Communication and Media Studies
138 theses under this subject heading
Visual Artist or Visual Designer? Visual Communication Design Education
ABSTRACT: Design tools and contents have been digitalized, forming the contemporary fields of the visual arts and design. Corporate culture demands techno-social experts who understand the arts, design, culture and society, while also having a high level of technological proficiency. New departments have opened offering alternatives in art and design education such as Visual Communication Design (VCD) and are dedicated to educating students in the practical aspect of using digital technologies in visual design. The aim of this research is to investigate the current adoption and understanding of VCD education in Turkey and North Cyprus. The marketing and commercialization strategies of various institutes are analyzed to reflect the trends and possible invisible curricula present in VCD. VCD students profiles were examined and interviews were conducted in order to understand the purpose of VCD education from the students’ and VCD scholars’ perspective. Questionnaires were also administered to VCD students in order to determine if future visual designers are aware of the complexities of the actual elements of visual design. The cognitive portion of this research demonstrates the difference between vision and perception which is one of the major subjects in VCD. The differences are demonstrated through the use of methods borrowed from critical pedagogy and semiotics in order to analyze this relatively new field in education. Various triangulation approaches were used to analyze the perceptions of students and scholars and synthesize suggestions to improve VCD curriculum. Keywords: Visual Communication, Design, Artist, Designer, Education. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Media Narratives on Power Relations in Nigeria: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Three National Newspaper Columnists
ABSTRACT: This research examined how Nigerian newspaper columnists narrate the power relations within the country and how they reiterate and rearticulate historical and political events in their analysis of the balance of power with regard to the upcoming presidential election in March 2015. By analyzing the writings of three columnists from three different newspapers, the study examined how ownership and the geographic environment in which a newspaper is published influence the narratives employed by columnists in their bid to set agenda and mold public opinion. While doing so, triangulation of Teun Van Dijk‟s socio-cognitive approach to Critical Discourse Analysis and Norman Fairclough‟s textual, contextual and social analyses in the treatment of the subject were used. Hence, the texts of the columns were analyzed within the socio-political contexts to understand their implications for the social behavior of the readers as potential voters. Three newspapers were used to cater for the north/south political dichotomy and to give a representation to each region. The study, however, views the dichotomy differently, projecting it as a division between those who support the status quo and those who oppose it. The three newspapers used in the study were Vanguard (representing the pro status quo), Daily Trust (representing the anti-status quo), and Nigerian Tribune (providing a middle ground between the two camp). Conclusions of the study suggest that the political and economic elites use their ownership and control of the newspapers to influence the narratives of their columnists. The columnists in turn use volatile concepts like religion, and ethnicity in their narratives to divide the public and move them towards taking political decisions that favor the political elites. Keywords: Critical Discourse Analysis, Political Communication, Boko Haram, Ethno-religious crisis, Democracy, 2015 presidential election in Nigeria. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Interpersonal Communication: Strategies Nigerian Students Excogitate to Cope at Eastern Mediterranean University
Nigerians in Eastern Mediterranean University, North Cyprus have the highest number of international students among all the 95 countries which have students in the university as at 2014/2015 section so it is significant to know how they cope with language barrier. At the EMU, language of instruction is mostly in English. However, society outside speaks Turkish. This study basically deals with interpersonal communication strategies Nigerian students in Eastern Mediterranean University cope with language barrier especially with the people of the host community. This research was carried out in Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, North Cyprus with a total student population of 18000 as at 2014/2015 academic year Fall term. The total number of Nigerian students in the university was 2327 and out of the population 10% was the sample of the research. 240 questionnaires were administered to three faculties of the institution with 80 copies each to Business and Economics Faculty, Communication and Media Studies Faculty and Engineering Faculty. Findings from the data collected via 238 questionnaires that was received shows that Nigerian students use some aspects of nonverbal cues to cope with language barrier and they are; eye contact, hand gestures, signs and symbols, touch, facial expressions, paralanguage. For the verbal aspects, it is found out that they know and use a few Turkish words. They also use google translate when language becomes a barrier. The study resolves that nonverbal cues and verbal communication are very important aspects of communication for Nigerian students. Also, it is observed that the intervention of the new media is a blessing and not a curse to interpersonal communication as many of them use ‘google translates’ to check meanings when language becomes a barrier. Keywords: Interpersonal communication, nonverbal communication, verbal communication, new media
Traffic Accident News in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Newspapers
Road traffic accidents are one of the major issues in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus for the individuals who are involved in a traffic accident, their families, loved ones and also for the government, which suffers from consequences morally and financially. This study aims to find out if the 151 news stories from six local newspapers in TRNC in July 2017 use yellow journalism by using sensationalism and its elements into traffic accident news stories to attract audiences by adding soft news values and to gain more profit from the stories. What is more, by employing quantitative content analysis, this study observes if the selected newspapers miss ethical liabilities while constructing the stories. The conclusion of this study indicates that more than half of the news stories have used sensationalism. Newspapers with more commercial concerns tend to show more sensationalism in the news stories. Thus, it is observed that journalist skip ethical liabilities, when it comes to respecting the news subjects’ identities and personal lives.
