The aim of the graduate program in Rhetorical Studies is to prepare students to conduct scholarly inquiry into rhetorical processes as they infuse popular, public, and political life. Students are invited to explore a variety of modes (oral, written, visual, and mass-mediated) as well as a variety of intellectual traditions. The program has particular strengths in 20th and 21st century rhetorical theory, criticism, and public address, including but not limited to feminist, post-colonial, and Marxist criticisms, continental philosophy, psychoanalysis, and rhetorics of war and science. Maryam Ahmadi, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison. Rhetorical theory and history, critical studies of colonialism and empire, global rhetorics, and social movement studies. Barbara A. Biesecker, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh. Modern and contemporary rhetorical theory and criticism, cultural studies, visual studies, and feminist studies. Jessica Chaplain, Ph.D., University of Utah. Kelly Happe, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh. Rhetorical theory and criticism, rhetorics of science and medicine, biopolitics, Marxist, critical race and feminist theories and methods. Roger Stahl, Ph.D., Penn State University. Critical theory, media theory, popular culture, and discourse of war, security, and propaganda. Belinda Stillion Southard, Ph.D., University of Maryland. Rhetorical criticism, public address, transnationalism, gender studies, and social change. Bjørn Stillion Southard, Ph.D., University of Maryland. Public address, discourses concerning race and law, the history of American speech and debate practices.
