ESU PDMW Theses and Capstone Projects

Inspiration for Current PDMW MA Scholars, Information about Graduate Faculty, and Forms and Procedures for Thesis Submission

Theses

Alumni of the Professional and Digital Media Writing Program at ESU have performed a wide variety of research projects. Below, you'll find a sampling of completed projects 2016 to 2019.

Jake Austin (2016)

Jake Austin's project compared the rhetoric of professional and amateur film reviews. His thesis title is "Aggregation and perception: A discourse analysis of professional and amateur film criticism on Rotten Tomatoes." He works as an Assistant Concierge Manager at BrandYourself. Jake's thesis director was Holly Wells.

Abstract:

Rotten Tomatoes, a prevalent film score aggregator, gathers film reviews into two score aggregations: one made of professional critic scores, the other of amateur user-based scores; this is done to provide readers a full spectrum of opinion. However, differences in critic and user sentiments can result in a distracting clash of inflammatory rhetoric—rather than a cohesive argument comprised of multiple constructive viewpoints. This issue has exacerbated skepticism and indecision within democratized web film criticism. This thesis provided a discourse analysis of Rotten Tomatoes’ critic- and user-based rhetoric, using criticism of David Ayer’s film, “Suicide Squad,” as a contemporary case study. This analysis was based on traditional rhetorical concepts and Rotten Tomatoes’ scoring methodology. Results reflected an excess of aggressive, comparative rhetoric determined to be a digression from “Suicide Squad’s” potential strengths and weaknesses. This issue was ultimately facilitated by rhetorical and regulatory flaws in Rotten Tomatoes’ current scoring criteria.

Jessica (Willner) Novitski (2017)

Jessica (Willner) Novitski, who works as a marketing communications manager at Bridon-Bekaert The Ropes Group, compared the branding of Disney resorts in three different countries for her thesis, "Brand positioning as part of global marketing strategy: A comparative case study of Disney Resorts." Holly Wells directed Jessica's thesis.

Abstract:

The purpose of this study is to examine the implications brand positioning has on the image and overall success of global brands and how brands can be positioned to suit the specificities of global markets. The case study looks at the Disney brand’s approach to global brand positioning in three different locations around the world. The study compares the differences in Disney’s brand image perceptions based how the company markets to the local audiences. Further research on global brand positioning is needed in other market categories, as this study focuses solely on a tourism entertainment brand. The study’s findings contribute to the larger discussion of branding strategy in an increasingly globalized market.

Adam Nystrom (2018)

Adam Nystrom studies rhetoric in films (especially horror) and video games. His project for the MA was titled, "Mad worlds: A comparative analysis of semiotics and psychosis in Alan Wake and Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice." Holly Wells directed his thesis research. Adam works as a Copy Editor at iD Tech Camps.

Abstract

Narrative-based video games portraying lead characters with mental illness typically adhere to the same concepts witnessed in other forms of literature—hallucinations manifest in the form of horrific visions—and ultimately create a sense of fear for players, keeping them on edge during the gaming experience. This project compares two games—Remedy Entertainment’s Alan Wake, and Ninja Theory’s Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice—and how the experience of each game affects players’ perception of the world around them. Using visual rhetoric and the interpretive paradigm of psychoanalysis, the qualitative study examines the use of semiotics in both games, as well as the portrayal of psychotic disorders seen in the titular characters.

Katie (Kraemer) Cameron (2019)

Katie Cameron studied both sociology and English as an undergraduate at ESU and edited the ESU student newspaper, The Stroud Courier. Her research project focused on the ways in which female politicians are stereotyped, with a case study of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Katie works as a Project Manager at Snap Creative Marketing. Holly Wells directed Katie's thesis.

Abstract

This year, more than 100 women were elected to serve in Congress. Additionally, several women have announced their major-party campaigns for the 2020 Presidential Primary. In light of this historic progress, we must evaluate the ways in which female politicians are portrayed. The field of politics is still primarily dominated by older white men, and therefore many discrepancies exist in the expectations and standards men and women are held to. This thesis provides an in-depth discussion of the stereotype-based rhetorical constructs that female politicians face in their careers. Through extensive research of the rhetoric of many politicians, this thesis also identifies and explains four major rhetorical negotiation strategies that female politicians may use to counter these stereotypes. Lastly, this thesis provides a critical feminist case study examining the rhetoric used by and with regards to freshman Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Capstone Projects

A traditional research thesis is not the only option for master's students in PDMW, many of whom are already professional writers or editors outside school. Work-related projects, coupled with a research/theory component, are always welcome in our program. Creative projects, such as creative nonfiction (see Oliver Trojak's project below, for example), are also a possibility. Talk with the program coordinator and your thesis/capstone committee to decide what's right for you.

Oliver Trojak's capstone project, Sitting in Rasputin's Chair, a travelogue from his journey across Russia, can be viewed here: http://olivertrojak.com/sitting-in-rasputins-chair/. Oliver is an investment professional with Vanguard.

