Global Studies Theses and Dissertations

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https://hdl.handle.net/1794/6124

Note that prior to Fall Term 2023, the department was known as International Studies.

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Browsing Global Studies Theses and Dissertations by Author "Carpenter, Kathie"

Now showing 1 - 11 of 11
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    Aprendiendo Juntos y Navegando “New Destinations”: An Ethnographic Evaluation of the Pilas Family Literacy Program
    (University of Oregon, 2016-11-21) Wright, Alexandra; Carpenter, Kathie
    This thesis uses the framework of a program evaluation to highlight the human experience of participants in a community-based family literacy program in the context of a “New Destination” for Latino immigrants. There is first an extensive discussion of how Latino immigrant communities have changed over time in Oregon and specifically in Lane County, followed by description of the nonprofit organizations that cater to these communities in Lane County, with specific focus on Downtown Languages and their Pilas Family Literacy Program. A selection of literature is reviewed surrounding the themes of the efficacy of program evaluation as a tool, “New Destinations,” the relationship between bilingualism and family in ESL programs, and finally a brief discussion of cultural competency in ESL practices and literacy as human capital. The conclusion of this research contains recommendations for the Pilas Family Literacy Program, as well as other family literacy programs operating in “New Destinations” communities.
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    The Assessment of Gender Mainstreaming: A Case Study of the Division for the Advancement of Women, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in Lao PDR
    (University of Oregon, 2014-10-17) Chanphengxay, Souphatta; Carpenter, Kathie
    Gender mainstreaming to promote gender equality and include persons with disabilities is important because it can bring a huge impact to the organization and the country. It is not easy to accomplish gender equality as long as there are barriers against women's participation in all spheres. As a result, achieving gender equality is a challenge for not only developed countries but also developing countries. This thesis evaluates the implementation of gender mainstreaming to promote gender equality and the inclusion of persons with disabilities of the Division for the Advancement of Women in Lao PDR. This thesis discovers the perception of gender equality, the barriers that prevent women from achieving gender equality, and the impact of gender equality and lastly examines whether the inclusive approach to include persons with disabilities is implemented in the ministerial organization.
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    Beyond the Fields: Dialogical Analysis of Latino Migrant Students’ Cultural Identity Narratives at Oregon Migrant Education Program
    (University of Oregon, 2018-04-10) Burbano, Laura; Carpenter, Kathie
    Among the children of immigrants in the United States, the children of migrant farmworkers are at significant risk of not finishing high school. These children deal with challenging socioeconomic conditions specific to their migratory lifestyle and living situations, which negatively impact their schooling experience. Migrant families' cultural diversity plays a significant role in the adjustment and integration of migrant students in schools as they transition into a host educational community. Conflicts between migrant families and schools sometimes occur because of cultural differences regarding the characteristics of interpersonal relationships, standards of behavior, students' cultural identity, and the objectives of education. This qualitative study examines cultural aspects that Latino migrant students describe as part of their cultural identity, including their experiences as migrants and participants in Oregon Migrant Education Program. The aim is to illustrate the cultural elements that Latino migrant students consider when making academic or professional choices after high school.
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    A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Leadership Choices: Commonalities and Differences Among Female Leaders in the United States, Kazakhstan and Sweden
    (University of Oregon, 2012) Mukazhanova, Karina; Mukazhanova, Karina; Carpenter, Kathie
    This study examines commonalities and differences in leadership choices preferred by female leaders in Kazakhstan, Sweden and the United States of America. The results of the study show that all respondents (1) value the same leadership traits; (2) recognize the importance of mentorship; (3) share the same opinion about what is the most common mistake that can derail a leader's career and (4) face the same challenges at the workplace. The study revealed differences in following categories: (1) family-work balance issue; (2) conflicts at the workplace; (3) leadership development practices; (4) choosing among equally - qualified candidates. Since the entire Central Asian region is largely overlooked in cultural analysis of managerial styles, I also suggest an original cultural metaphor for Kazakhstan and an original dimensional analysis of Kazakh culture. I also argue that leadership choices develop and transform over the time adjusting to the changes of the social reality.
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    Impacts of the International Cultural Service Program at University of Oregon: A Mixed Methods Program Evaluation
    (University of Oregon, 2015-08-18) Pepper, Lindsay; Carpenter, Kathie
    In this study, I conduct a program evaluation of the International Cultural Service Program (ICSP), a scholarship program at University of Oregon which provides international students tuition remission in exchange for students giving presentations about their home country and culture in the local community and on campus. Through interviews, observations, and quantitative data, I assess ICSP’s impact on the community as well as the international students who participate in the program. After highlighting the research-based impacts of ICSP, as well as the program’s strengths and weaknesses, I provide recommendations for program improvement. This evaluation demonstrates that ICSP increases cultural awareness among ICSP students and community partners, positively impacts international student retention rates, and ultimately contributes to promoting peace across cultures—among a plethora of other benefits. This study incorporates best practices in program evaluation, and I conclude by providing a critique of the assessment process and suggestions for future studies.
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    Inclusion of Students with Disabilities in Study Abroad: Current Practices and Student Perspectives
    (University of Oregon, 2012) Ablaeva, Yelena; Ablaeva, Yelena; Carpenter, Kathie
