Date of Award
6-2014
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Communication
First Advisor
Dr. Kathleen Propp
Second Advisor
Dr. Heather Addison
Third Advisor
Dr. Autumn Edwards
Keywords
Perception, Africa, social, distance, communication
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
This study examined American college students’ perceptions of Africans. Knowledge Gap and Systems Theory were applied to creating and discussing the research questions. Systems Theory addresses processes and levels of information transfer (Westley & Maclean, 1965). It requires an understanding of the sources, channels, messages, and the people who receive information in a communication encounter. Knowledge Gap Theory, on the other hand, states that when information circulates in a system, gaps in knowledge are formed and these gaps increase as more information enters the system (Tichenor, Donohue, & Olien, 1970). The results showed that consumption of radio and newspaper news, engagement with international news, and contact with Africans in academic, social, and work environments influenced American college students’ perceptions about Africans.
Recommended Citation
Mou, Seseer P., "Of Tribes, Wars, and Jungles: A Study of U.S.College Students’ Perceptions of Africa and Africans" (2014). Masters Theses. 505.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/505
Included in
Critical and Cultural Studies Commons, Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Ethnicity in Communication Commons, International and Intercultural Communication Commons