Bill Broun directed Oliver's project.

Sarah Weber researched, developed, and composed a large section of the Office of Sponsored Projects and Research's new website: https://www.esu.edu/about/administration/provost/ospr/index.cfm. Sarah is now Contract & Grants Specialist at Lehigh University.

Holly Wells directed Sarah's work.

Stacy Hollar developed her company's website (www.actnowwritingandvideo.com) and social media presence and wrote a theoretical paper, "Effective Marketing Strategies for a Self-employed Writer in the Age of Digital Advertising."

Holly Wells directed Stacy's project.

Andrea Kresge, a novelist, wrote Sparks as her capstone project for the MA in PDMW. The book is available on Amazon here.

Her project director was novelist Bill Broun, acclaimed author of Night of the Animals.

Anthony Fabrikant, who works as a Regulatory Scientific Writer at Globus Medical, developed a technical manual for his former position at Clinlogix and wrote an accompanying theoretical piece called "A Guide to Quality Assurance in Clinical Research: Describing the function and responsibilities of a Quality Assurance Associate at a Clinical Research Organization."

Holly Wells directed Anthony's work.

James Ware is a 19-year veteran teacher in the East Stroudsburg North school district. His project, "College Preparatory Writing and Literature Program," focuses on creating a writing program for high school seniors who plan to attend college.

Abstract: "An ongoing problem for many high school seniors is that they lack the necessary writing skills to be successful in college writing courses. Developing my writing program, I researched the theories and methodologies of education experts and read scholarly journals that pertained to writing education. I researched the philosophies of educational experts such as Dr. Judith Hochman and Dr. Nancy Sommers. Based on my findings, I have altered some of my teaching practices and aligned them to what the research recommends. The overall objective of my writing program is to make the transition from high school to college easier by helping students become proficient writers in high school."

Holly Wells directed Jim Ware's project.

Janice Tieperman

Rachel Weigel earned her Bachelor’s degree in English and Secondary Education from Juniata College in 2017. She also had the opportunity to be a collegiate athlete by playing field hockey during her four years at Juniata. After graduation, she secured a job as a 9th grade English teacher at Halifax Area High School, which is a very small school district in Dauphin county. In her second year she began to teach AP Literature and Speech to juniors and seniors, and she became the advisor for the school newspaper, HiLite, so writing and editing is a big part of her life. She will be starting her fourth year of teaching at Halifax in Fall 2020 and she also coaches a high school field hockey team.

Rachel's capstone project involved developing and proposing a professional writing course for students at her high school. Her project was directed by Holly Wells.

Abstract: This project explores why professional writing courses are needed at the secondary school level. In a society where the idea of writing is unfavorable, but the need for it is crucial, it is clear why students in high school should be exposed to this kind of writing. Currently, students are exposed to academic and creative writing during their high school experience, but this is not enough for all students to be successful writers in their future. In high school, students are venturing toward a number a different paths, which may include college, workforce, trade school, etc. If we are only preparing students for the 2-6 years they may spend in college, the other students, who are not on this track, are not receiving knowledge of writing that will help them over the course of their futures.

Amy Lukac studied English as an undergraduate at ESU as well as worked on the ESU student newspaper, The Stroud Courier – as both an editor and a writer. Her capstone focused on a memoir of her life surrounding her struggles with an eating disorder, which included other major life events and changes. Her inspirations included Susanna Kaysen, for her memoir work, as well as Demi Lovato for her bravery in telling her truth to try to help others. Amy works as a Marketing Coordinator and Social Media Manager at Three Summers Creative. Erica Dymond directed Amy’s capstone.

Abstract: Amy’s project is designed to provide both entertainment and relatability to those suffering from an eating disorder or those that are recovered/in recovery. Eating disorders are deadly and are not taken as seriously as they should be.

This creative capstone is focused on a marketing plan that includes a website, blog (modern memoir), logo creation, and more to help raise awareness and provide a place where people can feel safe. This project is an online modern memoir to allow Amy to get her own story out there as self-help as well as a source for others to get inspired and reach out for help.

Samaara Robbins is a freelance writer and editor who is affiliated with the American Medical Writers Association.

According to Samaara, "I used to stand on the toy box of my childhood bedroom and stare out the window. The sanctuary of my room is where I learned to write. I wrote in spiral-bound notebooks and on big lined paper that faded to drab yellow as it aged. I wrote from inside my closet on the floor surrounded by pillows. I wrote outside in the trees I climbed and in my playhouse in the backyard. I wrote poetry and fiction and about life's injustices that went something like this: my brother got to take his bath first. I always have to go second. The water is dirty if you go second. Today, I write for fun and I write for work. The joy is still there. Every day."

Samaara's capstone project is a business and marketing planning guide for new writers who wish to freelance. She plans to publish this book soon. Her project was directed by Holly Wells.

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