Hexatonic Collections and Thematic Development in Frederic Rzewski's "Four Pieces for Piano"

This paper contains a comprehensive analysis of Four Pieces for Piano (1977) by composer/pianist Frederic Rzewski (1938-2021). This work falls chronologically between Rzewski’s more celebrated works, The People United Will Never Be Defeated! (1975) and North American Ballads (1978). Together these three works are indicative of Rzewski’s compositional output in the late 1970’s. This document is one of the first to offer a complete theoretical analysis of a work of Rzewski, observed from the viewpoint of both theorist and pianist. The analysis contained within provides further clarity for the performer in the break-down of complex passages, conceptualization of the work as a whole, and the clarification of mistakes contained in the score. Throughout this thesis, Rzewski’s music is considered alongside other composer/pianists in the canon, showing the culture of composers that Rzewski is a part of, and furthermore solidifying his place in the timeline of not only American piano music, but also in western art music across the centuries. Through the analysis, a great deal can be learned about the late composer in the hopes that his music may continue to be studied and performed

The New Borderland: A Mixed-Methods Examination of Teacher Perceptions of Intelligence, Race, and Socioeconomic Status in Relation to Behavior Genetics

Behavior genetics argues intelligence and educational attainment are highly heritable (genetically influenced) and polygenic (influenced by many genes) traits. Researchers in this field have moved beyond identifying whether and how much genes influence the manifestation of a given outcome to trying to pinpoint the genetic markers that help predict them. In more recent years, behavior genetics research has attempted to cross-over into the field of education, looking to play a role in the construction of policy and the implementation of curriculum. This dissertation explores American teacher understandings of intelligence, race, and socioeconomic status in relation to genetics. The convergent parallel mixed-methods research design interprets findings from focus groups, interviews, and surveys through the notion of ‘discriminate biopower’–a theoretical framework that combines intersectionality with biopower. Findings from this study suggest that US teachers believe children differ genetically and see genetics playing a role in a student’s ability and race. Furthermore, teachers are open to learning more about the inclusion of genetics research in education policy. At the same time, however, teachers are wary of incorporating behavior genetics findings into education policy within a context where economic and racial segregation continue to dictate who gains access to resource and opportunities

Are we nearly there yet? Starts and stops on the road to use of polygenic scores

As technological advancements expand the accessibility and availability of molecular genetic data, excitement over the potential use of genetic risk scores also known as polygenic scores (PGS) or polygenic indices for disease prevention has grown. At the same time, however, the translation of PGS into healthcare and social settings raises a host of social, ethical, and clinically relevant questions

Introducing sustainability measures to retail district retrofits : Edmonton’s Westmount Centre Case Study

Many North American suburban shopping malls have become under-performing retail islands drifting in oceans of asphalt parking lots. This thesis examined three potential future scenarios for the aging retail shopping mall landscape; 1. Maintaining status quo 2. Upgrading the property for a mixed-use neighbourhood centre 3. Implementing strategies for attainable sustainability targets These scenarios were examined using a proposed retrofit of Edmonton, Canada’s Westmount Centre as a case study, to determine if this retrofitting approach could be a pilot for other districts. The principles of 2030 District (2030 District, 2012) guided this thesis, a concept which proposed that by 2030 all newly constructed districts be energy neutral and that existing districts be retrofitted to use less than 50% of the energy that they presently consume. The Spider charts developed by Haas & Troglio (Haas & Troglio, 2011) were used to create strategies that included incorporating existing proven, economically viable technologies to the proposed retrofit. The three resulting scenarios were then evaluated using Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - Neighbourhood Design, version 4 (LEED-ND v4), to make a case for raising the threshold for sustainability and mitigation measures when planning new and retrofit projects in North America (USGBC, 2014). The goal of the thesis was to find a solution that holistically meets the goals of LEED-ND, where partnerships between numerous stakeholders provide a business model for urban sustainability, which includes planning, implementation and verification (2030 District, 2012). By examining proven sustainability measures and applying them to the normative scenario, makes the case that strategic implementation during a situation of opportunity, through timely stakeholder interaction, will result in a district that is both sustainable (environmentally, socially and economically) and provides a good return on investment. This thesis is a starting point for the iterative process, a compelling argument and business case for further investigation and action for Westmount Centre and by extension, to other retail districts

