Communication Theses

This thesis explores the ways in which music influences the process of identity formation. This topic is significant for academic research because it helps to provide further detail to the ways in which individuals use external resources to compose identity and ultimately understand themselves. For many individuals, music can provide guidance through life, by joining individuals together into social groups based around aesthetic tastes: from which values, attitudes, and worldviews can then develop. To gain perspective on this process, data was collected from eight participants by means of qualitative interview, and assessed using grounded theory: where information was gathered, compared, and coded before producing an interpretation. The results of data show that music informs identity by affirming self-image, and promoting confidence, which in turn allows individuals to pursue identity goals. Implications from this study suggest that the active processes of self-evaluation and identity work should be investigated further by academics.

Capitalizing on gender stereotypes in television advertising is a highly used practice. The purpose of this research is to explore how boys and girls are represented in Crayola commercials to uncover whether or not gender stereotypes are still used to sell what many would consider a gender-neutral product. This research is important because as society progresses towards an accepting stance regarding children stepping outside of gender norms, television advertisements should be reflecting this progress. Through the use of qualitative content analysis, Crayola commercials over a 10-year period are examined to identify reoccurring gender stereotype themes, trends, or patterns. The findings were consistent with previous research in that television advertisements are still very gender biased, even when advertising what is considered a gender-neutral children’s product. Even though the stereotypes may not be super obvious or excessive, they are still present and constructing messages to its viewers in various degrees.

Despite the number of active social media users, there is a disconnect for how these virtual platforms can be incorporated into communication classrooms. Moving into the new generation of digital natives, it will become a necessity to teach basic professional skills involving social media. This study divulges into current means of incorporating Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube in higher education, uncovering what practical methods are being used. A review of current literature summarizes, social media is becoming a primary means of communication. It has been challenging for higher education professionals to find ways to incorporate these platforms in ways that progress the quality of education. Communication majors are in need of updated curriculum and pedagogy that reflects our virtual means of communication. Using social media platforms fosters an interactive and hands on learning environment that teaches students practical information.

Throughout all media, elements of culture are broadcast and absorbed for entire societies to create their own perceptions regarding race. Within certain television genres, there are many instances of stereotyping that are being portrayed that will inevitably influence how society perceives and treats certain groups of people. By analyzing two television series from two separate genres, the impact of particular representations can be predicted using several communication theories. After the analysis, it was determined that society might benefit from a balance of oppressed fictional representations, even if there is no way to depict a completely accurate representation of an entire minority group. Even with this balance, it is unclear if it is possible to fully eliminate the oppression in our society that is partly influenced by the media we consume.

This thesis explores video game narration to advocate for the legitimacy of video game narratives in an ever-expanding mediated world. The study utilized narrative criticism to break down the narrative of the video game The Last of Us to understand why this specific game is significant to the video game industry. The results of this study showed this video game narrative to be strong based on the blending of reality and the game’s reality. This strength was shown to affect the player greatly by allowing them to reflect their experiences to the experiences from the game. Through this research, video game narratives were found to be profoundly powerful in helping players to develop a deeper understanding of themselves. The significance of this research stretches beyond the scope of video games and narrative capabilities. This research is dedicated to advocating for those without a voice to be heard and listened to.