Ben Wetherbee

Biography

"Dr. Ben Wetherbee is Instructor of Interdisciplinary Studies with a specialization in rhetoric, writing, and English. Dr. Wetherbee’s research interests include the theory and history of rhetoric, rhetorics of science and religion, writing pedagogy, film theory, and the intersections of rhetoric and poetics. His work has appeared in Present Tense: A Journal of Rhetoric in Society, The Henry James Review, Ethos Review, JAC, Excursions, and the edited collection Reading Mystery Science Theater 3000: Critical Approaches. While earning his PhD in Rhetoric and Composition from the University of Louisville, Dr. Wetherbee taught courses in writing, rhetoric, literature, and professional communication. He holds an MA in Rhetoric and Composition from Miami University (Ohio) and a BA in English from the University of Michigan. In his current book project, Dr. Wetherbee examines contemporary political discourse through theories of rhetorical topoi, or “places” of argument. By considering key fragments of discourse (“binders full of women,” “political correctness,” “family values,” etc.) as rhetorical topoi, this project theorizes cultural evolution as an ongoing interaction between human speakers and the nodes of discourse they employ. A native of Michigan, Dr. Wetherbee enjoys sailing, writing, and following hockey fandom past the point of healthy distraction. He also plays the guitar and mandolin."

Research Interest

Dr. Wetherbee’s research interests include the theory and history of rhetoric, rhetorics of science and religion, writing pedagogy, film theory, and the intersections of rhetoric and poetics.