This book redefines our understanding of theory, criticism and pedagogy with the vocabulary of neo-pragmatism. When human knowledge becomes historicized and socialized, the distinctions between our public, academic and instructional personae fade. In place of such traditional personae, a new identity is encouraged for scholars in the field of communication. The book successfully argues that rhetorical scholars can assume a cultural importance in life.

A graduate course in composition studies would make good use of the book because of the author′s very careful and thorough comparison of composition studies and speech communication. . . . .The book does indeed make an important contribution to the field; if students speak or write, what should they speak or write about? Scholarship of Social Influence offers important suggestions for empowering students not just as speakers or writers, but as citizens as well. --Bill Bolin, Texas State University When human knowledge becomes historicized and socialized, the distinctions between our public, academic, and instructional personae fade. In place of such traditional personae, a new identity is encouraged for scholars in the field of communication. Scholarship of Social Influence redescribes our understanding of theory, criticism, and pedagogy with the vocabulary of neo-pragmatism and successfully argues that rhetorical scholars can assume a cultural importance in life. This ingenious volume describes where philosophy ends and application begins and will be well-received by researchers, upper-level students and professionals in rhetoric, communication studies, cultural studies, and sociology.

Toward Praxis in Disciplinary Scholarship
Redescribing Disciplinary Practice
Toward a Neo-Pragmatic Approach to Rhetorical Theory
Facing the Social Limitations of Disciplinary Rhetorical Criticism
The Pedagogical Implications of a Critical Rhetoric