Gina Ercolini

Gina Ercolini is an Associate Professor and Director of Speech Communication and Rhetoric, Social Advocacy and Ethical Life, and Bridge Humanities Teaching Fellowship Programs at the Department of English Language and Literature, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina. Her office is located in HUO Room 421, and she can be contacted via email at ercolini@mailbox.sc.edu or phone at 803-576-5953.

Education:
She holds a Ph.D. from The Pennsylvania State University with specializations in History of Rhetoric, Contemporary Rhetorical Theory, Rhetoric and Philosophy, and Enlightenment Rhetoric.

Research Focus:
Her scholarship examines intersections between philosophical traditions and rhetorical practice, particularly within Enlightenment frameworks. Current work includes a book project re-evaluating Immanuel Kant's engagement with rhetoric, challenging conventional interpretations of his rejection of rhetorical traditions. This research investigates Kant's relationship with British rhetoric and his conceptualization of writing as public address.

Publication Trends:
Her scholarly output demonstrates consistent engagement with philosophical figures (Kant, Kierkegaard, Arendt) across ethical, political, and historical dimensions of rhetoric. Works frequently employ critical theory frameworks to analyze communication ethics, philosophical dialectics, and cultural representations in both historical texts and modern media.

Honors:

• Top Student Competitive Paper Award from the Kenneth Burke Society (1998)

Instructional Responsibilities:
She teaches undergraduate courses including Honors Rhetoric (SCHC 158), Public Communication (SPCH 140), and Business/Professional Communication (SPCH 230), emphasizing theoretical and applied rhetorical principles.