Communication and Theatre Arts

Erika Leigh Badour

Reporters without Borders: A Test of the Extended Parallel Process Model

Reporters without Borders is a media watchdog organization that developed an ad campaign portraying high profile French journalists who were murdered in an attempt to protect freedom of the press. This particular campaign questions the validity of the Extended Parallel Process Model, a popular fear appeals theory. The tactics of Reporters without Borders raises the question of the extent to which the Extended Parallel Process Model can function in a modern rhetorical context.

Session A - 9:15 a.m. - Kiva.

James Saverio Costello

Abstract for Illuminating Design in Shakespeare's The Tempest

Lighting design enhances any theatrical production. This presentation focuses on the contributions of lighting design to the EMU production of The Tempest. Specifically, it shows how lighting is able to augment a production through the use of color, intensity and by highlighting different "playing" areas, while still providing enough illumination for the audience to see the action taking place onstage.

Session A - 9:30 a.m. - Room 330.

Heather Marie Gosnick

Communicating with Generation Y Co-Workers

Each new generation entering the workplace brings new attitudes, desires and ethics to the organization. Generation Y workers have been labeled as high maintenance rule-breakers with a sense of entitlement. This study explores the extent to which that stereotype is valid, as well as examining communication effectiveness between different generations of employees.

Session C - 12:15 a.m. - Room 304.

Christopher Robin Griesinger

The Isis Thesis

Egyptian mythology has been considered pagan gibberish by most historical scholars. However, acclaimed Egyptologist Judy King has discovered a new interpretation of Egyptian mythology; one that reveals not only was ancient Egypt far more scientifically advanced than we ever imagined, but in fact our own understanding of the universe is just catching up with them. By analyzing Egyptian mythology through the perspective of biosemiotics, the scientific genius of ancient Egypt is finally revealed.

Session B - 10 a.m. - Room 330.

Jason J. Grigsby

As We Assimilate Music Video

"As We Assimilate" is an audiovisual exploration of the themes of identity, diversity and multiculturalism as seen through the eyes of an artist. This is a music video that goes beyond the traditional form and comments on rejection of stereotypes, embracing individualism and the celebration of new ideas as a way of pro-social cultural regeneration.

Session B - 10 a.m. - Auditorium.

Leena J. Karsan

The Impact of Gender Communication on the Work Place

Since we are constantly communicating with the opposite sex, gender communication plays a big role in our lives. Previous studies of organizational communication have suggested that females tend to be more focused on involving those around them in decision making, while men tend to be more decisive and authoritative. This study uses a focus group methodology to explore gender communication in organizations.

Session C - 12:30 p.m. - Room 304.

Gregory LaCelle

An Analysis of Small Talk and Self-Disclosure in Bartender-Patron Interactions

While researchers have examined communication in the early stages of relational development, there has been little attention given to those relationships that are seen as fleeting and temporary. This study examines communication between bartenders and patrons in an effort to better understand these extremely common but short-lived social connections.

Session C - 11:45 a.m. - Room 320.

Bari Leigh Lanning

Military Stereotypes in Entertainment Media

The military is often stereotyped in both positive and negative ways in the entertainment media. This paper analyzes those stereotypes through the use of previous research, men and women in the military, and textual analyses of the media.

Session C - Noon - Room 352.

Hanifa Najjiyya

A Standpoint Theory Analysis of a Marginalized Individual in Corporate America

Our culture, ethnicity, race, gender and age have traditionally been the key elements that determine the extent to which we have a voice in corporate America. Standpoint theory is used as a framework for analyzing the organizational communication experience of an employee who is marginalized because of her sex, race and religion. This case study extends previous application of standpoint theory to those who are considered different because of their religion.

Session A - 9 a.m. - Kiva.

Kristyn Rachell Taylor

Commercials and the Media-Literate Viewer

Today's youth have grown up with the influences of television and the Internet, yet their ability to surf the 'Net and change the channel does not give them an understanding of what they are encountering. In this paper it is argued that the most important thing to understand about becoming media literate is that it is a full-time cognitive experience that takes effort and an idea of how and why individuals are affected by it.

Session C - 12:15 p.m. - Room 352.

Max Aaron Wartel

Effect of Gender Dyad Composition on the Provision and Receipt of Social Support

Although conventional wisdom holds that men are more likely to provide solutions and advice while women tend to provide more emotional support, some research suggests that differences in social support are more closely tied to the gender composition of the dyad, rather than specific individuals. An experiment is proposed to further examine the relationship between perceived gender roles and gender dyad composition on the provision and receipt of social support.

Session B - 11 a.m. - Room 350.

Jaz Christopher Wright

Perspective from the Pew: A Testimony Performance

Over the decades groups such as the Moral Majority have moved from public access to public office. Throughout, people's perceptions and experiences within Christianity have been as varied as America itself. As Christianity has become more politicized, how has it affected those in the flock and those who have left the faith? This transparent personal narrative performance attempts to reveal the contradictions and hypocrisies present in Christianity and the struggle to speak the truth.

Session C - 11:30 a.m. - Auditorium.

Leslie Zink

An Analysis of Communication in Interracial Romantic Relationships

Although Americans are increasingly more accepting of interracial relationships, there is still a stigma associated with forming a romantic relationship with someone of another race. This study utilizes self reports in an examination of how interracial couples talk about race with each other and their social networks.

Session C - 11:30 a.m. - Room 320.

Kyle Joseph Zrenchik

It's Just a Plant: An Examination of Marijuana Education Rhetoric

Current strategies for drug prevention have typically proven to be ineffective. A former DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) officer, Ricardo Cortez, wrote an alternative children's book entitled It's Just a Plant. Since its publication It's Just a Plant has generated controversy from PTA meetings to the U.S. Congress. This paper uses Ballthrop's rhetorical theory to analyze the effectiveness and impact of the book.

Session A - 9:30 a.m. - Kiva.

Rachel Eileen Michel

The Balance of Contradictions: Redesigning Shakespeare's The Tempest

It is a costume designer's job to create something that is immediately understandable, but open to interpretation; comfortable and wearable, but symbolic of something larger; something appropriate for real people, but coordinated with everyone else. The result is a source of pride for the designer and a joy for the audience. A culmination of research, various stages of representation, from paper to fabric to garments to stage, this is my interpretation of Shakespeare's The Tempest.

Group 2 - 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.- Room 310A/B .