Example communications dissertation topic 1:

Can the use of micro-blogging and texting in the Arab Spring be replicated in North Korea?

This dissertation investigates the use of micro-blogging and texting within the revolutions of the Arab Spring and explores whether such technology could be used by North Koreans to overthrow the regime. In so doing it looks into three distinct aspects. First, it considers their use as a forum for discussion and in so doing incorporates discussion of the theories of Habermas relating to the public sphere. Secondly, it evaluates such technology as a means of communication between individuals opposed to the regime. Thirdly, it deliberates the effectiveness of messaging as a tool by which to inform the outside world as to internal strife – given the state control of the media in North Korea. This is a dissertation that would benefit from the conducting of interviews with those who were involved in the Arab Spring as well as North Korean dissidents, and would, accordingly, combine both primary and secondary data through the use of both qualitative and quantitative research techniques.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Blow, B.J., Blom, R. and Freedman, E. (2012). ‘Cyber-dissent and power: Negotiating online boundaries in repressitarian regimes’, International Journal of Information Communication Technologies and Human Development, Vol. 4(2), pp. 1-19.
• Cha, V.D. and Anderson, N.D. (2012). ‘A North Korean Spring?’, The Washington Quarterly, Vol. 35(1), pp. 7-24.
• Katz, J.E. (2011). ‘Communication perspectives on social networking and citizen journalism challenges to traditional newspapers’, 22nd European Regional Conference of the International Telecommunications Society (ITS2011), Budapest, 18-21 September, 2011.