Class of 2018
The Process and Lasting Effects of French Decolonization in Haiti, Algeria, and Vietnam
Betsy B.
“For my capstone project, I chose to study French decolonization in Haiti, Algeria, and Vietnam. Each of these countries experienced oppressive French rule that altered their country immensely. Although each country utilized a French educated leader to organize their nationalist revolt, the aftermath of each situation differed due to several factors including race. My research began with book study, but I was able to interview a Haitian student in order to gain her perspective on the French influence in Haiti. My final deliverable consisted of a PowerPoint presentation to my faculty mentor and the Global Scholars Faculty team. ”
The Happiest Place on Earth: An Analysis of Happiness in the US, Scandinavia, and at Harpeth Hall
Margaret C.
“I studied why Scandinavians are regarded as significantly happier than the rest of the world. Scandinavians define happiness as being content with one’s life, whereas, in America, happiness is one step further than that. I conducted my own happiness survey at Harpeth Hall and found that the Harpeth Hall Upper School as a whole would rank as the happiest country on the earth based on the Cantril Ladder ratings that students, faculty, and staff reported. I [presented] my findings to the Balance Committee along with suggestions of what could make Harpeth Hall even happier based on my research of Scandinavia. ”
The Ethical, Environmental, and Economic Impacts of the Fast Fashion Industry
Shaye H.
“For my project, I decided to focus on the ethical, [economic], and environmental impacts of the fast fashion industry. I researched how clothing production can easily exploit workers, deplete the earth’s natural resources, and leverage slave labor in order to produce a cheaper cost for the consumer. I tried to find better ways to go about buying clothing, whether that is using sustainable brands, upcycling, or researching where the clothes are coming from in the first place. My final product was a blog.”
A Closer Look at Fundamentalist Religions
Sam L.
“For my capstone project, I decided to study different fundamentalist religions and track my progress on a blog! So far, I’ve done posts that range from a documentary review to a deep dive into Aum Shinrikyo (a fundamentalist Buddhist cult) to a podcast recommendation. While I may not be giving an oral presentation, anyone can follow [this link] to see my progress!”
The Reign of Vladimir Putin: An Infographic
Holly M.
“For my capstone project, I delved into the enigma that is Vladimir Putin’s Russia. My project was prompted by a dinner conversation at home many months ago; the television was alight with breaking news on the Russia dossier, and I remember sitting at my table formulating the hypothesis that he was the most important political figure of the first half of the 21st century. And while this was a lofty claim, I was intent on answering it. In this project, I have researched the strange happenings in Russia, from Putin’s global reach to censorship to Putin Memes. My final project is an infographic on Putin, including a biography, a synopsis of recent political happenings in Russia, and information on Putin in pop culture. ”
Why You Should Care about Human Trafficking
Margot M.
“For my capstone project, I chose to study a crisis that I was already extremely passionate about: human trafficking. I focused my research on comparing and contrasting the domestic crisis and the international crisis. I interviewed those who work to combat the human trafficking issue. These interviews allowed a glimpse into the local human trafficking issue and the global issue (in places like Cambodia), and taught me the vulnerabilities that drive the issue. Additionally, I studied the political and social progress occurring in this area. For my final deliverable I made a 20 minute video that highlights lessons learned from those I interviewed as well as anti-human trafficking activists and members of both political parties . I strove to answer the question: why should we care about human trafficking? ”
An Exploration of Christianity in Modern China
Grace M.
“For my capstone project I wanted to explore Christianity in China after reading an article about it for my Contemporary Issues class last spring. While we generally think of China as a secular country, rates of Christianity are actually rising, especially with educated young adults, despite government interference. I explored how underground churches and government run churches operate and studied the history of Christianity in China – which is much longer than you may think. For my deliverable, I put together a timeline and a more general infographic with more recent information.”
A Study of Public Education Systems in Cuba, Finland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, and South Korea
Maddie M.
“For my capstone project, I [studied] the public education systems in Cuba, Finland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, and South Korea. Each of these countries appealed to me because of their known success rate or geographical location.”
An Examination of the History and Repercussions of Media Censorship in China, Russia, and Egypt
Bushra R.
Click the images below to view Bushra’s deliverables.
“As Americans, we are fortunate to live in a country where freedom of expression and a free press are fundamental rights to our democracy. However, the same doesn’t apply to several countries around the world. For my capstone project, I researched three different countries that have been struggling with media censorship: China, Russia, and Egypt. I examined the history and ruling parties that have contributed to the situation each respective country is in today and the social repercussions it has had on the public. I included specific cases studies of journalists who had experienced imprisonment, mysterious disappearances, or even death while attempting to use their voice in opposition to oppressive governments. I also added profiles of figures who had experienced and been impacted by their countries’ censorship including a Chinese writer and Peace Prize laureate, a Russian spy, and an Egyptian comedian. For my deliverable, I created a Thinglink page for each country, which is an interactive image program where links and documents can be accessed via links on an image. ”
A Study on Access to Public Health: Sweden, Kenya, and Lithuania
Emma R.
“For my capstone project, I studied access to public health in Sweden, Kenya, and Lithuania through focusing on specific viruses and diseases in each country (Ischemic Heart Disease in Sweden, Malaria in Kenya, and Tick-Borne Encephalitis in Lithuania). I researched each disease or virus, learned about the healthcare system in each country, whether health facilities are accessible to most people, and whether or not they provide proper treatment for each respective disease. After this, I analyzed my research to determine the adequacy and quality of the healthcare systems in each country and the treatment they provide for each respective disease. My deliverable consisted of a PowerPoint Presentation in which I discussed my research results and explained my conclusions from my project; this was open to all, and a variety of students and faculty were there. ”
A Study of Sustainability Initiatives and the Reduction of our Carbon Footprint
Maggie T.
“For my capstone project, I wanted to explore sustainability initiatives at Harpeth Hall and identify specific acts that would reduce our individual carbon footprints. I conducted the research for my capstone project by staying up to date with governmental policies of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, several European countries, and India, where I had the chance to spend my 2018 Winterim experience.”
Seven Days
Kaili W.
“I wanted to explore my interest in music diversity and history, so I researched that topic within the context of each continent, focusing on specific areas and time periods that ranged from the genesis of music, to present day.
My final project was to compose a seven-movement piece for solo violin, where each movement represents a culture or two from a continent. The first movement is Europe, to represent the birth of western music, and then goes Asia, Africa, Antarctica (which is basically sound effects), then South America, then Australia, and finally, of course, North America!
In addition, I’d love to dedicate my composition to Harpeth Hall for their vision to mix multiple disciplines and express yourself creatively, and I’m doing so by incorporating the famous 7-day block schedule into my work, which is one of the reasons why it’s called Seven Days.”
A Study on Drug Trafficking and Abuse in America and Mexico
Eleonor W.
“For this project I studied drugs in America and Mexico. My final product is an infographic poster including a drug map that shows the trafficking of drugs between these two countries. The poster also includes information on how the trafficking began, what the relationship is like today between these two countries, and the effects that these drugs have on our cultures and governments. I’m so interested in learning more about the drug culture in America and worldwide because the psychology behind this economic, political, and social issue is so complex. With there being so many drugs with various effects and still no solution to the problem, there is always something more that I can learn.”
