Leadership Studies Commons^™

"Nothing Sacred": Ignatian Principles Of Heroic Leadership In Entertainment Media, John Briand Levesque

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

The series Nothing Sacred lasted less than one full season on broadcast network television. Critically acclaimed for its writing but also vigorously opposed for having an anti-Catholic agenda, it embraced a set of values consistent with Ignatian leadership philosophy. Scholars paid little attention to the show after its cancellation in 1998, but an examination of several episodes and the writing of its co-creator, a Jesuit priest, suggests that the series propagated the principles of Ignatian leadership in much the same way as Lowney (2003), who proposed that the 16th-century philosophy of leadership espoused by Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuit …

Authentic Blackness And The Portrayals Of African Americans In Prime Time Television Commercials, Dari L. Rogers

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Though each African American person holds unique experiences, beliefs and preferences that are molded by his or her background, education, gender, sexual orientation and religion, he or she is often defined by superficial characteristics, such as how a person behaves, speaks and dresses, that determine his or her degree of authentic blackness. This thesis explores authentic blackness within the African American community and how television commercials help define what is considered authentically black. Based on the Social Cognitive Theory, Hall’s Theory of Encoding and Decoding, the Cultivation Theory and the Social Construction of Reality Theory, this thesis explores how African …

President Barack Obama's Speech In Cairo: A Metaphor Analysis, George Ebimobowei Oti

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This study investigates the metaphors embedded in President Barack Obama’s speech in Cairo, delivered on June 4, 2009. Mr.Obama delivered his speech at a time when the dissonance between the Muslim world and the West expanded. The rhetor’s motive was to arrest the increasingly compounded atmosphere of rapprochements between the two worlds. The study employed two philosophical foundations, Burkean identification- consubstantiation and Buber’s I-thou personality theory. The two philosophies promote the notion of humankind’s sharing of a bond. The study categorizes the deployment of metaphors into archetypal and transcendent metaphors; the results show that both types of metaphors serve a …

This Just In: Breaking News With Social Media By The Newspaper Organizations In The Southwestern Corner Of New York State, Chris Chapman

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Social media is the newest form of technology to tempt journalists. What is it? How can it be used to bring their information to the consumers? This thesis examines the ability of eight papers in the southwestern corner of New York state to break news on social media like Facebook and Twitter. The study, conducted by a survey of the journalists working for those papers, takes a look at the policies that govern social media within their organization. Through the lens of the agenda-setting theory, the data shows that the rural region of New York state has yet to find …

Gender Bias In Network News Reporting: Inaccurate Risk Information About Male And Female Birth Control, Krista Currer

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Pharmaceutical companies spend considerable amounts of revenue on advertising; therefore, media networks must portray an agenda which supports those companies. This thesis attempts to discover if and to what extent women are marginalized by the promotion of hormonal birth control. Particular focus is placed on the link between these drugs and breast cancer risk, as well as the existence of gendered messages. Framework for the study is established through Agenda-setting Theory and Marxist and feminist criticism. Media messages about birth control are then interpreted through content analysis. Only 9% of messages about female birth control mention the link with breast …

Using Social Judgment Theory To Identify Preexisting Attitudes In Millennial Audiences Of Public Radio, David W. Morrissey

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

As the Millennial generational group (individuals aged 34 or younger at time of publication) ages, it becomes a more important fundraising target for public radio organizations. This study explored ways to get members of the Millennial generational group more actively involved as financial contributors to public radio organizations. The Literature Review examined a brief history of public radio in the United States, including its move to listener funding, and the consolidation and homogenization of programming, which only occurred relatively recently and during the formative years of Millennials. The study used Social Judgment Theory as a theoretical framework to help identify …

Media Portrayal Of The Feminist Movement: The Seattle Times Coverage From 1970 To 1979, Kelly Patricia Darrah

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This research examines how feminism has been covered by mass media in general, and specifically how The Seattle Times portrayed the women’s movement in the 1970s. The fight for women’s suffrage in the early 20th century marks the beginning of the modern women’s movement for equal rights. Most young women today agree with many of the feminist ideals but reject the label. Because media have been proven to have a strong influence on public opinion, the question arises as to whether agenda-setting and negative media coverage are reasons for this disconnect. Using content analysis, this study analyzes print news media …

An In-Depth Look At How The Social Context Of Relationships Influences Communication Media Choice For Young Adults, Laura Christine Jollay

