Dissertation Defense Schedule
Academic Excellence
Sharing original dissertation research is a principle to which the University of Delaware is deeply committed. It is the single most important assignment our graduate students undertake and upon completion is met with great pride.
We invite you to celebrate this milestone by attending their dissertation defense. Please review the upcoming dissertation defense schedule below and join us!
PROGRAM | Communication
Populism, populist conspiracies, and Kenyan politics: An investigation of the role of the media
By: Gilbert Kipkoech Chair: Lindsay Hoffman
ABSTRACT
This dissertation sought to map and dissect how communication and/or the media
resonates with populism and populist rhetoric. Specifically, this project examined Kenyan
media’s receptivity to populist rhetoric, diffusion of populism in public debates through the
opinion sections, and media framing of populism. Moreover, the dissertation explored the impact
of populist communication strategies-the use of populist conspiracies-on Kenyan citizens.
The dissertation presents results from a content analysis and a survey experiment
indicating that the Kenyan print media supply the “oxygen of publicity” to populist sentiments,
albeit not prominently. The results further show that the forum pages-serving as an essential part
of public deliberation and a mediated site of the public sphere-are replete with populist
sentiments. Additionally, the public positively frames populism while journalists discredit
populist rhetoric. Lastly, populist content laced with conspiratorial cues does not significantly
impact trust in institutions and intentions to engage in political activities. The dissertation-in
spite of its limitations-provides an understanding of how Kenyan media and populism intersects
and the potential effects of exposure to populist messaging.
The Process
Step-by-Step
Visit our “Step-by-Step Graduation Guide” to take you through the graduation process.From formatting your Dissertation to Doctoral Hooding procedures.
Dissertation Manual
Wondering how to set up the format for your paper. Refer to the “UD Thesis/Dissertation Manual” for formatting requirements and more.
Defense Submission Form
This form must be completed two weeks in advance of a dissertation defense to meet the University of Delaware Graduate and Professional Education’s requirements.
