Digital Commons Network^™

Analyzing The Minority Experience Through Poetic Inquiry, Abriel Maldonado

SCOM Undergraduate Research Conference

Poetic inquiry is the process by which the author unearths key words from the data and strategically truncates these words into poetic structures.The following poems utilize this process in order to articulate the findings of a two-year qualitative study investigating the minority experience at a predominantly white institution (PWI).This qualitative study employed eight semi-structured interviews and was conducted at a mid-sized, public University in the Chesapeake region of the United States. All participants identified as a racial minority on the predominantly white campus and their varied experiences represent the heterogeneity of the minority experience on campus.

Keywords: minorities, predominantly white …

‘I Am With You’: A Feminist Oppositional Narrative Analysis Of Emily Doe’S Recited Letter To The Defendant, Taylor Hollowood

SCOM Undergraduate Research Conference

I provide an analysis of the rhetorical techniques used by Emily Doe, as she addresses Brock Turner and the rest of the court during Turner’s sentencing hearing, in order to combat the patriarchal assumptions present in today’s society with regard to sexual assault. Furthermore, this manuscript explores issues of gender and communication through the lens of sexual assault, shedding light on the incongruities of language in modern American society.

Fed Up With The Personal Responsibility Of Obesity: A Pentadic Analysis Of Fed Up, Rebekah Peterson

SCOM Undergraduate Research Conference

This paper uses Kenneth Burke’s pentadic criticism to examine the reality Fed Up, a documentary about obesity in the United States, wants its audience to accept about the obesity epidemic and why. The first half of the documentary frames the obesity epidemic as scene-act in order to change the audience’s reality of the issue because the obesity epidemic has been framed in society as agent-act, portraying obesity as the individual’s fault. The second half shifts to an agent-scene ratio to answer why Fed Up attempts to change the audience’s reality. The implications of the pentadic ratios and shift are discussed …

"Are You Okay?" A Rhetorical Analysis Of Jon Stewart's 9/11 Monologue And His Role As Leader, India Hagen-Gates

SCOM Undergraduate Research Conference

This project uses the Narrative Paradigm presented by Walter Fisher in order to analyze Jon Stewart’s monologue after 9/11 and understand its effects on his audience. I look deeply at the surrounding context, especially the late night response to 9/11 and the expectations for Stewart’s return. Narrative Criticism allows us to better understand Stewart’s perspective on the events of 9/11. The story he presents is clear in its theme of hope. This method allows for a deep appreciation of how Stewart identifies with his audience, while separating his own voice from the crowd. I argue that he acts as a …

United Airlines' Public Relations Crisis, Katie Crowther, Andrew Mueller, Jared Van De Crommert, Laura Arroyo, Matt Jones

SCOM Undergraduate Research Conference

This project involves an in-depth analysis of how the United Airlines Express Flight 3411 affected customer’s attitudes, intent to fly, and supportive communication intent of the Airline Company, United, among a sample population. The goal is to demonstrate whether or not the incident on flight 3411 affected the JMU student body as a whole and whether or not they would still fly with United Airlines.

Relationship Between Sibling Jealousy And Jealousy In Romantic Relationships, Andrea C. Toscano, Harrison J. Seaborn, Matthew G. Webb, Olivia C. Rose, Eliana Joy Huffman

SCOM Undergraduate Research Conference

Research examining whether or not there is a relationship between sibling jealousy and jealousy in romantic relationships.

Sga Diversity Ad Hoc Committee: Diversity Awareness At Jmu, Kimia Favagehi, Jaclyn Rose Finn, Jacob Christian Ruefer, Sara Elaine Hardiman, Mary Theresa Ross, Christina Elaine Deane

SCOM Undergraduate Research Conference

The Diversity Ad hoc Committee, a branch of SGA that deals directly with issues of diversity on James Madison University's campus, was founded in 2014. The committee "seeks to spread the concept of diversity by collaborating with various other student clubs and organizations on campus."

The Diversity Ad hoc Committee is striving to build upon the organization's reputation and presence on James Madison University's campus. Presently, the organization lacks visibility and recognition from JMU students and faculty. Expressing dissatisfaction with the committee's current situation, the Diversity Ad hoc Committee hopes to expand outreach and support from the JMU community through …

What Happens At Camp Does Not Stay At Camp: A Rhetorical Analysis On The American Camp Association's 'Mission And Vision' Page, Abigail W. Fiege

SCOM Undergraduate Research Conference

Research on mission statements as a genre of rhetoric and evaluation of the American Camp Association's mission and vision webpage based on found criteria.

An Analysis Of George Wallace And His First Inaugural Address As Governor Of Alabama, Logan D. Dupuy

SCOM Undergraduate Research Conference

To understand Governor George Wallace of Alabama, one has to look back at his watershed moment. The 1958 election for governor. From there, one can attempt to explain how Wallace became a figure of tragedy (by his own doing though) and how he had to sell his soul for the governorship. After understanding what made George Wallace tick, I shall move into his inaugural speech in 1963. By explaining this fiery speech through ideological criticism, one will be able to better comprehend the subtleties of both the man and the times. The bulk of the ideological criticism will be on …

“Expanding That Story:” How Nonprofit Leaders Portray The Population They Serve, Sarah N. Koth

SCOM Undergraduate Research Conference

This research aims to understand how nonprofits leaders portray the populations they serve, specifically populations in low-economic status who receive material resources. Previous literature exploring the nonprofit sector considers volunteers and their experiences, although leaders set the tone for the organization’s language, and ultimately the quality of service. Five nonprofit organization (NPO) leaders from different organizations participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews that lasted between 33 to 72 minutes. Questions inquired about their average week on the job, their contact with clients and volunteers, and how they want the public to view the population they serve. Accounts showed that nonprofit leaders …

Divided We Fall: A Look Into American Crime Story: The People V. O.J. Simpson And How The Media Creates Reality, Angela G. Flanagan

SCOM Undergraduate Research Conference

This event is an undergraduate research conference for undergraduates in the School of Communications at James Madison University.

Budlight's #Upforwhatever Campaign, Jennifer Lopez-Gallardo, Brynn Bresnahan, Brooke Rera, Melissa Swan

SCOM Undergraduate Research Conference

Research Study for BudLight's #UpForWhatever Campaign.

Beyond Promotional: Michelle Obama And The Let Girls Learn Initiative, Isabella Bauer

SCOM Undergraduate Research Conference

Based on a research completed for Rhetorical Research Methods course, three of Michelle Obama's addresses for her Let Girls Learn initiative will be analyzed using cluster criticism.