Thesis Defense Discourse in a Ghanaian University: A Show of Power or an Examination of Ideas?

Abstract

Thesis proposal defence is geared towards the transformation of a novice academic into an academia, where presenting and defending research claims is a key part of the discourse. This paper studies the engagement section of a thesis proposal defence in a Ghanaian university. It examines whether the content, the format of the questions and the choice of words point to exploration of ideas, ideology or power?. A sample discourse of PhD thesis proposal defence illustrates the phenomenon, drawing from Fairclough’s (1995) model for analyzing text as discourse and social practice. Findings show how questioning generates inequality, manipulation and power at proposal defence.

Key Words: Thesis Defence Proposal, Discourse, Examination, Questioning, Ghanaian Universities