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This thesis explores the impact of relational influence on communication media choice in young adults in the United States. It applies the media richness and uses and gratification theories to identify the purpose of communication media in varying interpersonal relationships using face-to-face communication (FtF), phone, text messaging, instant messenger and email. It utilizes survey software to yield quantitative results in an anonymous environment to measure the perceived closeness of the most common relationships for young adults and what specific media is utilized for those relationships. This research design echoes the design of researchers in 2007 in Korea, who sought to …

Relationship Maintenance And Facebook, Kelli Kapp

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Research to date on Facebook users has not included part of Generation Y, those born from 1976 through 1989. This study examined the use of Facebook to maintain relationships to extend previous work by Steinfield and Lampe (2009), Pennington (2009), and Bryant and Marmo (2009) whose work served as a lens for comparison. A survey questionnaire (N=215) was administered to Facebook users to determine their uses for the site, frequency of use, and perceived closeness of Facebook friends. Results suggested Facebook has become a daily part of respondent’s lives. Questions regarding Facebook use indicated the number one motivator for using …

Symbolic Convergence: A Case Study Of Magnum, P.I., Melissa C. Wessman

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

The study that follows examines the depiction of Vietnam veterans in the television series Magnum, P.I., particularly the representation of the struggles Vietnam veterans faced when reintegrating into civilian society after the war. Assessment of the series using fantasy theme analysis reveals that Magnum, P.I. generates a shared understanding for regular viewers of the post-combat experience for veterans. This is important to note because entertainment media, namely television, is a far-reaching outlet that can be utilized to teach and expand viewer understanding of social issues, such as the plight of veterans. Also, the struggle of veterans to reintegrate into society …

Sneaky Peeks: An Examination Of The Use Of Subliminal Messages In Children's Television And Film, Mary Patricia Charvat

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This thesis project is an account of how advertising agencies and film and television companies make use of subliminal messaging and product placement to manipulate viewers‟ subconscious minds. According to research, there is some skepticism in some areas as to the effectiveness of their subliminal messages. However, it is clear that there is some recognizable effect; statistics show an increase in obesity and self-image and self-esteem problems spurred on by subliminal messaging in television and film aimed at the young. The selected literature included well-known books on subliminal messages and other materials covering 50 years of research. The literature also …

Transparency Through Social Media: Improving The Credibility Of Pr Professionals In The Twenty-First Century, Pete Voss

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This correlational study identifies opportunities for PR (public relations) professionals to gain trust by engaging online communities using unprecedented levels of transparency. The thesis begins by reviewing literature and setting the stage for how and when PR gained its PR problem (Thomas et al., 2009). The study observes how PR professionals are currently engaging these audiences, and also demonstrates how the public perceives these actions. The philosophical framework for this study stemmed from Aristotle's belief in goodwill in communities (Book 1, Chapter 1), and Augustine's (1909) belief that "All wish to rejoice in truth" (p. 186). Sherif's Social Judgment Theory …

An Analysis Of Feminism As Reflected In Media Objectification, Kimberly Alsop Hobson

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Nearly 50 years after the National Organization for Women's Statement of Purpose vowed to revolutionize the artificial and sexist depiction of women in media and to promote images of women in self-respecting and active partnerships with men, objectification is more of a problem than ever before. This study examines the interplay of Cultivation theory, Social Comparison theory, Objectification theory and Feminist writings in order to study the origins and consequences of objectification for women. Dissemination of a survey instrument consisting of 14 questions and completed by 235 women over a period of five days, assesses the discernment women have about …

Reaching An Agreement: Effects Of Tv Violence On Youth, Brittany T. Rawlings

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Over the course of a year, a child will spend 1,500 hours watching television, a significant amount when compared to the 900 hours he or she will spend in school (Herr, 2007). Violence is one of the dominating messages disseminated through the sensation of television, which plays an active role in entertaining and impacting the lives of today‘s young audience. Because of its prevalence, violence on TV has grown to be a controversial issue on which several studies have been conducted since the 1950s. This thesis explores past research and takes a critical look at studies conducted within the last …

The Interpretation Of Online Identity On Facebook And Social Networking Sites, Margaret D. Denninger

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This study explored the interpretation of identity as it relates to the construction of self-identity on Facebook. Academic scholarship of online identity development on Facebook and other Social Networking Sites (SNS) revealed recent research that juxtaposed online identity makeup within communication and psychological frameworks. The expansion of Facebook and its design elements drew academic analyses that questioned the authenticity and fluidity of online identities. In this meta-analysis, three studies were discussed in depth, approximately 50 studies on Facebook identity construction were reviewed, and professional critiques on the Facebook effect were included. Research questions query: the prospect of true identity online; …

Ua12/3/2 Student Government Association - Publications, Wku Archives

WKU Archives Collection Inventories

Publications created by and about the Student Government Association. Series includes newsletters, annual reports, brochures and posters.

