1999

Amy L. Royster. THE NEED TO LOOK BEYOND HIRING PRACTICES TOWARD A NEW APPROACH FOR ADDRESSING DIVERSITY ISSUES IN JOURNALISM.(Under the direction of Dr. Seodial Deena)

This paper will address many of the shortcomings in American print journalism with regard to the fair and accurate coverage of minority ethnic groups. It addresses issues such as, blatent versus subtle misrepresentation, absent or irresponsible coverage, the role of minority journalists, and techniques for providing more enlightened coverage, as they are studied in popular diversity projects. These issues, dubbed "diversity issues" by the industry, and the crop of popular diversity projects that follow them, are examined in pursuit of better coverage of ethnic minorities. The paper includes a study of Belizean journalism specifically focused on how another culture, more multi-cultural in design than our own, may provide a different framework for understanding American "diversity issues" than what is currently popular. The very notion of how Americans view ethnicity, in addition to "diversity issues," is challenged in this work by the example of Belizean society. This study provides the context for understanding an alternative approach to realizing progress in the coverage of ethnic minorities in print journalism.

Samuel D. Simmons. AN OVERVIEW OF BARRIERS TO HEALTH CARE ACCESS FOR HISPANICS. (Under the direction of Dr. Mary Glascoff)

The purpose of this thesis is to provide an overview of barriers to health care access for Hispanics in the United States and more specifically, within North Carolina. These barriers have been gleaned through a review of the pertinent literature, and include language differences, cultural differences, and methods of payment. A case study analysis is used to exhibit how these barriers can affect different Hispanic subgroups tovarying degrees.

2000

Jay P. Keever. THE CONTROVERSIAL ROLE OF DIE NEUE WACHE CENTRAL WAR MEMORIAL IN GERMAN POLITICAL HISTORY. (Under the direction of Dr.Bodo Nischan)

The purpose of this thesis is to illustrate how a single architectural structure built in 1818in Berlin has symbolized the widely disparate political climates in Germany from theearly nineteenth century until the present. To accomplish this, an historical examinationof the various methods in which Die Neue Wache has been utilized by the numerous political entities that have ruled Germany throughout the past two centuries was conducted. This thesis will show that each governmental regime has used the building in a manner that distinctly and accurately represented the prevalent political ideology of the time. From its original use as a barracks to house the King's Guard to the current and controversial role as Germany's central war memorial, the history of Die Neue Wache provides a clear representation of German political history unlike that of any other architectural structure in Berlin.

Melissa M. Edwards. ECOTOURISM AND ITS POTENTIAL FOR CULTURAL ANDECONOMIC PRESERVATION IN A CONTEMPORARY NATIVE AMERICAN SOCIETY: THE MOPAN AND KEK'CHI MAYA OF SOUTHERN BELIZE. (Under the direction of Dr. Gay Wilentz)

The purpose of this thesis is to enhance the body of research on contemporary Mayan communities of Belize, Central America. I investigated the decision of the Mopan and Kek'chi Mayan to begin a community-based ecotourism (tourism that is respectful of the natural and cultural environment of the local community) project as a way to reverse the economic, cultural and environmental trends that have been affecting their society. The Maya of the Toledo district, the most remote and economically depressed district within the country, realized the potential of their natural and cultural resources and have attempted to use these resources to their advantage as a way to protect their local environs. During the fall of 1999 I lived in three Mayan villages that were taking part in the Toledo Ecotourism Association (TEA) to better represent the current modernity of Mayan people in villages of different population size, and ethnic identity. During this time I outlined objectives to study cultural changes that have occurred within the villages from the time of relatively low contact with other cultures to the present and to draw any appropriate parallels to the changes that have occurred due to ecotourism. I also recorded the amount of tourist and amount of tourist money that has flowed into the TEA villages since the project's 1990 inception. I returned in the spring of 2000 to conduct follow-up interviews and research on the success of the project and to determine the amount of effect that the TEA has had on the socio-economic cohesion of the Mayan communities.

Danat S. Dalenov. THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF OIL DEVELOPMENT IN THE CASPIAN SEA REGION. (Under the direction of Dr. Maurice D. Simon)

The purpose of this thesis is to provide an analysis of the political economy of oil development in the Caspian Sea Region. This analysis focused on the following issues: the role of the Caspian oil on the world market; potential pipeline routes for exportingCaspian oil; the major players in the Great Game: political and economic interests; possible strategies and the prospect for regional stability. The sources of information used for this thesis include documents and publications ofgovernmental and non-governmental organizations as well as books and journal articles. Statistical data and figures widely used in the thesis help to support the analysis of theissues under consideration.

