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An Analysis of Propaganda in the Yellow Rain Controversy

Description: The use of arguments containing increasingly technical materials has grown significantly in the recent years. Specifically, arguments that are used to justify military expenditures or to allege violations of international agreements are becoming more sophisticated. This study examines the dissemination and use of technical argument in claims made by the United States government that the Soviet Union violated chemical and biological treaties in Southeast Asia and Afghanistan. This study employs… more
Date: May 1989
Creator: Rollins, Joel D. (Joel David)
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
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From Isolation to Action: A Metaphoric Analysis of Franklin Roosevelt's Pro-Preparation Rhetoric

Description: Virtually all studies on the presidential use of metaphor focus on one particular event and speech. These studies look only at speeches that justify military actions after they have already occurred, and these researchers seek to discover a relationship between the use of the metaphor and the public's support of a military action. In order to analyze the persuasive elements of President Franklin Roosevelt's rhetoric in developing popular and Congressional support for war preparation, this study… more
Date: May 1993
Creator: Garrett, Terry (Terry Joe)
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
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Rhetoric as Praxis: A Model for Deconstructing Hermeneutic Discourse

Description: This study proposes a model for the deconstruction of nationalism. Nationalism is a discursive construct. This construct manifests in ideologies and formalizes order. Individuals should question these institutions in order to achieve legitimate societal participation. This criticism can be accomplished through self-reflection. The model demonstrates that sanctioned individual(s) provide interpretations of events. These interpretations recycle authority. The hermeneutic obscures an individual's … more
Date: August 1993
Creator: James, Edwin M. (Edwin Martin)
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Student Perception of Nonverbal Behaviors of International TAs

Description: Six hundred sixty-six students were queried at the University of North Texas. The appropriate use of nonverbal behaviors of international and U.S. American TAs was surveyed. An eleven item questionnaire (Teacher Nonverbal Measure) was utilized. These questions were tested by an ANOVA. Data indicated that international TAs are less likely to use appropriate nonverbal behaviors than U.S. American TAs. Thus, it is possible to assume that international TAs are more likely to be perceived as using i… more
Date: August 1990
Creator: Nilobol Chantaraks
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Perceptions of Self-Disclosure in Interpersonal Compliance-Gaining

Description: One hundred thirty-five undergraduate students were queried at North Texas State University. Perceptions of self-disclosure as a compliance-gaining tactic were surveyed. A fifteen item questionnaire was utilized. Fourteen questions were tested by an analysis of variance. One question was tested by chi-square. Data indicated that self-disclosure was viewed as an effective compliance-gaining tactic for both males and females; but females were perceived as more effective than males utilizing the t… more
Date: May 1988
Creator: Vande Zande, Ann R. (Ann Rachel)
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

American Gothic: A Group Interpretation Script Depicting the Plight of the Iowa Farmer

Description: This thesis examines the possibilities of social-context issues in interpretation. A group interpretation script relating the current difficult conditions of rural Iowa was compiled. Three experts in the field of interpretation were asked to evaluate the potential of this social-context script. It was discovered that a compiled interpretation script of Iowa literature can successfully depict the social concerns facing the family farms of Iowa.
Date: August 1985
Creator: Doyle, Dennis M. (Dennis Michael), 1958-
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
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"The Politics of Restoration": the Rhetorical Vision of Camelot and Robert F. Kennedy's 1968 Campaign

Description: This study critically analyzed four selected campaign speeches by Robert Kennedy from his 1968 campaign to determine his use of the Camelot myth and his success in portraying himself as the heir apparent to the Kennedy legend. Using procedures adapted from fantasy theme analysis, the rhetorical vision of Camelot was outlined, and the fantasy themes and fantasy types within it were determined. The public persona of Robert Kennedy was also evaluated. Throughout the speeches analyzed, Robert Kenne… more
Date: December 1989
Creator: Martin, Marilyn Ann, 1959-
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
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Alaskan Native Social Integration and Academic Achievement

Description: The variables communication skills, state anxiety, communication apprehension, and level of integration are studied in relation to the assimilation of Alaskan Natives into a western-culture university. Specifically, the differences in communication skills between the two cultures and their effects on course grades are addressed. Results of the statistical analyses (ANOVA, MANOVA, discriminant function analysis, multiple regression) were not significant, most likely due to the small Alaskan Nati… more
Date: December 1988
Creator: Strohmaier, Mahla
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
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Someone to Talk to: Conversations Between Friends in a Junior High Lunch Room

