Dissertation Defense: Narrating the Fragmenting Brain: Alzheimer’s Neuronarratives

Friday, March 3, 2023 10 a.m. to noon

This dissertation examines the representation of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) neuronarratives (NN), works that centralize the brain or consciousness in the plot, in multiple modalities to support that argument that neuronarratives should be expanded into a transmedia genre. These modalities include neurogames, neurocomics, and neuromemoirs. This dissertation approaches these neuronarratives through the lens and medium of hypertext which complicates the concept of fragmentation and memory and reveals that selfhood in these works are constructed through the creation of many selves rather than one cohesive self.

Regardless of the medium, these selves remain in conversation with each other, emphasizing the active process of creating selfhood by the author’s themselves and by the player or reader. Comparing the affordances and limitations of the medium reveal conversations between the digital and print mediums that may not be initially apparent. Viewing these works through hypertext de-centers AD at the core of the narrative and instead emphasizes the personhood of the patient. Expanding analytical approaches to transmedia NN provides new means of exploring selfhood and consciousness.

 

Outline of Studies:

Major: Texts and Technology

 

Educational Career:

B.A., 2011 Allegheny College

M.A., 2013, University of Vermont

 

Committee in Charge:

Dr. Anastasia Salter

Dr. Jason Tougaw

Dr. Blake Scott

Dr. Louise Kane

 

Approved for distribution by Anastasia Salter, Committee Chair, on February 8th, 2023.

 

The public is welcome to attend.

Please email anastasia@ucf.edu at least 24 hours ahead of time for the meeting ID and passcode.

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College of Graduate Studies 407-823-2766 editor@ucf.edu

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Graduate Thesis and Dissertation

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Graduate UCF College of Arts and Humanities defense UCF Dean's Office CAH