Based on the analysis of the current events in the Caspian Sea region, there are three main conclusions that are drawn in this thesis. First, with high energy consumption, the Caspian Sea region will play a significant role as an additional supplier that prevents rising prices of oil. Second, the multiplicity routes for Caspian oil, offered by the US government will be chosen by the regional countries as the most viable strategy for overcoming political and logistic constraints for oil developments in the region. Therefore, the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline will be built in the near future. Finally, oil developments in the Caspain Basin will indeed have a positive effect on the regional stability. NATO countries will increase their effort to establish closer political and economic relations with Russia, which will set up a precondition for a new version of theGreat Game- a game which everybody wins.

Melanie C. Jolly. AN ANALYSIS OF THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTALACTION PLAN AND THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY FOR MALAWI.(Under the direction of Dr. Bob Edwards)

The purpose of this thesis is to determine the nature and extent of discrepancies between stated environmental policies and actual conservation practices with respect to deforestation and soil erosion in Malawi. The analysis was conducted by means of a four-month period of field work in Malawi. The environmental information was collected by visiting three districts, each in a geologically different region within the country, Nkhata Bay District in the north, Mangochi District in the west and Thyolo District in the south. The analysis is limited to soil erosion and deforestation. It is important to discuss deforestation and soil erosion together because soil erosion is adirect result of deforestation. The limitations of the data collected prevented the inclusion of other environmental issues.

It was discovered that Malawi has sound environmental policies for agroforestry, high-yield seed varieties, mixed and inter-cropping, public education campaigns, prevention of bushfires, multipurpose tree-planting, alternative stoves, community woodlots and environmental education in schools, but the implementation of the policies is hampered because of break downs in communication and coordination between Malawi's environmental divisions and a lack of support and resources (i.e., funding,information, transportation) for the Environmental District Officers at the village level.

Annette J. Uhlenberg, THE SUCCESS OF MICROFINANCE IN WEST AFRICA: A REPORT ON CREDIT DELIVERY BY FEMMES DEVELOPPEMENT ENTREPRISES EN AFRIQUE.  (Under the direction of Dr. Holly Hapke)

Micro enterprise is the latest scheme in development planning and poverty alleviation efforts.  Small loans are extended to poor women to help them bootstrap their way out of poverty.  This paper reviews the Microfinance movement in general and in Africa in particular by focusing on the efforts of the Dakar, Senegal based MFI Femmes, Development, Enterprises en Afrique. Results of a survey of clients reveal that Microfinance does raise income levels but that institutional efforts to increase outreach,provide needed services and training and achieve self-sufficiency may be at odds. The relatively recent arrival of Microfinance in Africa combined with the lingering scars of colonialism, high rates of illiteracy, and inadequate infrastructure suggests that perhaps new ways of determining success in this context are necessary.

Carlos Ochoa. THE MAQUILADORAS: THE FACTS ABOUT THEIR PAST ANDTHE EXPECTATIONS FOR THEIR FUTURE. (Under the direction of Dr. Richard Kearney)

This study seeks to find the major economic and social effects of the maquiladoras, the validity of the presumption that the employer-employee relationship in the maquiladoras is exploitative, and the role of the maquiladoras on the local and regional development of Mexico in the post-NAFTA era. Two types of maquiladoras with different development trajectories are identified in the study: those involved with labor and low skill-intensive methods of production and those with more capital and skill-intensive production practices. It is argued that the most of the research on the maquiladoras does not consider this diverse nature of the sector. The non-differentiated approach in the research lacks a global context because it does not consider the actual labor shortage, the different development trajectories, and the relative economic conditions in the local labor market. The study concludes that maquila jobs provide attractive employment for theeconomically disadvantaged in Mexico. While the study finds that the maquiladora hashad a positive economic impact in Mexico, it also concludes that the maquiladoras have failed to link Mexican companies with the profitable maquila supplier market. With NAFTA and the increased access to the local market, more suppliers may be attracted to Mexico. This study suggests that in order for the maquiladoras to make a successful shift from labor-intensive to a more dynamic, industrially upgraded development strategy, however, Mexico must develop an upgraded educational system, engage highly qualified suppliers, and make a significant investment in the nation's infrastructure to meet the requirements of such advanced industrial production.

