Peter Moe

Peter Moe is an Associate Professor of English and Director of University Writing at Whitworth University. He joined the faculty in 2023 and holds a Ph.D. in English (Composition, Literacy, Pedagogy, and Rhetoric) from the University of Pittsburgh (2015), an M.A. in English (Rhetoric & Composition) from Eastern Washington University (2010), and a B.A. in English (Literature) from Western Washington University (2005).

His research focuses on writing pedagogy, rhetoric, and the intersection of composition studies with ordinary language philosophy. Notable works include the book Touching This Leviathan (2021), recognized as a Seattle Times Favorite Book of 2021, and the forthcoming Why Sentences Matter. He co-edited Inventing the Discipline: Student Work in Composition Studies (2022) and created a 29-foot gray whale skeleton installation at Seattle Pacific University (2020).

Moe teaches courses like English 110 (Writing & Design), English 346W (Essay Writing), and English 382 (Rhetorical Methods & Approaches). His writing has appeared in Pedagogy, Notre Dame Magazine, and Longreads, with a focus on sentence-level composition theory and interdisciplinary pedagogy.

• Awards: Seattle Times Favorite Book of 2021
• Key Projects: Whale skeleton installation, composition pedagogy books
• Grants/Advising: No explicit grants listed, but actively involved in university writing initiatives

Moe’s work bridges scholarly composition theory with creative public installations, reflecting his Spokane roots and dedication to accessible writing education.