My pedagogy is deeply rooted in the rhetorical tradition. Teachers of rhetoric help students use the available tools to effectuate change in the attitudes, values, and policies of local, regional, and global cultures. In classical times, the voice was the available tool; writing and then, at the birth of the modern era, print became key tools of communication. In our own times, digital media supplement these older media. I aim to acquaint students with historical knowledge that contextualizes these recent developments in media technology, the theoretical and critical sensibilities to make sense of discrete rhetorical performances, and the practical ability to intervene as citizens in ongoing controversies.
I count myself fortunate to teach a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses at the University of Maryland that allow me to push myself and my students to experiment with and theorize digitally networked communication. These courses include Ancient Rhetorics, Visual Rhetoric, Technology and Digital Culture, and Media, Technology, and Culture.
All of my course syllabi are available on Academia.