Introducing sustainability measures to retail district retrofits : Edmonton’s Westmount Centre Case Study

Many North American suburban shopping malls have become under-performing retail islands drifting in oceans of asphalt parking lots. This thesis examined three potential future scenarios for the aging retail shopping mall landscape; 1. Maintaining status quo 2. Upgrading the property for a mixed-use neighbourhood centre 3. Implementing strategies for attainable sustainability targets These scenarios were examined using a proposed retrofit of Edmonton, Canada’s Westmount Centre as a case study, to determine if this retrofitting approach could be a pilot for other districts. The principles of 2030 District (2030 District, 2012) guided this thesis, a concept which proposed that by 2030 all newly constructed districts be energy neutral and that existing districts be retrofitted to use less than 50% of the energy that they presently consume. The Spider charts developed by Haas & Troglio (Haas & Troglio, 2011) were used to create strategies that included incorporating existing proven, economically viable technologies to the proposed retrofit. The three resulting scenarios were then evaluated using Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - Neighbourhood Design, version 4 (LEED-ND v4), to make a case for raising the threshold for sustainability and mitigation measures when planning new and retrofit projects in North America (USGBC, 2014). The goal of the thesis was to find a solution that holistically meets the goals of LEED-ND, where partnerships between numerous stakeholders provide a business model for urban sustainability, which includes planning, implementation and verification (2030 District, 2012). By examining proven sustainability measures and applying them to the normative scenario, makes the case that strategic implementation during a situation of opportunity, through timely stakeholder interaction, will result in a district that is both sustainable (environmentally, socially and economically) and provides a good return on investment. This thesis is a starting point for the iterative process, a compelling argument and business case for further investigation and action for Westmount Centre and by extension, to other retail districts

Introducing sustainability measures to retail district retrofits : Edmonton’s Westmount Centre Case Study

Many North American suburban shopping malls have become under-performing retail islands drifting in oceans of asphalt parking lots. This thesis examined three potential future scenarios for the aging retail shopping mall landscape; 1. Maintaining status quo 2. Upgrading the property for a mixed-use neighbourhood centre 3. Implementing strategies for attainable sustainability targets These scenarios were examined using a proposed retrofit of Edmonton, Canada’s Westmount Centre as a case study, to determine if this retrofitting approach could be a pilot for other districts. The principles of 2030 District (2030 District, 2012) guided this thesis, a concept which proposed that by 2030 all newly constructed districts be energy neutral and that existing districts be retrofitted to use less than 50% of the energy that they presently consume. The Spider charts developed by Haas & Troglio (Haas & Troglio, 2011) were used to create strategies that included incorporating existing proven, economically viable technologies to the proposed retrofit. The three resulting scenarios were then evaluated using Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - Neighbourhood Design, version 4 (LEED-ND v4), to make a case for raising the threshold for sustainability and mitigation measures when planning new and retrofit projects in North America (USGBC, 2014). The goal of the thesis was to find a solution that holistically meets the goals of LEED-ND, where partnerships between numerous stakeholders provide a business model for urban sustainability, which includes planning, implementation and verification (2030 District, 2012). By examining proven sustainability measures and applying them to the normative scenario, makes the case that strategic implementation during a situation of opportunity, through timely stakeholder interaction, will result in a district that is both sustainable (environmentally, socially and economically) and provides a good return on investment. This thesis is a starting point for the iterative process, a compelling argument and business case for further investigation and action for Westmount Centre and by extension, to other retail districts