Award Date

5-1-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Hank Greenspun School of Journalism and Media Studies

First Committee Member

Julian Kilker

Second Committee Member

David Nourse

Third Committee Member

Benjamin Burroughs

Fourth Committee Member

Michael Green

Number of Pages

64

Abstract

Lake Mead, the largest man-made water project in the nation and a prolific source of electricity, irrigation, and recreation for much of the western population, is currently experiencing a drastic transformation. Amid the ongoing water crisis parching the west, the once overflowing reservoir is consistently shrinking, descending into depths historically uncharted.

While serving as a bleak demonstration of climate change’s effects, the body of water is simultaneously assuming an alternative role that may be less apparent to the public. As water levels decline, Lake Mead is actively metamorphosing into a “Living Museum”, by gradually unveiling previously submerged artifacts. As a result, it is displaying pieces of the local and regional history that were formerly concealed by its watery domain. Lake Mead’s evolving identity has inspired further investigation into what the lake has been storing since its inception nearly a century ago. This creative thesis project adopts the format of an audio documentary, delving into the supplementary persona of Lake Mead and its surrounding areas. By weaving together an interdisciplinary collection of expertise surrounding Lake Mead, this endeavor will work to explore the concealed histories, cultural nuances, and the mysterious artifacts sprouting from the waters. By providing Lake Mead with an alternative narrative, this thesis aims to present a creative and compelling interpretation through which to observe the diminishing reservoir. In doing so, it provides a divergence from the predominant storyline shaped by the climate crisis.

Keywords

Climate; Lake Mead; Las Vegas; Living; Museum

Disciplines

Climate | Creative Writing | History

File Format

pdf

File Size

1348 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

Rights

IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

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