Jennifer Ann Vickers. RECONCEPTUALIZING DEVELOPMENT: THE JAMES BAY HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT IN LINDA HOGAN'S SOLAR STORMS AND SUGARCANE INDUSTRY IN PAULE MARSHALL'S THE CHOSEN PLACE, THE TIMELESS PEOPLE. (Under the direction of Dr. Gay Wilentz)

The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the relationship between development and the social situation of the Cree and Inuit peoples in northern Quebec and the local African-based population in Barbados and how this is represented in Linda Hogan's novel Solar Storms and Paule Marshall's novel The Chosen Place, The Timeless People. In doing this, I show how silenced histories are being retold and how development is being addressed through fiction. Hogan and Marshall's novels directly relate to important historical events and development projects. Hogan's novel addresses the James BayHydroelectric Project occurring in northern Quebec from 1975 to present day and Marshall's novel addresses the impacts of the sugar cane industry on the Caribbean islandof Barbados. Studying these novels, which could be considered resistance writing, alongwith interdisciplinary theoretical models like postcolonial, feminist, and ecological theory, provides insights into historical events often not addressed in mainstream scholarship. Using African-based and indigenous perspectives creates a space to address peoples who have been subjected to the colonization and the continuing exploitation oftheir lands and cultures. These novels do not focus only on the wrongs that have occurred to the oppressed by the oppressor, but rather the types of positive resistance and successes of the exploited against the neocolonizer, whether it is a multinational corporation or the age-old system of sugar cultivation. In this way, Hogan and Marshall break down the type of colonial discourse, which creates a dichotomy between oppressorand oppressed, colonizer and colonized. Both novels exemplify the ways in which art can express how local and/or indigenous groups and women are resisting against neocolonialism, cultural oppression, and environmental exploitation. Hogan and Marshall, as modern female writers, provide a new model and alternative way of understanding development. The theoretical model of creative writing not only works with non-Western ideologies, but also promotes cultural healing and creates a space fordialogue between different cultural groups and disciplines. Hogan and Marshall's novels provide a dynamic way of examining development through different lenses, which don't focus on one group or issue but show how all parts of society, including both human and non-human, are part of an interrelated whole.

2002

Melissa Hensley. US MILITARY AID AND DEMOCRATIZATION: THE EXAMPLE OF 'PLAN COLOMBIA'.

Stuart A. Jolly. BELGIUM: A HISTORY OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY. (Under the direction of Dr. Frederick Niswander)

The purpose and focus of this thesis is on the sources of Belgium's cultural conflict andhow, despite being smaller than South Carolina with three official languages, it has survived since 1830. I have attempted to answer this question: What actually keeps Belgium united despite the country's two very diverse language and cultural regions and long history of internal conflict, which at times has threatened its very existence? The bottom line is that Belgium will survive and prosper despite her differences. Although there will always be voices in both regions calling for autonomy, those voiceswill remain in the minority. The Belgium of today is not the Belgium of the 1950's,1960's, or 1970's. Today there are more freedoms and economic changes throughout Europe, which in the end, make separation less feasible or attainable. Some of these include a common currency, a common economic alliance (EU), no barricaded borders to speak of, and many more civil liberties all of which tend to make separation less desirable. In the end, Belgium will survive intact although changed.

Susan L. Stark Keusenkothen. THE ABUSE OF WIVES IN INDIA: STATE AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL  INTERVENTION EFFECTIVENESS. (Under the directionof Dr. Holly Mathews).

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the physical and psychological abuse of wives in India and to compare domestic violence intervention services provided by the government and by non-governmental organizations. The opposition between state-sponsored agencies and autonomous women's groups is analyzed, and interventions that are considered to be effective are discussed. An extensive literature review serves as the method for gathering and analyzing information. Research suggests that caste and education levels contribute to the variations in degrees of violence some women experience, and factors such as dowry, kinship, marriage and household structure, and religion may have a direct impact on the intervention services that are accessible and appropriate. Collaborations between the state and non-governmental sector do exist and may be used as models to create additional, sustainable programs for women experiencing marital abuse. Due to isolation and a paucity of services, rural areas may benefit from local solutions created by each individual community. Economic development collectives and community women's groups have helped to establish the support needed by rural battered women and those that have been successful may be replicated in other communities. The most severe obstacle to providing appropriate intervention is the state's justification of wife abuse as a necessary form of discipline that promotes family unity. Until India's leaders recognize the beating of wives as a human rights violation and support efforts to provide women with safe, viable alternatives,women will continue to face physical and psychological abuse in their affinal homes.

