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A Survey of Attitudes of Speech Teachers Toward Peer Evaluation in 4a and 5a High Schools in Texas
Two hundred questionnaires were sent to high school speech teachers in Texas to determine their attitudes toward peer evaluation, a method of critiquing speech class activities. Results indicated that these teachers are familiar with and use peer evaluation and that they do favor it as an evaluation technique. Women used peer evaluation more than men, and teachers with more experience used peer evaluation more than those less experienced. Peer evaluation was used most for speeches and oral interpretation and least for parliamentary procedure. Peer evaluation helps students learn the criteria upon which an oral presentation is evaluated, keeps the students busy, and helps the students become better listeners. Its values outweigh its drawbacks.
The History and Development of Casa Mañana Musicals, 1958-1980
The investigation is a historical survey tracing the development of Casa Mañana Musicals, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, from its experimental beginning in 1958 as the first permanent musical arena theatre in the United States, through twenty-three subsequent seasons. The study includes a chapter on the origins of theatre and the influences behind its concept dating back to the 1936 Casa Mañana produced by Billy Rose. Subsequent chapters deal with the theatre's seasons and its struggle to gain acceptance. The theatre's more recent financial and labor problems are also considered. Major sources include such unpublished data as production and financial records of the theatre, contracts, correspondence, minutes of the board of directors, and interviews. Published sources include accounts in newspapers and periodicals.
Helen, Later: An Original Play
The purpose of this play is to dramatize the change of government in ancient Greece from a matriarchy to a patriarchy and from rule by the Ionian to rule by the Dorian Greeks through the last years of Helen of Troy. Faced with a challenge by her husband, Menelaus, who wants his sons to rule, Helen manages through intrigue to arrange for her daughter to gain the throne. Helen herself becomes a "goddess."
Auditory Function in Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia
This study investigated the incidence of peripheral hearing loss in sickle cell anemia and the possibility of central auditory nervous system involvement. Nine Black subjects with sickle cell disease and nine with normal hemoglobin were administered an auditory test battery. There appeared to be no correlation between number of crisis episodes, duration of symptoms, severity of symptoms, and audiologic manifestations. Acoustic reflex testing suggested the possibility of "aired neural function in the sickle cell group. Whether impaired function was due to peripheral VIIIth nerve or to central brain stem involvement could not be determined. Results of the central auditory test battery suggested the possibility of impaired or reduced central auditory function in subjects with sickle cell anemia.
Symbolism in Afro-American Slave Songs in the Pre-Civil War South
This thesis examines the symbolism of thirty-five slave songs that existed in the pre-Civil War South in the United States in order to gain a more profound insight into the values of the slaves. The songs chosen were representative of the 300 songs reviewed. The methodology used in the analysis was adapted from Ralph K. White's "Value Analysis: The Nature and Use of the Method." The slave songs provided the slaves with an opportunity to express their feelings on matters they deemed important, often by using Biblical symbols to "mask" the true meanings of their songs from whites. The major values of the slaves as found in their songs were independence, justice, determination, religion, hope, family love, and group unity.
The Effect of Response-Contingent Positive Stimulation of the Frequency of Intervals of Specified Fluent Verbal Behavior of Stutterers
Intervals of specified fluent verbal behavior of two stutterers received response-contingent positive stimulation in the form of an accumulating points system, Assessment was made o the effect of experimental manipulation on the frequency of fluent speech intervals as well as on the frequency of subject-identified stuttering behaviors observed during the experimental session. The results indicated significant change in fluent interval frequency in the spontaneous speech of one subject. Effect of the experimental contingency was not demonstrated in the oral reading of a second subject. Stuttering. behavior data indicated that an indirect effect of the positive stimulation can change the frequency of behavior not being contingently stimulated.
A Burkeian Analysis of the Crimean War Speeches of John Bright
This study investigates the motives behind the rhetorical strategies of rejection and acceptance used by John Bright in his four Parliamentary speeches opposing the Crimean War. Kenneth Burke's dramatistic pentad was used to evaluate the four speeches. An examination of the pentad's five elements reveals that Bright had six motives for opposing the war. To achieve his purpose in giving the speeches--to restore peace to England and the world--Bright' used the major rhetorical agencies of rejection and acceptance. Bright's act, his selection of agencies, and his purpose were all definitely influenced by the scene in which they occurred.