Social Movements and Peace Journalism: News Framing of Gezi Park Protests in Turkey
The immediate aim of this research is to develop a novel Peace Journalism Model associated with the representations of social movements in the Turkish press. Newspapers addressing the case of the Gezi Park protests serve as the main focal point of the study. 14 daily newspapers from the Turkish press were examined with respect to their coverage of the Gezi Park protests from 28 May 2013 to 30 June 2013. The analysis centered on front pages and the publications of newspaper columnists. By examining the front pages and columnist publications, a quantitative framing analysis was conducted to illuminate the areas of headline formation, dominant frames, and official or unofficial sources usage. Regarding the front pages data were derived from an initial sample of 41 daily newspapers from the Turkish press. Regarding the columnist publications, 222 articles dating from 28 May 2013 to 7 June 2013 were obtained from the 5 most circulated Turkish newspapers and evaluated independently. Also, same 5 newspapers dating from 28 May 2013 to 30 June 2013 were been used for physical content analysis of photographs. The results indicate that the dominant frames used in the 14 newspapers when covering the Gezi Park protests were conflict and information frames; the preferred form was quotation form; and official sources were most the most prevalent source type in front page news stories and column articles. An interpretation of these results in terms of Peace Journalism, Gatekeeping Theory, and Framing Theory suggests that the coverage of peace-oriented news pertaining to social movements in the Turkish news media is insufficient. Keywords: Peace Journalism, Social Movements, News Framing, Gezi Park protests
The Representation of Masculinity in the New Turkish Cinema: An Analysis of Zeki Demirkubuz Films
This study aims at analyzing the representation of masculinity in the New Turkish cinema. This era in cinema, has not only brought a new perspective to the cinema sector and understanding in Turkey but also holds a different position compared past Turkish cinema examples in terms of its representation of masculinity and femininity. The focus point of this study is the films of Zeki Demirkubuz, who has contributed greatly to the cinema sector in Turkey with his succes and distinctive perspective. He provides interesting depictions for analysis with his characters that are defeated men in crisis with their masculinity. With the growing interest in masculinity and its establishment as a field, studies that focus on masculinity have increased. Hegemonic masculinity and masculinity crisis have become key concepts in the field of men’s studies providing insight regarding the internal world of the modern day men and resulting in new information related to masculinity. A qualitative research method was adopted for this study in order to reach a more detailed analysis. Textual analysis was used to analyze of male characters in different positions and to examine their relationship with their own masculinity. The results from the analysis showcase a completely different image which is far from the male characters in traditional Turkish cinema which were represented to be highly strong, brave and determined with their masculine associated qualities. The characters from the films reflect that societies expectations from their gender makes masculinity a heavy burden to carry. Keywords: New Turkish Cinema, Masculinity, Hegemonic Masculinity, Textual Analysis.
