University of New Mexico
Department of Communication & Journalism
UNM Lobo  
Jan Schuetz , Ph.D.
 Ph.D., University of Colorado, 1975
 Office: Room 233, 505-277-0573

Professor
Communication 

Research:
My research focuses on public communication theories and practices related to legal, political, and religious contexts.  My background is in social psychology, rhetoric, the humanities. I am currently working on essays on the Abu Ghraib prison scandal and the military trials of prisoners held at Guantanamo Bay. I try to put theories and research results to a practical use by using them for consulting for legal trials, working in political campaigns, and conducting training for profit and non profit organizations, such as churches and social services.

I am currently working on a documentary film project to tell the stories of women in the communication discipline who have been pioneers in the discipline, funded my UNM’s Feminist Research Institute and the National Communication Association.  Glenda Balas (Sam Houston University),  T.J. Martinez (an UNM MA student and videographer), and I hope to have the project completed in 2009.

Sample Publications:

  • Janice Schuetz (2009). "Definitional Arguments in Kitzmiller v. Dover."Argument and Social Change. Washington, DC: Douglas Publishers.

  • Janice Schuetz (2009). "Religious Communication Theory." In Encyclopedia of Communication Theory. Eds. K. Foss & S. W. Littlejohn. Sage Publications.

  • Janice Schuetz (2009). "Political Communication Theory." In Encyclopedia of Communication Theory. Eds. K. Foss & S. W. Littlejohn. Sage Publications.

  • Janice Schuetz (2009). "Argumentation Theory." In Encyclopedia of Communication Theory. Eds. K. Foss & S. W. Littlejohn. Sage Publications.

  • Janice Schuetz (2009). "Legal Communication Theory." In Encyclopedia of Communication Theory. Eds. K. Foss & S. W. Littlejohn. Sage Publications.

  • Janice Schuetz (2008). "Aberrations of Argument and Subversions of Justice in the Trial of Zacarious Moussaoui." Argumentation, The Law, and Justice. Eds. T. Susuki, T. Kato, and A. Kubota. Tokyo: JPA Publications.

  • Janice Schuetz (2008). "Review of The God Strategy: How Religion Became a Political Weapon in America." Rhetoric Review, 26,420-424.

  • Janice Schuetz (2007). "A Typology of Arguments U.S. Judicial Opinions on Immigration." International Society of ArgumentationEds. F. H. van Eemeren, J. A. Blair, C.A. Willard, & B. Garssen.  Amsterdam: SicSat Press.

  • Janice Schuetz (2007). "Review of Radicals, Rhetoric and the War, Rhetoric Review, 26, 452-56.

  • Janice Schuetz (2006). Communicating the Law: Lessons from Landmark Legal Cases, Prospect Heights, Ill.: Waveland Press

  • Robert Trapp and Janice Schuetz (2006). Perspectives on Argumentation: Essays in Honor of Wayne Brockriede, New York: IDEA

Teaching:
I teach graduate and undergraduate courses in communication theory, persuasion theory, argumentation theory, political, legal, and religious communication.  In my undergraduate classes I try to emphasize how theory informs practice and how practice informs theory. My teaching is a combination of information giving, discussion, applications, and analysis.  I also serve as an advisor and committee member on many M.A. and Ph.D. committees in and outside of the department which involve me in student research and help me assist the advancement of students in the profession

Service:
My current service consists of chairing the M.A. departmental committee, working with the TA training, helping with assessment and university accreditation. I also serve on some Dean’s committees and work with faculty senate committees related to faculty governance and curricula.

I am associate editor for four professional journals and work on committees for both the regional, national, and international professional  communication associations. My work in the community involves service to food banks and homeless shelters as well as working with legal, political, and business professionals as a communication trainer and consultant.

Spare Time Activities:
I enjoy international travel, reading mystery stories, camping, attending sporting events, making quilts, and growing and arranging flowers.

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