Master's Theses (before Fall 2009 -- partial holdings)

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https://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/21710

The Graduate College deposits all master's theses from a given semester after the official graduation date.

For the time being, this particular UDSpace collection of master's theses from before Fall 2009 is of limited scope. However, University of Delaware master’s theses submitted from 1980 through Summer 2009 are available online at ProQuest/UMI through Dissertations & Theses @ University of Delaware. Use the library catalog, DELCAT, to search for all print or microform copies of master's theses 1980-2009 that are NOT available in Dissertations & Theses @ University of Delaware because Dissertations & Theses @ University of Delaware does NOT contain the complete collection of University of Delaware master's theses.

To see University of Delaware master's theses submitted beginning Fall 2009, go to Master's Theses (Fall 2009 to Present).

Master’s theses in the Longwood Graduate Program in Public Horticulture (now known as the Longwood Fellows Program) submitted between 1970 and 2004 are available online.

More information is available at Dissertations & Theses.

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 606

P.S. du Pont's investment in the Wilmington Light, Power, and Telephone Company
(University of Delaware, 1972) Wyks, John Rudolph
Americans in detention: a study of Americans detained in Delaware during fiscal year 1974
(University of Delaware, 1976) Wood, Robert Spencer
The purpose of this study is to redesign the accounting system used by the Delaware Division of Adult Corrections to process and monitor the population of individuals held in pretrial detention. Under the present system, persons admitted to one of the State's detention facilities cannot be subsequently identified as separate Individuals. Consequently, for example, ten admissions may refer to the same person admitted ten times or ten persons each admitted once. ☐ The reporting system developed in this study is built on the concept of a central identification number to be assigned to the same individual each time that person is admitted to a State detention facility. The proposed admission form requires less information, can be more readily completed by facility personnel without additional training, and should provide more reliable responses to major subject Items than the existing form. When the data collected under the proposed system have been completely processed, they can be used to construct statistical profiles of the detention population, creating the opportunity for more efficient criminal justice planning in the area of client management.
Quaker oligarchy on the Brandywine: a study of the affluence and conservatism of four prominent families of eighteenth century Wilmington
(University of Delaware, 1965) Warren, David B.
The control of interscholastic athletics in the State of Delaware
(University of Delaware, 1967) Walsh, E. John
An economic analysis of open space availability in northern New Castle County, Delaware, 1960-80
(University of Delaware, 1962) Vaughn, Gerald F.
The re-introduction and initial re-establishment of Lydella stabulans grisescens R.-D., a parasite of the European corn borer (Pyrausta nubulalis (Hbn.)), in Delaware
(University of Delaware, 1961) Van Denburgh, Robert S.
Between 1947 and 1951 the tachinid fly Lydella stabulans grisescens R.-D., which was released in Delaware between 1941 and 1946, averaged 21.4 percent annual parasitism of the European corn borer, Pyrausta nubilalis (Hbn.). Subsequent to 1951 the parasite appeared to decline in abundance. ☐ The purpose of this work was to instigate a program of biological control against the European corn borer in Delaware in order to reduce its abundance. In the Fall of 1958 and Ppring of 1959, overwintering borers were collected to ascertain the status of l. stabulans grisescens. Results indicated the fly to be no longer present in the state. ☐ In the spring of 1959, a biological control program against the corn borer was undertaken by the University of Delaware, assisted by the United States Department of Agriculture's European Corn Borer Research Laboratory in Ankeny, Iowa. Adult L. stabulans grisescens were sent from Iowa and released in June, 1959. Six release sites were selected throughout the State and a total of 2,933 flies were released. ☐ In the fall of 1959 and winter of 1960 corn borer larvae were collected and sent to the Iowa laboratory in order to determine establishment and dissemination of L. stabulans grisescens. For each release area, whenever possible, 16 fields were sampled in addition to the release field. Starting from the release site samples were taken at intervals of one-half, one, two, and four miles in four directions; North, South, East, and West. In most cases each sample consisted of 50 borers. In all, a total of 88 fields were sampled and 4,239 corn borer larvae were collected and observed for parasitism. ☐ For all fields sampled, parasitism by L. stabulans grisescens averaged 0.6 percent and it was recovered from 18.2 percent of these fields. The range of parasitism was from 2.1 to 7.7 percent. Parasite recoveries were made from at least one field in each release area except one, for a total of 16 positive fields. Average parasitism for these 16 fields was 3.45 percent. Maximum dispersal was at least two miles. ☐ The average percentage parasitism (3.45%) in fields where the fly was recovered compares favorably with the percentage parasitism by L. stabulans grisescens in release areas of the State in the 1940’s at intervals of from one to two years after release. Since L. stabulans grisescens had completed two generations in Delaware by the time parasitism data was determined in the Spring of 1960, it is highly probable that this fly is re-established in Delaware.
The Negro in Delaware to 1829
(University of Delaware, 1940) Stewart, Helen Black
Monumental outdoor sculpture in Wilmington
(University of Delaware, 1984) Silver, Robert T.
