V. William (Bill) Balthrop

Professor
Rhetorical Studies

Current Research: I am currently working broadly at the intersection of of rhetorical and cultural practices.  Along with Carole Blair and Neil Michel, I am working on an analysis of the rhetorical functions performed by the American memorials and monuments constructed in Europe following World War I and World War II.  This work examines both the commemoration of American servicement who died during the wars, but also considers the function of these memorials and monuments in public diplomacy, reminding Europeans of the sacrifices made as well as the bonds existing between them and the United States.  Additionally, I am examining the discourse of contemporary Southern Heritage groups and the continued construction of "Southern identity."    

Recent Publications: "Discursive Collisions:  A Reading of 'Ellen's Energy Adventure,'" in Argumentation and Practice, Frans van Eemeren and Peter Houtlossen, eds. (Amsterdam, The Netherlands:  John Benjamin, 2005), 251-266.

Courses Regularly Taught: Undergraduate:  The Southern Experience in Rhetoric.  Graduate:  Seminar on Kenneth Burke

Future/Projected Courses: Undergraduate:  Rhetorical Criticism; The Rhetoric of War and Peace; War and Culture; The American Experience in Rhetoric. 

Areas of Specialization: Rhetorical Theory and Criticism; Rhetoric of Southern Experience

Honors: Distinguished Service Award, The American Forensic Association; Distinguished Alumnus Award, Wichita State Univesity; Lola Spencer and Simpson Bobo Tanner Award for Undergraduate Teaching, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Outstanding Monograph Research Award, The American Forensic Association (1974, 1980, 1984); Presidential Citation, National Communication Association (1998, 2004).

Professional Service: President, National Communication Association; Chair, Finance Board, National Communication Association; President, The American Forensic Association; Editorial Boards of Communication Monographs, Communication Education, Southern Communication Journal.

Current/Recent Work with Graduate Students:  I have directed, or am directing, two doctoral dissertations and sixteen M.A. theses.

Community Service: Most of my community service has focused on participation in several statewide political campaigns, including two senatorial and gubernatorial campaigns.