich, John (Professional and Practical Ethics), “Media Mania”
• Leon, Stephanie (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Pop Culture + Gender Stereotypes = Rape Culture: How the oppression of Women in popular U.S. song lyrics perpetuates rape culture”
• Martinez, Patricia (Journalism and Media Studies), “Fish Friendzy”
• McCauley, Peter (Pre Law), “The New Exclusion Act”
• Reyes, Hannah (Journalism/Media Studies), “Making the Cut: Deciding What is Newsworthy”
• Sarakinis, Bobby (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Genocide and a Culture of Silence”
• Stafford, Jessica (Journalism and Media Studies), “Hey, Those Are Mine!: Women’s Reproductive Rights and Abortion”
• Weatherall, Roslyn (Pre-Law), “The Things We Carry: Memories from life as a child in Foster Care”
• Wooten, Cambrey (Pre Law), “Coated In Her Resilience”
• Zaragoza-Smith, Kathryn (Women’s Studies), “Fighting for the Mic: A Study of Carol Burnett’s Impact on Comedy”

Professor Debian Marty

Nearly twenty years ago, an HCOM major asked her classmates, “How will you live it?” She wanted to know how other students would apply what they had learned about interracial communication to their everyday lives. What will you do with what you have learned in HCOM? We will study the art of leadership to help you take the next steps in your life and to make ethical and effective decisions amidst the rapid changes of the 21st century. Each capstone project will include an applied leadership section, with specific steps on how to enact your values, visions or goals.

Senior Projects - Leadership

• Ahad, Aaisha (Pre-Law), “More to Love or More to Oppress?”
• Alvarez, Di Anna Marie (Peace Studies), “Fixing a Problem, Serving a Solution”
• Anderson, Kierstin R. C. (Pre-Law), “Dream Variations”
• Avila, Kendall (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Growing Gardens, Growing Minds”
• Brown, Kylie (Peace Studies), “Ups, Downs, and Mid-Devils”
• Burrell, Breonna (Literary and Film Studies), “A Pathway To Peace”
• Casto, Madison (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Inappropriate Media Exposure and Children’s Need for Media Literacy”
• Clifford, Alyssa (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Empowering Children and Enacting Change”
• Cline, Danté (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Fighting for Unity”
• Cunha, Erin (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Allies for Transgender Youth”
• Faris, Kaitlyn (Journalism and Media Studies), “Crushing Low Self-Esteem With Self-Compassion”
• Fenton, Sydney (Journalism and Media Studies), “The Pursuit of Happiness: Texting and Romantic Relationships”
• Garcia, Karen (Concentration Journalism and Media Studies).
• Gomez, Juan (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Fighting Poverty: One Child at a Time”
• Granata, Lina (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Compassionate Communication: Bridging the Gap between the Abled and Disabled”
• Jimenez, Jonathan (Concentration/s: Practical and Professional Ethics), “ Trusting the Power of Democracy”
• Johnson, Kyle (Practical and Professional Ethics), "The Greatest Essay Ever Written: An Analysis of Truthful Hyperbole"
• Johnson, Samuel (Pre-Law), “Navigating the Monterey County Criminal Justice System: A Pocket Guide For What You Need to Know”
• Juarez Lopez, Erica (Writing and Rhetoric), “Role Model- Stories That Unite Children of Oaxacan Immigrants”
• Kemp, Matthew (Journalism and Media Studies), “Where Does the Money Go: The Exploitation of Collegiate Student-Athletes”
• Lopez, Jasmine (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Planned Parenthood: Defend or Defund?”
• Martinez, Pamela (Pre-Law), “Seeing the Border Wall through Family Life”
• Patti, Angelo (Writing and Rhetoric), “Money Talks: Romantic Communication across Socioeconomic Differences”
• Rangel, Samantha (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Millennial Communication in the Workplace: A Cautionary Tale about Social Media”
• Stewart, D’Quan (Journalism and Media Studies), “R.B.I.: Ruining Black’s Interest”
• Tanks, Jeena (Literary and Film Studies), “Legal Discrimination”

Professor Ernest Stromberg

Pain and suffering are unavoidable elements of the human experience. Over the course of a lifetime, everyone experiences injury, illness, isolation, disappointment, and loss. At the macro level, war; geographic displacement and forced migration; institutional discrimination, racism, injustice, and oppression; poverty; and environmental catastrophes create cultural trauma and suffering. In this Capstone Seminar, we will explore the ways in which the areas of study encompassed by the Division of Humanities and Communication provide a means both to understand human trauma and suffering and equipment to alleviate or even heal from our individual and collective traumas and suffering. We will consider, among other topics, the ways in which literature and the arts may be medicine, the role of communication in creating or easing suffering, the relationship of our identities to suffering, justice and restorative justice, philosophical insights into the causes and cures for human suffering, and the role of creative expression in alleviating suffering.

Senior Projects - Trauma & Healing

• Bennett, Joey K. (Journalism & Media Studies), “Listening Carefully: How do we recover from trauma?”
• Bostjancic, Bryan S. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Changing the Mindset”
• Butler, Megan R. (Pre-Law), “Avengers Assemble...In Therapy”
• Cave, Christian S. (Literary and Film Studies), “Home”
• Coker, Allison R.
• Cortez, Javier S. (Pre-Law), “Trauma and Recovery in the Hospice Environment”
• Costa, Tyler S. (Literary Film Studies), “Closeted Trauma”
• Fahrner, Stefan D. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Through the Lens of Trauma”
• Guzman, Jacob A. (Journalism and Media studies), “Suicide Memoir”
• Hager, Myles A. (Literary and Film Studies), “The Healing Power of Sports”
• Handy, Mackenzie K.
• Kemp, Hailey M. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Playing Pretend”
• King, Kendall R. (Writing and Rhetoric), “Trauma and Invisible Scars”
• Lara Martinez, Maritza (Chicano/a Studies), “Living with Trauma”
• LeKander, Madison M. (Creative Writing & Social Action and Practical & Professional Ethics), “Beautifully Broken”
• Magana, Natalie S. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Home is Where the Hope is”
• Masarweh, Leena A. (Concentration Chicano Studies), “The Trauma on Children in Mexico City”
• Munguia, Jose J. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “PTSD in Salinas”
• Nichols, Lauryn S. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Endorphins Help to Heal”
• Nichols, Melissa H. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Understanding Trauma and Healing Through Jacob’s Heart”
• Norrod II, Byron A. (Writing and Rhetoric), “Back to Humanity: A Schizophrenic Autobiography”
• Puruncajas, Kimberly N. (Practical Professional Ethics), “Education as Healing”
• Ruiz, Karina (History, Oral History, & New Media; Creative Writing & Social Action), “Susto, Mal de Ojo, and Curanderismo”
• Smith, Peyton N. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Life after the Industry: The Trauma Faced by Women in Porn”
• Vasconcelos, Aaron W. (Creative Writing and Social Action), “Yellow Footprints”
• Velasco, Briana M. (Writing and Rhetoric), “Native Americans and Generational Trauma”
• Velazquez, Joseph M. (History, Oral History, and New Media), “The Otherside”

Professor Qun Wang

This Senior Capstone Seminar is designed to encourage students to place the study of self and society in cultural, historical, political, and/or economic contextualization. The School of New Criticism, for instance, posits that "the complexity of literature lies in its use irony and paradox." Thanks to the development of some of the contemporary theories such as post-modernism and new historicism, we start to look at how culture, history, politics, and economic stratification not only inform but also help define literary representations of society. Or in British culturalist Raymond Williams's words, to avoid reducing the concept of "typicality" to "art as the typification (representation, illustration) not of the dynamic process but of its (known) laws" is to define "typicality" as "a constitutive and constituting process of social and historical reality" "specifically expressed in some particular 'type.'" This seminar will explore and address some of the critical issues in literary and cultural studies such as: how is human experience represented and/or (mis)re-presented in literature? How is border crossing defined in literary studies? Why are cultural negotiations critical in understanding today's society? Is the reader response tradition in literary criticism valid? How do we define our relationship with some of the great literary works? How does that understanding help us find our own identity toward the eventual goal of the achievement of self-actualization?

Senior Projects - Border Crossing, Cultural Negotiations and the Search for Identity

• Abel, Scott (Practical and Professional Ethics), “The path of Least Resistance. A Student’s Guide for Working Smarter, not Harder”
• Agrimson, Julie (Pre Law), “The People Who Influence Our Lives”
• Alciati, Jonathan (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Growing Pains: The Many Steps Towards Self Discovery”
• Arias, Kimberly Anne (Pre Law), “It Takes a Village: Identity Through Helping the Community”
• Barnes, Wesley (Practical and Professional Ethics), and Brent Clay (Practical and Professional Ethics), “’Hooked’ on Self Identity”
• Baty, Brianne (Practical and Professional Ethics), “More Than Half of a Whole: A Twin’s Search for Identity”
• Borquez, Sibel (Pre Law), "Epiphany through Chaos"
• Caskey, Brandon (Practical and Professional Ethics), “A Beginner’s Guide to Self-Identification through Nature”
• Garibay, Elizabeth C. (Creative Writing and Social Action), “On the Trope of Identity”
• Dixon, Taylor (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Who is Really Behind the Username? (Re)affirming Oneself in the Digital Age”
• Green, Bernard (Journalism and Media Studies), “Serving the Diverse People of Monterey County”
• Godusi, Nima (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Feeling on an Island”
• Jensen, Rahni (Journalism and Media Studies), “Making It (Im)Possible: In a World that Pushes Back, Step Forward”
• Kurosawa, Aki (Women’s Studies), “Self-Identity & Self-Esteem through Reculturalization: We are sometimes not who we think we are”
• Lopez, Bryan (Chicano/a Studies), “Don’t forget your roots: ‘keeping traditions alive’”
• Maldonado, Dominique (Literary and Film Studies), “Pink Glasses: A Work in Progress"
• Mathis, Haley (Journalism and Media Studies), “Becoming Me~ Poems and Short Stories of a Girl Learning to Love Herself”
• Maus, Keith (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Past, Present, Future: How Time Affects Identity”
• Mehtlan, Alicia (Journalism and Media Studies), “Growing Together: A Journey to Self-Discovery”
• Melchor, Berenice (Creative Writing and Social Action), “Medical Cannabis, Depression and Self-Identity: A Journey Home”
• Norman, Natalie (Writing and Rhetoric), “Me and You and Everyone We Know: A Deeper Look into The Human Experience That Shapes Our Identity”
• Perez, Edward (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Words Are Sometimes Mightier Than Weapons”
• Razo-Gomez, Katherin (Chicano/a Studies), “The Mexican-American Educational Pipeline and the Journey to Reclaiming Identity and (Re)-presentation for First-Generation Chicanx Students in K-12 Public Educational System”
• Salcido, Breanna (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Getting to the Finish Line”
• Thompson, Brianna (Practical and Professional Ethics), “A Character Study in Self-Identity”
• Ward, Racquel (Creative Writing and Social Action), “Beautifully Scarred: The Journey through Recovery and Loving Thy Self”
• Webb, Susan (Literary and Film Studies), “Redefining Identity: A path to self-discovery”
• Xiong-xyooj, Peter (American Multicultural Studies), “Taboo-a Fictional Graphic Novel”

Professor David Reichard

“Soon enough, nobody will remember life before the Internet. What does this unavoidable fact mean?” So writes Michael Harris in his book, The End of Absence. This capstone seminar takes up Harris’ challenge and more. Drawing on a range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary scholarship in the humanities and communication studies, we will explore how changes in technology--broadly defined--have challenged the fundamental question of what it means to be human. In a time where many of us are hyper-connected through social media, have access to more information than ever in human history, and are the subject of untoward efforts to collect data about our every move, we will explore how all of these changes and others have shaped our sense of meaning, of place, of identity, of connection. Moreover, we will address these questions with close sensitivity to the digital divide--examining how access to such technologies can highlight deeper questions about equity, economics, politics, law,ethics, and global citizenship.

