John M. Kephart III bio

John Kephart received his B.A. and M.A. in Communication from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication. He finished his Ph.D. at USC in 2008, 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. His primary research and public lectures have focused on political debates, public argument, rhetorical criticism, and feminist theory. This work has considered the gendered nature of public deliberation, the development of and impediments to public deliberation, and the use of rhetorical constructions of "victimhood" by powerful groups to subvert social justice. His secondary research includes a focus on popular culture and cultural politics of space and place, with a focus on materiality and political economy.

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 was a significant part of John’s life as a competitor and coach. He served as the Director of Forensics at CSUN for 10 years, which competes in a wide variety of debate and individual events. 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 in the department in the areas of rhetoric, cultural studies, and feminist theory.  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.