SACM - United States of America
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/9668
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Item Restricted ATTITUDES AND MOTIVATION OF SAUDI STUDENTS LEARNING CHINESE AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE IN SAUDI ARABIA(The University of Mississippi, 2025) Emad, Hamuh; Dyer, DonaldThis study aims to examine the attitudes and motivation of Saudi learners toward learning Chinese as a foreign language (CFL), the effectiveness of Chinese teaching pedagogy, and the learners’ perceptions of Chinese culture and its impact on cross-cultural communication. This study is qualitative in nature, incorporating a qualitative instrument of data collection (in-depth interviews). The target population includes 8 Saudi CFL learners and 4 instructors at two universities in Saudi Arabia, namely King Abdulaziz University (KAU) and the University of Jeddah (UJ). The findings revealed that some Saudi CFL learners exhibited positive attitudes toward CFL learning, primarily influenced by their interest in the language. On the other hand, some learners expressed negative views about learning Chinese, highlighting certain challenges encountered during the first two years of their study. These negative attitudes, however, shifted to a more positive outlook due to the significant enhancements made by the Chinese-language programs. In terms of motivation, the findings indicated that the learners demonstrated both instrumental and integrative motivation, with instrumental motivation being more dominant. The study also identified certain language challenges, including mastering Chinese tones and characters. Despite these challenges, some learners highlighted the impact of CFL learning on their personal and cognitive development. Additionally, the findings highlighted the effectiveness of Chinese teaching pedagogy, indicating that the use of interactive teaching strategies and innovative methods (e.g., the integration of technology and Chinese cultural elements into instruction) were more effective and engaging than the traditional methods of teaching. Nonetheless, pedagogical challenges remained for both CFL learners and instructors, including the lack of qualified teachers, limited learning resources, and issues related to the curriculum and the learning environment. The findings also indicated that all learners held positive attitudes toward Chinese culture and its native speakers. Most importantly, the study emphasized the impact of learners’ exposure to Chinese culture and their interactions with native speakers on their cross-cultural communication. The study concluded with providing valuable insights for policymakers and educators, suggesting effective teaching strategies and curriculum development that help foster learners’ attitudes and motivation to overcome learning challenges and enhance their overall learning experience.16 0Item Embargo Empowering Educators, Transforming Futures: An Explanatory Multiple Case Study of the Smou Schools in Saudi Arabia(University of Denver, 2025) Alzandi, Hana; Hesbol, KristinaSaudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emphasizes educational reform as a critical pathway for national development, highlighting the role of educators in fostering student success. The Smou program, a professional development initiative, seeks to enhance the instructional and leadership capacities of school leaders and teachers in elementary public schools. This study explores how school leaders navigate their role in supporting teachers’ application of Smou program strategies and how teachers perceive their preparation for implementing these strategies in their instructional practices. Using an explanatory multiple case study approach, the research explores two elementary schools in the Mecca region—one high-performing and one low-performing—selected based on their performances in the Smou program. Data collection methods included 21 semi-structured interviews with school leaders and teachers. The study employs professional capital theory (Hargreaves & Fullan, 2012) as an analytical lens, focusing on human, social, and decisional capital to explore educators’ preparedness, collaboration, and instructional decision-making. Findings revealed differences in how school leaders invested in their human capital (HC) and how this, in turn, influenced social capital (SC) and decisional capital (DC) in both schools. In the high-performing school, school leaders actively engaged in professional development, mentoring, and collaborative decision-making, and fostering a culture of shared learning (SC). This collaborative environment enabled teachers to exchange best practices, increasing their ability to make informed instructional decisions (DC). In contrast, the low-performing school experienced frequent turnover in leadership, leading to a gap in institutional knowledge and weak investment in leaders’ human capital. As a result, teachers in this school reported challenges in applying Smou strategies, limited collaboration, and a lack of sustained support. These differences highlighted how variations in school leaders’ human capital influence teachers’ capacity to integrate new instructional approaches. This study contributes to the discourse on professional development and educational leadership in Saudi Arabia by offering insights into how capacity-building initiatives can be optimized to support teachers and school leaders in driving instructional improvement. The findings have implications for policymakers, educational practitioners, and stakeholders seeking to reform public education and refine professional