The Framing of Violence Against Women (VAW) in Print Media: An Analysis of two Namibian Newspapers (The Namibian and New Era)
ABSTRACT: This study focused on the framing of VAW in the print media in Namibia, it exposed the masculine nature of media reports on VAW. From the perspectives of media discourse on gender, this research study uses both quantitative and qualitative analysis to explore the framing of violence against women (VAW) in the Namibian print media. The research study is located within the broad contexts of theory and methodology of both journalism and gender studies. News articles, photos, commentaries and editorial were collected from two newspapers, The Namibian and New Era, covering the period of 1 January to 31 December 2013. VAW has become a day-to-day tragedy for women in Namibia while it has also now become a steady fodder of news in the print media. The media have a significant responsibility of projecting the seriousness and need for attention to social issues as VAW in the society. The research study exposed how the VAW media reports are event-based failing to give in-depth analysis and bring out the seriousness of the VAW issue. While on the other hand the study reveals a news media discourse which prioritises men’s voices over women’s voices in the VAW reports analysed. The study also concludes that the print media in Namibia exhibits a press routine system that marginalises and ostracises women when it comes to VAW reportage which reflects a patriarchal discourse. iv In this framework, the study draws our attention to the need for media changes in the coverage of social issues like VAW for the benefit of society. Keywords: Women, print media, framing, violence against women, media discourse.
International Students’ Perceptions of Printed Form of Outdoor Advertising
Advertising is one of the most important elements in the promotion of products and services. Whether in developed or developing countries, advertising is the first tool used when companies want to promote their brands. Print advertising, broadcast advertising, out-of-home advertising, and new media advertising are all alternatives used by a company to reach their audience. Outdoor, transit, and kiosk advertising are specific types of out-of-home media advertising in practice today. This research tries to analyze the impacts and aspects of out-of-home advertising in urban cities on the level of people’s perceptions using the case study of Famagusta, North Cyprus. Since Famagusta is a university city, students from different nationalities constitute a significant percentage of the city’s population. Salamis is one of the most important streets in Famagusta, which has changed drastically during the last decade. Since this street is a main access road for students attending the university, there are many shops and restaurants located on it. Outdoor advertising, therefore, is used by these companies to reach this population with their ads. Since companies are spending a lot of money for these advertisements, the main aim of this study is to measure the efficiency and effectiveness of these out-of-home advertising tactics on the international students’ perception levels. As the theoretical framework for this study, the communication theories of persuasion, perception, and visual attention were used. Quantitative methods and survey methodology were also used in this study. With the convenience sampling method, 350 international students from different age groups and educational levels were chosen. These respondents were carefully selected to meet the requirements for participation in this study. Keywords: international students, Famagusta, out-door advertising, perception
The Role of Sarcastic Media in the Formation of the Palestinian Public Opinion; Case Study of “Mesh.hek” Facebook Page
The formation of the Palestinian public opinion is a unique process in which wide number of players and factors including the Israeli are taking part in. Historically, media has been one of the most important factors in the formation of the Palestinian opinion. Palestinians have been using media since the beginning of the Israeli – Arab conflict to gain the international support and unite the Palestinians over the idea of freedom and independence. The recent growth of Internet and technologies turned Social Network Sites (SNS) to be one of the most important factors that can affect and influence the Palestinian public opinion. Although Sarcastic media has been used since the beginning of the conflict through the traditional media channels, it took more importance and influence over Palestinians as social network sites become widely used in Palestine. In 2006, The Palestinian internal conflict took place and opened a wide door for activists and institutions to use sarcasm through social networks as a weapon that can influenced people and deliver political messages. The present study focuses on the role of sarcastic media in the formation of the public opinion towards the political issues in Palestine taking a Facebook page called “Mesh.hek” as a case study. Mesh.hek has been selected for the study due to its wide follow among Palestinians as a sarcastic page, the unknown administration of the page and the contents that it shares. Few Palestinians wrote about the formation of the Palestinian Public Opinion and the role of media in this process but no one conducted any research or article related with the sarcastic media in Palestine and its influence over the Palestinian public opinion. One the other hand, the lack of researches in this field gives the study additional importance, another fact that makes it valuable is using the English language in conducting it. The study is based on tow testing theories; Uses and Gratification Theory and the Agenda Setting Theory. Furthermore, the quantitative methodology has been carried out in this study as the researcher created an online questionnaire that includes 49 questions and filled out by 500 participants from the followers of the Facebook page of “Mesh.hek”. The main findings and results of this study can be summarized in several points which include the high level of influence that sarcastic media has over the Palestinian public opinion, the low level of freedom of express in Palestine and the political agenda that Mesh.hek works accord which mainly depends on supporting the Palestinian resistance and attacks the corruption in the economic in a way that highly influences the Palestinian public opinion. Keywords: Sarcastic Media, Social Media, Mesh.hek, Uses and Gratification theory, Agenda Setting Theory, Palestinian – Israeli Conflict, Palestinian Internal Conflict, Hamas, Fatah, Palestinian Authority, Palestinian Liberation Organization.
