Author

Kory Hoyt

Date

5-12-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

This article explores American presidential rhetoric at the opening general assembly of the United Nations. An exploratory study was conducted by examining addresses made by all United States Presidents that spoke at the United Nations General Assembly (1946-2014). It is argued that this semi-annual speech, which has been made almost every year since the presidency of Harry Truman, can be considered a distinct presidential genre. Using a genre (generic) criticism as a framework it was found that these characteristics are consistent across the speeches of all of the Presidents. These are characteristics are: (1) international meditation on values, (2) assessing relations among nations, and (3) international policy and organizational recommendations. The analysis of the United Nations Addresses, from 1946-2014, is the launching point to establishing the characteristics for this new genre.

Department

Communication Studies

Thesis Comittee

Jason Edwards (Thesis Director)

Joel Litvin

Susan Miskelly

Copyright and Permissions

Original document was submitted as an Honors Program requirement. Copyright is held by the author.

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