MA Capstone Information
Master of Arts students in Communication Studies conclude the program with a capstone, or independent research project, that reflects their individual interests and areas of expertise.
2012 CAPSTONE RESEARCH PROJECTS
Barnes, B. “Deinstitutionalization: A rhetorical and political policy analysis concerning the treatment of the mentally ill via legislative, executive, and judicial acts.” Directed by Dr. Marianne LeGreco; Reader, Dr. Loreen Olson
Davis, A. “Collaboration, competence, or conquering: A study of the definition of empowerment at a speaking center.” Co-directed by Drs. Jessica McCall and David Carlone
Eberhardinger, M. “A semiotic analysis of iconicity in Japanese manner posters.” Directed by Dr. Jody Natalle; Reader, Dr. Etsuko Kinefuchi
Niles, B. “Male-male intimacy in close non-romantic friendships.” Directed by Dr. Chris Poulos; Reader, Dr. David Carlone
Oldham, C. “Home is where The Voice is: Cultivating community through a street newspaper.” Co-directed by Drs. Spoma Jovanovic and Chris Poulos
Samsell, A. “Dog as metaphor: Passing Susie’s Law.” Directed by Dr. Sharon Bracci; Reader, Dr. Etsuko Kinefuchi
Szabo, A. “What money can't buy: Wealth creation through a love economy amongst the homeless.” Directed by Dr. David Carlone, Reader, Dr. Spoma Jovanovic
Walker, D. “Smart Girls: The effects of social support on female body image.” Directed by Dr. Marianne LeGreco; Reader, Dr. Loreen Olson
Yarbray, K. “Intentionality and inclusion: A grounding for democracy.” Directed by Dr. Spoma Jovanovic; Reader, Dr. David Carlone
2011 CAPSTONE RESEARCH PROJECTS
Bond, M. “ Sustainable conversation: The communication of nature through food.” Directed by
Dr. Sharon Bracci and Dr. Spoma Jovanovic
Ellis, E. “ A dilemma for African American women in broadcast journalism.” Directed by
Dr. Cerise Glenn; Reader, Dr. Etsuko Kinefuchi
Johnson, D. “We don't hold the golden ticket”: Black male college students negotiating voice and silence at a predominantly white institution (PWI). ” Directed by Dr. Cerise L. Glenn; Reader,
Dr. Etsuko Kinefuchi
Murphy-Keith, R. “ Living Lolita: Embodying, embracing, and escaping a feminine archetype”
Directed by Dr. Chris Poulos; Reader, Dr. Roy Schwartzman
Nxumalo, Z. “ Tilling and talking: Community-based food programs as social support.” Directed by
Dr. Marianne LeGreco; Reader, Dr. Sharon Bracci
Williams, C. “The fourth age: Experiences with Grandma.” Directed by Dr. Chris Poulos; Reader,
Dr. David Carlone
Williams, M. “ Celebrating lifelong friendship through the heart of dialogue.” Directed by
Dr. Chris Poulos; Reader, Dr. Pete Kellett
2010 CAPSTONE RESEARCH PROJECTS
Avery, A. "The communicative challenges and likelihood of cross-race friendship between black and white.” Directed by Dr. Etusko Kinefuchi and Dr. Chris Poulos
Baker, J. " A structurational view of the patients advocate role in the health care system: filling the gap ." Directed by Dr. Sharon Bracci and Dr. Marianne LeGreco
Bledsoe, J. "Service learning is acting: An exploration into the stereotypes of the service learning student." Directed by Dr. Roy Schwartzman and Dr. Etusko Kinefuchi
Blizzard, S. "What it means to be a lesbian: Exploring multiple identities through articulation." Directed by Dr. Etusko Kinefuchi and Dr. Pete Kellett
Fielders, S. " Discursive leadership in non-profit organizations ." Directed by Dr. David Carlone and Dr. Spoma Jovanovic
Fussell, R. "Dialectics and ethics in a small group friendship." Directed by Dr. Chris Poulos and Dr. David Carlone
Greene, S. "More of me than what you see: How communication functions within the experiences of graudate parents/students." Directed by Dr. David Carlone and Dr. Roy Schwartzman
Ladd, S. "Unlearning racism." Directed by Dr. Chris Poulos and Dr. Etusko Kinefuchi
Miller, A. "Disney and the new economy: the box office and beyond." Directed by Dr. Roy Schwartzman and Dr. David Carlone
Mackowski, L. "Nurturing leadership + engaging leadership + rewarding engagement + cohesive leadership = creating ethical leadership." Directed by Dr. David Carlone and Dr. Spoma Jovanovic
Shaw, D. "And be a simple kind of man: A case study of white masculinity in the North Carolina piedmont." Directed by Dr. Jody Natalle and Dr. Pete Kellett
2009 CAPSTONE RESEARCH PROJECTS
Avent, C. “Expression of identity by college students in an introduction to communication studies course.” Directed by Dr. David Carlone
Bryan, A. “Leadership discourse: The art of saying goodbye." Directed by Dr. David Carlone
Corne, J. “Transforming HIV stigma: Dialogue the cure?” Directed by Dr.Chris Poulos
Jeter, L. “Educated virgin: Sex education, narrative, and identity.” Directed by Dr. Chris Poulos
Jones, N. “Propaganda, advertising, and the American housewife during World War II:
A feminist metaphor analysis of Good Housekeeping.” Directed by Dr. Jody Natalle
Von Cannon, S. “The beauty industry as hegemonic discourse: A Burkeian analysis.” Directed by Dr. Roy Schwartzman
White, D. “Educating for the 21st Century: Experiential critical communication for Virginia secondary publics schools.” Directed by Dr. Sharon Bracci
Yarragunta, H. “A communicative approach to studying leadership practices and corporate social responsibility." Directed by Dr. David Carlone