Description: Quantitative studies dominate early adolescence research, a field which also lacks an understanding of communication behaviors between early adolescents. This study uses the qualitative methods of participant observation and informal interviews to observe conversations between girls in a junior high lunch room. Friendship characteristics and group socialization are discussed as they emerged from the field data. First, friendship hierarchies (best friend, close friend, and friend) may be adult-i… more
Date: December 1990
Creator: Adams, Brenda Inglis
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
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Enhancing the Effectiveness of the Lecture Method Through Narrative: the Development of a Model and Manual for Creating and Using Didactic Narratives

Description: Studies show that the use of narratives enhances the lecture method of teaching. The model and manual developed in this study focus on the needs of lecturers who require creative guidance in all aspects of creating and using didactic narratives. This study suggests that the subject content of a lecture has a deep structure that can be used to generate the surface structure of a didactic narrative. The model and manual are informed by theories and models from a variety of disciplines that have b… more
Date: August 1990
Creator: Kirkland, Debra K. (Debra Kay)
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Examination of Narrative Point of View Through Production by Two Media

Description: Narrative point of view should be the initial place of focus in the study of prose fiction, but it is often difficult to understand or teach. This study proposes that stage or screen production of narrative fiction may be purposefully structured to enhance the understanding of narrative perspective. The study details grammatical analysis of narrative language and describes implications drawn from that language which influence production decisions. The thesis examines the techniques and technolo… more
Date: August 1986
Creator: Rosewell, Susan Tilden
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

The Wonderful World of Dr. Seuss: A Group Interpretation Script for the Primary Classroom

Description: This thesis proposed the idea of oral interpretation of children's literature as a pedagogical tool in the primary classroom. A group interpretation script entitled "The Wonderful World of Dr. Seuss" was compiled for performance in the primary classroom as a viable vehicle for teaching children to understand and appreciate literature. The script was evaluated by qualified teachers in the areas of English, oral interpretation, and elementary education as well as a critical analysis by the author… more
Date: August 1985
Creator: Dodds, Karen Page Kalmbach
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
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Readers Theatre in Performance: The Analysis and Compilation of Period Literature for a Modern Renaissance Faire

Description: The thrust of this study was twofold: to research and compile a script of English Medieval and Renaissance literature and to direct a group performance of the script in the oral interpretation mode at Scarborough Faire in Waxahachie, Texas. The study sought to show that a Readers Theatre script compiled of literature from the oral tradition of England was a suitable art form for a twentieth-century audience and that Readers Theatre benefited participants in the Scarborough Faire workshop progra… more
Date: August 1986
Creator: Reed, Delanna Kay
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

The Impact of Corporate Interlocks on Power and Constraint in the Telecommunications Industry

Description: Using the tools of structural and network analysis developed by Ronald R. Burt and others, this study investigated the communication patterns among corporate officers of American Telephone and Telegraph Corporation (A.T. & T.) and United Telecommunications Corporation (Sprint). Data on contacts, efficiency, network density, and constraint indicate that opportunities for power and constraint have remained relatively stable at United Telecommunications between 1980 and 1990. A. A.T. & T., on the … more
Date: December 1992
Creator: Hickerson, Jon D. (Jon David)
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Improving Communicative Competence: Validation of a Social Skills Training Workshop

Description: The effectiveness of a social skills training workshop was assessed by comparing the rated competence of participants in an Interpersonal Skills Training Program (a 2-session, 12-hour workshop) to the rated competence of nonparticipants. This comparison was operationalized through a study design of the pre- and posttesting of 12 experimental and 22 control subjects. The assessment instruments used were Spitzberg's Conversational Skills Rating Scale (CSRS) and Curran's Simulated Social Interacti… more
Date: August 1986
Creator: Dawson, Pamela J. (Pamela Jane)
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

The Role of Competitiveness in Counter-System Counterplans in Academic Debate

Description: Allen J. Lichtman and Daniel M. Rohrer write that "Unfortunately, formal debate theory tends to lag behind the actual practice of competitive debate" (70). This statement accurately describes the current controversy surrounding the counter-system counterplans and how they may affect traditional debate theory. These counterplans are increasingly employed by negative teams in intercollegiate debate, but so far, there is no contemporary attempt to explain how they fit into current debate theory. T… more
Date: August 1985
Creator: Bjork, Rebecca S. (Rebecca Suzanne)
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
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The Role of Neo-Aristotelian Invention in Selected Speeches of Ronald Reagan

