Date of Award
8-2026
Degree Type
Masters Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
School
Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Committee Chair
Haiyan Tian
Committee Chair School
Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Committee Member 2
Huiqing Zhu
Committee Member 2 School
Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Committee Member 3
John Harris
Committee Member 3 School
Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Abstract
In this paper, we employ principles of modelling using systems of differential equations to model a love story, “The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl”, a classic Chinese folktale with nonlinear and seasonal components. In Chapter II, we use previous studies concerning models of love stories to outline the theory justifying our model, combining the cultural context of the myth in tandem with narrative interpretations of romance. Then, in Chapter III, we apply our learned context to identify the most suitable choice of parameters for our system of differential equations and make structural adjustments to include desirable properties of nonlinear systems. Finally, in Chapter IV, we remedy the seemingly inevitable end of the love story by introducing external influences to bring forced seasonal recoupling into the system and analyze what lets the story have its classic happy ending.
Copyright
Jace C. Robinson , 2026
Recommended Citation
Robinson, Jace C., "Modelling "The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl" With Nonlinear Systems of Differential Equations" (2026). Master's Theses. 1211.
https://aquila.usm.edu/masters_theses/1211