    While there has been an increase in the numbers of students studying abroad each year, the participation of students with disabilities remains low. As internationalization of higher education takes news steps, bringing along with it the myriad benefits of intercultural exchange, study abroad becomes an important and often required component of educational experience. This study explored the current practices and experiences of the inclusion of students with disabilities in study abroad programs. The interviews with 10 study abroad professionals, 5 students with disabilities, and 1 faculty reveal discrepancies in the perceptions of the current practices. In light of the findings of this research, I argue that the study abroad experience promotes higher levels of identity development for students with disabilities. I also propose recommendations to ensure the positive experience for both study abroad professionals and students with disabilities.
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    Inside, Outside, and In-Between: Belonging and Identity Negotiation for Chinese American Adoptees Studying Abroad in China
    (University of Oregon, 2012) Beecher, Genevieve; Beecher, Genevieve; Carpenter, Kathie
    Since 1992, most US transnational adoptions have occurred between White American parents and female babies born in China. Many of these adopted girls grow up in the US as a racial minority, but when visiting their birth country they become the racial majority. I collected both qualitative and quantitative data from Mandarin language learners during a summer language program in China to find the similarities and differences among six adopted and 11 non-adopted American adolescents. The data reveal that adoptees are initially perceived to be insiders for racially belonging in China, but cultural and linguistic differences place them as outsiders. Most adoptees fit in-between belonging and not belonging in Chinese society by attempting to "pass" as Chinese citizens in public spaces. Their accounts emphasize how race, nationality, and adoptivity contribute to larger themes for identity development and belonging in "third spaces" across globalized contexts.
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    Institutionalized Child Care in Urban South Africa
    (University of Oregon, 2017-05-01) Lazaro, Philippe; Carpenter, Kathie
    In the developing world, child care institutions often involve more complexity than is typically reflected by the word “orphanage.” In many instances, children do not fit the widespread definition of an orphan as one with with deceased parents. Oftentimes, institutions play a partial role in a child’s development by contributing towards childcare in collaboration with a relative, an ill parent, or nearby kin. In South Africa, the need and complexity surrounding the role of child care institutions is further amplified by the region’s longstanding HIV/AIDS epidemic. Through a primarily ethnographic study, I sought to understand and relay the nuances of a child care center in Hillbrow, an urban neighborhood in central Johannesburg known for its crime and gang proliferation. Through the developmental stages of intake and early childhood, middle childhood, and late adolesence and outward transition, I explored how children overcome traumatic pasts with the help of the center, how the center struggles with the material burdens of providing to children with a wide array of needs, and how the process of transitioning into adulthood is handled by the children and their caretakers. In conclusion, I explore the non-negotiable elements of the center’s approach to child care and make further recommendations for other institutions in a similar context as well as future academic research.
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    News Coverage of Sex Trafficking in the US: The Portrayal of Sex Traffickers
    (University of Oregon, 2014-10-17) Ta, Ngan; Carpenter, Kathie
    This thesis is a content analysis of news about sex trafficking published in the US from 2001 to 2013. The focus of the research is the portrayal of sex traffickers in the news. The project discovered that in the news, the public image of sex traffickers is overwhelmingly people of color who are described to be violent, deceptive and forcible. In addition, sex traffickers are portrayed to make sense of the simplistic representation of powerless female trafficking victims. The portrayal of sex traffickers in the news is simplistic and is driven by the state's response to sex trafficking: punishment of sex traffickers.
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    Radiation Stigma, Mental Health and Marriage Discrimination: The Social Side-Effects of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster
    (University of Oregon, 2013-07-11) Heath, Michelle; Carpenter, Kathie
    The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster that occurred in March of 2011 has not only strongly affected the environment and economy in Japan; it has also impacted the social and psychological well-being of the people of Fukushima Prefecture. Radiation stigma was a problem for the survivors of the A-bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and those with mental health issues have occasionally been subject to discrimination and inadequate treatment. These appear to be similar issues facing those affected in Fukushima, according to news articles covering the nuclear disaster. In interviews conducted with Japanese citizens, it appears that although mental health problems do exist among those affected, mental health discrimination was not reported to be a problem. Some reported specific examples of radiation stigma, and many interviewees revealed that marriage discrimination could certainly become a problem in the future, particularly for women exposed to radiation.
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    Student Attitudes Toward Multilingual Education
    (University of Oregon, 2012) Lefebvre, Elisabeth; Lefebvre, Elisabeth; Carpenter, Kathie
    This research focuses on student attitudes toward multilingual education. Although much work has been done on multilingual education pedagogy and policy, almost none has been child-centered. Little consideration has been given to first-hand accounts of children in immersion programs. Through participatory observation, surveys, and focus group discussions with third grade students at a public, French immersion elementary school in the Pacific Northwest, I have found many common threads within student experiences of multilingual education. Specifically, students' fear of failure and peer-to-peer shaming when learning a new language can leave them feeling ambivalent toward French. This is not to say that the student experience is overwhelmingly negative; however, student attitudes seem to fall somewhere between their learned value for multilingualism and their lived experiences. Ultimately, this thesis highlights the importance of student narratives and the ways in which they can inform the development of immersion education programs.