Senior Projects - Humanity and Technology

• Alvarez, Lyndsey Monique (English Subject Matter Preparation), “21st Century Learning? Evaluating Technology in the Classroom”
• Bacungan, Sabrina Mils (Pre-Law), “How to be an Ethical Social Media Marketer”
• Berman, Stefanie Louise (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Social Media and the Political Image”
• Bonato, Gabriela Marie (Pre-law), “Technology and the Law”
• Brown, Janine Nicole
• Carranza, Victoria Elizabeth (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Artificial Intelligence In The Workplace: Effects & Implications”
• Delgado-Llanas, Elizabeth (Pre-Law), “Humane Executions is an Oxymoron”
• Edeza-Sanchez, Josefina (Chicana/o Studies), “Una Autobiografia with a Twist of Technology”
• Faltynski, Kimberly May (Practical and Professional Ethics), “The Seaside Connection: Digitally Connecting an Analogue City”
• Garza, Adalyn Sue (Literary and Film Studies), “#LoveAtFirstByte”
• Gierahn, Shawn Alan (Journalism and Media Studies), “3D Printing the Future”
• Gleason, Trevor James (Practical and Professional Ethics), “How Social Media is Shaping Presidential Elections”
• Gutierrez, Giselle Marie (Pre-Law and Writing Rhetoric), “The Digitalization of Rape Culture on College Campuses Via Social Media”
• Hernandez, Andres (Journalism and Media Studies), “The Value of Photographs in a Technological Society”
• Johnson, Taylor Alexandria (Journalism and Media Studies), “Social Media Has An Impact on Relationships”
• Kyle, Carson Michael (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Exploring our new Virtual Reality”
• McCartney, Zena Francesca (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Humanity's Capability of Transcendence through Artificial Intelligence”
• Nitza, Ryan Christopher (Journalism and Media Studies), “Computer and Video Games Impact on Youth and Young Adult's Development”
• Peregrina, Jessica (Pre-Law), “The Backdoor to Privacy in the Digital Realm”
• Pillitiere, Samantha Jo (Pre-Law), “Today's Technology, Tomorrow's Trash”
• Ramirez, Lizzette (Pre-law), “The Last Take”
• Renton, Melanie Jean (Writing and Rhetoric), “The Modern Book: the Forms, the Essence, the Experience”
• Salazar, Steven Alexander (Pre-law), “The Line Between National Security and Privacy”
• Simon, Daniel Robert (Journalism and Media Studies), “Social Media and Protest in the 21st Century: Occupy Wall Street and Black Lives Matter”
• Smallman, Danielle Paige (Writing and Rhetoric), “The Impact of Technological Mediations on Humanity and Relationship”
• Tulipani, Courtney Laine (Journalism and Media Studies), “Social Media's Impact on Compassion”

Professor Umi Vaughan

This Capstone considers Soul as a way of being among people from the Global South. We will consider “Where or who is the Global South?” and learn why Soul is inextricably tied to the struggle for social justice. Instructor Umi Vaughan will use examples from his experience as a researcher, percussionist, and dancer in Oakland, Cuba, Brazil and elsewhere to examine concepts such as improvisation, collective memory/action, redemption/healing, and cultural counter attack in relation to Soul.

Senior Projects - Soul Searching

• Allenbaugh, Annie M. (Writing & Rhetoric), “The Wild Spirit Within”
• Ambriz, Vanessa J. (Pre-Law), “One Soul Fighting To Bring Social Justice”
• Amelio, Caeman B. (Journalism & Media Studies), “The Soul Of Rock ‘N’ Roll"
• Ba, Faith H. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “The Passion of Silence”
• Barajas Mena, Daniela (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Con Mis Sueños Encontre Mi Alma”
• Beltran, Jesse B. (Pre-Law), Supervision of People: It’s Effect On Social Economic Needs, And Inner- Self
• Bockman, Colin P. (Creative Writing & Social Action), “Musical Vibrancy from the Soul: The Continuing Search for Soul through Guitar”
• Cervantes-Ramirez, Rosemary (Pre-Law), “Incarceration: The Negative Impact On The Soul”
• Elyse M. Colbert
• Davidson, Kevin D. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Exploitation of the Dominican Republic’s Soul: Blinded by the Sport of Baseball”
• Ellis, Ja’Monie (Pre- Law), “Finding the Soul of the Nation: An exploration of African Culture in American History”
• Eriksen, Kiley L. (Journalism & Media Studies), “FREE THE SOUL: An exploration of personal revelations, generational contemplations, and a hope for the future that holds it all together”
• Garcia, Crystal (Practical and Professional Ethics, Pre-Law), “Music, Soul and Justice: The Force Behind Equality and Change”
• Hays, Madeline A. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Quieting the Mind to Awaken the Soul”
• Howard, William A. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Learning to Teach: Finding Out What it Means to be a Teacher”
• Koesling, Katerina (Creative Writing and Social Activism, Practical and Professional Ethics), “L’appel du Vide (Call of the Void, The Suffering of the Soul)”
• MacKillop, Arjuna (Literary and Film Studies), “Echoes of Forgotten Songs”
• McDonagh, Seamus P. (Practical & Professional Ethics), “Soul Serving: A Social Media Internship with KCBA FOX 35”
• Medina, Javier C. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “’Quiénes Somos’ (Who are we?)”
• Mendoza, Jessica (Chicano/a Studies), “Testimonios del Alma”
• Palmer, Miguel A. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Feeding the Soul”
• Parr, Aaron J. (Writing and Rhetoric), “Crossfit: Fitness for the Soul”
• Smith, Daniel B. (Pre-Law), “Deterioration of Soul Through Mass Media and Consumerism”
• Tavares, Maria I. (American Multicultural Studies), “Finding Myself”
• Usrey, Cordero (Journalism and Media Studies), “Sabermetrics: The Statistical Soul of Our Nation’s Pastime”
• Vetter, Hailey A. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Soul Around the World”
• Ward, Georgette C. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Soul Searching: An American Enigma”

Professor Sam Robinson

In the year 2050 there will be more than 9 billion people on earth. People around the world will be faced with famine, drought, severe climate change, over-crowding and a poor economy. Since the 1950s we have increasing looked to science and technology to solve our problems. Recently however, leaders in the science and tech fields have been speaking out and saying they can’t solve these problems alone. Humanists, philosophers, educators, communicators, journalists, etc. all must to be apart of the process to ensure needs are met in a socially just way. How will HCOM grads use what they have learned at California State University, Monterey Bay to meet the needs of the year 2050? We will look at the myriad challenges and predictions for the year 2050, paying close attention to how race, gender, economic class and geographic location impact our perspectives on these issues.We also will explore various theories related to the construct of time and how the past, present and future are represented in our mediated world.

Senior Projects - The Year 2050

• Askew, Melissa A. (History, Oral History, and New Media), “The Past as the Future of Abortion”
• Aubert, Casey C. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Rethink: Everything We Know”
• Bates, John R. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Information Technology in the English Classroom”
• Bays, John D. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Journalism in the Year 2050”
• Diaz, Nicole D. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Trending Now: A Generation of Technology Dependent Copycats”
• Flores, Mario A. (Creative Writing & Social Action), “Today’s Tomorrow: No Turning Back”
• Frago, Justin R. (American Multicultural Studies), “Unity Through Diversity: Working Together to Create Social Change”
• Geraldo, Oriana S. (Peace Studies), “Citizenship as an Identity”
• Gray, Samantha C. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Swan Song”
• Hensley, Elizabeth J. (Journalism & Media Studies, Creative Writing & Social Action), “Lost in Space: Digital Preservation and Social Disruption”
• Hubler, Taylor C. (Writing & Rhetoric), “Good Ole’ Times Role Playing Game”
• Kesler, Emily M. (Creative Writing and Social Action), “A Beautiful Apocalypse: A Collection of Poems”
• Kishi, Katie K. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Invisible Ink: Moving away from Print Journalism”
• Krause, Keven J. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “An Examination of Anti-GMO rhetoric”
• Loeuth, Renee (Journalism and Media Studies), “An Exploration of Reproductive Rights”
• Mackey, Briana R. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Preserving Liberal Arts education will save the future)
• Mata, Roxana (Pre-Law), “Making Justice Accessible to All”
• Meyn, Haley C. (Peace Studies), “Will the UN be Effective in 2050?”
• Ontiveros, Alyssa M. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Assimilation in Education: The American Indian Literacy Gap”
• Ransom, Eric A. (Journalism and Media Studies), “2050: Journalism”
• Thomas, Mya’I (Pre-Law), “Justice For All: The Watsonville Law Center”
• Tonga, Fiava’ai K. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “What Was Left Behind and What Will Be Found”
• Zapata, Joe L. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “The Only Way to Write: The (Your) World”

Professor Lee Ritscher

This Capstone class considers the theme of social justice and injustice through a feminist lens. In particular, we'll be considering the ways in which we ourselves are privileged within our societies and the ways in which we're less privileged. We'll be using current discussions as well as historical documents which illustrate the problems that social injustice can lead to.

Senior Projects - Race, Class, Gender and Social Justice

• Adad, Emily X. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Social Justice and Monterey County”
• Altman, Corliss M. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Collecting Women’s Stories: Cold War Era”
• Baker, Makenna D. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Pornography: Ensuring that Women are Never on Top”
• Bass, Erin A. (Writing and Rhetoric & Creative Writing and Social Action), “I Am a Sexual Being: An Exploration of Oversexualization and Its Effects”
• Bernard, Jamara R. (Creative Writing and Social Action), “The American Nightmare: Land of the Incarcerated”
• Boomsliter, Jordan C. (Journalism and Media Studies), “The Abridged Rainbow: Examining Gender Representation of the LGBT Community in Television”
• Comiso, Damien C. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Media and How it Can Encourage a Culture of Oppression”
• Kelsey A. Eaton, Practical and Professional Ethics
• Luke J. Eicher, Practice and Professional Ethics
• Mackenzie K. Handy
• McAlister, Shannon C. (Women’s Studies), “The Many Shades of Beauty”
• Meech, Nick H. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Justice for Juveniles: Decreasing the School-To-Prison Pipeline”
• Cesar Mora
• Murray, Victoria L. (American Multicultural Studies), “Huemanity: A Colorful Study of the History of Humanity’s Fight for Equality”
• Nguyen, Beemy D. (History, Oral History, and New Media), “Opting Out of Spandex for Armor”
• Perez, Maria V. (Women’s Studies), “Hunger in the Pajaro Valley”
• Perez, Noeli (Women’s Studies), “Empowering Women by Breaking the Silence”
• Richardson, Laila (Creative Writing & Social Action, English Subject Matter Preparation) “maybe when i learn to breathe, i’ll finally be able to speak”
• Salimi, Jessica E. (Journalism and Media Studies), “The 10-Year Plan: What the College Experience Means Today”
• Santos, Emmanuel H. (Pre-Law), “Watsonville Law Center”
• Singh, Avneel (English Subject Matter Preparation), “No Bullying Allowed! What teachers and students can do to stop bullying at their schools”
• Sullivan, Sara (Practical and Professional Ethics), “The Privileged 3% of College Students”
• Vicencio, Eloisa (Pre-Law), “Watsonville Law Center: Legal Studies Internship”
• Marquise D. Washington
• Williamson, Megan R. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Kitchen-Table Talk: Creating Authentic Engagement in K-12 Classrooms”

Professor Estella Porras

“Generation Y,” “millennium generation,” “digital natives,” and other labels try to grasp the meaning of being young today. Youth is synonymous of freshness and high expectations, but also it represents a time of deep transformations, of finding one’s identity and voice. In our capstone seminar we will engage in analysis and criticism about what to be young means globally and locally, particularly in times when the promise for a better future --at least in economic terms-- seems elusive.

The seminar will wrestle with questions such as: How do young people find their voice and create their identities? How do they build meaningful connections and a sense of belonging? How do they define their roles as learners, citizens, consumers, users and producers of media technologies? How do youth become agents of social change in their local and global communities? Students enrolled in this course will engage in research and/or creative projects that demonstrate the articulation of the HCOM’s MLOs to the theme in a significant manner.

Senior Projects - Youth, Culture and Change

• Andrade-Gonzalez, Selena A. (Creative Writing & Social Action), “#ProjectVoz: A Reclaiming of Body and Voice”
• Areias, Evan S. (Journalism & Media Studies), "Open the Door for Girls in Professional Sports"
• Armenta, Jose R. (Writing & Rhetoric), “Shooting Our Feet: Moral Panic of Young Muslim Radicalization”
• Bocalan, Liesel-Marie A.
• Buffo, Sara R. (Practical & professional Ethics), “Connecting with Youth through YouTube: A Case Study”
• Byers, Morgan L. (Pre-Law), “Moral Restoration: Youth & Justice”
• Celaya, Karem A. (Practical & Professional Ethics), “Ethics to Youth”
• Chutney, Jacob E. (Practical & Professional Ethics), “High School Sports: Learning Life Skills That Go Beyond the Field”
• DePasquale, Lauren A. (Practical & Professional Ethics), “‘Like’ For Food: Engaging Youth in Community Service Through Social Media and Technology”
• Drivon, Corey D. (Writing & Rhetoric), “Growing Up Fast: A Study of Adolescent Pregnancy in America”
• Green Jr., Bernard K. (Journalism & Media Studies)
• Lomanto, Sarah J. (Practical & Professional Ethics), “Youth and Empathy: Lower Levels of Empathy in a Tech-Driven World”
• Maher, Matthew J. (History, Oral History, and New Media), “Millennials in the Workforce: Working Hard or Hardly Working”
• Martinez, Celeste M. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “The Kaleidoscope Effect: The Influence of Multicultural Literature on Adolescent Identity”
• Mendez, Ambrose D.
• Moneymaker, Kodi M. (Pre-Law)
• Pacioni, Madisen M. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Getting Millennials to Read: The Benefits of Young Adult Literature”
• Perez, Maria V.
• Reyes-Chavez Jr., Emilio (Writing & Rhetoric), “Adaptations to Society: Latino Youth”
• Salas, Paola E. (Literary & Film Studies), “Millennial Women Online: From Consumers of Beauty Products to Digital Media Producers”
• Sarakinis, Haralambos P.
• Smith, Taylor M. (Pre-Law), “Power of Protest: Youth in Politics”
• Strobel, Dalton J. (Practical & professional Ethics), “‘Down the Hatch’—Alcohol & College Culture”
• Stroh, Jessica N. (English Subject Matter Preparation & Writing & Rhetoric), “Learning with #Hashtags: Introducing Digital Literacy in High School”
• Wilson-Thornton, Cherri A. (Creative Writing & Social Action), “Through Their Words: Millennial Poet Conversations on Power, Difference, and Oppression”
• Worthy, Austin E. B. (Practical & Professional Ethics), “Conquering Borders” 

Professor Maria Villaseñor

In a March 2014 report, the Prison Policy Initiative, a criminal justice research and advocacy group, reported that there are over 2 million incarcerated individuals around the country. The reasons people are incarcerated are complex and multiple. The same report included findings that showed that “The number of federal laws has risen from 3,000 in the early 1980s to over 4,450 by 2008.” (“America’s Prison Population: Who, what, where and why,” _The Economist_). Moreover, incarcerated juveniles are often subject to being locked up for infractions that are not considered crimes for adults “such as running away, truancy, and incorrigibility.”

