http://hdl.handle.net/2104/4786 Sat, 25 May 2013 16:42:23 GMT 2013-05-25T16:42:23Z http://hdl.handle.net/2104/8447 The use of new media in professional sport image repair theory : a case study of Michael Vick, Brett Favre, and Reggie Bush. Mason, Hannah Noelle. Broadening the application of Benoit’s image repair theory, this case study compares and contrasts crisis management strategies of three NFL athletes, Michael Vick, Brett Favre, and Reggie Bush, to determine which methods were used and who employed them better. After cross-comparing those results and evaluating them against a purposive sampling of Sports Illustrated and People Magazine articles for transference of themes and usage, the researcher concluded that the application of a unified image repair strategy plan across all of the new media outlets used by each professional athlete is the best way for future athletes to utilize image repair strategies when a crisis occurs. Findings indicate social media allow athletes to publish information quickly and efficiently without a gatekeeper; however, they must still follow traditional image repair strategies to succeed. Exploring the newest communication medium, social media, added a fresh dimension to previous image repair study findings. Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2104/8447 2012-08-08T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2104/8424 Creating a foundation for media literacy education : a content analysis of higher education syllabi. Earp, Amanda G. Using a Constructivist theoretical learning approach, this study examines syllabi from higher education media-related departments to develop a uniform foundation for media literacy courses by finding common objectives and creating an ideal syllabus. Findings indicate that although most objectives in the syllabi appeared throughout the literature, future courses should place more emphasis on objectives such as “effects” and “economics.” The results also show a variation between the types of objectives included in the sample syllabi, most notably in the “other” theme. Finally, the study indicates that a total of 16 objectives should be included in media literacy courses. Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2104/8424 2012-08-08T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2104/8206 Get rich or die tryin’ : a semiotic approach to the construct of wealth in rap music. Davis, Kristine Ann. For the past 30 years, rap music has made its way into the mainstream of America, taking an increasingly prominent place in popular culture, particularly for youth, its main consumers. This thesis looks at wealth through the lens of semiotics, an important component of critical/cultural theory, using a hermeneutical analysis of 11 rap songs, spanning the last decade of rap music to find signification and representation of wealth in the rap song lyrics. The research finds three important themes of wealth - relationship between wealth and the opposite sex, wealth that garners respect from other people, and wealth as a signifier for "living the good life" - and five signifiers of wealth – money, cars, attire, liquor, and bling. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2104/8206 2011-09-14T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2104/8163 No women in the press box : a case study to compare the experience of women in print sports journalism from the 1980s and 2000s. Quackenbush, Chelsea Erin. This case study examines women sports writers in the 1980s and 2000s. The purpose of the study was to describe the perceptions of women sports writers’ in relationship to their professional and personal experiences in sports journalism, and how the field has changed in terms of gender relations, sexual harassment, and gender discrimination. Participants agreed that men and women are equal in terms of job duties, and they do not experience discrimination and harassment in the field. There is still progress to be made in terms of the number of women in sports journalism. Thu, 12 May 2011 15:46:37 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2104/8163 2011-05-12T15:46:37Z