Undergraduate Library Research Award (ULRA): 2014 ULRA Winners

Harrison Jackson

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Elizabeth Williams

Project Title: Heinrich von Treitschke, the Herald of a Coming War

Project Abstract: This research paper presents the view that Heinrich von Treitschke, a famous 19th century German academic, played a critical role in the militarization of Imperial Germany, as his teachings provided influential agitation groups, such as the Pan-German League, the Navy League, and Colonial League, ideological foundations and persuasive rhetoric, which could be used to rally popular support. These groups would ensure that the public and the Reichstag, the last potential checks to the growing military extremism in Germany, would not only turn a blind eye to the encroachment of the military into state affairs, but would actually in many cases push for this encroachment. These groups would also paint Germany as a threat to Western Europe, which would isolate Germany further and contribute to the idea of its being encircled by enemies. Thus Treitschke’s ideas that were meant to bring about a grand German Empire were instead employed to push Germany to new levels of militarism, which would eventually bring about its destruction. My project was undertaken under the guidance of Oklahoma History Professor Elizabeth Williams, in association with the Steele Scholarship Research Award.

Kaelyne Yumul

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Marcus Hendershot

Project Title: From the Kitchen to the Courtroom: Analyzing Compliance of Reed v. Reed with Progeny Cases (co-authored paper)

Project Abstract: With the third wave of feminism rising, this research paper searches to understand the critical consequences of a cornerstone Supreme Court case Reed v. Reed. Though Reed is not considered one of the landmark Supreme Court cases, the Court's opinion in Reed built the foundation for future gender discrimination cases to grant women equality under the law. Therefore, this paper focuses on the level of compliance with the lower courts and the Supreme Court. Using statistical methods and programs, this research aims to establish connections between the legal, attitudinal, and the strategic model of compliance. Through analyzing the statistical significance of certain variables, the paper highlights the complex ramifications of the Court's power and effect on American politics and society.