My research agenda addresses two concurrent theoretical goals. The first has been to foster and extend the critical use of Dramatistic theory as a tool for rhetorical criticism. Specifically, the work of Kenneth Burke holds enormous promise for explaining the process of persuasion in postmodern society. The second goal is to develop a clearer picture of the rhetoric surrounding gender roles as developed by agents of both sexes. Communicative texts serve as sources for images and stereotypes of women now taken as givens. These "givens" then become warrants upon which individuals base their decision making processes. The effects of this process are difficult to discern, and even more difficult to ameliorate. Thus, I have recently begun to focus upon forensic oratory as a source for strategies that are more or less successful at manipulating these images.
Link to CV
Link to Homepage