The Rhetoric of Agitation and Control in the Chartist Movement in England, 1837-1848
Chapter I includes a description of the Chartist Movement and discusses the criteria found in John W. Bowers and Donovan J. Och's Rhetoric of Agitation and Control that were used to analyze the agitation and control groups of the movement. Chapter II describes the ideologies of both groups. Chapter III analyzes the rhetorical strategies of the agitation group: petition, solidification, promulgation, polarization, non-violent resistance, and confrontation-escalation, and the strategies of the control group: avoidance and suppression. Chapter IV concludes that Chartist agitators effectively used rhetorical strategies; however, the control strategy of suppression was stronger and brought about the demise of Chartism.
1972 Presidential Campaign Investigation Based on Attitude Measurements of Candidate Images
The relationship of attitude measurement with the political campaign process provides the problem area that this study considers. The purpose of this political communication study is to explore in detail and describe various "attitude" profiles of voters and resulting candidate "images" of the 1972 presidential election. These "attitudes" and "images" are determined through the use of three primary research instruments: the semantic differential scale, the Method of Ordered Alternatives, and the political philosophy continuum. In addition to these, a record of actual voting behavior serves as validating support of the measured attitudes. This study deals with "attitudes" toward and candidate "images" of George McGovern, R. Sargent Shriver, Richard M. Nixon, and Spiro T. Agnew, the Democratic and Republican candidates for President and Vice-President in 1972. This descriptive investigation unfolds into three major problem areas: 1. to report and describe "panoramic images" of Nixon,. McGovern, Agnew, and Shriver, as measured by the semantic differential scale. 2. to give an account of voter preferred positions A through I as measured by the Method of Ordered Alternatives in connection with "attitude" as measured by the evaluative factor of the semantic differential scale, and subsequently aligned with actual voting behavior. 3. to determine the relationship between voters' own political philosophies and their perceived political philosophies of the four candidates as measured by the political philosophy continuum. The remainder of this chapter overviews the historical mileau of the 1972 presidential campaign, explains the research design and procedures, and offers an organizational preview of the remaining five chapters.
Characterization and Structure in the Playwriting of Brendan Behan
The problem with which this investigation is concerned is that of determining a stylistic relationship between the playwriting techniques of Brendan Behan and those of accepted models, both traditional and modern. The approach is divided into two avenues of research. The first is that of establishing a historical perspective for the style of Behan's dramaturgy; the second is that of comparing the reactions to Behan's work by his contemporary critics. The purpose of this study is to analyze the playwriting techniques of Brendan Behan, giving particular emphasis to his methods of characterization and structure. This analysis is not an attempt to evaluate Behan's effectiveness or skill as a playwright. It is, instead, in the form of a comparison-and-contrast report which attempts to present antithetical ideas of playwriting and to arrive, finally, at a synthesis of critical opinion concerning Behan's methods of play construction.
Family Crisis Intervention Training: A Creative Framework
The purpose of this analysis is to construct a program framework relating relevant factors of the law enforcement environment to a communication crisis training format. Such a design transcends simple reporting of existing programs by incorporating the as yet unrelated research of communicologists, psychologists, and sociologists into a unified approach. The underlying thrust of this study encourages the development of a broader base for police training. The need for that broader base, with full awareness of the interrelated nature of this program to the policeman's total responsibilities, seems apparent. The approach of this design seeks to be creatively utilization rather than traditionally value-laden.
The Relationship Between Self-Concept and Empathic Communicative Ability
This study deals with the following question': "Who is most 'trainable' as an effective empathic communicator?" In the process it will attempt to determine if self-concept is significantly correlated with communicative ability, specifically the ability to respond empathically to others. Measurement of self-concept will employ the Tennessee Self Vie Scale which will be administered to the members of an undergraduate speech course, Speech 360. Tests measuring the levels of empathic discrimination and empathic communication will be given to the same population in determining empathic communicative ability scores.