Surrealism Is Not Dead: A Look At Surrealism In Contemporary Mass Communication Via Analysis Of Modern Popular Films, Joi Deanne Chadwick

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This study examined three modern films - Toy Story 3, Alice in Wonderland, and Iron Man 2 - to understand the place of Surrealism in contemporary communication. The thesis began with a review of literature regarding Surrealism's revolutionary propensities and its flow into the mainstream. The review's basis was postmodernist philosophy rooted in Roland Barthes's and Umberto Eco's semiotics and Stuart Hall's cultural studies. This underlying philosophy asserted the complexity and mutability of signs and styles, a media role in acceptance and mutation of signs/styles, and endurance of ideas through cultural shifts. Semiotic analysis was crucial methodology in this study …

Public Opinion In The Social Media Era: Toward A New Understanding Of The Spiral Of Silence, Daniel Lemin

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This thesis explores the intersection of a long-standing public opinion theory – the spiral of silence – and the recent explosion in social publishing tools such as Tumblr and Twitter. It uses real-world discussion settings (including face-to-face focus groups and synchronous online discussions) in tandem with a pre-test/post-test methodology to measure opinion shifts on the topic of corn syrup and childhood nutrition/obesity. This research design is based on well-established criticisms challenging that the spiral of silence may not be fully explained by a national climate of opinion on a topic, suggesting that there are other influences on individual beliefs than …

Agenda Setting And Framing In Hurricane Ike News, Sophie Harbert

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

News media have considerable ability to influence the public agenda. This thesis explores media agenda setting and framing in Hurricane Ike in order to infer whether the way disasters are covered in the news is a contributing factor in the lack of public attention on hurricane loss mitigation. The frequency and intensity of Atlantic hurricanes is increasing, placing residents along the U.S. Gulf Coast at greater risk, yet little has been done to try to reduce the impact from hurricanes. This study is grounded in agenda setting theory and utilized content analysis to examine newspaper coverage of Hurricane Ike in …

Images Of Girls And Women In The Media: A Media Literacy Project To Mitigate The Influence Of Beauty Product Advertising For Girl Scouts, Christine Marie Anthony

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This project is intended to mitigate the influence of beauty product advertising on tween and teenage girls by teaching media literacy skills that allow a critical look at ads and the perfect women featured in them. Research has shown that repeated and frequent exposure to unrealistic beauty ideals through various media can render these images achievable and real, while having a negative impact on women’s self-esteem and body image. Achieving beauty has become a continuous and all-encompassing project for tween and teenage girls, and the media continually portrays and promotes it as not only a possibility, but also a necessity …

Ua77/1 Wku Spirit, Wku Alumni Relations

WKU Administration Documents

WKU's alumni magazine. Contents:

• Ransdell, Gary. President’s Letter
• WKU’s Comprehensive Energy Policy
• WKU Honored for Work at Upper Green River Biological Preserve
• Five Inducted into Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame
• Regents Change Minimum Number of Hours Needed for Baccalaureate, Associate Degrees
• Students Likely to See Smaller Tuition Increase; Campus Budget to be Reduced
• WKU Engineering Students Demonstrate Submersible Device
• WKU’s Center for Gifted Studies Awarded $2 Million Grant for Project GEMS, Will Partner with Warren County Schools
• WKU One of Two Public Universities Recognized for Excellence in Teacher Education
• Gatton Academy, Center for Gifted Studies Among Partners for Commonwealth Institute …

Obesity And Magazines: A Frame Analysis Of The Top Three Circulating Magazines, Sarah K. Doxey

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Over the past two decades the rate of obesity has increased dramatically in the United States. Awareness of obesity as a public health issue has garnered more attention with American mass media. The purpose of this research study is to determine how the top three circulating magazines in America frame the issue of obesity in relationship to cause and solution and to determine the frame used to present the information to the readers. This qualitative study uses frame analysis to identify dominant frames within these news magazines from November 1, 2006 through November 1, 2008. Results indicate that the magazines …

New Yoga Studio Encourages Positive Impact On Community Through Communication And Leadership, Shauna Stelzer

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this study is to explore the ways in which a well-attended Yoga studio can inspire health, wellness and the desire to contribute to one’s community. Members of the community who have been attending Yoga for varying amounts of time were given the opportunity to comment on their experiences and their heightened communication abilities with community members as a result of their attendance in Yoga classes. Additionally, studio owners gave their thoughts and opinions on the businesses in their community, as well as expressed their beliefs and knowledge of transformations that they have witnessed in the community because …

