CSUN Forensics

John Kephart, III - John Kephart received his B.A. and M.A. in Communication from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication. He is currently finishing his Ph.D. at USC with an emphasis on Rhetorical Theory and Criticism and Gender Studies. His dissertation engages cultural responses to narratives of “masculinity crisis” within the United States in the late 20th, examining rhetorical strategy and cultural politics within popular culture and social movements.

Born in sunny Southern California, and raised in the beautiful San Fernando Valley, John is a Los Angeles native who loves the Dodgers and the sound of his own voice. Arguing with his parents from a young age, competitive debate has long been a part of John’s life as a competitor and coach for the last 13 years. He currently is the Director of Forensics at CSUN, which competes in a wide variety of debate and individual events and welcomes questions from any interested students.

Much to his father’s dismay, debate led not to a career in law but to a passion for teaching and working with students. John blends theoretical inquiry with practical application to create a collaborative learning environment devoted to critical thinking. He has taught a wide range of courses, including Argumentation, Gender and Media, Rhetorical Theory, and Small Group and Team Communication. As likely to quote The Big Lebowski in class as he is Aristotle, John believes that critical engagement is just as valuable in our everyday lives and mundane experiences as it is when examining issues of global significance.

While his dissertation focuses on masculinity and popular culture, John’s research interests also include public deliberation, presidential and other political debate, rhetorical criticism of popular culture, and political activism.

Allison Brownlow - Allison graduated from San Francisco State University in 2006 with a Bachelors degree in Speech and Communication, specializing in Political Rhetoric. She also debated for SFSU as an undergraduate, achieving regional and national success. She was in the final round at the Northern California Forensics Association's championship tournament a record 3 times, winning the tournament and top speaker two years in a row. She was an All American Debater and Triple-Octo-finalist at CEDA her final year of competition in 2005.

Nicole Kaspar - While attending Moorpark College Nicole Kaspar was recruited out of a rhetorical criticism class and asked to join their nationally recognized forensics team. While on the team at Moorpark, Nicole was the Outstanding Speaker in the state of California in 2004 (winning four gold awards) and was runner up for that award in 2005. Nicole won gold medals in Informative Speaking at the Phi Ro Pi in 2004 and 2005 as well as receiving silver and bronze medals in Persuasive Speaking, Communication Analysis and Speech to Entertain. Additionally, in 2004, Nicole became the first student from Moorpark College to attend the American Forensic Association Nationals where she placed 7th in Communication Analysis and was a Quarterfinalist in Persuasive Speaking. Nicole received her B.A. degree in Speech Communication from Cal State Long Beach. She is now pursuing a Master's Degree in Communication Studies at Cal State Northridge and is looking forward to coaching the CSUN Forensics team!

Rachel Levitt -Rachel did policy debate for four years at Cal State Northridge and coached Canoga Park High School for two years through the Los Angeles Urban Debate League. As a college debater, Rachel earned top nods at California’s State Championships as Second Speaker, she has been in the final round of State Championships for three years, she was a member of the Academic All American Debate team two years in a row, and represented Northridge in an international debate against the Chinese National Team. As an undergrad her majors were Communication Studies and Women's Studies. She graduated in 2006 as one of four “Outstanding Graduating Seniors” out of a class of over 9,000. She has helped coach at Northridge for the past year and will be graduating with her Masters degree in Communication Studies in June 2008.

Christa Sloan - Christa graduated Cum laude from Sacramento State University in 2007 with a Bachelors degree in Interpersonal Communication. She began her career in forensics in her undergraduate program, competing in parliamentary debate, persuasive speaking, and oral interpretation. After much success in regional tournaments, Christa placed second in Parliamentary debate at the state level and medaled in both persuasive speaking and Prose at the national Phi Rho Pi tournament. In addition to competing, Christa coached IE events for the nationally recognized Solano college team. She is currently pursuing her Masters degree in Communications and is excited to be working with the CSUN forensics team as the IE coach.

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