Peter A. Verkruyse
Associate Professor and Chairman
Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies
Education:
Courses: Speech Fundamentals; Rhetorical Tradition; Rhetorical Criticism; Interpersonal Communication; Persuasion; Business and Professional Communication; Argumentation and Debate; American Public Address 1740-1901; American Public Address 1901-present; Special Topics in Communication Studies: Kenneth Burke; Special Topics in Communication Studies: Rhetoric, Politics and Pop Culture; Communication Theory
Achievements: Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers (2000, 2004, 2005, 2006); Malcolm F. Stewart Faculty Award for Intercultural Education 2001; Charles E. Frank Fellowship for Excellence in Teaching 2006; nominated for 2006 Religious Communication Association Book Award and
Research Interests: Early 19th century religious rhetoric and its relationship to late 18th century Scottish rhetorical theory; Classical rhetorical theory
For many people, the word “rhetoric” is synonymous with doubletalk—political speak designed to confuse or manipulate an audience. Professor Peter Verkruyse, however, spins it differently.
“Rhetoric is a way of managing social tensions,” he says. “Classical authors were drawn to rhetoric for its ability to resolve conflict, answer questions and manage uncertainly. Yes, rhetoric can be used to hide reality, reveal it or create it. Yet, if students learn to analyze public discourse and ask the right questions they’ll leave our program with a very clear sense of how rhetoric can shape the world both positively and negatively.”
Verkruyse has been teaching rhetoric and communication studies for more than 15 years but the road that led him toward academia was somewhat circuitous.
Verkruyse developed a commitment to Christianity in high school and decided to enter the seminary. While there, he began teaching elementary Greek and discovered a love for the discipline. After ordination, Verkruyse served as a pastor for a year but found himself again drawn toward teaching. Verkruyse taught communication studies at the
“I have a reputation as an energetic lecturer,” Verkruyse says. “I think students appreciate the passion I bring to the subject matter.”
Verkruyse is especially passionate about encouraging his students to read primary texts in order to truly understand effective discourse.
“Most students haven’t read anything written by Aristotle or Plato until they’ve taken one of my classes. Also, they may have read summaries of significant episodes in American public address but not full speeches. Students will say, ‘I never dreamed studying these texts could be so fascinating.’ Preconceptions that the material is boring or irrelevant quickly fall by the wayside.”
It is common practice for Verkruyse to meet, at least once, with all of his students assigned term papers. He has helped two student panels present their papers at national conferences.
Since Verkruyse was named chair in 2003, the Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies has undergone a transformation. Rhetorical studies are the conceptual core of everything we do in our programs, says Verkruyse. He and his colleagues have added new courses and strengthened existing courses, resulting in a steady growth in enrollment.
Verkruyse is author of the book, Prophet, Pastor and Patriarch: The Rhetorical Leadership of Alexander Campbell. He is preparing to write another manuscript on
Off campus, his hobbies include baseball (Verkruyse is a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan), reading fiction and collecting old movies. He screens one of his favorites, The Day the Earth Stood Still, during his rhetoric and pop culture course.
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1101 W. College Ave.
Jacksonville, IL 62650-2299
Phone: 217-245-3010
Email:
Jeanette Cox
Teresa Smith
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Phone: 217-245-3013
1101 West College Avenue
Jacksonville, IL 62650
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