An Analysis and Production Book for a Contemporary Staging of Irwin Shaw's Bury the Dead
The problem of this thesis is concerned with the directing and producing of a 1936 peace play, Bury the Dead, by Irwin Shaw. The production attempts to heighten the relevancy of the play to modern audiences. The project experiments with applying contemporary machines and techniques to a dated script containing realistic dialogue, a dualistic point of view, and a surrealistic idea of dead soldiers rising from their graves. The task generates a particular responsibility and challenge in that the use of contemporary machinery must be carefully chosen in such a way that it does not interfere with the message of the play.
An Analysis of Attitudes toward the Role of the PTA and its Communication of Goals and Programs
The purpose of this study is to examine some aspects the Parent Teacher Association through designing a questionnaire, administering it to individuals involved to some degree in the organization, evaluating the data received, and then making knowledgeable observations about it. The specific aspects to be examined are its role and its communication of goals and programs as seen by several groups. Although the scope is limited to the Texas PTA, attitudes toward PTA in general are reflected in the responses.
A Burkeian Analysis of the Rhetoric of Gloria Steinem
The purpose of this study has been to analyze the rhetoric of Gloria Steinem in order to determine how she uses identification in her attempts to unify the members of the Women's Liberation Movement and to enlist the cooperation of others outside the movement. The rhetorical theory and concepts of identification and consubstantiality developed by Kenneth Burke, literary and rhetorical critic, have been used in this study. The representative examples of Steinem's rhetoric which have been analyzed include a speech made at Southern Methodist University on February 3, 1972, Steinem's feature article "Sisterhood," which was published in the 1972 Spring Preview Issue of Ms. magazine, and a speech made by Steinem at the opening session of the National Women's Political Caucus in Houston, Texas, on February 9, 1973. This study has revealed Gloria Steinem to be, during the years from 1967 until the present time, a vital spokeswoman for the Women's Liberation Movement. The means through which Steinem chose to combat the oppression of women was rhetoric. The three examples of Steinem's rhetoric analyzed in this study indicate that her basic premise concerns the long-standing subjugation and exploitation of women by the ruling class -- white males.
A Group Interpretation Production of Jules Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
It was the purpose of this study to adapt and produce Jules Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea for a group interpretation presentation.
Relationships among Attitude Extremity, Polarity, and Intensity
This research attempt further analyzes implications of statistical correlations regarding specific relationships between the extremity-intensity variables, as defined by the social judgment instrument, and the polarity variable, as defined by the semantic differential scale.
Selected Poetry of Nikki Giovanni: A Burkeian Analysis
In this study, Kenneth Burke's methods of dramatistic analysis is applied to the selected poetry of Nikki Giovanni, a Black contemporary female poet. The procedure, analysis of poetry for symbolic action, is a functional approach which focuses on the poetic language, Agency. The thesis, divided into four chapters, concentrates on discovery of the Purpose, a Black female motive, for the Act, Giovanni's poetry, in the Scene, contemporary Black America.
A Study of the Relationship between Actor Perception and Audience Perception of Vladimir and Estragon in Waiting for Godot
The purpose of this study was to discover what relationship, if any, exists between the actor's perception of audience feedback concerning his portrayal of a character in a drama and the audience's perception of that particular character.
Training in Interpersonal Communication Skills for Ninth-grade Students : A Creative Design
The purpose of this project was to design a package to train ninth-grade students in basic interpersonal communication awareness and skills.
The Elimination of Cigarette Broadcast Advertising: A Model for Analysis and Prediction
The problem with which this investigation is concerned is that of determining whether or not the history of cigarette advertising in broadcasting developed a pattern from which a model could be abstracted and applied to other product advertisements deemed "controversial" in broadcasting. The history of broadcast cigarette advertising is analyzed in an attempt to abstract a model, The .assumption is made that this model could be capable of predicting future regulation or elimination of broadcast advertising of controversial products.
