Kyra Pearson

B.A. University of California at Davis
M.A. Ph.D University of Iowa
Professor Pearson teaches courses in rhetorical criticism and theory, emphasizing the analysis of public discourse, from advertising and social movements to rap music, and public spaces. Her research focuses on rhetoric, feminism and U.S. public culture. Of particular interest are politics around nationality, race, sexuality, gender and class. She is currently writing a manuscript on the history of U.S. feminism (1970 to 2000) that examines the role of bodily politics in democratic public life. Her articles on karate, feminist media, and women’s athletics have been published in argumentation and rhetorical studies venues, including Communication Studies and The Quarterly Journal of Speech. She is an avid fan of disco music, and enjoys yoga, tennis, and basketball.