On Civic Learning: Rhetoric, Public Address, Political Division

In times of global and domestic strife, the study of public address assumes more importance than ever. What makes for productive, civically useful knowledge of political controversy? How can we tap this knowledge in order to approach differences more wisely and argue with each other more eloquently?

From September 27 to 29, 2012, over thirty national leaders in the study of rhetoric and public address will convene in Memphis to discuss how we might chart ways to improve the quality of our shared civic life.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend two special lectures:

Partisanship and the Presidency
Thursday, September 27, 6:30 pm, Theatre 145, University Center

Karlyn Campbell, Professor of Communication Studies at the University of Minnesota, delivers a timely lecture on presidential rhetoric, foreign policy, and the growth of executive power.

Ida B. Wells: Legacies for Civic Action and Leadership from a Truth-Telling Woman
Friday, September 28, 4:45pm, Room 250, Art and Communication Building

Jacqueline Jones Royster, Professor of English at Georgia Tech University, addresses the civic legacies of one of America's fiercest and most eloquent advocates for freedom and justice.

For more information, please email conference director, Professor Antonio de Velasco (adevelsc@memphis.edu).