Immigration Detention Facilities also detain people for violations of immigration policies and “public safety,” and the United States military has been detaining prisoners said to be “military threats” in a Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility since the early 2000s. Furthermore, a recent federal Department of Justice investigation about the police in Ferguson, Missouri has brought into the national spotlight the way in which people of color, in general, and African Americans, in particular, have been systematically discriminated against by the police and are disproportionately affected by police policies and practices.

What is a crime and who are considered criminals? How do federal, state, and local governments define criminality and punish crime? How do race, nationality, class, gender and/or sexuality impact who and what is criminalized? This Capstone seminar will explore these and related questions, using theoretical, historical, social, political, and cultural frames of reference.

Senior Projects - Criminalization and Punishment

• Amezquita, Christina M. (Chicana/o Studies), “Criminalization of the LGBTQ Community 1940s-1960s”
• Ba, Khadija H. A. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Melting America”
• Boos, Sarah N. (Literary & Film Studies), “Damned Scribbling Women”
• Colicchio, Emily E. (Literature & Film Studies), “Friendship is the New Black: Female Relationships in Orange is the New Black”
• Enoch, Shannon M. (Pre-Law), “America’s Mental Health Rehabilitation for Inmates: Solitary Confinement”
• Garibay, Christina, K. (Practical & Professional Ethics), “More Than a Number: Victims of Sex Trafficking”
• Graham, Patrice F. (Literature & Film Studies), “#BlackLivesMatter Monologues”
• Guillen, Eduardo (American Multicultural Studies)
• Gutierrez, Evelyn (Creative Writing & Social Action), “Different Paths”
• Hennessey, Alexander P. (Journalism & Media Studies), “Monterey vs. Salinas: The Media’s Framing of Crime”
• Hinton, Ashly M. (Practical & Professional Ethics), “Schoolhouse to Jailhouse: Alternative Approaches to Zero Tolerance”
• Hutchison, Sean C. (Journalism & Media Studies), “CTE: How America’s Favorite Sport is Dying”
• Ingram, Alexis M. (Literature & Film Studies), “TV in Transition: Changing the Face of a Changing Medium”
• Jouthas, Katie J. (Writing & Rhetoric), “Putting the Unity Back in Community”
• Medina, Javier C. (Practical & Professional Ethics), “No Human is Illegal”
• Miller, Katelyn M.
• Miller, Raquelle M. (Journalism & Media Studies), “Motherhood Behind Bars: Shedding Light on the Prison System’s Invisible Women”
• Northey, Neil (Media & Journalism Studies), “Career Choices in Law Enforcement: Oral History Case Studies on Public Safety Officers”
• Rincon, Jessica (Pre-Law)
• Orozco-Rosales, Alejandra (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Tracking English Language Learners”
• Rudolph, David M. (Writing & Rhetoric), “Talk”
• Scholes, Lauren A. (Literature & Film Studies), “The Kids Aren’t Alright”
• Shaw, Alexis A. (Journalism and Media Studies), “It Remains the Same”
• Siders, Christopher J. J. (Creative Writing and Social Action), “Born in the World of…”
• Weber, Tammy L. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Judging the County by its Cover: Inmate Programs”

Professor John Berteaux

This Senior Capstone Seminar is designed to encourage reflective and critical examination of social and economic justice at the local, national and global levels. For example, while some people maintain that governmental domestic welfare programs are unjust because the government has no right to tax those who are relatively well off in order to provide funds for those in need, others argue that it is unjust not to provide government aid to those who lack adequate food, clothing, and shelter. This seminar will explore these kinds of issues. How should a just society address poverty or access to health care, education, and social services? At the international level, what are the moral obligations of individuals and nations to less affluent nations? What should affluent nations do to prevent and alleviate devastating hunger, malnutrition, and poverty in developing countries? What ethical standards should individuals in affluent nations use when deciding whether to buy goods produced in international sweatshops?

Senior projects - Social and Economic Justice

• Ayubi, Tamana M. (Pre-Law), “The Dilemma of Being Different”
• Barry, Alexis L. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Public Education: Is America’s System Fair?”
• Black, Kathryn M. (Literary and Film Studies), “American Indian and Alaska Native Children in the Child Welfare System”
• Caudillo, Samantha R. (Creative Writing & Social Action),“The Social and Economic Benefits from Music Education”
• Cook, Brandon A. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Veterans: Inequality in the Workforce”
• Dobbins, Kayla J. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “The Ethics of Money”
• Dwyer, Macklin J. (American Multicultural Studies), “The Humor of Equality”
• Edwards, Chantelle B. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “A Philosophical Approach to the Decline of Art Education Programs”
• Freeborn, Melanie J. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Tanks of Learning”
• Gidney, Frank T. (Writing & Rhetoric, Creative Writing and Social Action), “Community, Care, and Creativity in Chinatown, Salinas”
• Graham, Andrew J. (Writing & Rhetoric), “An Examinationof P.T.S.D. and the Culture Surrounding It”
• Gutierrez, Anabell B. (Pre-Law), “Memoirs of a Field Worker”
• Ingram, Alexis M. (Literary and Film Studies), “Rawls on Ferguson: The Significance of Silence”
• Lemperle, Franck R. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “An Insight into the Forgotten Franco-Arabic Citizens in the Contemporary French Republic”
• Nelson, Jessica L. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “The Morality of What We Eat: Animal Rights and Our Social Responsibilities”
• Nixon, David S. (Creative Writing & Social Action), “Reframing Deaf Emergence: On the Intersections of Deafhood, Race, and Migration”
• Parker, Alexis L. (Literary & Film Studies), “Neoliberalism& Its Discontents”
• Reis, Seth (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Gender: Essential or Detrimental?”
• Safoui, Sasha I. (Women's Studies), “Organic Farming”
• Schleeter, Natalie M. (Pre-Law), “San Benito CountyProbation Experience: A Call on Social Justice?”
• Suther, Nicole L. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Everyone’s Harvest: Supporting the Local Living Economy through Farmers’ Markets and Business Relationships”
• Thomas, Courtney J. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Fighting for Liberation in the Classroom”
• Urzua, Ruben (Chicano/a Studies), “Building a Healthy Community”

Professor Umi Vaughan

The seminar component of this course explores the concept of "diaspora" from various disciplinary and cultural perspectives. Originally the term came from the Greek word meaning "to scatter." Diaspora is the diverse unity of a people spread far and wide. Beginning in the late 19th century, it was used for decades almost exclusively in reference to Jews who were scattered throughout Europe, North and South America. Later, in the 1950s and 1960s, the "African Diaspora" came to mean all those communities around the world with close genetic and cultural ties to Africa. Most recently diaspora refers to various groups that have developed transnational and intercultural identities in which a common thread links an infinitely wide range of manifestations.

The Senior Capstone project component of the course is an opportunity for you to design, produce, and present an interdisciplinary project that arouses your curiosity and creativity. It needs to somehow address the theme of diaspora, be grounded in your Concentration, and highlight the learning you have experienced in your undergraduate studies.

Senior projects - Diaspora

• Adamis, Zachary (Creative Writing & Social Action), “Always Adventuring: Discovering Diaspora through Nature”
• Ashen, Julia R. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Teaching in Diaspora”
• Augustine, Megan J. (Literary and Film Studies), “Call of the Sea: A Diasporic Journey from Captivity to Home”
• Bailor, Lucas A. (Writing & Rhetoric), “Remembrance as Diasporic Longing: The Role of Memory in African American Literature”
• Bilotta, Adele M. (Journalism and Media Studies), “East toWest”
• DeMaria, Christina R. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Monterey’s Italian Diaspora: Fishing, Family, and Food”
• Fuentes, Shanae A. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Mi Familia: The Trials and Tribulations of Preserving Language through Generations”
• Gillespie, Samantha L. (Journalism and Media Studies), “How to be a Jewess: Returning to What Was and What Will Always Be”
• Gonzalez I, Gloria E. (English Subject Matter Preparation),“De la Escuela a la Calle: Epidemic in the Mexican Diaspora”
• Gutierrez, Stephanie Y. (Creative Writing & Social Action),“Arroz con Leche”
• Jones, Kenzel L. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Jazz Diaspora”
• Jones, Rachel H. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Diasporain Higher Education: Life at Cal State University Monterey Bay”
• Lara, Yuri (Journalism and Media Studies), “Latino Television Communicating Change and Its Challenges”
• Mante, Marjorie (Literary and Film Studies), “Adriana Jao Uy1929: 86 Years Strong”
• Medina, Estefania (Literary and Film Studies), “Crossing the Sixth Street Bridge: Filmic Identities in the Barrio”
• Medina, Guadalupe S. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Familia:The Life Stories of Lupe & Lupita”
• Melendez, Mariza E. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Whispers of the Homeland: The Search for Identity and Connection with the Homeland in Cuban Diaspora Literature”
• Meno, Kendall D. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Nubian”
• Morrison, Hayden K. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Student Mobility: The Causes, Effects, and Possible Solutions”
• Nordstrom, Kelsey M. (Pre-Law), “Italian-Argentine Diaspora”
• Ogubjobi, Omolola O. (Undergrad Transitory), “The New African Queen: Fashion Week's Latest Diaspora Muse”
• Ortega, Rebecca L. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Roosters Everywhere: A New Mexican Diaspora Story”
• Phenix, Doritina L. (Pre-Law), “Who Gets to Go to College? Global Diaspora’s Impact on American Education”
• Pope, Coral T. (Creative Writing & Social Action), “Building New Homes and Deconstructing Walls”
• Robinson, Ariel S. (Literary and Film Studies), “Alienated At Home: Identity in Diaspora”
• Russo, Jaymie E. (Literary and Film Studies), “Diaspora: The Struggle of Mexican vs. Chicano Identities”
• Singh, Chand P. (Literary and Film Studies), “My Identity as an American Born Confused Desi”
• Singh, Charn P. (Literary and Film Studies), “Our Unheard Stories of 9/11”
• Torres, Adriana (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Reclaim Our Culture: La Palabra Latina, Las Imagenes y Las Tradiciones”
• Wesley, Najeemah K. (English Subject Matter Preparation),“Diaspora: Through the Ages”
• Xu, Qing Y. (American Multicultural Studies), “Dandelion Stories: The Search for Home & Identity in Diaspora”

Professor Cecilia O'Leary

Students will learn about the contested meanings and struggles for social justice, democracy and freedom — past and present. It is an open-ended story in which structures of inequality and injustice still define who we are as a nation. Economic, cultural, social and political rights continue to be fought for on numerous fronts. Students will be able to use the knowledge gained from readings and discussions to frame their Senior Project.

