The University of St. Thomas

Debra Petersen

Petersen, Debra L.

Associate Professor

dlpetersen@stthomas.edu
Phone: (651) 962-5828
Toll Free: (800) 328-6819, Ext. 2-5828

Mail 5011

Office Location: OEC 110

Courses:
Professor Petersen currently teaches Rhetorical Dimensions of Race, Class and Gender, Rhetorical Criticism and Communication Capstone.

Education:
B.A., University of Minnesota-Morris
M.A., Colorado State University
Ph.D., University of Minnesota

Scholarship and service:
Professor Petersen directed UST's Luann Dummer Center for Women for six years.  She has taught short-term study abroad courses in Copenhagen, Stockholm and Hawaii.  Recently, Professor Petersen and three of her students presented "The Apology Epidemic; Using Rhetorical Theory and Case Studies to Examine the Public Apologies of Individuals and Organizations Accused of Inappropriate Actions" at the annual conference of the Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota.  Under her guidance, the student presenters analyzed comedian Michael Richards' apology for racist remarks at a comedy club, Pope Benedict XVI's apology to Muslims, and a Minneapolis City Council member's apology for controversial remarks about the future of a local high school.

At UST:
Professor Petersen joined UST in 1990.  She is advisor to Lamba Pi Eta, the communication honorary.  During January Term 2008, she will co-teach Hawai'i: Multi-Cultural Communication in Organizational Settings.