Making a successful case for a hypertextual doctoral dissertation

In August of 1998 I completed the first hypertextual dissertation at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The dissertation was a case study applying methods of rhetorical analysis and cultural critique to the burgeoning online phenomenon called the “Xenaverse,” the online spaces devoted to the cult following of the syndicated television program “Xena, Warrior Princess.” The primary focus of analysis was on constructions of authority in cyberspace. I explored the constellations of social forces in cyberspace that have led to the success of a noncommercial, highly trafficked, dynamic culture or what is sometimes called a “community.”The hypertextual research site, a vital online culture, seemed to demand a new kind of scholarship to describe and analyze it. Still, there were many hurdles to getting such an unorthodox presentation form accepted by my dissertation committee and the Graduate School. This paper details the justifying arguments made which led to the successful accep...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2000
• Where: HT
• Authors: Christine Boese
• Keywords: Community.”The Hypertextual Research, HT 2000, Hypertextual Dissertation, Hypertextual Electronic Scholarship, Internet Technology