Honors_Newsletter_Fall2020

further her education and provide her with more confidence to conduct research in the future. Schafer’s advice for those beginning their thesis process is “to make sure to choose something that interests the writer. Writing a thesis is extensive and can get difficult. This means if one is studying something that is not fascinating to him or her, the process will be even more difficult and not as enjoyable. Make sure to have fun while writing a thesis because it is a big commitment that can and should be really exciting!” Amanda Mcllravy is currently receiving her bachelor’s degree in music and a minor in English, with an expected graduation date of fall 2020. The title of her thesis research is “Rhetorical Device and Argument in Mozart’s ‘Die Zauberflöte’: Uncovering Enlightenment Ideals,” and her thesis advisor is Dr. Lysbeth Benkert-Rasmussen. When McIlravy was asked to give a summary about her thesis research, she explained, “This research examines the composition, semiology, and musical- rhetorical connections in Mozart’s ‘Die Zauberflöte.’ Through comparative study, the interactions between both rhetorical theory and music theory is examined within the opera. This research aims to explore the arguments made by Mozart about social, emotional and spiritual topics alongside the rhetorical devices and musical techniques used to communicate, both consciously and subconsciously, the desires, intentions and shortcomings of the diverse characters employed in ‘Die Zauberflöte.’ This research will answer two questions: What is Mozart trying to convince the audience of, and what techniques does he use to persuade them?” She ultimately decided to explore this topic for her research because it ties together her two areas of study. The research mainly focuses on rhetorical theory, but she does desire to continue her research by reaching into the field of the muso-rhetorical opera theory in the future. The process of researching, developing and presenting her thesis will benefit her when she attends graduate school by preparing her for other research projects, dissertations and obtaining jobs/acceptances. McIlravy’s greatest challenge throughout this process was the impact COVID-19 created, but also the struggle of balancing school, three jobs, a senior recital and conducting her thesis. She needed to find ways to focus her energy to successfully balance each of these components. Ultimately, this process allowed her to utilize information she has stored away from “different classes, fields and subjects” that she did not realize she was going to need. It also helped her discover a new path because originally, she “had no interest in the enlightenment until she realized her favorite opera is entirely based around it!” Lastly, when asked what advice she would provide for another student beginning their thesis, McIlravy replied with, “Start early! Don’t wait until your last semester to get going! Take Dr. Bockorny’s class as soon as you can so you can have as much time as you need to perfect your research and writing. Also, don’t be afraid to choose a topic that has little to no research done on it. Before I set out, I had never heard of muso-rhetorical theory, and that’s why I made up the term and am doing the research. Finally, a thesis isn’t all it is cracked up to be. It isn’t always boring. It has been one of my greatest adventures of my college career!” We are very proud of both Schafer and McIlravy’s accomplishments and cannot wait to see their future successes! Northern State University Honors Newsletter 2 Made in Office 2007 for office2007.com