Description: Using the Aristotelian concept of artistic proof, this thesis analyzes nine televised speeches presented by President Reagan from February 1981 through April 1983. Reagan skillfully utilizes only two modes of rhetorical proof--ethos and pathos. However, his lack of logical proof has not lessened his effectiveness. This study reveals several reasons for Reagan's rhetorical effectiveness and success. For example, Reagan's strong ethical image and personality comfort his audience and encourage the… more
Date: August 1987
Creator: Jenkins, Ava W. (Ava Walker)
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
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Heresy vs. Orthodoxy: The Preus/Tietjen Controversy

Description: Using the framework set up by rhetorical critic Thomas M. Lessl in his article "Heresy, Orthodoxy, And The Politics Of Science", this study examines the ways in which heretical discourse defines community boundaries and shapes perceptions of right belief. Specifically, this study analyzes the historic conflict in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod which produced the doctrinal statement "A Statement of Scriptural and Confessional Principles". Comparison is made between this event and other "here… more
Date: August 1991
Creator: Barnhart, Melody R. (Melody Ruth)
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
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Suicide: a Solo Interpretation Performance

Description: The purpose of this project was to determine if oral interpretation in a social context setting can be used as a persuasive means of suicide prevention. A script on suicide was compiled, directed and performed as a solo performance by the writer. The thesis includes the script, a history of suicide prevention, the process of compiling a script for solo interpretation performance, and an overall evaluation of the production. This Author's evaluation was influenced by audience and critic response… more
Date: May 1990
Creator: Duncan, Bobby Charles
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
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Network Analysis of the Symmetric and Asymmetric Patterns of Conflict in an Organization

Description: Missing from extant conflict literature is an examination of both symmetric and asymmetric conflict ties. To address this void, network analysis was utilized to examine the responses (both symmetric and asymmetric conflict ties) of 140 employees and managers in four divisions of a large agency of the Federal Government. The study was limited to conflict over scarce resources. Conflict management methods were examined as well as the perceptions of how respondents both cope with and feel about co… more
Date: May 1993
Creator: Helt, Kimberly M. (Kimberly Mae)
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
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A Rhetorical Analysis of Jimmy Swaggart's 1988-89 Program for Defense

Description: This study seeks to determine the extent to which Jimmy Swaggart's program for defense in 1988 complies with the expectations of the apologia genre. Three discourse media are examined for evidence of denial, bolstering, differentiation, and transcendence. Swaggart's defense is classified as "justificative" in that it seeks approval of actions. Swaggart's motivating drive force is defined as the need to assure the financial success of his ministry. Swaggart's defense is then compared with the pa… more
Date: May 1990
Creator: Simonds, Cheri J. (Cheri Jo)
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
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Diplomacy Rhetoric and the Human Rights Appeals of Jeane J. Kirkpatrick and Vernon A. Walters

Description: This thesis investigates the extent to which Ambassador Kirkpatrick's and Ambassador Walters' United Nations discourses on human rights reflects the rhetorical themes of "prophetic dualism" and "technocratic realism." A metaphoric analysis of six speeches reveals that both Kirkpatrick's and Walters' arguments were framed through an ideological division between Democracy and Communism. The presence of "prophetic dualism" in Kirkpatrick's and Walters' discourses is explained as an extension of Pr… more
Date: May 1991
Creator: Rogina, Sergio A. (Sergio Armando)
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
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The Rhetoric of Spiro T. Agnew: a Neo-Aristotelian Analysis of Agnew's Views Concerning the Media

Description: In November 1969, Vice President Spiro T. Agnew delivered two speeches attacking two mediums. In the first speech, Agnew initiated charges of erroneous reporting and irresponsible actions on the part of the television networks. In the second speech, Agnew assailed the concentration of power in the hands of a few newspaper companies. In both cases, complaints and support were immediate and substantial. This study employs the Neo-Aristotelian method of criticism to discover: 1) the extent to whic… more
Date: August 1990
Creator: Voorhees, Blain E. (Blain Eldon)
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

A Toulmin Analysis of Miller v. California

Description: This study deals with the Supreme Court decision in the case of Miller v. California, 413 U.S. 15 (1973). The study analyzes the arguments presented in the decision by both the majority and the dissenting justices according to the Toulmin model. This study begins with a review of viewpoints on the First Amendment, and how they will be applied to the question addressed in the thesis. The history of the obscenity controversy is detailed to explain the viewpoints that the Supreme Court has taken d… more
Date: August 1987
Creator: DeLoach, Mark B. (Mark Benson)
Item Type: Refine your search to only Thesis or Dissertation
Partner: UNT Libraries
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