An Analysis and Staging of Burnt Offering, an Original Play by Beverly McIntosh
The problem with which this study is concerned is that of directing and producing an original play. The study attempts to take an original script which contains very little indication of setting, description of character, or stage direction, and establish workable patterns of interpretation and action, all of which are consistent and compatible with the central theme and idea of the script. The task generates a particular responsibility and challenge in that the experiment is happening for the first time.
An Analysis of the Old Testament Prophetic Elements in the Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr.
This study analyzes five speeches delivered by Martin Luther King, Jr. to determine the ways in which King used the elements of prophetic rhetoric. It examines the major Old Testament prophets, Amos and Ezekiel specifically, for parallels in the following areas: (1) the life, personality, and spiritual calling of the prophet, (2) the language, prophecies, and central themes of the prophet's message, and (3) the historical period in which the prophet lived and the events that created a need for the rhetoric of prophecy.
Communicating Christianity to the Ashanti Tribe: A Study in Cross-Cultural Communication
The problem with which this study is concerned is that of identifying the significant variables involved in cross-cultural communication and applying these concepts in communicating the Christian faith to Ashanti tribe members of central Ghana in West Africa.
The Development of Criteria for the Design of an Ideal Environment for Interpretation
The problem with which this study was concerned was the development of criteria for design of an environment for interpretation. The study analyzed the art of interpretation as a communicative process, derived criteria for design from the spatial requirements indicated by the analysis, and presented a sample design based on the criteria.
A Survey of the Rhetorical Devices Employed by Women's Liberation Organizations in the United States
Just as themes are important in the analysis of a movement, the means used to promote those themes are just as significant and that is the purpose of this paper. More specifically, the purposes are (1) to describe the sub-groups and report their goals, [2) to describe the numerous rhetorical devices extant in the movement, (3) to classify the subgroups into conservative or liberal categories: conservative, liberal, and those devices used by both conservatives and liberals, and (5) to suggest any trend of device usage which is apparent.
An Analysis of the Methods and Effectiveness of the Downward Flow of Communications at Texas Instruments Incorporated
This study is for the purpose of identifying the flow of internal downward communication and its effectiveness in a particular large industry, Texas Instruments Incorporated. Specifically, the following questions are examined in this study: (1) Has information which has been sent down by top management been spread to all levels, and is it being understood? (2) Are employees at all levels receiving the information they desire and sometimes need for their work? (3) For different types of subject matter, what channels are being used to transmit messages down the system, and are they effective mediums?
A Case Study in Interpersonal Communication Training
The purpose of this study was to attempt to observe and quantify some of the effects of an experiential interpersonal communication training program on the individuals involved. The program studied was Speech 360, a laboratory communication course offered at North Texas State University. The design of the study involved three basic student groups -- a.) the fall 1970 Speech 360 students; b.) the Spring 1971 Speech 360 students; and c.) a control group of students similar to those in the course, but who were not involved in the training program.
An Examination of the Acting Career of Edmund Kean
The characterizations of Kean mirrored the deprivation which he suffered as a child, as well as his wild and volcanic nature. It is difficult in a study of Kean to divorce the actor from the man, and the man from the actor. This thesis concludes that each of these two aspects of this genius of the English stage exerted a profound influence upon the other.
An Experiment in Open Theatre
The purpose of this experiment has been to complete a challenging thesis production in the style and technique of Open Theatre, utilizing imaginative production effects. The purpose was also to provide a valuable experience for those actors and technicians involved, meeting the standards and requirements of educational theatre. The experiment evolved from adapting, designing, directing, and producing a twelve scene cutting from Megan Terry's Viet Rock and twelve episodes from Jean-Claude van Italliets The Serpent. The study was culminated with a one-evening performance of The serpent and Viet Rock on August 10, 1971. The style and technique of Open Theatre seemed to be well accepted and fulfilled the requirements which the script demanded. The reaction of the audience seemed to indicate that the response sought by the Comp any was accomplished. The conclusion may also be drawn that this experimental production was successful not only as art, but also as an evening of entertainment.
A Group Interpretation Production of Selected Literature of Leonard Cohen
It was the purpose of this study to introduce a selected representative body of literature by the Canadian author Leonard Cohen to local audiences.