School desegregation in Wilmington, Delaware: a case study in non-decision-making
(University of Delaware, 1979) Schmidt, Julie A.
This study argues that the pluralist description of local majoritarian decision-making processes are inadequate. A more thorough description of political activity can be achieved through non-decision theory. Non-decision theory takes account of the biases and values inherent in political systems and sub-systems. Non-decision theory focuses not only on issues which are decided in the local decision-making arena, but also on topics which are not considered in the local arena. Utilizing the non-decision approach in this case study on school desegregation in Wilmington, it is possible to uncover the political activity involved in restricting the scope of decision-making. This case study presents evidence indicating that the initiation of the 1971 Wilmington desegregation lawsuit resulted from the consistent mobilization of bias against desegregation and the exclusion of the desegregation topic from the local decision-making arena in 1968 until frustrated individuals expanded the scope of decision-making to include the courts. Overall, this study concludes that non-decision theory offers a more complete examination of political reality.
The effect of manifest construction activities on survival of deciduous trees in New Castle County, Delaware
(University of Delaware, 1976) O'Rourke, Peter K.
Eight hundred and eighty-six deciduous trees were observed with reference to their response to the effects of adjacent construction activity, including excavation, fill application, paving, and wound damage. Objective observation and documentation methods were devised to measure construction impact, i.e., tree survival, on nine tree species at 13 sites in northern New Castle County, Delaware, during 1972-1975. ☐ Overall tree survival was 35 per cent. Sweetgum (Liquidambar styractiflua) and red maple (Acer rubrum) were generally more tolerant to construction activities. Black oak (Quercus velutina), beech (Fagus grandifola) and yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) were particularly vulnerable to construction activities. Thinning, excavation and fill damage were primary causes of tree decline. Lowered water tables also were suspected to be inimical to tree health. ☐ The nature of current construction processes is not predisposed to tree maintenance and protection, hence, there is little practical value to remedial suggestions on a tree-by-tree basis. Residual groups of trees, however, thrive despite the proximity of adjacent construction. Such groups may represent the most effective means of protecting trees from land development.
A study of attitudes towards science and scientists of some members of the class of 1962 at the University of Delaware
(University of Delaware, 1961) Hammond, Sarah L.
A study was undertaken of the attitudes towards science and scientists of the freshman class at the University of Delaware in March 1959. The students were polled by means of a composite questionnaire taken from earlier instruments that had been used in three nation-wide surveys at the time of the launching of the first Sputnik and prior to it in order to compare attitudes at the two different periods. The results indicate a somewhat more prevalent positive image of science and scientists among the Delaware freshmen than among the earlier national sampling. However, the lack of real understanding of science and the negative image held by a large minority of the subjects require discussion of the sources of the image in our society. Among other sources, the role of formal education is discussed, and suggestions are made with regard to the teaching of science.
The administration of Delaware's Wetlands Act
(University of Delaware, 1979) Moss, David E.
Coastal wetlands are unique ecosystems characterized by vegetation adapted to varying degrees of tidal inundation. It has only been in the last two decades that biological and hydrological values of wetlands, aside from recreational, aesthetic, and commercial values, have been documented and brought to public attention. Since the late 1960s many coastal states, including Delaware, have enacted coastal wetlands regulatory statutes. ☐ The purpose of this study was to examine the administration of the Wetlands Act in Delaware and the adequacy of the decision-making process and regulatory control in light of the legislative intent of the Act. Interviews were conducted with staff members of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Office of Management, Budget, and Planning (OMBP). Annual reports, newspaper articles, permit applications, relevant legislation, regulations and transcripts of public hearings were obtained and analyzed. ☐ A history of the wetland’s movement in the United States and events that created a national consciousness and concern for wetlands as a valuable resource is documented. With special emphasis on the wetlands of Delaware, public views toward wetlands utilization and preservation are outlined chronologically. The origin of the word "wetlands" is discussed to demonstrate the unique nature of these ecosystems. ☐ The formulation of Delaware's Wetlands Act was reviewed through examination of the minutes of the Governor appointed Wetlands Action Committee. The Committee, whose members represented a broad spectrum of Delaware's public, declared that the State should have a strong policy for preservation of wetlands. The Committee did not view the policy to be so strict as to require the preservation of every square inch of wetlands. ☐ A review of the DNREC's administration of the Act since implementation in December, 1976 has elucidated several aspects of the decision-making and regulatory process that could be improved. The assessment and consideration of possible cumulative effects and deleterious aesthetic impacts of issuing permits are lacking. Guidelines within comprehensive development plans should be promulgated to establish optimum user intensities in wetlands and adjacent waterways. Research should be carried out to discern the desired density of people, structures, and boats in specific