Senior projects - Social Justice

• Aaron III, Eugene (Pre-Law), "Building Greater Opportunity for Inner-City Youth"
• Arteaga, Mac Arthur (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Social Inequalities in Working Class Communities”
• Avila, Selene (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Education: Breaking the Barrier of Inequality within Schools”
• Bader, Kelly M. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Should the Holocaust be Left in the Past?”
• Bandy, Jenna R. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Hazing is Not a Sport”
• Celic, Carol A. (Creative Writing & Social Action), “Keepers of the Kelp Forest: Understanding the Interconnectivity of Sea Otters, the Ocean, and Us”
• Costello, Raymond M. (Journalism and Media Studies), “The Panther Peace”
• Davis, Nolan J. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Out and Active: The Gay Athlete Movement”
• Espinoza, Di Andra E. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Women in the Workplace”
• Garcia, Albert J. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Helping Minority Youth through Community Education”
• Garcia, Aracely (Chicano/a Studies), “Theorizing Sexuality—Living the Virgin-Whore Continuum”
• Haro, Alejandro (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Faculty Diversity in Institutions of Higher Education”
• Jarvis, Tyler S. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Civil Death”
• Lemus, Marisela (Women's Studies), “The Effects of Bullyingon Adolescence”
• Macdonald, Patrick G. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Raising Awareness of Racial Profiling in America”
• Magallanez, Brittany A. (Pre-Law), “Racism in the Criminal Justice System”
• Martinez, Joel J. (Journalism and Media Studies), “A Missing History”
• Mulligan, Kelly M. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Citizenship Only Rewarded to Heroes? Immigration Policies in France Today”
• Munoz, Lili (Journalism and Media Studies), “Whiteness in Contemporary American Media”
• Nebbio, Giovanna Y. (Writing & Rhetoric), “Educating Children about Same Gender Parents”
• Peru, Sarah C. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Empowering Women in Business”
• Simpson I, Evan J. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Social Justice in a Social Media World”
• Vega, Alejandra J. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Power to HER”
• Wells, Emily M. (Pre-Law), “The Crime of Recidivism”

Professor Patrick Belanger

The section examines the narrative creation of community, ideology, and varying ideals of nationhood, particularly in light of post–WW II rhetorics of inclusive democracy and cultural pluralism. It further introduces ways to understand public memory – we analyze the communicative art of remembrance practices, and explore how varied cultures re-imagine historical phenomena.Through multiple case studies, we evaluate public stories circulated through diverse media (e.g., museums, television, documentary films, web campaigns,editorials, political deliberations). Ultimately, we assess how narratives about the past, present, and future challenge, transform and fortify contemporary public life. Throughout, we develop two key proficiencies: how to better interpret the communication that surrounds us, and how to become effective and reflective advocates for change in the world.

Senior projects - Collective Identity

• Bonner, Travis C. (Practical and Professional Ethics),"Identity through Fitness & Nutrition"
• Brown, Breanna M. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Veiling Masculinity”
• Calderon-Rojas, Griselda. (Chicano/a Studies), “Looking Through a Colored Lens: The Narratives of Women of Color in Higher Education”
• Carter, Jay S. (Creative Writing & Social Action), “Realizations”
• Cedillo, Karissa M. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Educations within the Public Elementary School System”
• Enriquez, Gabriela (Journalism and Media Studies), “A Crossing of Self Identity through the Looking Glass of a Second Generation Latina”
• Gamboa, Bianca (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Analyzing the Value of Obtaining A College Degree”
• Haught, Michael A. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Collectively Harming an Identity”
• Hillenga, Katie N. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Thinking Healthy”
• Hurley, Mark A. Jr. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Football Culture in America”
• Liborio, Ruby E. (Pre-Law), “Cultural Identity after Studying Abroad: Change & Integration”
• Lynch, Jamil L. (Creative Writing), “The Tremor of Color”
• Munoz, Henry E. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Upward Bound”
• Ortiz, Tenoch R. (Chicano/a Studies), “The Militarization of the Salinas Police Department”
• Rodriquez, Alisa F. (Creative Writing & Social Action), ”Beneath the Rubble”
• Shapiro, Cole B. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “State-Influenced Propaganda in the California School System”
• Shelley, Jamie J. (Creative Writing & Social Action), “How She Survived”
• Simpson, Quinntesha D. (Pre-Law), “Restoring and Reclaiming the American Dream”
• Spencer, Nicole M. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Disaster Relief: Providing Stability in the Middle Class”
• Stephenson, Myla O. (Pre-Law), “The Holocaust in Contemporary German Remembrance”
• Stones, Kristina G. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Social Media's Effect on Modern American Youth”
• Strange, Chelsea A. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Fan, Family, Franchise”
• Thomas, Nicholas P. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “A Country Boy Can Survive”
• Wiggins, Jeshe Amita D. (Journalism and Media Studies), “International Clubs and Collective Identities”
• Wild, Andrew A. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Cross Fit as a Brand of Its Own”
• Williamson, Jennifer M. (Practical and Professional Ethics),“Slowcoast Event Calendar”

Professor Renee Curry

This capstone seminar will explore the literature and film that engages with the events of 9/11 and their after effects. We'll read, view, discuss, and research journalistic, fictional, documentary, and political texts that reveal various perspectives not only on the events of 9/11, themselves, but also on the subsequent domestic and global othering that has occurred as a result of feeling (or being influenced to feel) terrorized and under siege. This topic promises to inspire numerous types of Capstone projects in that it allows us to ask broad, interdisciplinary questions about how the U.S. ha changed--culturally, legally, socially, globally, creatively, religiously, and more--post 9/11.

Senior projects - The Language of 9/11: Othering, Terror and Nation

• Barnes Jr., Reginald M. (Literature and Film), "The Aftermath of 9/11"
• Becerril, Carlos A. (Practical and Professional Ethics),"The United Post-9/11 Nation of America"
• Chilton, Ciera A. (Women's Studies), "(White) Womanhood, 9/11, and the Theory of Oppositional Consciousness"
• Corral, Matthew S. (Journalism and Media Studies), "Imperial Deception: Exploring the Roots of Denial and Provocation Surrounding the Attacks on 9/11”
• Cuellar, Keegan W. (English Subject Matter Preparation), "Adjusting the Aperture on Terrorism"
• Feldman, Alex (Pre-Law), “Becomingmybreath”
• Garcia, Alejandro (Pre-Law), “Torn Down Liberty after 9/11”
• Holmes, McKenna P. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Deciding Life or Death on September 11, 2001”
• Holmes, Patrick G. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “A Philosophical Exploration of Terrorism”
• Lara, Elizabeth (Women's Studies), “Muslim-Americans in Comic Books”
• Lenard, Clare C. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Communication Lost”
• Mayer, Kelly A. (Creative Writing & Social Action), “Igniting Hope from Ashes: Poetry Responses to 9/11”
• Mosqueda, Eric (Peace Studies), “Muslim-Americans in Comic Books”
• Richard, Emily A. (Literary and Film Studies), “Americans Choose Silence: 9/11”
• Siason, Brittany M. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Terrorism and Identity through Literature and Media”
• Simonsen, Kristen N. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “The Freshman Mindset: Terrorism and Racism within a Culture”
• Tino Jr., Cesar A. (Writing and Rhetoric), “Let's Talk Terrorism: How America's National Rhetoric Regarding Terrorism and the War on Terror Changed Following 9/11”
• Turley, Jennifer N. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “The Literature and Language of 9/11 in the Ninth Grade Classroom”
• Uribe, Enrique (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Terrorism, Literature, and Perspectives of an English Classroom”

Professor Qun Wang

This Senior Capstone Seminar is designed to encourage students to place the study of self and society in cultural, historical, political, and/or economic contextualization. The School of New Criticism, for instance, posits that "the complexity of literature lies in its use irony and paradox." Thanks to the development of some of the contemporary theories such as post-modernism and new historicism, we start to look at how culture, history, politics, and economic stratification not only inform but also help define literary representations of society. Or in British culturalist Raymond Williams's words, to avoid reducing the concept of "typicality" to "art as the typification (representation, illustration) not of the dynamic process but of its (known) laws" is to define "typicality" as "a constitutive and constituting process of social and historical reality" "specifically expressed in some particular 'type.'" This seminar will explore and address some of the critical issues in literary and cultural studies such as: how is human experience represented and/or (mis)re-presented in literature? How is border crossing defined in literary studies? Why is cultural negotiations critical in understanding today's society? Is the reader response tradition in literary criticism valid? How do we define our relationship with some of the great literary works? How does that understanding help us find our own identity toward the eventual goal of the achievement of self-actualization?

Senior projects - Border Crossing, Cultural Negotiations and the Search for Identity

• Banuelos , Cory N. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Diet, Weight, and the Farmers’ Market: A Path of Discovery to a Healthier Identity, Corporate Consumerism and Supporting Local Business, and the Search for Identity within the Context of Groceries”
• Berger, Shannon K. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Gender Roles In the Media”
• Bowman, Derek A. (Literary and Film Studies), “The Kids Aren’t All Right: On the Cinematic Portrayal of the Queer Search for Identity”
• Edwards, Breanne N. (Pre-Law), “Seniors Fighting for Their Identity at Legal Services for Seniors”
• Feickert, Evan M. (Pre-Law), “Diet, Weight, and the Farmers’ Market: A Path of Discovery to a Healthier Identity, Corporate Consumerism and Supporting Local Business, and the Search for Identity within the Context of Groceries”
• Garland, Benjamin R. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Diet, Weight, and the Farmers’ Market: A Path of Discovery to a Healthier Identity, Corporate Consumerism and Supporting Local Business, and the Search for Identity within the Context of Groceries”
• Hambaro, Garrett (Literary and Film Studies), “Decay and Detritus: The Interplay of Race and Class and How It Shapes Identity In The Wire and Oliver Twist”
• Harden, Brittany M. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Seniors Fighting for Their Identity at Legal Services for Seniors”
• Hewett, Jessica D. (Literary and Film Studies), “Nature Versus Nurture: Is Identity Defined or Redefined?”
• Iniguez, Monica (Chicano Studies), “A Journey of Self Discovery Through the Lens of Second Generation Latinos”
• Landrum, Carissa Y. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Finding Love, Community, and Self: A Journey of Healing and Self-Acceptance”
• Lim, Cassandra P. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Search for Identity: The Personal and Societal Benefits of Protecting Equitable Power Distribution by Promoting Farmers’ Markets and Production In the Food Industry”
• McGregor, Lauren A. (Journalism and Media Studies), “(Mis)understanding, (Mis)re-presentation, or Vilification: On Hollywood’s Portrayal of Arab-Americans In A Terrorized America”
• Miller, Alexander H. (Pre-Law), “Childhood Obesity, the Implications to Individual Health and Our Healthcare System”
• Myers, Alexander W. (Literary and Film Studies), “History and Intention: Baggage of Hegemonic Privilege in Reconciliatory Discourse”
• Oviedo, Ruben (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Over the Air: Empowerment through Education—How to Locate Financial Aid for Scholarship for College”
• Piol, Kelly A. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “The Opening of the American Mind: A Digitalized Story of the Campus Life at the Rancho Cielo Youth Center”
• Rauch, Cierra C. (American Multicultural Studies), “Transnational Mothering: Renegotiating the Mother’s Role for Overseas Filipina Domestic Workers”
• Rodriguez, Kevin M. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “A Journey to Letting Go: Discovering Self-Identity Through the Stages of Loss and Grief”
• Sanchez, Jaime M. (Pre-Law), “Ethnic Studies: A Luxury or Necessity In Education?”
• Shannon, Josslyn E. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “ ‘To Write or Not to Write?’ That is the Question to Ask Our Students: Bringing Creativity Into the High School English Classroom”
• Sluggett, Jordan C. K. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Show Me, Don’t Tell Me”
• Thomason, Ryan C. (Pre-Law), “In Search of Willy Loman and the American Dream”
• Tomsic, Sarah J. (Literary and Film Studies), “The (Re-)presentation of the Search for Identity In American Literature and Film: The Color Purple, Death of a Salesman, and Real Women Have Curves”
• Villa-Uptain, Tobias G. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “The Road Not Taken: An Empirical Journey to Find Where I Belong”
• Welch, Megan L. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “It Takes a Village: Communal Transformation Through Individual Empowerment and Growth”

Professor John Berteaux

This Senior Capstone Seminar is designed to encourage reflective and critical examination of social and economic justice at the local, national and global levels. For example, while some people maintain that governmental domestic welfare programs are unjust because the government has no right to tax those who are relatively well off in order to provide funds for those in need, others argue that it is unjust not to provide government aid to those who lack adequate food, clothing, and shelter. This seminar will explore these kinds of issues. How should a just society address poverty or access to health care, education, and social services? At the international level, what are the moral obligations of individuals and nations to less affluent nations? What should affluent nations do to prevent and alleviate devastating hunger, malnutrition, and poverty in developing countries? What ethical standards should individuals in affluent nations use when deciding whether to buy goods produced in international sweatshops?

