Assistant Professor
BA, University of Arkansas; MA, University of Arkansas; Ph.D., Purdue University; Postdoctoral Fellowship, Health Services Research and Development, Indianapolis VA Medical Center
Organizational Rhetoric, Rhetorical Theory and Criticism, Rhetoric of Social Movements
Office Location: Centennial Hall 325
Office Phone: 512-245-1358
About Dr. Fox
Dr. Fox's research falls into three categories; 1) organizational rhetoric, with a focus on power and control in organizations, 2) health communication with a focus on the U.S. nursing shortage and nursing work, and 3) the rhetoric of social movements, with foci in environmental rhetoric, freedom of expression, and political communication. Since 2006, Dr. Fox has taught courses in Honors Speech Communication, Leadership and Public Service, and Media and Politics for the Junior Statesman Association at Princeton, Yale, Stanford, and Georgetown Universities
Dr. Fox has authored or co-authored peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, as well as presented over 30 regional, national, and international conference presentations. Her work appears in Environmental Communication: A Journal of Nature and Culture, American Journal of Nursing, Journal of Contemporary Rhetoric, Studies in Symbolic Interaction, Journal of Patient Intelligence, Health Communication, and the Journal of Healthcare Information Systems and Informatics. Rebekah is vice president of the Free Speech Division of the Southern States Communication Association, and serves as editor for the Communication Law Review. She also serves as manuscript and submission reviewer for several journals and professional associations. She was recently awarded the Golden Apple Award for Undergraduate Teaching by communication studies students, and was also named “Favorite Professor” by the Alfred H. Noole Chapter for the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society. She has been nominated for the Presidential Award for scholarly research for the last three years, and in 2012 she received “Runner-Up” at the university level for this award
Sample of Courses Taught
COM 5343 Organizational Rhetoric--Organizational rhetoric is the strategic use of symbols by organizations to influence both internal and external audiences.This course is designed to teach students to use concepts from both rhetorical criticism and organizational communication to examine symbol use by organizations. We will explore a range of organizational texts using a variety of rhetorical methods.
COM 5323 Rhetorical Methodology-- This course is a graduate-level introduction to various methods of rhetorical analysis. During the semester we will survey the history of rhetorical criticism in the field of communication studies and explore the major debates and critical methodologies which comprise this area of inquiry. The principle areas of emphases will be:
1. Developing an understanding of the goals and contributions of rhetorical studies in the communication field,
2. Investigating and applying a variety of rhetorical methodologies, noting their strengths and assessing their utility,
3. Sharpening and refining critical research and writing skills.
COM 3302 Rhetorical Criticism--Rhetorical inquiry is foundational to research in communication, providing answers to questions about speakers, symbols, messages, situations, and persuasion. The practice of criticism contributes much to our knowledge about public discourse and the symbolic processes of influence in formal oratory, public debate, political communication, organizational communication, and mass media.
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