Ua77/1 Wku Spirit, Wku Alumni Relations

WKU Administration Documents

WKU alumni magazine. Contents:

• Ransdell, Gary. President’s Letter
• Gift from Anthem Foundation Funds WKU Mobile Health Unit
• WKU Enrollment Increases to 19,761; Number of African-American First-time Freshmen Up 19.6%
• WKU Honors Bowling Green Family During Weekend Event – Tinius Family
• WKU Alum Harry Gray Honored as Outstanding Alumnus of Kentucky
• Alumni Association Enters Relationship with PartnersFirst
• HealthCo Corp. Opens World Headquarters in WKU Center
• Jarve Family Create Endowed Professorship in Honors
• Planned Giving Q&A on the Charitable Gift Annuity
• Private Support Enhances Capital Improvements at WKU
• Interfaith Chapel
• LaFantasie, Glenn. Why Are There No More Abraham Lincolns?
• Capitol Spotlight – …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 83, No. 12, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news.

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 83, No. 10, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news.

Ua77/1 Wku Spirit, Wku Alumni Relations

WKU Administration Documents

WKU's alumni magazine. Contents:

• Richard Ewald – Society of 1906
• Ransdell, Gary. One Big Leap
• The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics & Science in Kentucky
• Photographer Finishes Third in Hearst Competition – Jonathan Woods
• Richard Miller Appointed First Chief Diversity Officer
• WKU Wins CASE WealthEngine Award
• Russell Athletic WKU Official Team Apparel
• Houchens Industries Gives $5 Million for WKU Stadium Project: WKU Add Houchens to Stadium Name
• Regents Approve $314.6 Million Budget
• Dean Kahler to Lead Enrollment Management
• Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) Competes Nationally
• Emergency Management: WKU’s Crisis Management Plan
• We Remember – Virginia Tech University Massacre
• Love …

Ua77/1 Wku Spirit, Wku Alumni Relations

WKU Administration Documents

WKU's alumni magazine. Contents:

• Ransdell, Gary. Academy of Mathematics & Science in Kentucky at Western Kentucky University
• Endowment Tops $92 Million Mark
• Donors to Hilltopper Basketball Program Recognized
• WKU Announces Assistance Program for High Need Students
• The Boulevards – Alumni Village
• Charlie Keown: A Visionary Leader
• Casagrande, Michael. Greek Life: The New Greek Village at WKU
• Cummings, Carol. A Strong Red Thread: A WKU Family Tradition – Furnish Family
• Academy of Mathematics & Science: A Gift WKU Gives the World
• The Center for Gifted Studies
• WKU Alumni Association Lifetime Members
• Business University Reunion
• Golden Anniversary Club Reunion
• 2007 Save the …

Ua77/1 Wku Spirit, Wku Alumni Relations

WKU Administration Documents

WKU's alumni magazine. Contents:

• Society of 1906 – Gerald Edds
• WKU Awarded Grant to Improve Teacher Education in Math & Science
• Gift from BB&T Will Provide Leadership in the Study of Capitalism
• WKU Names Knicely Center Board Room in Honor of Ward & Ann Elliott
• Kelly Autism Program Presents Alliance Awards
• A New Century of Spirit: Campaign for Western Kentucky University
• Support for the University’s Study Abroad & International Programs
• Academic Excellence at WKU
• Endowed Professorship Helps Guide WKU to National Prominence in Astronomy – Charles McGruder
• Current Endowed Professorships
• Scholarship Recipient Katherine Smith
• World-Class Library System – University Libraries …

Ua77/1 Wku Spirit, Wku Alumni Relations

WKU Administration Documents

WKU's alumni magazine. Contents:

• Ransdell, Gary. President’s Letter
• Society of 1906 – Martha Lloyd
• WKU Announces Dorris Burchett Legacy Commitment for Business Gift is Third Largest One-Time Commitment to WKU
• Steve Eaton Makes New Commitment for Hilltopper Basketball
• Jessie Ball DuPont Fund Makes $150,000 Commitment to WKU-Housing Authority of Bowling Green Partnership
• WKU Names Clinical Education Complex’s Early Childhood Center in Honor of Long-Time Supporters – Dan Vitale
• WKU Health Services
• Former WKU Baseball Player Makes Lead Gift for New Baseball Clubhouse – Paul Orberson
• Ken McDonald Selected WKU Basketball Head Coach
• Online Masters Degree in Elementary Education Beginning Fall …