areas with regard for maintaining the recreational and biological quality of the resource. This would enable the DNREC to consider, more fully, the impacts of granting permits in developed, developing, and pristine areas. ☐ The present decision-making process has been found to be based on a subjective balancing test for determining the public interest, of granting a permit. The DNREC should establish a process using a more quantitative assessment of the costs and benefits of development in wetlands. ☐ The controversial prohibition against all filling activities in wetlands could be lifted if such a decision-making process were initiated. Filling would only be allowed upon the finding that the public interest is best served by a complete loss of a wetlands area in order to facilitate development. ☐ The decision-making process has been unnecessarily complicated by attempts to separate productive wetlands from those of "limited value." The regulation for designating areas as "limited value" should be stricken; there is no administrative advantage for DNREC in being able to make this designation. ☐ The DNREC Wetlands Office is currently understaffed. One additional full-time staff member, preferably a wetlands ecologist-field biologist, should be hired. Monitoring of environmental impacts during construction and post-construction periods could be carried out with an additional staff member. Surveillance of construction activities would insure that an applicant complies with permit restrictions and the submitted plans. ☐ The role of the Wetlands Appeals Board should be expanded to include review and discussion responsibilities concerning controversial, potentially unconstitutional, yet unappealed aspects of the Act and regulations. The Board could also serve to review the consistency and adequacy of the DNREC's decision making. ☐ A recent amendment to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 enables the Governor of any State to take over the section 404 responsibilities of the Army Corps of Engineers concerning dredge and fill activities in wetlands. The State of Delaware should act to accept this responsibility and thereby eliminate some of the present duplicative permitting required under the present State and Federal statutes. ☐ The entire Delaware Coastal Zone Management Program, consisting of nine major coastal zone related statutes, has been reviewed and analyzed for implications for the future management of wetlands in Delaware. Suggestions have been promulgated for utilizing the new Land Use Planning Act and the Natural Areas Preservation System Act for protection of wetlands through acquisition, tax incentives, and conservation easements. This would enable the DNREC to impose development restrictions deemed unconstitutional under a regulatory statute.
An analysis of Delaware old age assistance
(University of Delaware, 1942) Maden, Lillian Benson
The purpose in writing this paper was to give a complete, composite picture of the organization and operation of one very limited form of public assistance. It is felt that it will be helpful to students of social welfare to have under one cover, the facts pertaining to the foundations upon which a welfare agency administering categorical relief (1) is built; the actual construction of that agency; and a survey of that agency at work. Most material on this subject is scattered through texts, articles and reports and is, therefore, disjointed and without coherence. This paper has the advantage of having come from inside the agency itself, being based on two years of experience in the Social Service Department of the Old Age Assistance Unit of the Delaware Old Age Welfare Commission.(2) For this reason, it may not be as objective as many other studies along these same lines, but should demonstrate some of the stresses and strains within agencies at hinder efficient functioning. Such material, recorded by a person outside the agency, is likely to lay the emphasis on outside factors which disrupt the work. The Writer feels that both inside and outside factors should be taken into consideration. ☐ However, as a unit in the Social Welfare Program of the State and the Nation, such an agency can, and should provide the means for dealing with one group of the many which form our Democratic (in theory, at least) Society. That the Agency is not functioning in a broad social sense, will be apparent. Vested interests, such as wealth, politics, prestige, family and the like, all play a part in corrupting agency practices. In this respect, Delaware in no exception. ☐ This paper attempts to illustrate these points in their proper perspective in relation to the whole State and National programs for Social Welfare; and points out the Social factors which have given rise to the need for Old Age Assistance. ☐ Notes: 1. Categorical relief is that form which gives assistance under certain classifications, as, Old Age Assistance, Mother’s Pension, Aid to the Blind, and Unemployable Relief. This practice is fast falling into Disrepute. The newer and more satisfactory plan is to administer public aid generally. This eliminates overlapping of agencies’ functions, jealousies between agencies, differences in personnel standards and agency policies; and makes for more efficient rehabilitation work with the persons receiving help. • 2. The Old Age Welfare Commission administers Old Age Assistance and the Relief Unit, which are entirely different forms of categorical relief.
Dueling identities: the influence of the family on the Winterthur Museum
(University of Delaware, 1999) Lidz, Margaret Renner