Senior projects - Social and Economic Justice

• Adams, Janine (Journalism & Media Studies), “True Image”
• Andrews, Stacie A. (Africana Studies), “The Black Panthers and Marxism”
• Bee, Julia M. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Language, Power, and Ebonics: Balancing Students’ Home Literacies with Teaching Standard English in the Secondary Classroom”
• Cervantes, Herminia (Pre-Law), “The Effects Immigration Policies have had over U.S. History”
• Colvard, Sydney M. (Creative Writing & Social Action), “Tales of the Outsiders”
• DeGregori, Mallory R. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Shakespeare’s Rape of Lucrece in America”
• Donovan, Kasey M. (Peace Studies), “Is the Religious Right Making Things Right?”
• Garibay, Osvaldo A. (Pre-Law), “The Effects of IRCA on Immigrant Communities”
• Griffith, Veronica A. (Practical & Professional Ethics), “Oral Histories of Chinatown: Embracing the Street”
• Hawkins, Erin N. (Journalism & Media Studies), “Exploring the Vision of Inequality in America Using the Ethics of Care in Journalism”
• Hollingsworth, Sarah J. (Pre-Law), “Oral Histories of Chinatown: Embracing the Street”
• Longergan, Hannah L. (English Major), “Breaking News: Heads Are Spinning Over Nutrition”
• Louth, Megan K. (Creative Writing & Social Action), “Tongue Twister”
• Madrigal, Aubrey M. (Practical & Professional Ethics), “Living United: Creating Community Through the Use of Social Media with United Way Monterey County”
• McArdle I, Alexander T. (Practical & Professional Ethics), “Homeless Representation in Mass Media”
• McCracken, Mariel A. (Pre-Law), “Economic Necessity, the Ability to Choose, and the Rise of Self-Confidence in Women”
• Morales-Villa, Adan (Pre-Law), “The Magnitude of Racism”
• Origel, Nataly (Pre-Law), “The Effects of Immigration Policies Throughout U.S History”
• Orosco, Zachary A. (Journalism & Media Studies), “Media Controlling the Youth”
• Ramirez, Christopher M. (History, Oral History & New Media), “Ethnic Studies Discourse in America”
• Scarminach, Stephanie P. (Practical & Professional Ethics), “The Restoration of Juveniles: A More Productive Kind of Justice”
• Siminski, Sarah L. (Writing & Rhetoric), “Legato*”
• Smith, Zachary G. (Pre-Law) A Rational Case Against Affirmative Action
• Stubbs, Andrew J. (Writing & Rhetoric) Those With No Countries and No Borders: The Thai Hill Tribes
• Waldie, Christine (Creative Writing & Social Action) A Win Win Situation: Saving the Life of an Animal While Improving the Quality of Life in Senior Citizens
• Wendel Rice, Sabrina K. (Practical & Professional Ethics), “Government as Caretakers”

Professor Jennifer Fletcher

Few words have stronger resonance for us than "home" or "family." Expressions such as "treated like family," "blood is thicker than water," "home truths," "at home," "home is where the heart is," and "feeling homesick" convey the emotional power these words hold for us. Both concepts--home and family--are weighted with ideological, social, political, material, historical, and personal meaning. Our imaginative literature is rich with fantasies of ideal homes, nightmares of their opposites, and the intense longings of the displaced, dispossessed, and bereaved. In The Poetics of Space (1958), twentieth-century philosopher Gaston Bachelard proposes the word "topoanalysis" to describe "the systematic psychological study of the sites of our intimate lives." This interdisciplinary Senior Capstone Seminar will offer a topoanalysis of how notions of space--both public and private, gendered and ungendered, bordered and boundless--shape our understanding of what it means to have a home or be a member of a family. What, for instance, do travelers' tales, diaspora studies, domestic fiction, and migration narratives tell us about the appeal and portability of these concepts? What do they tell us about ourselves? And what do issues such as marriage equality and homelessness contribute to our understanding of this topic? Shared readings will include literary, historical, philosophical, and legal texts.

Senior projects - Homes and Families

• Ackerman, Sarah R. (Pre-Law), “Mentoring Matters: Ethical Implications Within an Interpersonal Relationship between Mentors and Children or Adolescents”
• Ahrenstorff, Nikki L. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “The Ultimate Task—Returning Home”
• Boon,Vanessa R. (Journalism & Media Studies), “The Difference Within Homes”
• Britt, Madeline J. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Effects of Life at Home on Life at School”
• Byrd, Elliott R. (Writing & Rhetoric), “Global Warming Hits Home: Stories From Disappearing Cultures”
• Calderon, Leanna G. (Practical & Professional Ethics), “I Am a Tree”
• Condos, Joanna K. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Finding a Connection to Learning”
• Corral, Estrella M. (Pre-Law), “Providing Legal Aid to Families”
• Fernandez, Jesse (English Subject Matter Preparation), “A Rich and Diverse World of Cultures Inside the Classroom”
• Flores, Adam M. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Building Community: The Class as a Home for Family”
• Floyd, Lauryn A. (Africana Studies), “Africa the Homeland: Diaspora and the Changing Global Community”
• Fox, Jacqueline S. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “At Home in Literature”
• Gallardo, Jaquelyn Z. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Building Familias”
• Gatton, Jessica N. (Creative Writing & Social Action), “The Missing”
• Gutierrez, John M. (Practical & Professional Ethics), “The Modern Family of Gay and Lesbian Parents”
• Hernandez, Gabriela (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Home Language in the Classroom”
• Hernandez, Michaela B. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Praising Differences: the Beauty of Culture”
• Kessler, Katherine D. (Practical & Professional Ethics), “The Reality of Body Image: How Family, Friends, and the Media Influence Young Women”
• Malfatti, Alyssa M. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Analyzing Personal Backgrounds”
• Mejia, Jessica M. (Creative Writing & Social Action), “Chasing History”
• Perryman, Travis C. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “A Comfortable Vision”
• Pickerrell, James R. (Practical & Professional Ethics), “You Otter Be Ready”
• Rankin, Glenni A. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Changing Masculine Domesticity: Shifting Gender Roles in Late-Victorian Britain”
• Ruiz, Gabriella L. (Literary & Film Studies), “Congratulations, you're having a... child!”
• Snow, Hallie R. (Pre-Law), “Conquering Chaos: Using the Classroom as a Catalyst for Change”
• Townsend, Aneisha P. (Pre-Law), “My Home, My Future”
• Storm, Kendra A. (Journalism & Media Studies), “KINdred Spirits: A Veteran Experience”
• Trigueiro, Brandon J. (Practical & Professional Ethics), “A Soldier's Family: An Expository Study on the Solidarity of U.S. Military Families”

Professor Ernest Stromberg

While most, but not all, people are born biologically male or female, cultures shape what it means to be "man" or a "woman" in a given society. This Capstone seminar will examine and critique the ways in which the meanings of gender are constructed historically, philosophically, legally, and aesthetically in the United States and in select global contexts. We will give careful attention to the ways in which gender assignments convey social, economic, and political value and power. We will consider cultural responses to transgressions of gender norms. Analysis of sexuality and sexual norms will be considered as central to an understanding of gender roles. The following are among the questions we can anticipate exploring in this seminar: How are we taught what it means to be a woman or a man? What might a gender equitable society look like? What obstacles remain to be overcome on the path to a more gender equitable society? Why do transgressions of gender and sexual "norms" frequently provoke strong reactions? What are the consequences of rigid gender and sexual norms for men and women?

Senior projects - Gender, Sexuality and Equality

• Alvarado, Stephanie (Chicano/Chicana Studies), “A Traves De Su Mirada”
• Avila, Belinda (Practical and Professional Ethics), “America: Home of the Brave, Land of the Not-So-Free”
• Bartley, Zachary Amos (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Masculinity, Homophobia, and Teaching Resistant Reading and Feminist Literary Theory in the Classroom
• Beals, Jennifer A. (Pre-Law), “Legal Services Our Seniors Seek In Relation to Gender and Equality”
• Burns, Brandon John (Literary and Film), “Uniform”
• Chaples, Rachel Elizabeth (Journalism), “Take Shelter. Soledad Street.”
• Colton, Ashely Lauren (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Marissa Mayer: Wife, Mother, Revolutionary”
• Conway, Nicole Marie (Pre-Law), “Homeless Women in Monterey County”
• Davis, Blake Ryan (Practical and Professional Ethics), “The McSUAV CREW”
• Delman, Joshua Elliot (Single Subject English/ Pre-Law), “Gender Stereotyping in Young Adult Literature”
• Fontana, Gabriella Elizabeth (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Male Dominated Society: A Look at the Selectivity of Gender and Sexuality in Lord of the Flies”
• Gonzales, Allison Lynn (Journalism and Media Studies), “Gender: Be You”
• Hawkins, Charity N. (Pre-Law/Africana Studies), “Who Wears The Pants? An Examination of Gender Roles in African American Communities”
• Leal, Chloe Maalani (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Gender: Be You”
• Newton I, Leticia Micaela (Pre-Law), “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell: The Military’s Approach on Sexual Assualt”
• Quartararo, Maseume, (Journalism and Media Studies), “Gender Roles, and Media Influences?”
• Schlesinger-James, Gabriella M. (Pre-Law), “Men Can Stand Up Above Violence”
• Senghor, Abdoulaye Tanou (Peace Studies), “Men Can Stand Up Above Violence”
• Shefflette, Thomas Clark (Pre-Law), “Men Can Stand Up Above Violence”
• Toler, Chris Michael (Creative Writing and Social Action), “Men Can Stand Up Above Violence”
• Wilson, Benjamin Louis (Creative Writing ad Social Action), “Falling Astronauts: Masculinity in the Speculative Fiction of Barry N. Malzberg

Professor Estella Porras

"Generation Y," "milennium generation," "digital natives," and other labels try to grasp the meaning of being young today. We see young faces leading protests, inventing new trends, seeking to be understood, and finding expression with music, art, in social networks, and using technology as their second nature. Youth is synonymous of freshness and high expectations, but also it is a time in life of deep transformations, of finding one selves. In our capstone seminar we will engage in analysis and criticism about what to be young means in this country and in this region, particularly in times when the promise for a better future --at least in economic terms-- seems elusive. The seminar will wrestle with questions such as: How do young people find their voice and create their identities? How do they build meaningful connections and a sense of belonging? How do they define their roles as learners, citizens, consumers, users, and producers of media? How do youth become agents of social change in their local and global communities?

Senior projects - Youth, Culture and Change

• Augusta, Anita M. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Reading Challenge: Teens and the Classics”
• Banks, Tina L. (Creative Writing and Social Action), “Bullying Over the Years: A Past and Present Look at Teenage Bullying”
• Federman, Ethan D. (Creative Writing and Social Action), “Octopus Interpretation, Youth Education: Implementing Education and Entertainment Tools from the Monterey Bay Aquarium”
• Ferreira, Nicholas A. (Creative Writing and Social Action), “Their Youth: Three Short Stories”
• Fields, Kylie L. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Girls at Peace: Having a Positive Body Image”
• Foreman, Ryan A. (Multicultural American Studies), “Children of Tough Economic Times”
• Fornshell, Barra A. L. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Expectations of the Millennial Generation”
• Galzerano, Guy D. (Creative Writing), “Contrasting Generations within our Musical Nation”
• Girard, Daniel L. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Life Skills on the Links”
• Gomes, Ethan W. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Digital Revolution: A Blog on Youth Social Media”
• Gulbinas, Blaine C. (Literature and Film Studies), “A ‘Renaissance’ Exploration”
• Hale, Chelsey M. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Youth Restoring Justice”
• Hutchinson, Gabrielle D. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Under the Surface: An Alchemical Look into Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”
• Luna, Marina (Journalism and Media Studies), “Youth in Salinas: Beyond the Media Stereotype”
• Merz, Megan N. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “The Colors of Family”
• Osifeso, Mojola O. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Youth Speaks: A Collaborative Journalistic Project Made by Youth for Youth”
• Pena Sr., Oscar V. (English Subject Matter Prep), “Teaching Millennials with Technology: Working Together for a Better Future”
• Ramirez, Silvia V. (Pre-Law), “Youth Solutions: Safe Teens Empowerment Project in Salinas”
• Robarge, Katie M. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Developing New Reading Habits to Improve English Learning”
• Rodriguez, Jose (Pre-Law), “The New Target of Advertising: The Millennial Generation”
• Ryan, Christine E. (Writing and Rhetoric), “The Romance Genre and Media’s Influence on the Way Adolescents View and Act in Romantic Relationships”
• Scott, Britnee L. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Finding Rich Soil in Your Own Backyard”
• Scott, Nicole B. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “False Image of Teen Pregnancy”
• Will, Gregory J. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Dissecting and Resisting Advertisement: Children Using Media Literacy Tools”
• Yang, Golee (Practical and Professional Ethics), “You Otter Cross Cultures: Celebrating Identities"

Dr. John Berteaux

This Senior Capstone Seminar is designed to encourage reflective and critical examination of social and economic justice at the local, national and global levels. For example, while some people maintain that governmental domestic welfare programs are unjust because the government has no right to tax those who are relatively well off in order to provide funds for those in need, others argue that it is unjust not to provide government aid to those who lack adequate food, clothing, and shelter. This seminar will explore these kinds of issues. How should a just society address poverty or access to health care, education, and social services? At the international level, what are the moral obligations of individuals and nations to less affluent nations? What should affluent nations do to prevent and alleviate devastating hunger, malnutrition, and poverty in developing countries? What ethical standards should individuals in affluent nations use when deciding whether to buy goods produced in international sweatshops?