development programs within the framework of Vision 2030.28 0Item Restricted The Relationship between Child Maltreatment, Religiosity, and Adult-onset Anxiety and Depressive Disorders among Participants in the Saudi National Mental Health Survey (SNMHS)(University of Washington, 2024) Gadi, Ghadah; Sharif, MienahThis dissertation explores the interrelationships among childhood maltreatment (CM), religiosity, and adult-onset depressive and anxiety disorders using data from the Saudi National Mental Health Survey (SNMHS). It addresses whether parental religiosity is associated with CM and differs by gender, the influence of CM on adult religiosity and its gender-dependence, and the association between CM and adult-onset anxiety and depressive disorders with religiosity as a moderating factor. The first study (Chapter 2) investigates the correlation between parental religiosity and CM, finding no overall significant association but a significant protective effect against CM, particularly physical abuse, among males. The second study (chapter 3) explores the impact of CM on adult religiosity, revealing no significant association or gender differences. The third study (Chapter 4) examines the link between CM and adult-onset anxiety and depressive disorders, with religiosity moderating these effects. Sexual abuse significantly increases the risk of depressive disorders, while physical abuse increases anxiety disorder risk. Seeking religious comfort moderates these associations. In conclusion, this dissertation highlights that parental religiosity generally protects against CM, especially physical abuse among males, while CM does not influence adult religiosity. CM is associated with higher risks of mental health disorders, with religious coping moderating these effects. The findings emphasize the need for culturally tailored interventions in Saudi Arabia to promote healthy religious parenting, encourage seeking professional help, and address cultural and gender dynamics influencing CM experiences and mental health outcomes.17 0Item Restricted HYBRID ARCHITECTURE WITHIN NAJD REGION, SAUDI ARABIA(Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2023-11-29) Almatani, Bashair Saad; Bryon, Hilary; Galloway, William; Tomer, SharoneACADEMIC ABSTRACT The thesis investigates the concept of hybrid architecture as a juxtaposition of multiple architectural factors, including environmental, cultural, structural, and functional ones. The work examines the Najd region of Saudi Arabia and its historical and contemporary contexts concerning functional utility, cultural frameworks, tectonic architectural elements, and site-based environmental forces. The thesis proposes that architectural hybridity can enhance the human experience. The design project, a building combining a water purification facility with a cafe, exhibition hall, and other community functions, integrate traditional and contemporary cultural aesthetics by purposefully juxtaposing and relating: unlikely functions, temporally varied cultural forms, structural and ornamental tectonic elements, and contrasting environmental qualities.37 0Item Restricted In Between Sovereigns-The Political Economy of International Oil Concessions(University of Pittsburgh, 2024-11-13) Sulaimani, Mohammed; Murtazashvili, IliaThis dissertation develops a novel theory of oil nationalization based on insights from new institutionalism in political science and economics, arguing that high enforcement costs inherent in international oil concession agreements contribute significantly to oil nationalization. The 20th century, characterized by fragile international oil governance, saw numerous instances where international oil companies (IOCs) struggled to enforce contracts, leading to host state opportunistic behavior and ultimately nationalization. While existing scholarship offers valuable insights into the political, economic, and ideological drivers of oil nationalization, it often overlooks a crucial structural factor: the lack of third-party enforcement in international oil concession agreements. This research utilizes a case study methodology, focusing on the Aramco concession agreement with the Saudi Arabian government. Through an analysis of archival data, diplomatic correspondence and personal memoirs, the research reveals the substantial enforcement costs paid by both Aramco and the United States’ government in their efforts to maintain the concession agreement. These costs, manifesting as financial compromises, diplomatic maneuvering, and even covert operations, highlight the fragility of self-enforcing contracts in the absence of a formal third-party enforcement mechanism. The dissertation argues that nationalization emerges as a consequence of the failure to adequately address these escalating enforcement costs. Building upon these findings, the dissertation suggests future research avenues exploring other historical nationalization cases, such as the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC) in 1951, as well as contemporary examples such as Chinese national oil companies operating abroad. By investigating these diverse cases through the lens of enforcement costs, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics shaping international resource governance.22 0Item Restricted SAUDI ARABIA’S TRANSFORMATION AND ITS GLOBAL IMPACT ON LINGUISTIC AND DISCOURSE-PRAGMATICS(Indiana University, Bloomington, 2024-12) Althuwaini, Anas; Obeng, Samuel GyasiThis dissertation examines the evolving Western perceptions of Saudi Arabia under HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s (MBS) leadership, focusing on U.S. online