New Concepts in Drama Education: The Drama Curriculum at the Skyline Career Development Center in Dallas, Texas
This thesis evaluates the Skyline drama program. The first chapter presents an overview of the program; Chapters II and III describe the core and the advanced curriculum, respectively; and Chapter IV examines the first year of operation and evaluates the entire project.
New Shades of Clown White: a Study of Selected Comic Pantomimists in Europe and America 1920-1970
This thesis is neither a textbook of pantomime, with instructions for the development of mimetic expertise, nor a history of pantomime. What is recorded here is the personal philosophy of the art of pantomime advanced by Jean-Louis Barrault, Étienne Decroux, Charlie Chaplin, Marcel Marceau, and Red Skelton. The section devoted to each artist contains the portions of his biography pertaining to his development as a mime and a representative sample of critical reactions to his work. In addition to this purpose, this thesis also offers evidence that the comic style of pantomime underwent a change in nature in its use by the mimes who are studied here. Whereas the comic style was original! y unique to pantomimes that had no other intent but to produce laughter or, at most, pathos by physical comedy, these mimes took the comic pantomime into the realms of introspection and philosophy.
A Rationale for a Theatre Program in the Middle School
The purpose of this thesis is to develop a rationale for a theatre program in the middle school.
The Rhetorical Structure of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
The purpose of this study is to analyze the overall rhetorical structure of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee during 1960-1968. The criteria used in this study were adapted from: Joseph R. Gusfield, "Protest, Reform, and Revolt - A Reader in Social Movements;" Dan F. Hahn and Ruth Gonchar, "Studying in Social Movements: A Rhetorical Methodology;" Kurt Lang and Gladys Lang, "Collective Dynamics;" Leland M. Griffin, "The Rhetoric of Historical Movements;" Herbert W. Simons, "Requirements, Problems, and Strategies: A Theory of Persuasion for Social Movements." Gusfield's definition of a movement as "socially shared activities and beliefs directed toward the demand for change in some aspect of the social order" is utilized. To examine the rhetorical structure, it is necessary to divest it from the complex structural aspects of a movement. Simons' theory of the "grand flow" of a movement's persuasion guided this study. The rhetorical requirements of a movement are introduced in Chapter I. The requirements tend to fall into the following sub-categories: the ideology, the strategy, the goals, the membership, and the leadership. Chapter II is devoted to the setting during which the movement was founded. It includes a brief history of social unrest in civil rights struggles in the United States between the years 1950-1960. Chapter III examines the structure of SNCC based upon the philosophy of love and nonviolence, approximately 1960-1964. Chapter IV examines the structure of SNCC based upon a philosophy of hatred and rejection, approximately 1964-1968. The chapter also includes a postscript discussing SNCCts progressive movement away from the philosophy of nonviolence after 1968.
A Burkeian Analysis of the Rhetoric of Malcolm X during the Last Phase of his Life, June 1964-February 1965
The purpose of the study has been to analyze the rhetoric of Malcolm X with Kenneth Burke's dramatistic pentad in order to gain a better understanding of Malcolm X's rhetorical strategies in providing answers to given situations. One speech, determined to be typical of Malcolm X during the last phase of his life, was chosen for the analysis. It was the speech delivered on December 20, 1964, during the visit of Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer, Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party candidate for the Senate.
The Adventist Movement in Trinidad: A Case-Study in Intercultural Communication
The problem with which this study is concerned is that of devising methods to assist teachers of Christianity in reaching and attracting a fast-growing and enlightened country. The Adventist church, along with other churches, is being challenged in communicating its message to a populace consisting of varied ethnic groups. This investigation has a two-fold purpose: (1) to study intercultural communications in order to locate principles which are applicable to missionary endeavors, and (2) to place these principles at the disposal of missionary personnel for their selective use in disseminating the beliefs of Christianity.
An Analysis of Acitational Characteristics in the Species of Stokely Carmichael
In this study, six speeches delivered by Stokely Carmichael, during and immediately following his role as chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, have been analyzed to determine if, and in what ways, Carmichael used the elements of agitational rhetoric.
