Oral Defense Date: December 4, 2020 at 1:00pm PST (on Zoom)
Thesis Committee Members:
Dr. Diane Baxter – Chair (Anthropology/CRES)
Dr. Galen Martin (Global Studies)
Dr. Seungahn Nah (Journalism and Communication)
Abstract:
The following interdisciplinary research investigates digital communication using a constructivist interpretation for conflict analysis. President Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel formed the basis for the research inquiry of Palestinian digital modes of response. International law remains relevant to the background understanding of this research, albeit outside the scope. Data from pro-Palestinian media, translated by the Middle East Media Research Institute (M.E.M.R.I.) and Palestinian Media Watch (P.M.W.), provided the sources for digital content analysis. Research findings uncovered a communication matrix consisting of five themes and organizational concepts produced through 15 conflict storylines that provide a qualitative understanding of the politics of humiliation in response to an epoch Jerusalem discourse. Digital communication interventions based on research outcomes provide insight for practicing empathy in support of digital literacy to mitigate future conflict, communicate diverging views, and employ best-practices for dialogue in digital spaces.
Thesis Presentation Slides: Thesis Defense PowerPoint