Influence of Turkish Television Serials on Audience: Family in Transmediated Storytelling
This study presents the role of television as the storyteller and the story of “family” in Turkish television serials. In this respect, the present study explores how “family” and “family relationships” are represented and perceived in Turkish television serials by the habitants of İskele in North Cyprus in 2015. With the rapid developments in Internet technology, technological convergence enabled an exchange among different media platfroms. Thus, through media convergence and the development of transmedia practices, audience engagement in the television serials have increased and the audience have become more active. The present study also investigates transmediated storytelling of Turkish television serials on Facebook Like Pages. The present study uses qualitative research methodology. It is condcuted in the form of a collective case study and focuses on two contexts. The first one is İskele (located in North part of Cyprus); the second one is Turkish television serials and their official Facebook Like Pages. In this context, the samples for focus groups were chosen by purposive sampling strategy in İskele and five focus groups were determined. The 38 Turkish television serials were broadcasted in the 2014-2015 period and nine of them (Aramızda Kalsın, Arka Sokaklar, Gönül İşleri, Güllerin Savaşı, Karadayı, Karagül, Küçük Ağa, Ulan İstanbul and Yalan Dünya) were chosen for the study. Four methods were used for data collection. These methods are; participant observation, researcher’s diaries, focus groups’ interviews and posts of nine Turkish television serials from official Facebook Like Pages. The data were analysed by using thematic analysis. Firtstly, the data were transcribed and coded, then, the emerging themes were turned into a matrix for further analysis. The findings of the matrix analysis is presented in four levels. These are the place of storytelling; storytelling on television; reasons for watching television and Turkish television serials; and audience’s feelings/views about Turkish television serials and representation of “family” in those serials. Objectives of the present study are re-visited. The place of television and storytelling in audience’s lives; audience’s views about “family” representation in Turkish television serials and finally audience’s views of transmediated storytelling of “family” issues in Turkish television serials are elaborated. In addition to the research objectives, the present study also has additional findings which are: “The relationship between television and society/audience: television serials”; “different examples of Turkish families represented in turkish television serials”; “technological changes in Storytelling”; “Significance of age differences engagement in storytelling”; “Increasing screen numbers” and “Television is not a single medium on its own”. For the further research, television channels’ owners , producers and scenarists’ views need to be examined about role of television as the storyteller. Another fruitful line of research could be to compare representation of family in the Western and the Eastern television channels and serials. The research area can be also extended by including alternative new media (i.e. Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, etc.,).
Language Barriers met by English Preparatory School Students
Internationalization of higher education in various parts of the world boosted student mobility. Currently, international students travel across the globe to study in the universities where the medium of instruction is in English. In North Cyprus, at the Eastern Mediterranean University, the medium of instruction is in English but the official language of the country is Turkish. In this context, international students are faced with communication barrier in general and language barrier in particular. The present study seeks to explore the difficulties met by international students studying English at the English Preparatory School of Eastern Mediterranean University located in North Cyprus. As the first study in North Cyprus to concentrate on the learning of English in an EFL context, the study attempts to answer three main research questions: (i) what are the language barriers non-native English students who are learning English as a foreign language at EMU face when learning English?; (ii) what are the EFL students’ who study English abroad attitudes toward socializing in English?; and (iii) what are the EFL students’ perceptions of studying language at an English-medium university? Quantitative methodology has been preferred in the present study. An in-house questionnaire comprising thirty-two questions (five questions on demographic information and twenty-seven 5-point Likert-type questions) has been prepared and implemented to 300 students. The findings of the study showed that majority of the students believe in the benefits of studying at an English-medium university as it fulfils the gap of the lack of practice outside the classroom. In other words, students report that their English language skills, both written and oral, improved as they can practice the language due to the English-medium instruction and multicultural student profile in spite of being in an EFL context. Another significant finding is that students prefer to socialize with friends from both their native language and international friends. However, despite these positive attitudes and perceptions, students still experience anxiety as a barrier when they communicate with international friends or international teachers in English.