discourse and MBS’ communication strategies. Employing a multi-perspective analysis, the study investigates how MBS’ leadership has affected Western, particularly American, views of Saudi Arabia as reflected in media discourse and public opinion. The research is structured around three interconnected studies. The first study examines MBS’ hedging strategies in his 2023 Fox News interview with Bret Baier, highlighting how linguistic devices are employed to navigate sensitive topics, manage ambiguity, and maintain public image. The analysis reveals that MBS strategically uses hedges, such as modal verbs and approximators, to convey pragmatic functions such as caution and avoidance of firm commitments on controversial issues. It demonstrates that his use of hedging is comparable to that of other politicians, such as President Barack Obama (of the United States) and King Abdullah II (of Jordan). The second study employs Conversation Analysis (CA) methodology to subject YouTube comments on MBS’ 2023 Fox News interview to empirical inspection, focusing on adjacency pairs (AP) with the view to synthesizing and analyzing the interactional patterns and thematic content of the interview. This study reveals varied comments showing strong feelings about MBS’ leadership, vision for Saudi Arabia, and handling of international issues. User interactions demonstrate the negotiation of meaning, highlighting the contentious nature of MBS’ public image. The third study is a longitudinal analysis of Reddit users’ discourse from primarily US-focused subreddits about the political image of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 2015 to 2023, utilizing computer-mediated discourse analysis (CMDA) and the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) tool. The study finds increased analytical thinking over time, particularly following major political events. Clout, authenticity, and emotional tone fluctuated, with clout peaking during significant events like the 2020 U.S. presidential election. The discourse generally maintained a negative emotional tone, with a slight positive trend in later years. By integrating pragmatic, conversational, and computational methodologies, this dissertation provides a nuanced understanding of how MBS’ leadership and Saudi Arabia’s reforms have been portrayed and debated in digital spaces. It contributes to discourse analysis, media studies, and international relations by offering insights into the interplay between leadership rhetoric, media representation, and public opinion in the digital age.26 0Item Restricted The Effect of Incremental Rehearsal on Word Recognition of Students with Learning Disabilities in Saudi Arabia(The Ohio State University, 2024) Aljufayr, Mohammed Abdullah; Paul, Peter VWord recognition is a key part of reading development and a fundamental component of elementary reading curricula. However, students with learning disabilities (LD) often encounter difficulties with reading skills and exhibit deficits in word recognition, increasing the need for interventions that enhance their reading achievement. Incremental rehearsal (IR), one of the most commonly used flashcard interventions supported by previous literature, has shown its effectiveness in different skills, such as word recognition. IR offers opportunities for repeated practices to help struggling students improve their outcomes. Despite the growing number of students with LD in Saudi Arabia, there is a lack of research examining the efficacy of interventions designed to improve reading outcomes, specifically word recognition, in students with LD in elementary schools. Thus, conducting an empirical study to teach Arabic word recognition to elementary students with LD in Saudi Arabia is crucial. Utilizing a single-subject multiple-probe experimental design across word sets, this study aimed to examine the effect of the IR intervention on Arabic word recognition in three fourth-grade male students with LD in Saudi Arabia. Maintenance and generalization of word recognition were also examined to investigate the sustainability of the IR intervention and to provide more precise conclusions regarding its efficacy. Results indicated that the IR intervention was effective for all three participants. All participants showed an increased number of words read correctly, accurate responses on retention measures, and maintenance and generalization of word recognition. Limitations, recommendations for future research, and implications for practice are discussed.20 0Item Embargo Satisfaction and Experiences of Saudi Parents in Neonatal Intensive Care Units: Mixed Methods Study(Florida Atlantic University, 2024-09) Alroyley, Eftkhar; Chiang-Hanisko, LennyThe Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is an inherently stressful environment for parents, where their satisfaction is a critical indicator of the quality of care provided. However, limited research has explored the satisfaction levels of Saudi fathers and mothers in the NICU, which are influenced by Islamic cultural values, family dynamics, and societal norms. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed to explore the differences between Saudi fathers and mothers by integrating quantitative data on satisfaction with qualitative insights from NICU parental experiences of satisfaction through the lens of Leininger’s Culture Care Theory (CCT). Quantitative data were collected through a cross-sectional descriptive correlation design using the Critical Care Family Satisfaction Survey (CCFSS), adapted for the Saudi context. Qualitative data were gathered through an ethnonursing design involving participant observations and semi-structured individual interviews. The study included 75 parents (34 fathers and 41 mothers) from King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Quantitative data were analyzed using independent t-tests, while qualitative data (25 observations and 22 interviews) were analyzed according to Leininger’s four phases of the Data Analysis Enabler. The mixed-methods analysis employed a side-by-side comparison to present both findings in a parallel format. The quantitative findings revealed that both Saudi fathers and mothers reported high satisfaction levels with the care their infants received in the NICUs. However, Saudi fathers reported slightly higher satisfaction than mothers across the total score and all five subscales of the CCFSS, which include assurance, proximity, information, and support. A significant difference was observed only in the comfort subscale (p = 0.002), where fathers reported higher satisfaction. From the qualitative data, six major themes were identified: (a) emphasizing parental active engagement in NICU care, (b) addressing parental cultural considerations in NICUs, (c) integrating Islamic practices into NICU care, (d) cultivating collaborative partnerships between parents and NICU staff, (e) facing unexpected challenges during their infant's NICU stay, and (f) applying coping mechanisms to overcome NICU parental challenges. The mixed-methods findings showed that the roles of Saudi fathers and mothers in the NICU, shaped by social, cultural, and religious norms, significantly impacted their satisfaction. Convergence was found in total satisfaction, assurance, and comfort, while divergence occurred in proximity, information, and support. The findings of this study have important implications for NICU care in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive, family-centered practices that integrate Islamic values, actively involve both parents in their infant’s care, and address the emotional and practical needs of fathers and mothers to enhance their overall satisfaction and well-being during their NICU experience.15 0Item Restricted Privatization in Russia, Argentina, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Lessons and Reforms(Wake Forest University, 2024) Alsabti, Sarah; Schneider, Dick“Privatization in Russia, Argentina, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Lessons and Reforms” is a doctoral dissertation investigating four different privatization experiences and focusing on the role of state and government entities. This dissertation assesses the challenges faced by the states and their entities during their privatization journeys and the factors contributing to their success. Through an examination of these challenges and success factors, the dissertation develops several valuable themes, which can serve as lessons—one of the most prominent is the positive impact of previous comprehensive reforms on privatization and state stability, especially in the legislative sphere. Further, adopting public sector governance indicators during privatization projects can create a thriving environment for privatization and facilitate its implementation. Finally, this dissertation suggests several reforms to help state entities improve public governance and enhance the success of privatization and other public projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The most critical of these reforms are to expand the jurisdiction of the administrative court, create a national unified portal for state entities’ decisions and circulars, and continue to strengthen anticorruption regulations and support their enforcement and development by state entities.48 0Item Restricted The Relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States (2017–2023): An Analysis of the Media Coverage in the U.S. Media Outlets(University of Florida, 2024) Alqabbaa, Mohammed Hamoud; Kiousis, Spiro KThis study explores the framing of the Saudi-U.S. relationship by three major U.S. newspapers—USA Today, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal—from January 2017 to December 2023. By employing qualitative content analysis, the study investigates how these newspapers framed the personal portrayal of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the nature of agreement/disagreement between the two countries on fundamental or minor issues, and the attitudes of President Trump and Biden toward Saudi Arabia. The findings reveal various framing approaches to the crown prince, with significant emphasis on the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The analysis also highlights noteworthy disagreements between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia on human rights, the Yemen conflict, and oil production while noting areas of strategic agreement, particularly in security cooperation against Iranian influence. President Trump's attitude was framed as highly supportive, prioritizing economic and strategic interests, whereas President Biden's approach was more critical, emphasizing human rights while maintaining traditional foreign policy. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on framing theory by providing a nuanced analysis of media framing in the context of international relations. The implications highlight the role of the media's influence on international relations, suggesting that political public relations practitioners should analyze and deal with complex media framing. Future research should extend beyond the traditional media, such as newspapers, to shed light and consider social media's impact on understanding the framing in the context of international relations.94 0