Senior projects - Social and Economic Justice

• Arias, Guadalupe (Chicana/o Studies), Hunger and Mortality: How ought affluent nations deal with famine, undernourishment and malnutrition in affluent nations?”
• Ashak, Liza (English Subject Matter Preparation), “The Effects of Multiculturalism in Literature Classes”
• Bailey, Kristi (Pre-Law Concentration), “Peace of Mind”
• Barry, Ariel (Journalism and Media Studies), “Yes, Mr. Eberstadt, We Are a Nation of Takers”
• Bartley, Zachary (English Subject Matter), “A Classroom for Everyone: The Justice, Necessity, and Application of Multiculturalism in High School Literature Curricula”
• Camacho, Silvia (Pre-Law Concentration), “Low Income Families at Vista Verde Middle School of Greenfield”
• Center, Rachel (Journalism and Media Studies), “Revising the American Dream”
• Collins, David (Pre-Law and Practical and Professional Ethics), “ The Power of Integrity”
• Cortez, German Edgar (English Subject Matter Preparation), “The Need for an Empathic Curricular Model in Contemporary Education: Promoting Student’s Socio-emotional Development”
• Dedmon, Jessica (Writing and Rhetoric), “Rights, Treatments and Mental Disorders”
• Ebrahemi, Justin (Journalism and Media Studies), “ Sierra Club-Ventana Chapter Internship and San Jerado”
• Eckert, Theresa (History, Oral History, and New Media), “Fairly Educated?”
• Fleet, John Christian (Pre-Law Concentration), “Domestic Violence No More”
• Folstad, Alex (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Equity and Justice in America’s Social Order: The Role of Mulitculturalism”
• Garza, Erica (Creative Writing and Social Action), “(Un)Comfortable Numb: Depression and Mental Health Care in the United States”
• Hatfield, Kari (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Bridging The Cap Between Justice and Fairness”
• Houstan, Henry (Journalism and Media Studies), “A Pound of Flesh: A Critique of Liberal Economics”
• Menor, Jasmine (Journalism and Media Studies), “Exploring a Powerful System through Many Eyes: A Look at Welfare”
• Park, Adam H. (Creative Writing and Social Action), “The Appartatus”
• Robbins, Lauren (Creative Writing and Social Action), “The Importance and Fundamental Need for Creative Writing in Public Elementary Education”
• Sheffield, Brian (English Subject Matter Preparation), “On the Importance and Power of Poetry in a Social Context”
• St. James, Rachel (Practical and Professional Ethics), “The Lady Justice Dilemma”
• Villagomez, Juileta (Creative Writing and Social Action), “Tierra y Libertad: La Voz de los de Abajo”
• Zuniga, Lucero (Pre-Law Concentration), “A Word from the Wise: Social Injustices and Ethical Dilemmas faced by Elderly Communities”

Dr. María Joaquina Villaseñor

Contemporary popular media depicts “illegal” immigration as a current social problem while at the same time, it is often said that the United States is a “nation of immigrants.” Yet the phenomenon of migration is neither uniquely contemporary, nor uniquely American. Whether forced or voluntary, migrations have been ubiquitous in world history, and form an important part of what we might call the human experience. This Capstone seminar will explore theories and concepts related to migration, and will ask participants to apply these ideas to historical and cultural issues related to migration; discussions of contemporary immigration issues in the United States; and to personal, familial, and community migration stories. We will consider a variety of related questions including: How are the experiences of migration informed by nationalisms, ethnic and racial constructs, gender, and/or class? How are communities shaped by migrations, and how do migrations contribute to social transformations? What are the stories that emerge from migratory experiences? In light of these discussions, we will also consider the issue of “belonging,” examining how families and communities constitute themselves and reconstitute themselves in different places and across time.

Senior projects - Migration and Belonging

• Acridge, Ashley Victoria (Writing and Rhetoric), “Finding the Right Fit: A Deeper Look into Belonging”
• Allen, Anna Kristina (Practical and Professional Ethics), “The Migration to American Culture”
• Aranda, Jamie E. (Creative Writing and Social Action), “Garza: ‘A Family Journey Into Belonging’”
• Arriaga, Maria G. (Creative Writing and Social Action), “Growing up Mexican American: Tales of a First Generation”
• Beas, Brenda R. (Chicano Studies), “The Voices of the Forgotten”
• Blakely, Evander J. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Between the Lines: Basketball and Belonging”
• Castro, Julio C. (Pre-Law), “Sons and Daughters of the Fields”
• Chavez, Mario Alberto (Chicano Studies), “Mexican Migration Issues Around the Borderline seen in Chicano Films”
• Flores, José C. (Creative Writing and Social Action), “Latinos: ‘Let’s Get Educated’”
• Freeno, Rachel (Practical and Professional Ethics), “In Search of the ‘American Dream’”
• Garcia, Samuel Charles (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Third and Fourth Generation Mexican Americans and our Emergence into the Middle Class”
• Gipe, Madison Hannah (Creative Writing and Social Action, English Subject Matter Preparation), “A Student’s A Student No Matter How Migrant: Dr. Seuss and Secondary Migrant Student’s Educational Needs”
• Gonzales, Samantha M. (American Multicultural Studies), “Third Wave Magazine: Language Barrier and Third Generation Latino Identities”
• Macari, Samatha Nicole (Literary and Film Studies), “Cultural Negotiation and the Search for Identity in The Joy Luck Club”
• Madrigal, Ileana (Chicano Studies), “The New Braceras: Struggles of Transnational Mothers”
• Martinez, Daniela S. (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Teaching Migrant English Language Learners: Applying the Natural Approach and Reader Response”
• Mata, Tine R. Martinez (Creative Writing and Social Action, English Subject Matter Preparation), “What does Shakespeare Have to Do with Me?’: Inspiring Literacy through Immigrant Literature”
• Matsu, Nursel H. (Journalism and Media Studies), “Angels of America”
• Roberts, Akryssa L. (Creative Writing and Social Action), “Ronan’s Suitcase”
• Salpas, Katherina J. (Pre-Law), “Environmental Refugees: Concerns with Identity and Legal Status”
• Serrato, Hector Mora (Journalism and Media Studies), “Generaciones Apart: A Look at the Student Walkouts of East Los Angeles and the DREAMers of the Dream Act as Two Chicano Student Movements”
• Tupper, Megan M. (Creative Writing and Social Action), “Little Luna: A Tale of Shooting Stars – Analyzing generations of assimilation through storytelling”
• Vallejo, Denice H. (Literary and Film Studies), “Clash of Civilizations: The Confusion of Being a Second-Generation Japanese-American after Internment in John Okada’s No-No Boy”
• Velasquez Jr., Anthony M. (Pre-Law), “Salines Futbol Academy: An Attitude For Success”
• Wellington, Kent Lewis (Journalism and Media Studies), “Para la Ciudadanía: Migrants of the Salinas Valley”
• Yonekura, Kathleen Nicole (Peace Studies), “Working, Smiling, and Growing with Migrant Children”

Dr. Cecilia O’Leary

In this Senior Capstone Seminar students learn about the history, philosophies, contested meanings, and practices of democracy and freedom — past and present. It is an open-ended story in which democracy and freedom have been used to define a promised land, but also have become battlegrounds in which struggles over citizenship, civil and human rights have been fought on numerous fronts. The seminar’s theme will be looked at from various perspectives and students will be able to use the knowledge gained from readings and discussions to frame their Capstone project in accordance with the major’s concentrations. While the seminar’s focus will be on the United States, Capstone projects are not limited to the United States.

Senior projects - Democracy and Freedom

• Aguilar, Frankie (English Subject Matter Preparation), “How the Spirits of the American Revolutionary Era and the Information Age Shaped the Meaning of Freedom and Liberty”
• Bahena, Benjamin (Pre-Law Concentration), “Internet and the First Amendment”
• Brightman, Jessica (Comparative American Studies), “A New Nation Identity: Hispanic and Latino Residents Defining Self and Community”
• Cabal, Angeli (Creative Writing and Social Action), “The Land of Milk and Honey: The Experience of a Filipina Immigrant in America”
• Clifton, Layne M. (Literary Film Studies), “Yearning to Breathe Free: The Quest for Unalienable Rights”
• Faith, Nora Allison (Peace Studies), “misusage: How the Media is Used to Undermine Democracy”
• Granillo, Angelyssa (Journalism and Media Studies), “Empowering Women: Homelessness and Domestic Violence”
• Guardino, Brittany (Literary Film Studies), “You Otter Rock the Polls: CSUMB Poll Worker Recruitment Program”
• Hernandez, Anthony (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Present Pasts: A Family Created by War and Immigration”
• Kelley, Patrick (Journalism and Media Studies), “Freedom and Democracy in Sport: Title IX and CSUMB”
• LeBeouf, Zachary (Practical and Professional Ethics), “The Declaration of Designated Driving”
• Main, Claire (Journalism and Media Studies), “Finding Freedom: Stories from the Community”
• Nelson, Victoria (English Subject Matter Preparation), “The American Revolution Through Young Adult Fiction”
• Ocampo, Matthew G. (Practical and Professional Ethics), “An Infringement on Freedom: Keeping America’s Skies Drone-Free”
• Perkins, Lisa (History, Oral History, and New Media), “Twentieth Century American Folk Music: Social Action and Democratic Participation”
• Reyes, Estefany (English Subject Matter Preparation), “From Literature to History: An Inquiry of African-American Literature in a Historical Context”
• Silva, Vanessa (Literary Film Studies), “Growing Our Own: Building Leadership in Monterey County”
• Smith, Christina Cordelia (Journalism and Media Studies), “Hate Speech in American Broadcasting”
• Trejo, Silvia “Computer Literacy and What it Means to our Community”
• Warriner, Jenna (Literary Film Studies), “Gone With the Wind: Exposing Racism Behind the Red Curtain”

Dr. David A. Reichard

In 1948, the United Nations created a Universal Declaration of Human Rights which has provided a framework many have used for thinking about the issue since. Yet, where did the idea for “human rights” come from? What does it actually mean in practice? Are these rights universal? How has the meaning of such rights changed over time? How have race, class, gender, sexuality, sexual orientation, nationality and other social categories impacted those changing meanings? This seminar will explore these and other fundamental questions drawing on historical, political, social, economic, philosophical, cultural and creative perspectives and in various contexts—from the local to the global.

Senior projects - Human Rights

• Aboytes, Maricela (Comparative American Studies), “Homeless Self-Help Encampments Research Project”
• Anderson, Antoinette (Pre-Law Concentration), “A Race Through Time”
• Bailey, Cierra (Journalism and Media Studies), “Bailey on the Dailey: Privacy in an Open Space”
• Barstad, Brandt (Journalism and Media Studies), The Notter
• Butts, Jaclynn (Practical and Professional Ethics), “SlutTalk, SlutWalk, & SafeTalks”
• Chou, Margaret (Film and Literature), “SlutWalk, SlutTalk, & SafeTalks”
• Dannenbring, Desiree (Creative Writing and Social Action), “ Casting Stones: An Examination of Human Rights Violations in Prison”
• Emery, Aubri (Literary Film Studies), “Native American Sovereignty: An Essential and Viable Human Right”
• Fowler, Alex (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Jump 2 Jump”
• Halby, Erica (Pre-Law Concentration), “Security of Person and the Second Amendment: Self-Defense as a Human Right”
• Headly, Eric Scott (Practical and Professional Ethics), “Who Turns the Wheel of Law: Tibetan’s Nationality and the Effects of China’s Dehumanizing Liberation”
• Howard, Kate (Practical and Professional Ethics), “The Atrocities of Human Sex Trafficking and Paths to its Resolution”
• Jones, Christopher Leon (Literary Film Studies), “Under the Gun: Children in Combat”
• Morse, Loren (Practical and Professional Ethics), “The Women’s War-Eliminating the Process of Female Genital Mutilation and Protecting Women’s Inherent Human Right”
• Napoletano, Adam (Journalism and Media Studies), “SlutTalk, SlutWalk, & SafeTalks”
• Nicholson, Brianna (Practical and Professional Ethics), “The Right to Life: Abolishing the Death Penalty”
• Nicovich, Briana (Practical and Professional Ethics), “SlutTalk, SlutWalk & SafeTalks”
• Oates, Jacob (Creative Writing and Social Action), “The Notter”
• Robbins, Lauren N. (Creative Writing and Social Action), “The Importance and Fundamental Need for Creative Writing in Public Elementary Education”
• Rodriguez, Erika (Writing and Rhetoric), “Student Perceptions of Education As a Human Right”
• Sanders, Shardonnay (Pre-Law Concentration), “African American and Homelessness: An Ignored Epidemic”
• Thuston, Marrin (Creative Writing and Social Action), “A Collection of Poems and Short Stories: A Violation of Rights through the Lens of Women
• Wallace, Cailtin Ann (Women’s Studies and Writing and Rhetoric), “Half a Life, Half a Face: Acid Attacks as Vengeful Gendered Violence in Bangladesh and Pakistan”
• Ward, Danielle (English Subject Matter Preparation), “Exploring Multicultural Adolescent Literature and Human Rights”
• Williamson, Tyller (Pre-Law Concentration), “Healthcare Town Hall for Young Adults”

Professor Renee Curry

In this section of HCOM 475, we will explore the meaning of love. It will include, but not be limited to the study of love poetry, love literature, love in cinema, and the history of love and loving in the U.S. and around the globe. We will also explore who has the "right" to love in different places and in different times. The course will address the legalities of love as well as taboo love and illegal love. We'll study romantic love as well as the love of animals, family, siblings, and children. Science has also addressed and has theories of love worth examining. We'll conduct readings across the disciplines in HCOM as well as in a few disciplines outside of HCOM such as psychology, social sciences, art, and the sciences.

