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Publications in VIVO

Ackerman, John

Associate Professor

Positions

Research Areas research areas

Research

research overview

  • Dr. Ackerman studies the rhetoric of public space, which considers how the built environment, collective memory, and institutional policies configure our cities and neighborhoods. Of particular interest are the zones and policies that connect cities and campuses, and then how engaged scholarship contributes to economic renewal. His recent work is framed around everyday life in post-industrial neighborhoods and cultural economies. These economies are local, material, narrative and express regional solidarity.

keywords

  • community design, rhetoric in public spaces, collective memory, cultural economies, regional planning

Publications

selected publications

Teaching

courses taught

  • COMM 3610 - Communication, Technology, and Society
    Primary Instructor - Fall 2018 / Spring 2023
    Examines how electronic media influence our communication in relationships and communities. Focuses on how we use technology to create shared meanings, express identities, and coordinate interaction, and why such efforts succeed and fail. Also focuses on political and ethical questions concerning the development of communication technology in a global society characterized by conflict and inequality. Recommended prerequisites: COMM 1210 and COMM 1600.
  • COMM 5720 - Readings in Communication and Technology
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2020
    Survey of multidisciplinary research that examines various relationships between communication and technology. Students are encouraged to develop critical skills in perceiving assumptions and perspectives that motivate major theories in this area, and to examine how these phenomena have changed over time.
  • FYSM 1000 - First Year Seminar
    Primary Instructor - Fall 2019
    Provide first year students with an immersive experience in an interdisciplinary topic that addresses current issues including social, technical and global topics. Taught by faculty from across campus, the course provides students with an opportunity to interact in small classes, have project based learning experiences and gain valuable communication skills. Seminar style classes focused on discussion and projects.
  • WRTG 1150 - First-Year Writing and Rhetoric
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
    Rhetorically informed introduction to college writing. Focuses on rhetorical analysis, argument, inquiry and information literacy. Taught as a writing workshop, the course emphasizes practicing writing strategies for all phases of the writing process. For placement criteria, see the arts and sciences advising office. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.
  • WRTG 3020 - Topics in Writing
    Primary Instructor - Summer 2018 / Spring 2019 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
    Through sustained inquiry into a selected topic or issue, students will practice advanced forms of academic writing. Emphasizes analysis, criticism and argument. Taught as a writing seminar, places a premium on substantive, thoughtful revision. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Department enforced prerequisite: WRTG 1150 or equivalent (completion of lower-division writing requirement).
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