Debate on Federalism in Libya: A Test of Spiral of Silence among TV Viewers and Facebook Users
This research applies the basic tenets of the theory of spiral of silence assumptions on the particular case of the current debate in Libya about the adoption of Federal system of governing as an administration system of the state. Throughout the work of this study, spiral of silence theory main topics is tested such as climate of opinion, which is examined to know how it could be perceived by individuals in this particular case, also the concept of fear of isolation, the role played by the references groups and how they influence the individual’s willingness to speak out his opinion. For the present study quantitative research methodology was favored. Data has been collected through questionnaire which has been conducted among 100 participants in order to find answers to the research questions and assumptions. Responses of the participants and the collected data are analyzed using statistical software to obtain accurate statistical results. Findings show a significant role of territorial affiliation, media outlets and reference groups in determining the individual's opinion about the current federalism debate in Libya, in addition to a considerable influence of the previously mentioned factors on the individuals’ willingness to speak out their personal opinions comfortably.
The Deal of the Century in Light of the Critical Discourse Analysis: Trump and Netanyahu's Speech as a Model
The study examines the discourse by the U.S.A. President Donald J. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Speech of the Century Deal announced on 28th January 2020, at the White House which was show from a press interview on Arabiya English on the YouTube channel. This research also observes the speech in terms of verbal communication, which includes a critical analysis of discourse and language through Micro-level and Macro-level, and non-verbal communication that includes the analysis of rhetoric, body language and faces of both Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu. The theory of discourse was used to analyse the speech of the Deal of the Century. The verbal communication was analysed with NVivo program to finding out the number of repetitive words in each of the two speeches, such as pronouns, verbs, adjectives, models, and analysis on the total takeover (power, Ideology). Non-verbal communication was analysed based on body and facial language. The critical of discourse was used to analyse the speech of the Deal of the Century. The findings show that the discourse of President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on the abuse of power to build the speech, as it was built on the ideology of hegemony and bias that serves the interests of Israel and the Jews, the strong party, and the total disregard of the Palestinian side, which is a part of the peace process and around which the deal of the century is being brokered. The discourse also demonstrated the strong relationship between America and Israel and their common interests in the Middle East. The discourse is far from achieving peace between the two parties, as the proposed projects were in support of Israel while the Palestinians were placed in the category of coercion and acceptance. Keywords: The deal of century, discourse theory, critical discourse analysis, Israel, Palestine.
Role of Word of Mouth Communication in North Cyprus: Painkillers and Dermocosmetics Products
There are numerous companies in the global market who are in the same sector and competing with each other; they are offering almost similar products or services while they are reaching their customers. In the medical sector it is clearly considered that companies are producing too many medicines and derma-cosmetic products on the market and they are offering similar features and benefit products for their patients. The aim of this research is to contribute to the literature about Word of Mouth (WOM), which has a great impact in the medical sector especially in developing countries. As TRNC is a small semi-island, people rely more on word of mouth communication than any other promotional mixed elements. Thus, this research explores “The Importance of Word Of Mouth (WOM) Communication in the Medical Sector in the TRNC Market”. Therefore in this research Interpersonal Communication, Word of Mouth Communication and diffusion on innovation theory was used. In this study, quantitative research, survey method was conducted as primary resources and it was limited only to the painkiller and derma-cosmetic products in Famagusta TRNC market. Before collecting the accurate data 50 questionnaires were distributed as a pilot test and according to the feedback the pilot test questionnaire was renewed. Data collection was done by 320 respondents in 15 different areas in Famagusta. There were 33 questions in the questionnaire and it was prepared as in-house to explore the study. According to research it seen that people who live in Famagusta 110 of the respondents (34.4%) are doing periodic check-up. Also the 212 of the respondents (66.3%) take care for their personal care. In addition to this when they have some headache 101 (31.6%) of claimed that they directly gets painkiller medicine. Also 148 of the respondents claimed that they use derma-cosmetic products when they need it and when they pass purchasing process quality is the first criteria that they look for then price and brand names comes next. On the other hand only 36 of the respondents claimed that they get influenced form advertising. Lastly 241 of the respondents claimed that no matter either positive or negative experience they share this information with their close group and use either positive or negative WOM communication. Keywords: Word of Mouth (WOM), Derma-cosmetics products, Painkiller products.
