Future of Public Scholarship in the Communication Field

At the University of Washington, the Department of Communication focuses on six areas of study; Political Communication, Interpersonal Communication, International Communication, Communication and Culture, Rhetoric and Critical Studies, and Technology and Society. By investigating these various sub-fields within the discipline, and analyzing the current trends within each area of study, one can begin to witness how rigorous, scholarly research can also incorporate a more publicly oriented focus. The hope that we have for the discipline is an increased conversation between academics and the communities in which they are situated or conduct their research. As John Downing, director of the Global Media Research Center at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, points out in his essay, Communication Research and Political Commitment: Then, Now and Next, “In particular, we need to find meaningful ways of engaging as specialists with social movements and civil society organizations, learning as well as suggesting and counseling…Finally, we need to develop sustained and searching procedures for evaluating our research with the public whom we strive to serve. Not a public demagogically whipped up into a lather of rage against all intellectuals, but one with whom our writings frequently engage directly, one thoroughly accustomed to exchange with us, as we with them” (537). Please note that we have included information and recommendations for some, but not all, of the categories. Our hope is that this list will grow and change as specialists in each area of study provide their own suggestions.

Political Communication

Interpersonal Communication

International Communication

Communication and Culture

Rhetoric and Critical Studies

Technology and Society

Reference: Downing, John D.H. “Communication Research and Political Commitment: Then, Now and Next.” International Communication Gazette 67, no. 6 (2005): 535-537.