Henry Francis du Pont (1880-1969) spent his life assembling one of the greatest, perhaps the greatest, collection of American decorative arts. In the process, he turned his family home, Winterthur. into a museum. But what was this home? This thesis focuses on the private house, in particular, the 1902 architectural transformation, when it was changed from a Greek Revival villa into a Gilded Age country place. ☐ This 1902 experience acquainted young H. F. du Pont with the possibilities of architectural transformation, and the theoretically limitless world of period room decoration. Du Pont came of age just as an intense architectural competition ignited between his father and his father's siblings, two of whom owned important historical houses, Washington Irving's Sunnyside and President James Monroe's Montpelier. In 1902, Montpelier and Sunnyside contained nascent period rooms, domestic shrines devoted to the house's illustrious former inhabitants. In a parallel development, as the du Pont family acquired greater wealth and social status at the turn of the century, their own domestic relics became highly valued heirlooms. This complex turn-of-the-century history of architecture, family and material possessions have bearing on the current museum: its' location, physical size, and parameters of the collection.
The regulation of public sector collective bargaining in Delaware
(University of Delaware, 1976) Hsu, Linda
The Wilmington Boarding School for Girls
(University of Delaware, 1961) Hodges, Margaret Hill
The subject of research for my thesis is the Wilmington Boarding School for Girls. This highly successful institution existed for some fifty years of the nineteenth century and offered an outstanding education for its day. Well over a thousand girls attended it, both boarding and day students, and they included not only local girls, presenting many of Wilmington's leading families, but a sizable number from neighboring states and even states farther away. ☐ My study includes an investigation into the lives of those who conducted the Wilmington Boarding School, especially Samuel and Eli Hilles, who were prominent citizens of the community for many years, as well as Madame Capron, Joshua Maule, John M. Smith, and Martha and Dubré Knight. I have also surveyed American secondary education during the first half of the nineteenth century, and in particular, schools for young ladies. Of particular interest were the private schools for girls which were operated in Wilmington during that period. ☐ In considering the Wilmington Boarding School for Girls, Ihave undertaken and examination of the school's curriculum and compared it with that of other girls' schools of the time, as well as investigating the methods and materials of instruction. I have also attempted to gather as much information as possible about the pupils and their homes, and about the teachers and their background. ☐ My research has centered on local sources of information, namely the Memorial Library of the University of Delaware, the Wilmington Institute Free Library, the Historical Society of Delaware, and the Wilmington Friends Meeting records. I have had correspondence with several descendants of Samuel Hilles, and visited one in New Hope, Pennsylvania. It is possible that additional material might be found at Haverford College or through the records of the Society of Friends in Philadelphia or Swarthmore, but I was unable to consult these sources at the present time. I do believe that I have unearthed and examined about all the material available concerning the Wilmington boarding school for girls in and around this city.
The disfranchisement of the Delaware Negros in the late nineteenth century
(University of Delaware, 1965) Hiller, Amy McNulty
Suggested content for a citizens' and students' reference manual for the state of Delaware
(University of Delaware, 1951) Harris, L. Gertrude
It has been my purpose to describe the various branches of government of Delaware in order to present an overall picture of how the State of Delaware functions as a part of our national government to benefit its citizens. ☐ In order to comprehend more clearly Delaware's role as one of the forty-eight states and her relationship to the national government, a description of the important branches of the Federal Government has preceded the state government of Delaware. ☐ Besides explaining the organization, powers, and duties of the Delaware Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches and their officers, I have also attempted to describe Delaware's methods of governing its counties and municipalities. A brief history of Political Parties and how they operate in Delaware, plus a description and explanation of the election system in Delaware have been included.
The legislative logjam in Delaware
(University of Delaware, 1971) Hale, Everette
The work load pile up at the close of the annual sessions of the Delaware General Assembly is, examined in detail. The study looks at each of the events with respect to time of a bill becoming law. All the other states were surveyed by a comprehensive questionnaire concerning their logjam problem. The study surveys the literature and other states• experiences with the deadline in depth concept. The study finds a feasible and positive solution to the problem in a series of self-imposed deadlines. ☐ The concept consists of establishing deadlines for introduction of bills, for standing committees of each house to report bills originating in their respective houses, final date for third reading and passage of bills in the house of origin, final date for standing committees to report bills originating in the other house; final date for third reading and passage of bills originating in the other house, and final date for consideration and adoption of conference committee reports. These six steps can be regularly spaced by deadlines throughout the session. ☐ The deadlines provide a built-in mechanism whereby the legislator automatically spaces his work guiding his bills toward passage throughout the session, thus freeing him In the final wind-up days to discharge adequately his committee assignments and complete his other legislative work. ☐ The advantages to the legislature appear to be a more orderly procedure, a definitely improved public image and hopefully a more responsible and responsive legislative body. ☐ The study includes several other relevant findings for the improvement of the legislative process.
Assimilation of migrants to the urban structures of Wilmington, Delaware
(University of Delaware, 1962) Grace, William R.

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