Neil Leroux     Ph.D. University of Illinois, 1990     Contact me via email

COURSES TAUGHT:

Spch 1042, Public Speaking and Analysis
Spch 1052, Introduction to Public Speaking
Spch 2101, Introduction to Theories of Speech Communication
Spch 3111, History of Rhetoric in the Contemporary Period
Spch 3121, Rhetoric in the Movies: The Classic Genres
Spch 4151, Argumentation: Theory and Practice
Spch 4201, Persuasion: Receiver Analysis
Spch 4901, Speech Communication Seminar II

My courses introduce you to the world of rhetoric, how people try to influence others (to think like them or buy their product). Using, and learning to use, communication for influence is as old as ancient Greek orators and as new as modern movies or advertising. You cannot consider yourself "educated" if you ignore these critical areas of study.

My research explores the exciting times of the Protestant Reformation, when women and men saw their faith as worth arguing about, and even dying for. I study how Martin Luther and other reformers used words in powerful ways. They developed fascinating books that became overnight best sellers.

I have published several journal articles. My books include Luther's Rhetoric: Strategies and Style in the Invocavit Sermons (St. Louis: Concordia, 2002) and Martin Luther as Comforter: The Writings on Death (forthcoming).