معرفی
David Frank is Professor of Rhetoric at the Robert D. Clark Honors College at the University of Oregon, where he has taught since 1981. He serves as an affiliated faculty member in the Department of English's rhetoric program and previously served as dean of the Clark Honors College from 2008-2013. His academic expertise spans rhetorical theory, political speech, and conflict resolution through argumentation.
- Ph.D., Rhetoric, University of Oregon, 1983
- M.A., Speech Communication, Western Washington University, 1979
- B.A., History and Speech Communication, Western Washington University, 1978
Frank's research focuses on 'deep rhetoric'—the study and practice of reason expressed in argumentation seeking justice. His work prominently features Chaïm Perelman's New Rhetoric Project, the rhetoric of Barack Obama, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and genocide prevention. He has conducted significant archival research in Israel, Belgium, and the United States related to Perelman's work, which he considers 'arguably the most important theory of rhetoric in the twentieth century.' His scholarship bridges theoretical and practical applications of rhetoric in contemporary political discourse.
Analysis of Frank's 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent focus on rhetoric as a tool for conflict resolution and social justice. His work spans Jewish rhetorical traditions, presidential rhetoric (particularly Obama), Cold War narratives, and atrocity prevention mechanisms. The publications demonstrate increasing interdisciplinary engagement, connecting rhetoric with psychology, political science, religious studies, and genocide studies. A notable trend is his application of rhetorical theory to contemporary political challenges, especially regarding racial justice, international conflicts, and democratic discourse.
- 2018: Andrew Mellon Fellowship for research on James Blue's documentary 'The March'
- 2015: University of Oregon Faculty Excellence Award
- 2003: Religious Communication Association's Article of the Year Award
- 1998: Lifetime Career Achievement Award, Northwest Forensic Conference
- 1994: Life Time Achievement Award in Forensics, Pacific Lutheran University
Frank actively mentors students through the University of Oregon Forensics program, which includes mock trial and intercollegiate debate, and the Carnegie Global Oregon community. He has secured significant research funding, including a National Science Foundation Grant (2014) on 'Understanding Decisions About Foreign Policy Interventions to Save Lives' and a National Endowment for the Humanities Grant (2014) on Perelman's work. His Global Justice Program offers students opportunities to engage in projects promoting nonviolence and justice. Frank's teaching philosophy emphasizes providing students with 'a background in the ancient and modern disciplines of rhetoric, and the equipment they need for living.'
Frank maintains an active research agenda that connects historical rhetorical theory with contemporary political challenges. His work on the New Rhetoric Project has received sustained attention, with recent publications exploring its Jewish roots and future applications. His interdisciplinary approach bridges communication studies, political science, religious studies, and conflict resolution, demonstrating rhetoric's relevance to pressing global issues.