A Burkeian Analysis of Tennessee Williams' The Night of the Iguana
The purpose of this study is to apply Kenneth Burke's dramatistic method' of analysis to Tennessee Williams' play The Night of the Iguana.
A Comparison of the Staging of the Passion Plays of Oberammergau, Germany, and Mount Oberammergau, U.S.A.
The purpose of this study is to compare the staging of the Passion Play of Oberammergau, Germany, with the staging of The Great Passion Play on Mount Oberammergau, Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Source material includes literary writings of the century concerning Passion plays, interview with the directors of both productions, and eyewitness accounts of the 1970 producation in Germany and the 1970, 1971 producations in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, U.S.A. Photographs of actors and scenes from both productions are used throughout the thesis.
An Oral Interpreter's Approach to Selected Poetry of Langston Hughes
The purpose of this study was to analyze for oral presentation a selected body of poetry by Langston Hughes. Because Hughes read his own poetry in lecture recitals throughout his career, which spanned more than four decades, it is appropriate that he be considered for such a study.
Social Judgement, the Semantic Differential, and Attitude Intensity
The basic problem of this study Is whether or not the semantic differential attitude instrument may be used to measure attitude Intensity. The method of determining this is to use an instrument which is known to measure attitude Intensity in conjunction with the semantic differential and determine whether or not a significant correlation exists between the two.
A History of the Speech and Drama Department at North Texas State University as it Relates to General Trends in Speech Education, 1890-1971
"The purpose of this study is to record an accurate account of this development at North Texas State University and to correlate it to general trends in speech education in the United States. The hypothesis for such a study is that historical comparisons may be beneficial to scholars as indicative of those methods that have met with the greatest success."--2.
Love is the Answer: a Creative Thesis Production Combining Multi-Media and Oral Interpretation
The problem of this thesis in creative production is concerned with the use of multi-media in an oral interpretation program so as not to obscure the author's message. The production attempted to utilize literature chosen to represent a basic theme and present it with selected media so that a positive response is evoked from the audience. The study also attempts to show, through example, that a program of oral interpretation using multi-media can sustain audience interest for a full evening of entertainment. An attempt is also made to show that multi-media need not be in constant use, that some literature can best utilize the "subtractive theory" which intensifies the message by deleting a majority of media.
A Study of Attitudes and Perception Concerning the Liquor-by-the-Drink Controversy in the State of Texas
The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of a previous attitude toward an, issue (i.e., liquor-by- the drink in the state of Texas) on the perception of messages concerning that issue.
A Study of the Academic Posture of Drama in Texas High Schools since the Texas Education Agency Certification Change of 1966
This study had a twofold purpose. The first was to determine the extent to which the drama curricula in Texas public high schools have changed since the Texas Education Agency certification change of 1966; and the second was to reveal the position of administrators regarding a preference of teaching fields as background for a prospective teacher of drama.
A Survey of the Citation of Research in Modern Public Speaking Texts
In view of the quantity of research related to communication, the purpose of this study was to see, first, to what extent the results of this research are made available to beginning students of public address through their public speaking textbooks, and second, to seek to determine if, or to what extent, modern public speaking text writers make use of the often-praised inductive method of teaching.
An Analysis and Production Book for a Staging of Jerry Bock's and Sheldon Harnick's The Apple Tree
The problem with which this study is concerned is that of critically analyzing and producing the musical comedy The Apple Tree. The study attempts to adapt some of the major unifying elements of this production and, in addition, unite the show through the use of color. The study also attempts to update the production through an extension of symbolism based on the style of Peter Max; to produce a major musical comedy in a stylized and symbolic style, and to show how a stylized and symbolic method of production can be used to achieve simplicity and unity within the confines of a limited budget.
A Descriptive Study of the Response of Selected Groups Toward Controversial Symbols and Slogans
The purpose of this study is twofold (1) to describe the functions performed by symbols and slogans in communicating ideas, and (2) to quantify the responses of selected groups to contemporary controversial slogans and symbols.
Steele MacKay: Inventor-Innovator
The problem of this thesis is to discover the extent to which Steele MacKaye has contributed to modern American theatre through his inventions and technical innovations.
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