Profile:
Dr. Atkinson’s past research primarily focused on the role of alternative media in western activism. Specifically, his research illustrated the ways in which activists utilized alternative media to construct contexts for communicative resistance. Over the years, he has interviewed numerous activists and alternative media producers affiliated with a variety of different causes: anti-war, Tea Party, indigenous rights, and more. In addition, Dr. Atkinson’s research has also explored communicative practices utilized by activists in efforts to reclaim lost spaces and places. More recently, his research has demonstrated the increasing role that alternative and activist media have on mainstream political communication in the United States.
Education:
Ph.D. Communication, University of Missouri-Columbia
M.A. Communication, Missouri State University
B.A. Sociology, Missouri State University
Courses Taught:
Communication & Social Movements
Humanistic Research Methods
Political Communication
Activism & Advocacy
Special Topics in Journalism
Media & Society
Communication Theory
Vitae in PDF
Select Representative Works:
Atkinson, J. & Rosati, C. (2020). Alternative spaces/transformative places. New York, NY: Peter Lang Publishing.
Atkinson, J., & Kenix, L. J. (2019). Alternative media meets mainstream politics: Activist nation rising. Lanham, MD: Lexington Books.
Atkinson, J. (2017). Journey into social activism: Qualitative approaches. New York, NY: Fordham University Press.
Atkinson, J. (2017). Transformations, fractures, and boundaries: The case of stadtpunkte in the Mannheimer cityscape. Explorations in Media Ecology, 16(2/3), 175-193. http://doi.org/10.1386/eme.16.2-3.175_1
Atkinson, J., Chappuis, S., Cruz, G., Gilkeson, S., Kaunert, C., Kluch, Y., & Martin, M. (2017). Feminist jedi and a politically correct empire: Popular culture and transformative bridges in alternative media content. Journal of Alternative & Community Media, 2, 60-71.
