On Writing the Thesis: David Sheds Light on the Transformation

The month of April brings the signs of change in seasons... and in students. The first Arts in Transformation class will be adding the letters "M.A." to the end of their names by the end of the spring. The metamorphosis is almost complete! David sheds some light on the journey...

The thesis is coming along, but sometimes I wonder how it will all get done. I’m finding that I really love the topic I’ve chosen: “What makes Moravian hymnody and songwriting meaningful for new worship settings?” Overall, I really enjoy pouring time and energy into this question because it all contributes to my sense of call and passion. There’s a sense that everything I’m doing for the thesis is part of the artistic process: the interviews, the song recordings, readings, interview transcriptions and interpretations; it all goes into the work of art. So the final thesis document is a symbol for what has already taken place; it’s also a map for where a community of people think Moravian music should go. To have this process documented is incredibly valuable, because it makes the spirit of passion we’ve experienced tangible in a way that is accessible to anyone willing to read and listen.

However, when it comes to completing the thesis, there are some challenges. It feels like a rite of passage. The steps along the way can be painstaking and can seem trivial, but there’s a lesson even in the grunting. I get tired of looking at a computer screen. I also struggle with wanting things to be perfect, which can get in the way of doing the work. But there need to be lots of sketches before the final image takes form. There’s also the issue of balancing the academic and the artistic processes. The artistic process needs to have space, time, and freedom to experiment and ask questions. The academic process asks us to boil most of this artistic passion down into something that can be communicated in sentences and paragraphs.

In writing this thesis, I’m really trying to put in place a plan and process for my life’s work. I’m searching for my core sense of artistic call and channeling my energy into a concrete project. The Research Methodologies class encouraged us to find a very narrow focus for our project. The discipline of a narrow focus is very helpful. However, focus is still my biggest challenge. I keep thinking that I may have bitten off more than I can chew, but I’ m hopeful that it can all weave together somehow. My thesis is a combination of formal (qualitative) research, a written project, and a collection of song recordings. So, it has allowed me to think prophetically about how the Moravian Church might need to adapt its hymns. It has also given me the motivation to ask other people what they think, and to encourage other musicians and poets to join in the creative process.

And lastly, here's some advice for future Arts in Transformation students tackling the thesis: Starting early is always helpful. Focus on a topic about which you are entirely passionate. Maybe think of the thesis as a creative investment where you would like your time and life’s energy to go. We are transformed by this process, so it’s important to consider how you see yourself using your gifts down the road.

Photo: David teaches a fellow student guitar basics.

Spotlight on a First-Year Student: Talib

Talib André is a Philadelphia native. He holds an A.A. in Communications/Theatre Options from Community College of Philadelphia and a B.A. in Theatre Arts/English Concentration from Cheyney University. He is currently pursuing his graduate degree in Urban Studies as a member of Eastern University's Arts in Transformation program. Talib is an accomplished arts program coordinator and educator who has directed and taught on the middle school and high school levels. Directing credits include: "A Journey Through African Folklore," and A Dance Tribute to Michael & Janet Jackson. Acting credits include: "An Evening with Neil Simon," Tony Kushner's "The Laramie Project, "Broadway Out Way"and "Ain't Nobody Gonna Turn Me Around."

While managing the rigorous workload of graduate studies at the School for Social Change, Talib is also the Executive Director of Kaleidoscope Community Arts Collective, a new independent non-profit arts initiative. Talib and his team have been praised for their valiant attempts at introducing a different type of theater... one that evokes self reflection, promotes transformation, and alters perceptions.

On his first year as a student, Talib says: “My first year as an Urban Studies: Arts in Transformation student has been awesome. The education I have received thus far, the people I have come in contact with, both in and outside of the classroom, and the countless networking opportunities have proven themselves to be invaluable. One class that I thoroughly enjoyed was "Christ in the City" . Before taking this course, I had never been asked to exegete scripture. To be challenged in that respect was worth it.”

Talib is most excited about his role in the upcoming movie, “Law Abiding Citizen,” starring Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx, Academy Award Nominee Viola Davis, and Gerard Butler. He says "I am deeply grateful to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and humbled by the same to have been a part of this project. Shout out to Diane Heery and the staff at Heery Casting, LLC for casting me in my 1st major film. I play a Philadelphia Police Officer, and although this is not a speaking role, it was very physical and did require to put my training as an actor in practice. I did however, get the opportunity to interact with a few of the principal actors. The film is slated for a first quarter release in 2010. I pray that it does well at the box office and that this will be the beginning of a long - storied career."