Social Media as an Advertising Tool: Reaching and Persuading Audience Through Instagram
Social media is a new kind of media that day by day becomes more important and takes irreplaceable place in peoples‟ everyday lives. As time passes usage purposes of social media gets wider and covers many different purposes. One of those purposes is being used by companies as advertising tool, as companies can advertise their products/services directly to their target audiences. Today while surfing in his/her homepages, one can see many advertisements directly targeted on his/her, and even not understanding advertising content of that post. This thesis focuses on one of the recent but at the same time very popular and widely used Social Media channel, Instagram. The study evaluates effectiveness and credibility of Instagram advertisements, people‟s approaches about Instagram advertisements, tactics used in Instagram advertisements in attracting audiences and generally effectiveness of Social Media advertisements. The total number of the participants attended in this study is 300 (F=166). The main characteristic needed from participants was to be Social Media and Instagram user. Participants were distributed questionnaires which included 30 questions, in different parts of Eastern Mediterranean University campus and Famagusta city of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The results of the study indicate that people accept Instagram advertisements as credible, they like seeing advertisement contented posts by celebrities and are willing to purchase products that advertised in Instagram and Social Media advertisements have persuasive effects on audience. Keywords: Social Media (SM), Social Media advertisement, Instagram advertisement, Uses and Gratification, Persuasion
FEMA and Feminism in Gaile’s Back Page; A Content Analysis Study
ABSTRACT: This study analyses the media texts of Feminist Atelier (FEMA), a grassroots women’s organization, through the Gaile supplement of Yeniduzen newspaper from a feminist media studies and third wave feminist point of view. The research explores the potential of the active participation of a women’s group in the media can create an awareness concerning feminism in the public consciousness and can serve as a useful tool for social change. ‘Feminism’ and ‘Feminists’ have been portrayed and characterized generally in the form of stereotypes. Feminism is seen as a dangerous ideology and movement that disturbs the norms of society and feminists are regularly depicted as ugly, hairy-legged, man-hating, anti-marriage, militant women in the public eye via the masculine dominated media. FEMA has succeeded to generate a new image of feminism and feminists in Northern Cyprus with their activism and media texts. They open a back page in the media in Northern Cyprus by promoting the third wave of feminist media understanding and introduce new concepts, meanings and feminist values in their various media texts. FEMA participated in the policy-making processes of Northern Cyprus, by including its membersand their notions of equality. FEMA oriented their activism with third wave feminist equality notions that are asking for the basic human rights for women and also for all who are subordinated by patriarchy and other hegemonic power structures. This study explores feminism’s position in the world mainly by focusing on third wave feminism and its vision for Northern Cyprus through the media texts of FEMA. Content analysis and textual analysis have been used in this study including 65 different media texts from FEMA in 2011. I found that the content and language of FEMA media texts brings a new voice, new concepts and frames in the media. In this study, I argue that an effective feminist narrative in the media carries with it a strong possibility for social change in Northern Cyprus. Keywords: FEMA, Feminism in Northern Cyprus, the Media, Patriarchy, Gender Equality. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Exploring the Relationship Between Instagram Usage, Self-Identity and Friendship Quality
The study explores the impacts of Instagram usage on self-identity and friendship quality. Instagram is widely domiciled among young adults. Instagram users may likewise follow others on the stage without their endorsement and this may improve the social networks for the individuals who have restricted social ties outside of the application. The study means to know the association between digital media, society, and personality development is considering in online media use. For this purpose, Instagram usage investigated to find out kinship quality and the relationship with a social personality. The research adopted a quantitative survey method through the use of Google form to sample 400 young Nigerian Instagram users living in North Cyprus. Results therefore revealed that frequent use of Instagram has positive influence on the friendship quality of the respondents. It was also uncovered that recurrence of Instagram use has an important relationship on the self- personality of the respondents (r = .28). Keywords: Self-identity, Friendship quality, Social Networking Sites, Instagram, Online friendshi
Feminist Perspectives on Iranian Films: Analyzing Oppression and Violence Against Woman
This thesis concentrates on Iranian films produced between the years 1996-2005 which raise a feminist position and take up a critical toward the situation of women in Iranian society. This study examines the oppressive situation and violence against women in the filmic text. The feminist film analysis provides a framework for analyzing and interpreting the three selected films: Café Transit (2004), Leila (1997) and The Last Supper (2001). In traditional and patriarchal societies like Iran, gender equality and a demand for the expression of women’s subjectivity is often expressed through feminist-motivated film production – spaces where film makers have opportunities to question, however subtly, the roles and relations of women in society. This is similarly what is understood from selected films of this study. Reyhan, Leila and Mihan are the three female protagonists in these films: all suffer under the traditions of a society that see women as secondary citizens and where the voices of women are often subdued and subsumed under that of males. The protagonists of these films suffer under the violence of patriarchy and all three protagonists demand, in their own unique way, the expression of their subjectivity.