Jim K. Tomtania, RETHINKING INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM: AN ANALYSIS OF THE GLOBALIZATION OF TERRORISM. (Under the direction of Dr. Daniel Masters)

The distinction between domestic and international terrorism is becoming more and more irrelevant. Terrorism, now more than ever, transcends national boundaries and requires the same attention as other global problems such as environmental degradation or international monetary crisis. This study examines the relationship between re-conceptualizing international terrorism and its resolution as a global problem as well the character of terrorist groups as non-governmental organizations (NGOs). As NGOs terrorist organizations are exploiting global conditions to further their cause. Thereforeto address international terrorism we must rely upon a global response.

2004

The purpose of this thesis is to ascertain the effects of terrorism and external counter-terrorism on the national sovereignty of the host nation. International terrorism has received a vast amount of attention in recent years. The United States has made terrorism its focus in international relations and has deployed monetary and military aid to countries around the world to fight this war against terror. However, the effects of such counter-terror operations in foreign countries go somewhat unnoticed. The Philippines is one such country that has received all versions of the United States' counter-terror policies/activities and is struggling to fight both its domestic insurgency problem while establishing its national identity, all while incorporating the needs and efforts of the United States on its soil. The effects of the externally based counter-terror operations in the Philippines have created unforeseen challenges for this sovereign nation both in the political and security context. An analysis of the situation in the Philippines will shed light on the effects of external counter-terrorism both in the short and long-term.

Rumiko   Yamamoto,    MICOROFTNANCE    AS    A   TOOL   FOR   WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION: A CASE STUDY OF BRAC AND    A    NEW    CHALLENGE    OF    MICROFINANCE    INTERNATIONAL  CORPORATION. (Under the direction of Dr. Holly Hapke)

Microfinance is the one of the dominant strategies utilized by development practitioners to alleviate poverty and strengthen women's empowerment. This paper explores the elements that allow microfinance to effectively reach the poorest of the poor and promote women's empowerment. I will approach this from two aspects thatmicrofinance institutions (MFIs) need to deal with. Firstly I will analyze how microfinance works for women's empowerment and poverty alleviation, through the case study of BRAC. I demonstrate that microfinance provides women more access to assets, which are impetus for their empowerment. Secondly I will explore how MFIs improve poverty outreach for a true capital democratization and maintain organizational sustainability at the same time. I analyze this through two movements in microfinance industries: NGOs' modality transformation to regulated financial institutions (RFIs); The private sector's new business model of linking microfinance with a vast remittance flow. These approaches bring the conclusion that microfinance has a potentiality to achieve a true capital democratization. As a result, broadening recognition of the basic microfinance mechanism for women's empowerment and poverty alleviation not only among those directly concerned with microfinance but also among others leads to effective microfinance delivery.

2005

Brandi A. Dudley THE EFFECTS OF THE BOLOGNA PROCESS ON NATIONALHIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEMS: A CASE STUDY OF THE GERMAN MODEL.(Under the direction of Dr. John Williams)

The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the four institutional levels of higher education policy implementation in the realization of the European Higher Education Area. In 1999, 29 countries in Europe came together to sign the Bologna Declaration, which calls for the convergence of national higher education systems to promote the mobility of European citizens. This action is redefining policy and decision-making processes, which ultimately leads to the question "Who is steering change"? The thesis takes an a theoretical approach to determine who controls policy definition at the European, national, Lander, and university level. The German higher education system serves as a model for describing the fulfillment of the Bologna Process objectives across Europe. Through the analysis, it becomes evident that policy at the European level acts as a support mechanism to ensure the success of the Bologna Process, and national diversity is respected in higher education. Policy continues to originate from traditional venues, which is demonstrated in the case of Germany, and the fact that the Lander continue to be the responsible actors inhigher education policy development. By analyzing the German higher education system,one is exposed to the range of policy development that can occur when independent parties are steering reform.

Marie-Hortense Chiche. ETHNICITY AND POLITICS IN AFRICA: A CASE STUDY OF GHANA. (Under the direction of Dr. John Williams) 

This thesis explores the argument that both politics and ethnicity are the main components in maintaining peace and stability in a new democracy; in this particular case in Ghana. It looks at how the question of ethnicity has been dealt with by the government, the political system, and the society and how the Ghanaian success can be explained. This study analyzes different challenges that Ghana has encountered with the establishment of a relatively new governmental system in a country with almost 100 different ethnic groups. It shows that political institutions and government are mainly responsible for promoting stability and conflicts, and that the consensus democracy model appears to be successful in the Ghanaian context.

Sun Chengxiu, INFLUENCE OF CHINESE CULTURE ON CHINA-U.S. BUSINESS NEGOTIATION. (Under the direction of Dr. Christine Avenarius)