Scott J. Varda, Ph.D.

Education 

• B.A., Communication Studies, Illinois State University
• Ph.D., Communication Studies (Rhetoric), University of Iowa 

Courses

• CSS 1304: Argumentation, Discussion, and Debate
• CSS 2264: Contest Speaking
• CSS 3302: Introduction to Rhetorical Theory and Criticism
• CSS 3305: Advanced Public Speaking
• CSS 3248: Advanced Debate
• CSS 4354: African American Communication
• CSS 4392: Rhetorics of Race
• CSS 4396: American Rhetoric
• CSS 5313: Seminar in Rhetoric and Political Persuasion
• CSS 5318: Seminar in Rhetoric and the Public Sphere
• CSS 5341: Rhetoric and Cultural Studies
• CSS 5352: Seminar in Methods of Rhetorical Criticism  
• CSS 5353: Rhetorical Theory

Research Interests

Broadly speaking, I am a scholar trained to interrogate how rhetoric shapes public culture. My research primarily focuses on how texts (speeches, books, newspapers, movies, websites, social media) shape cultural understandings of race, gender, class, and (dis)ability. I also write, lecture, and offer expert input on various aspects of extremism and argumentation. My current solo-authored book project investigates the rhetorical practices of the Noble Drew Ali and Moorish Science Temple of America. My current co-authored book project considers the rhetorical construction of precarity and rape culture.  My work has appeared in numerous communication outlets, including Argumentation & Advocacy, Critical Studies in Media Communication, Rhetoric & Public Affairs, Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies, and Contemporary Argumentation & Debate.

Teaching Philosophy

I teach a number of different courses at Baylor including Advanced Public Speaking, Introduction to Rhetorical Theory and Criticism, Rhetoric and Contemporary Culture, Rhetorics of Race, numerous graduate courses, and scores of independent studies. I try to meet students where they are, run all my classes as online or hybrid to achieve something close to universal design, and use inventive and recent pedagogical practices like ungrading, inverted syllabi, and flipped classroom tactics.

Family, Outside Hobbies, and Interests

When I am not working, I love to spend time with my family and/or in nature. I like gardening, woodworking, cooking, and fantasy football.