Freedom of the Press in Iraqi Kurdistan Region
Basic aim of this study is to evaluate the freedom of press in Iraqi Kurdistan region and how journalists think about freedom of press in this region, also the concept of ‘freedom of the press’ by conducting a survey and also by examining international and regional human rights documents ranging from the United Nations documents, the most democratic countries to less or undemocratic countries constitutions. The study starts reviewing normative press theories related to the concept of press freedom. It basically focuses on social responsibility theory of the press, which sees press freedom as a vital element of democracy. The theory argues that only free and responsible press can help citizens to make enlightened decisions. For the data gathering process, quantitative methodology is employed. A survey questionnaire was developed by the researcher to find out how journalists evaluated journalism in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. There were 34 questions in the survey’ and 99 journalists who were working in the media outlets filled the questionnaire. They were chosen from different media outlets including government controlled media, political party controlled media, and independent media. The results show that the majority of journalists do not think that journalism in Kurdistan is free according to international standards. They also do not believe the constitutional guarantee for the press freedom. However, they think that journalism is an improving profession in this region. The study found out that there are gender and age differences on evaluating different aspects of journalism in Kurdistan region of Iraq. Keywords: Freedom of press, social responsibility theory, Iraqi Kurdistan Region.
Representation of Women in News of the Turkish Cypriot Print Media
ABSTRACT: Power of media over the individuals and in general, in the construction of popular and mass culture cannot be underestimated. Within this perspective, media has crucial role in defining gendered power relations within a society. Approaches to the ‘Gender’ which is a socially constructed identity, can be shaped and reshaped by the media’s active role in the socialization process of any society. Thus answer of the question on how women are represented in the media is the main clue to understand the place of women in that society. In defining the relationship between media and women, both under-representation and stereotypical representation of women are the main pillars of Feminist media criticisms. This study deals with representation of women in Turkish Cypriot media. Study analyses the representation of women in four main Turkish Cypriot newspapers representing different political positions. In methodological terms critical discourse analysis is employed as an instrument to analyze the underlying contents and messages in the language of the newspapers. Throughout the dissertation, the study intends to answer the questions like; How Turkish Cypriot women are presented on Turkish Cypriot newspapers? Which women image they are trying to impose? Are Turkish Cypriot newspapers use masculine languages when producing news about women? Keywords: Representation of Women in Media, Turkish Cypriot Media, Critical Discourse Analysis, Gender and Identity. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Pakistan’s Cultural Identity in the Era of Netflix: Perspectives of EMU’s Pakistani Students
This research is a qualitative, exploratory study that aims to understand the cultural identity of the Pakistani young adults in relation to Netflix. With a lack of youth centric local media available for Pakistani young adults, it is common for them to be exposed to adult oriented local and international content, both influencing, along with various political and social factors explored in the literature, the cultural identity that they develop. The sample population for this study consists of 15 Pakistani nationals studying at the Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) who are undergraduates, users of Netflix, and aged between 18-25 years. I conducted semi-structured interviews and made use of the textual analysis methodology to analyze the information collected. There were three main research questions driving the study: how young Pakistani adults view the culture of Pakistan and subsequently their identity, how they navigate their way around the lack of youth centric content, and whether Netflix aids their identity formation, if at all, in a manner contrary to Pakistan’s cultural values. Findings show that the participants view their culture and cultural identity in terms of Islam but want to change the conservative air surrounding it, previously preferred third party websites and now Netflix to consume international content, and feel that Netflix has had no impact on their values, although it somewhat influences them in general. This study contributes to the dearth of literature regarding Pakistani identity and Netflix’s relationship with identity and benefits government and media personnel, academicians and students, media scholars, psychologists, sociologists, the Netflix team and more. Keywords: Pakistan, Cultural Identity, Netflix, Westernization
Conflict Resolution Strategies Used By Tertiary Students on Facebook