Senior projects - Love

• Matthew Bolner, Pre-Law, “Love in the Law”
• Michelle Clay, English Subject Matter Preparation, “Love is Like a Metaphor”
• Elias Cuevas, Practical and Professional Ethics, “Liquid Love”
• Adam Dikeman, Journalism and Media Studies, “Voices from the Street”
• Madison Gassner, Literature and Film Studies, “Only Pick the Flowers You Like”
• Michael Glines, Literature and Film Studies, Minor: Music, “Hot Live Sock Drive”
• Stephanie Camber Johnson, Peace Studies & Africana Studies, “Reflections of Loving Loudly”
• Kala Rockwell, Pre-Law, “Purpose-Driven Love”
• Joana Ruvalcaba, English Subject Matter Preparation, “Love, Literature, and Its Evolution”
• James Schellenberg, Writing and Rhetoric, “Compassionate Consumerism—Is it Possible?”
• Sara Thorsen, Practical and Professional Ethics, “Little Jo Loves Big”

Professor Diana Garcia

The theme for this section of HCOM 475 will be Environmental Justice. We'll examine how environmental justice is depicted in history, literature, film and popular culture, both in the U.S. and around the world. Areas of study include the history of environmental politics and legislation in the U.S. since the 1960s; an examination of how modern and contemporary literature addresses the topic; readings on environmental justice dealing with class, race, and gender; the environmental impact of war on local populations in other countries; the history of water politics in California and on the Monterey Peninsula; how federal and state legislation and court decisions on pesticide and fertilizer use affect farm workers and their families; water/air quality, especially in lower income neighborhoods; and the ethics of low-income high-density housing and the resultant lack of recreational areas and green space for inner city families.

Senior projects - Environmental Justice

• Diego Barraza (Chicana/o Studies) “HOPE for Monterey: The Use of Pesticides in the Carmel River Watershed and Its Impact on the Natural Environment”
• Jessica Blackwood, Journalism and Media Studies, “The Otter Branch”
• Elizabeth Cambra, English Subject Matter Preparation, “From Within to Without: The Poetry of Environmental Justice”
• Kelly Craig, Journalism and Media Studies,“Globally Green”
• Heather Denning, Pre-Law, “Prisons within Their Communities”
• Jacquelyn Andrea Garcia, Journalism and Media Studies, “Draining California”
• Andreina Hernandez, Chicana/o Studies, “HOPE for Monterey: The Use of Pesticides in the Carmel River Watershed and Its Impact on the Community”
• Frances Hickman, Creative Writing and Social Action, “For the Love of Ivory”
• Tawna Renee Hoag, Creative Writing and Social Action, “Bloodstream”
• Amanda Lopez, Pre-Law, “How Environmental Policies Affect CSUMB Students”
• Andrew Lopez, Pre-Law, Cold Case: Law and Environmental Justice
• Jaclyn Malone, Journalism and Media Studies, “Protecting Elkhorn Slough”
• Teodoro Martinez III, Practical and Professional Ethics, “Civic Engagement For a Better Environment”
• Ross McCafferty, Journalism and Media Studies, “Shortage and Abundance: Monterey County’s Revolving Battle with Water Shortage.”
• Jurija Metovic, Pre-Law, “Where Is Your House Hiding Money?”
• Alma Perez, Pre-Law, “Detective Socorro and the Case of the Missing Dove” (Illustrated by Janet Rumsey)
• Chloe Pica, Practical and Professional Ethics, “Farming for a Better Future”
• Brian Reeves , Practical and Professional Ethics, “The Infamous Legacy of Agent Orange”
• Janet Rumsey, Practical and Professional Ethics, “Detective Socorro and the Case of the Missing Dove”
• Alexander Schenck, English Subject Matter Preparation, “Toward a Just Environment: Ecofeminist Criticism in the High School Classroom”
• Desiree Sheppard, Journalism and Media Studies, “Challenge Green”
• Jordan Charles Karns Sluggett, Practical and Professional Ethics, “The ORDeals of Fort Ord”
• Justin Sumpter, Practical and Professional Ethics, “The Green Project”
• Enrique Troncoso, Literature and Film, “Re-Cycling in Motion”
• Vincent Trow, Pre-Law, “Point Lobos: Understanding Our Connection”

Professor Debian Marty

"The quality of our communication affects the quality of our communities." I have long considered this statement to be the "bumper sticker slogan" for communication ethics. Its author, communication ethicist James A. Mackin Jr., asserted further that "We cannot act together with common purpose unless we can communicate with each other." This capstone seminar will explore how our communicative choices affect our communities, whether the latter is understood as an interpersonal relationship or as an international alliance. Students who want to explore the power of communication to unite or divide communities--especially across differences and disagreements--are most welcome.

Senior projects - Communication and Community

• Tuba Abbasi, Journalism and Media Studies "Mentoring Autistic Young Adults: An Examination of Power and Hierarchy"
• Michelle Arcos, Practical and Professional Ethics) "Modern Latina Magazine: Empowerment Through Social Media"
• Maria Avalos (Chicana/o-Latina/o Studies) "The Imperative Need of Middle School Counselors' Focus on the Personal/Social Development in Today's Young Adolescents"
• Jason Berring (Pre-Law) "Restoring the Hope of California's Victims and Offenders"
• Sarah Carroll (Journalism and Media Studies) "Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost: Exploring the World Through Study Abroad"
• Sara Casillas (Writing and Rhetoric) "Bridging Confidence in the Classroom"
• Eliseo Diaz (Peace Studies) "An Eye for an Eye Makes the Whole World Blind: Films for Peace and Justice"
• Nicole Evans and Monica Riopel (Journalism and Media Studies) "What's Love Got To Do With It? 500 Million Users Decide Their Facebook Relationship Status"
• Megan Gutierrez (English Subject Matter Preparation) "The Outsiders of Today: Teaching Compassion and Empathy for the Bullied and the Bullies through Reader Response"
• Kayla Hansen (English Subject Matter Preparation) "Teaching Reader Response for Empathic Outcomes"
• Delmy Juarez (Practical and Professional Ethics) "Violating our Constitutional Rights: Political Rhetoric and its Effect on California's Prison Inmates"
• Dahria Kianpour (Practical and Professional Ethics) "The Truth Will Set You Free: Dispelling Stereotypes of Evangelical Christians in America"
• Brenda Lomeli (Practical and Professional Ethics) "¿Estás Preparado? Creating Disaster Preparedness Content for Spanish Speaking Communities"
• Ashley Martinez (Journalism and Media Studies) "A Commuter Without a Community: A Call to Action at CSU Monterey Bay"
• Brittany Martinez (English Subject Matter Preparation) "Multi-Cultural Adolescent Literature in the High School English Classroom"
• Casey McPhail (Creative Writing and Social Action & History, Oral History and New Media) "Neither Black nor White: A Creole Family History"
• Emily Morgado (Pre-Law) "Green Retrofit: Advocating for a More Energy Efficient Community"
• Andrew Morgan (Practical and Professional Ethics) "Protect What You Love: Exploring Environmental Ethics and Dialogue at the Monterey Bay Aquarium"
• Adriana Nishio (Journalism and Media Studies) "Shades of Normal: Examining the Role of Identity in Interracial Dialogic Communication"
• Kristopher Owens (History, Oral History and New Media) "Ambition Towards a Better Future"
• Alyssa Peña (Practical and Professional Ethics) "Finding Forgiveness: A Poetic Process"
• Sam Pereira, "Extra! Extra! ASAP Newsletter Provides a Vision of Organizational Cohesiveness"
• Janice Rocke (Creative Writing & Social Action) "The Serendipity of Moral Repair"
• Izzy Scott (Women's Studies) "Beyond the Controversy: A DOMA Dialogue"
• Brian Stettenbertz (Pre-Law) "Character Education: A Moral Compass for Youth"
• Kayla Taiviti (Practical and Professional Ethics) "Marketing For Social Change: Pro-Social Values in Advertisement"
• Kyson Willis (Literary and Film Studies) "Inside My Cocoon: Transsexuals Share Our World of Passing"

Professor Estella Porras

Besides being a stage of human development that represents physical, mental and emotional transformations, youth brings images of freshness, everything current, torrents of energy, idealism, time for discovery, and promises for a better future. We see young faces creating art, leading protests, asking hard questions, seeking to be understood, and finding expression with music, graffiti or facebook updates. HCOM students from all concentrations are welcome to participate in this capstone seminar in which we will explore questions related to youth and their roles as students, workers, creators, participants in politics, consumers, users and producers of media and technology, and agents of change in their local and global communities.

Senior projects - Youth and Future

• Michelle Adkins, English Subject Matter Preparation Program, “Sustained Success from the Start: Free High School Tutoring Centers and Renewed Hope for Youth”
• Taylor James Aja, Pre-law, “Rancho Cielo and the Monterey County Probation Department:Empowering the lives of “At-risk” youth with opportunities for success”
• Liliana Castrellon, Chicano/a-Latino/a Studies, “Realizing the DREAM: Making Watsonville a Safe Zone for Undocumented Youth”
• Martha Patricia Garcia, Chicano/a-Latino/a Studies, “Realizing the DREAM: Making Watsonville a Safe Zone for Undocumented Youth”
• Casandra Fox, Journalism and Media Studies, “Keeping Fort Ord Wild: Creating Media to Educate, Inspire, and Engage Youth in Environmental Activism”
• Lauren Elise Giulitti, Pre-Law, “After School Programs: Bridging the Gap between School and Home Life”
• Margarita Gonzales, Practical and Professional Ethics, “Investing in Today's Youth”
• Jacqueline Graciano, Pre-law, “Call to Action: Youth and Politics”
• Haley Hernandez, Journalism and Media Studies, “24/7 Youth: The Impact of Social Media on the Millennial Generation”
• Alyssa Huerta, Creative Writing and Social Action, “My Millennial Life: An Experience of Growth, Identity, and Connections”
• Aya Kamata, Journalism and Media Studies, "Integrating 2α's: First Generation Asian Americans' Quest for Self-Identity Through Assimilation to America and Attachment to Their Parents' Native Cultures."
• Ayanna Keeling, Journalism and Media Studies, “We are the 4%: The Phenomenon of Racial Disparity, Fear and Belonging of African American students at California State University, Monterey Bay”
• David Lansford, English Subject Matter Preparation Program, “Cultivating Hope: Character Based Literacy for At-Risk Youth”
• Leonel Alberto Martinez, Creative Writing and Social Action, “I Am Another of Yourself: Brooding in America from the Unripe Identity of a Mexican’t During the Days of the American Youth, Future and Counter Culture"
• Cameron Stanford McFadden, Peace Studies, “Helping the Youth See that Non-violence is the Key to Stop Violent Wars in the Streets”
• Veronica Miramontes, Creative Writing and Social Action and Journalism and Media Studies, “The Soccer Project: Life, Spirit and Drive through the Power of Goals”
• Jasmine Morales, Practical and Professional Ethics, “See Me for Who I Am”
• Sara Marie Ochoa, Creative Writing and Social Action, “Gracias Virgen de Guadalupe”
• Nicole Arce Onuska, Practical and Professional Ethics, “PURSUIT Youth Expo 1212”
• Shelby Louise Pratte, Writing & Rhetoric, “Working with the Justice League: A tale of 100 Degree Weather, Being a Superhero, and Working on Hollywood Blvd”
• Shayna Resnick, Women’s Studies, “Silence After Sexual Assault, Reporting the Crime: The First Step To Recovery"
• Jared William Roberts, Journalism and Media Studies, “Science Matters: The Impact of Science on Youth and the Future”
• Jubenal Hector Rodriguez, Chicano/a-Latino/a Studies, “Readiness to Enter the Conversation on Ethnic Studies”
• Brendan Joseph Sullivan, Pre-Law, “Transcending The Digital Divide, Digital Media Literacy and Our Youth”
• Eric Warnars, Creative Writing and Social Action, “High School Chronicles: Defeating Expectations”
• Amy Francine Wigg, English Subject Matter Preparation Program, “The King James Bible: Its Influence on Literature and the Millennials”

Professor Umi Vaughan

This seminar explores the concept of “diaspora” from various disciplinary and cultural perspectives. Originally the term came from the Greek word meaning “to scatter.” Diaspora is the diverse unity of a people spread far and wide. Beginning in the late nineteenth century, it was used for decades almost exclusively in reference to Jews who were scattered throughout Europe, North and South America. Later, in the 1950s and 1960s, the “African Diaspora” came to mean all those communities around the world with close genetic and cultural ties to Africa. Most recently diaspora refers to various groups that have developed transnational and intercultural identities in which a common thread links an infinitely wide range of manifestations.

