Phillip Voight

I came to Gustavus in 1990 and I've taught a wide variety of courses in rhetoric, social movement theory, argumentation studies and political communication.My dissertation focused on the use of humorous messages to mask attacks in political advertisements. I have also published a number of articles on forensics pedagogy and forensics program administration. Over the years, my teaching interests have evolved and I am currently interested in the intersections between mass media and rhetorical criticism.One result of this interest has been the creation of several courses that focus on the ways in which reality television programs sculpt social norms concerning gender and family relations.

I also served as the Director of Forensics and the speech and debate coach from 1990 until 2007. In 2006, I was elected as President of Pi Kappa Delta -- the oldest forensics professional organization in the country. 

I am very interested in international education, and in addition to serving on the International Education Committee, I have taught January Term courses in London, Cambodia, Vietnam and South Africa. I also spent a semester in India with the Gustavus Social Justice, Peace and development Program. I've also traveled extensively -- visiting more than seventy countries during the past ten years.

My research interests include the use of decision rules in political debates, the role of humor in political discourse, social movement theory and forensics pedagogy. Outside of the classroom, I've developed an interest in non-profit governance and community organizing. Although my term as Pi Kappa Delta President has concluded, I remain on the PKD National Council. I have also served on the Board of Directors of Outfront Minnesota, and on the Executive Committee of South Central Minnesota Pride, and on numerous other non-profit boards and committees.

Courses Taught