Conflict resolution involves the collaborative process of dealing with conflict including an outcome that is commonly agreed upon by parties involved. The purpose of this study is to gain knowledge into university students experience and understanding of conflict in real life and strategy employed in conflict resolution when on Facebook. The study is necessitated by the increasing presence of university students on social media. Primarily, this study investigates the conflict resolution strategy used on Facebook by Faculty of Communication and Media Studies (FCMS) and Faculty of Engineering (FE) students at the Eastern Mediterranean University in 2014 and 2015 academic year, fall semester. For this study, data were obtained through questionnaire consisting of three sections, demographic, personality and conflict resolution strategy on Facebook. This study is significant because understanding the conflict resolution of university students would help indicate conflict resolution of future generation. The questionnaire has 52 questions including some 5-point Likert-scale questions and was administered using Non-proportional Stratified Random Sampling strategy. Findings from this study revealed that both FCMS and FE students‟ employ WIN-WIN strategy to resolve conflicts on Facebook. Keywords: Facebook, Conflict, Resolution Strategy, Social Media Network Sites
An Analysis of the Power and Politics of Turkish Cypriots Representation in the British News
Following historical and political events, the Turkish Cypriot community living in North Cyprus are unrecognised by the world, with economic, political and at times socio-cultural embargoes placed on them since 1974. In a somewhat subordinate position, the Turkish Cypriot’s find themselves with almost no international voice of representation, with their contested representation scarcely studied by social and cultural studies scholars. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating how the Turkish Cypriots are represented in the British press. Due to Britain’s role of guarantor within the Cyprus issue, and thus, a stakeholder in the fate of the Turkish Cypriot’s plight, it’s important to measure the perception of the British journalists towards the Turkish Cypriot community. Primarily, relying on the theoretical work of Edward Said’s ‘Orientalism’ and Robert J.C. Young’s ‘White Mythology’, Qualitative Content Analysis and Critical Discourse Analysis was performed upon 45 news articles with the Turkish Cypriots and the Cyprus issue as core subject, published across five British broadsheet newspapers between the dates of April 1999 and April 2004; a period of increased political activity for all involved in the Cyprus issue. Inspired by the concepts of ‘self’ and ‘other’ in relation to the Turkish Cypriots, results from the Qualitative Content Analysis and Critical Discourse Analysis provide evidence for the representation of the Turkish Cypriot’s as ‘others’, with orientalist narratives used in relation to the Turkish Cypriot people and the North Cyprus territory, framing derogatory images of this nation of people. An additional finding is the presence of White Mythology, where lack of background historic iv information and the use and constant repetition of particular words, such as ‘invasion’, ‘breakaway’ and ‘occupied’, establishes different understandings of historical events in relation to the Cyprus issue. Keywords: Critical Discourse Analysis, Qualitative Content Analysis, Cyprus Issue, Orientalism, Representation, Turkish Cypriots, White Mythology
Investmenting the use of interactive media in environmental activism: The case of Greenpeace Turkey
ABSTRACT: This study explores the importance of interactivity within the field of environmental activism regarding the usage of cultural, political and social discourses in constructing web interface. This evaluation was made on the Greenpeace/Turkey website, (http://www.greenpeace.org/turkey/tr/) by focusing on the design and linguistic structure of the site. The examination has been carried out through the usage of semiotic analysis and critical discourse analysis. Additionally the level of interactivity of the website of Greenpeace was evaluated by interviewing Greenpeace members and employees. It was found that existing social, political and cultural discourses which have impacts on environmentalism in Turkey such as effect of modernization and westernization also influenced the cyber environmental activism in Turkey. The results of semiotic analysis, critical discourse analysis and interview show that there is a lack of mutual understanding in terms of design and content of the Greenpeace website between the users of the site and the organization. While the design of the Greenpeace website tries to create a user friendly atmosphere, the language used to explain nuclear activities are distanced from the users. Furthermore the results indicate that the potential power of interactive media is not currently properly used by the designers and member of the Greenpeace website and the users of the site. Results of the research show that users of the Greenpeace/Turkey website ask for an educational part which would discuss nuclear power disadvantages and substitutions for it. Keywords: Interactive media, environmental communication, web design, modernization, cyber activism. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………