Senior projects - Diaspora

• Ana Alvarez Chavez, Chicano/a-Latino/a Studies, “New Migration Wave: The Oaxacan Indigenous Diaspora”
• Derek Raymond Bausek, Creative Writing and Social Action, “The Beat Goes On: An Examination of Music within the Chicano Diaspora"
• Virginia Kaye Brown, Practical and Professional Ethics, “Searching For Our Homoland: The Diasporic Qualities and Consequences of Heteronormativity in High Schools”
• Marissa Ann Contreras, History, Oral History and New Media, “Poetry Born In Diaspora”
• Mary Flynn, Practical and Professional Ethics and Women's Studies, “From Bombs to Peace: The Story of the Hmong and the History that Led to Their Diaspora”
• Ahmed Gaber, Journalism and Media Studies, “Diaspora and the Rise and Fall of Multicultural Egypt”
• Melanie Graham, Practical and Professional Ethics, “The Ethics of Law and Diaspora”
• Caliah Hill, Pre-Law, “An Examination of the Idiosyncrasies and Parallels Found Within the African & Jewish Diaspora Communities of The U.S.”
• Lyndsay Amber Isidro, Creative Writing and Social Action, “ScatterHood”
• Janet Bosely Jacquier, Peace Studies, “From Bombs to Peace: The Story of the Hmong and the History that Led to their Diaspora”
• Nicole Jones, Journalism and Media Studies, “Shades of Beauty”
• Brenda Teresa Medina, English Subject Matter Preparation Program, “Breaking Language Barriers”
• Imelda Munoz, Chicano/a-Latino/a Studies, “Irish and Mexican Immigrant Experiences: The Racialization of Immigrants in the 19th and 20th Century United States”
• Erika Marie Murillo, Journalism and Media Studies, “Conexión Comunitaria: Connecting a Diaspora Group through Technology”
• Julie Regalado, Creative Writing and Social Action and English Subject Matter Preparation Program, “The Challenges of the Native Tongue”
• Emilie Rodrigues, English Subject Matter Preparation Program and Women's Studies, “Searching For Our Homoland: The Diasporic Qualities and Consequences of Heteronormativity in High Schools”
• Michelle Salgado, English Subject Matter Preparation Program, “Diasporic Language Barriers in Secondary School Classrooms”
• Patricia Sanchez, Practical and Professional Ethics, “A Look Into The Diasporic Qualities of Immigrant Children”
• Katie Shoneff, Journalism and Media Studies, “The Daily Diaspora”
• Joel Samuel Silva, English Subject Matter Preparation Program
• Tashia Trevino, Pre-law, “Coming Together: The Legal System meets the Diasporic Community”
• Claudia Uriarte Zeller, Pre-law, “Where Else But In America? The Real Life Story of a Vietnamese Refugee”

Professor Josina Makau

This semester’s theme will be Human Flourishing in a Globally Interdependent World. We will share common instructional resources, and explore diverse areas of inquiry related to the theme, including relationships of human flourishing to communication ethics, education, environmental issues, scientific inquiry, the arts, pursuits of justice, and human rights, among others.

Senior projects

• Ryan Eller (History, Oral History and New Media), "Ikigai and Human Flourishing: A Comparative Study of Normative Frameworks Regarding Living and Doing Well"
• Alexis Garcia (Literary and Film Studies), "Culinary Traditions and Human Flourishing: Reflections on the Authenticity and Assimilation of Mediterranean Cuisine in the United States"
• Riana Hardin (Peace Studies), "Our World: Peace as a Globally Interdependent Goal"
• Valerie Hulburt (Practical and Professional Ethics), "A Body of Art"
• Darcy Lake (Practical and Professional Ethics), "Building Relationships: How Otter Athletics Promote Human Flourishing for Student-Athletes and the Community at Large"
• Molly Lasicka (Practical and Professional Ethics), "Where Have All the Flowers Gone? A Philosophical Analysis of the Disappearance of Protest Music in the Post 9/11 United States"
• Grant Leonard (Literary and Film Studies), "Supreme Values: Gun Control, Value Hierarchies, and a Five to Four Court Decision"
• Maria Martinez (English Subject Matter Preparation), "Multicultural Education in America"
• Nathan Pena (Peace Studies), "Portrayal of the French in American Media: A Case Study of the Obstacles and Pathways to Human Flourishing"
• Jerennina Angeles Piguing (Pre-Law), "Arise the Voices: A Story of the Lack of Human Flourishing in Cuidad Juarez, Mexico"
• Adam Pinterits (Pre-Law/Writing and Rhetoric), "Monterey Represented: Community Voice in California"
• Leanne Schroyer (Women's Studies), "Gender Norms and Human Flourishing: The Case of Women in India Today"
• Fanny Shives "Fairness and the Diversity Lottery"
• Susana Silva (Journalism and Media Studies), "An Exploration of Alcohol Addiction: Understanding and Preventing the Tragedy of Abuse"
• Jonaiza Simbre (Journalism and Media Studies/Creative Writing and Social Action), "An Outlook to Flourishing: A Prospect to Aspiring Dreams in Media"
• Emily Stockman, "National Healing: The First Step to Conflict Resolution"
• Cristina Thomas (Practical and Professional Ethics), "Flourishing in an Inter-dependent World Through Social Media"
• Elizabeth Warner (Creative Writing and Social Action), "Farmworkers' Interests in the Methyl Iodide Debate: A Case Study in the Role of Voice in Human Flourishing"

This was the pilot class for the thematic Capstone model, which HCOM later adopted.

Senior projects - Human Rights

• Lauren Bates-Rodriguez (Practical and Professional Ethics), "The Untitled Identity Podcast"
• Sean Chase (Pre-Law), "Title IX" A Web Portal
• Erin Clancy, "Seaside High School: An Internship"
• Darrell Collins (Pre-Law), "Examining the Recruitment Industry and Its Relationship to Migrant Workers Rights"
• Cameron Fuller (Journalism and Media Studies: "Technologia Politica: A Critique on Politics"
• Andrew Hines (Journalism and Media Studies), "Military Veterans and Their Rights: How the Government and American Society Treats Those Who Serve"
• Riana Howard (Pre-Law), "An Ongoing Cycle That May Never End"
• Demesha Kennedy (Women's Studies), "Women's Rights--A Web Portal"
• Christy Khoshaba (Journalism and Media Studies), "Learning the Trade: A Journalism Journey"
• Nicole Marquez (Creative Writing and Social Action), "Developing My Voice"
• Amanda Monteiro (Pre-Law) "Davita Dialysis: An Internship"
• Christopher Rankin (Pre-Law), "ACLU: An Internship"
• Matisse Reischl (Peace Studies), "WE: Women Empowerment Through the Eyes of Global Triumph"
• Andrew Stillman (Creative Writing and Social Action), "Sucker Punch"
• Natalie Strunk (Journalism and Media Studies), Robyn Smith (Pre-Law), and Michael Sylvia (History, Oral History & New Media), "Monterey Women's Connection"
• Priscilla Tran (English Subject Matter Preparation) "Censorship in the Subtext: Literary Censorship with an Emphasis on Banned Books"
• Maayan Vahl, Max Hoularis and Nicole Lavell (Practical and Professional Ethics), "Human Rights Now" Web Portal
• Renee Vincent, (Literature and Film Studies, Writing and Rhetoric), "Banned Books"
• Ryan West (Creative Writing and Social Action), "American Military Aid During Reagan Administration and Its Contribution to Human Rights Violations in El Salvador: Creative Retorts"

Older Capstone Model (No Theme)

• David Almanzar (Journalism and Media Studies) "Print Media: Helping Affect the Course of U.S. History"
• Vanessa Anderson (Practical and Professional Ethics) "Sex: What's Your Position?"
• Ivy Bader (Writing and Rhetoric) "But What About Sexual Assault? Amendments to the Sexual Harassment Behavior Code of CSUMB"
• Rebecca Barron (Pre-Law) "Analysis of Implementation of Legal Philosophies on Juvenile Offenders"
• Kelsey Beall (Journalism and Media Studies) "A Growing Idea in Education: The Farm-to-School Movement"
• Rick Begin (Pre-Law) "An Introduction into a Multicultural Society: Multicultural Education and Conflict Resolution Methods in Middle School Education Systems"
• Gina Billeci (Practical and Professional Ethics) "Application of Ethical Frameworks to the Effectiveness of Coercing Individuals When Entering Drug-Rehabilitation"
• Allison Bostwick (History, Oral History and New Media) "The National Parks: A History of Preservation, Profit, and Pleasure"
• Ryan Cascarano (Journalism and Media Studies) "Damage Control in the Media An Overview of the Reporting Process in Times of Disaster"
• Deanna Chedsey (Practical and Professional Ethics) "Ethical Reasoning for Banning Plastic Water Bottles"
• Peter Coleman (Writing and Rhetoric) "The Rhetoric of Heartbreak: Social Constructions of Love, Loss, and Cultural Evolution"
• Melissa Cooperman (Practical and Professional Ethics) "The Blue and Gold Image: Evaluating the Public's Perspective on the United States Police Agency"
• Natasha Deniston (Literary and Film Studies) "The Lost Generation of the Twentieth Century"
• Laura Dietrich-Smith (English Subject Matter Preparation) "Exciting Writing: Incorporating Sentence Syntax and Style Devices in Eleventh and Twelfth Grade Writing Pedagogies"
• Elizabeth Dixon (Practical and Professional Ethics) "The Historic Tension Surrounding the CBS Television Coverage of the Vietnam and Iraq Wars"
• José Garcia (English Subject Matter Preparation) "Finding the Stories of Post-Modern Adolescent Learners in the Aftermath of Modernity"
• Adienne Graham (History, Oral History and New Media) "The Effect of Media, Religious and Cultural Beliefs on Organ Donation"
• Adam Greene (History, Oral History and New Media) "Diminishing Discrimination in Golf"
• Keosha Griffiths (Practical and Professional Ethics) "Fairy Tales Don't Exist for Black Girls"
• Sarah Gussenhoven (Creative Writing and Social Action) "Waste In America: The Environmental & Societal Effects of Human Carelessness"
• Martin Hardenberger (Journalism and Media Studies) "The Cultural Suicide by the YouTube Generation; An Examination of YouTube's Impact on the Music Industry"
• Erin Herlihy (History, Oral History and New Media) "Justice for All: Constitutional Rights in the Juvenile Justice System"
• Matt Jones (Pre-Law) "Proactive Efforts to Assist Handicapped & Disabled in the Child Dependency System"
• Laura Krajcar (Practical and Professional Ethics) "Vacancy/No Vacancy: The Ethics Behind Killing for Capacity in Animal Shelters"
• Laura Lark (English Subject Matter Preparation Program) "Teaching Huck Finn: Preparing for and Reviewing Racial Issues in the Classroom"
• Kristin Leal (Journalism and Media Studies) "The Messages Within"
• Karissa Lessard (Creative Writing and Social Action) "Single Women in America: Writing for Our Lives"
• Marcella Levario (Women's Studies) "Positively Fat: Fighting Back Against Fat Stigma and Standing Up For Every Body"
• Bonnie Lockhart (Peace Studies) "Retracing Pomo: Facing the Soul Wound"
• Lindsay McDermott (Journalism and Media Studies) "Cosmopolitan Magazine: How It Affects Its Readers"
• Julius Mills-Denti (Practical and Professional Ethics) "What's Love Got To Do With It? A Philosophical Exploration of Romantic Love and Autonomy"
• Harrison Milne (Creative Writing and Social Action) "Democracy Sleeps at Night"
• Hannah Morrow (Journalism and Media Studies) "Are Sororities Beneficial?"
• Brian Remas (Peace Studies) "Conflict in Israel The Role of Dialogue in Effective Mediation"
• Nelson Rivera (Pre-Law) "Undocumented Immigrants and U.S. Families"
• Joel Ruiter (Creative Writing and Social Action) "Horror and Allegory: Looking Inward"
• Therese Scott (Creative Writing and Social Action) "Morphing the Mainstream: A Call to Deconstruct Gender Normative Socialization"
• Jennifer Sepulveda Magos (History, Oral History and New Media) "What's in a Name? A Genealogical Perspective on the Mexican-American Experience"
• Gary Shurtz (Practical and Professional Ethics) "Social Consequences of an American Food Industry Driven by Capitalism"
• Ashley Simmons (Women's Studies) "True Selves: The Transgender Life and the Gender Dichotomy"
• Britt Triplett (Journalism and Media Studies) "Eliminating Food Waste and Promoting Sustainability and Distribution in Our Communities"
• Jessica Turner Hernandez (English Subject Matter Preparation) "Bridging the Gap Between Cultures through Language Education"
• Esther Vargas (Literary and Film Studies) "Knock on Wood…Hollywood: The Portrayals of Christianity in Film"
• Jordan Walsh (Journalism and Media Studies) "Food Waste: The Effects It Has On Our Environment and a Solution Which Could Strengthen Our Community"
• Brittany Weber (Journalism and Media Studies) "Mixed Signals: Race, Gender, and "Reality" in Music Videos"
• Caitlin Wells (Literary and Film Studies) "From Identifiers to Identities"
• Makayla Whitney (Peace Studies) "Spirit Injury and Invisibility: Bosnia Herzegovina's Rape Warfare, Women, and War Orphans"
• Paul Zuber (History, Oral History and New Media) "The Future Privacy of Vehicles"