http://hdl.handle.net/10090/774 Search the Channel search http://dspace.nitle.org/simple-search http://hdl.handle.net/10090/6087 Title: The hybrid structure of instant messaging <br/> <br/>Authors: Kelley, Daniel <br/> <br/>Abstract: This study is an examination of the linguistic properties of Instant Messaging programs. After collecting transcripts of conversations held over Instant Messaging from regular users of the program AOL Instant Messenger, the samples were analyzed for similarity and difference to spoken and written language. The samples were analyzed for the rate and manner in which users communicated with each other, the paralinguistic information included in their utterances and the error rate within their conversations. The trends found were then compared to the Gricean Conversational Maxims for spoken conversations to gain an understanding of the rules and structures guiding speakers in Instant Messaging. The way users communicated over Instant Messaging was found to be a new hybrid model of communication. Speakers combined knowledge of written and spoken conversation to communicate effectively. Different aspects of the two mediums were drawn upon based upon the tone and register of the conversation, as well as the social distance between speakers. It was concluded that the greater the social distance, the less likely users were to speak about serious or formal matters, whereas social distance played little factor in informal conversation. Results were later corroborated through a series of interviews with a second set of AOL Instant Messenger users. <br/> <br/>Description: 79 leaves : ill. (some col.). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 78-79). Thesis (B.A.)--Middlebury College, 2008. Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:50:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10090/6036 Title: Sacrifice, mimesis, and the geography of counter-hegemony: a particular look at Les maitres fous <br/> <br/>Authors: Gude, Chris <br/> <br/>Abstract: Shot in 1953, Jean Rouch&#8217;s ethnographic film Les Maitres Fous documents a spirit possession festival in the colonial Gold Coast, now Ghana. The spirits that arrive in this festival are those of the Hauka, which mimic West African colonial figures. Because of the cult&#8217;s mockery of these colonial figures, many have interpreted the ritual in the film as a form of resistance to colonial hegemony. In considering it as a counter-hegemonic act, however, scholars have yet to properly analyze the role of the sacrifice in the ritual. A deeper understanding of the sacrificial element of this possession ritual will add to the understanding of the ritual in general, but more specifically to the debate surrounding its counter-hegemonic qualities. In analyzing the role of sacrifice in the Hauka ceremony of Les Maitres Fous, I will draw upon the theories of Rene Girard and Michael Taussig, paying special attention to their notions of mimesis. <br/> <br/>Description: 43 leaves. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 41-43). Thesis (B.A.)--Middlebury College, 2007. Mon, 22 Sep 2008 20:27:17 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10090/790 Title: Fitting In: An Analysis of Exercise Motivations and Perceptions of Fitness at Middlebury College <br/> <br/>Authors: LoCastro, Caryn <br/> <br/>Abstract: While physical inactivity has become a matter of national concern, Middlebury College students seem to embrace exercise and maintain high standards of fitness. I conducted an exploratory study to examine the sociopsychological influences on exercise behavior at Middlebury and the significance of fitness in a broader sociological context. I distributed a questionnaire and conducted focus groups to address the following research questions: How do Middlebury students understand and construct perceptions of fitness and body image? What factors play a role in motivating and inhibiting exercise at the fitness center? What are the sociological implications of fitness behavior at Middlebury and in society at large? I framed my research using the social cognitive theory of motivation, which primarily attributes behavior to feelings of competence, supportive social stimuli, and the perceived extrinsic or intrinsic benefits of participating in an activity. My findings indicate that competence is an effective predictor of exercise, but it focuses too heavily on positive social forces and ignores the very significant impact of social pressure. Furthermore, many students cited intrinsic motivations for exercise when extrinsic, appearance-based concerns actually seemed central to their fitness behavior. There appear to be broader sociological forces at work, which largely determine how individuals construct and act on their perceptions of the body. Sociological theories from Foucault and Marcuse demonstrate that ideological mechanisms of control induce the internalization of cultural norms and the reproduction of fit, docile bodies. These theories challenge the effectiveness of social psychological theories of motivation for fully explaining exercise behavior. <br/> <br/>Description: Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in the Department of Sociology-Anthropology Middlebury College Tue, 30 Jan 2007 22:58:59 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10090/785 Title: Telling the Truth about Science: Journalistic Experiences of Covering Climate Change <br/> <br/>Authors: Brown, Minna Berry <br/> <br/>Abstract: The news is an arena in which social problems claims are debated and exposed to the public. Just as claims are interpretations of the social world, so is the news, with actors making decisions of how to report on that world. Climate change is an established social problem of high magnitude in the scientific community, but research on climate change journalism suggests that journalistic norms and powerful counter-claims and claims-makers have caused journalists to interpret climate change as an &#8220;issue&#8221; with multiple relevant sides of debate, thereby exposing the public to ambiguities that do not represent the overwhelming scientific consensus. Using interviews with nine American climate change journalists, this thesis explores their opinions surrounding their norms and ideals in the climate change context and their resulting coverage. Although they expressed regret for past and general journalistic reliance on &#8220;balance&#8221; and &#8220;objectivity,&#8221; they used other ideals -- primarily a quest for &#8220;truth&#8221;&#8212;to orient their reporting and thus feel as though they now present an accurate version of legitimate climate change claims. They do not attempt to be claims advocates, but they do attempt to present the &#8220;facts&#8221; in truthful, comprehensive and meaningful ways in order to inform the public of the limits and extents of the climate change consensus. <br/> <br/>Description: Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in the Department of Sociology-Anthropology Middlebury College Tue, 30 Jan 2007 22:58:59 GMT