PC English professor explores the power of communication and technology
For Dr. Philip Perdue, associate professor of English and director of communication studies, communication is more than simply the words people say. He encourages students to think critically about the messages surrounding them to understand that messages shape beliefs, influence perspectives, and affect the way people see the world.
After earning his Ph.D. from Indiana University, Perdue joined the PC family in 2019. At the time, PC’s English department was looking to bring in someone with a background in communication studies. Perdue, who had studied rhetoric, a subject that combines communication and English, was a perfect fit.
“I liked the campus, and I liked the people,” Perdue said. “It just felt right.”
Perdue, now in his seventh year at the college, values the opportunities he is given as an educator at a small liberal arts college. At a college like PC, he can get to know each of his students and cater to his teaching style to fit their interests and classroom experiences.
“It’s much more interpersonal teaching,” Perdue said. “You really do have to attend to the actual humans who are in the room.”
Study the Power of Persuasion
Perdue’s specific field of study is rhetoric, which he explains as the systematic study of persuasive communication. Even more specifically, Perdue enjoys studying visual rhetoric and examining how images communicate messages and influence audiences.
This interest developed after Perdue worked several years in the trades. Perdue initially majored in art with hopes of becoming a portrait artist, but he eventually developed an interest in the relationship between politics and religion.
After taking an introductory course in rhetorical theory at Western Washington University, Perdue discovered a newfound passion. There were questions he had been searching for the answers to and this subject allowed for him to answer the question of why people believe what they believe, and how the messages surrounding them shape those beliefs.
“I still think this is the most interesting question, is how people’s beliefs and motives are shaped by messages that surround them,” Perdue said.
I still think this is the most interesting question, is how people’s beliefs and motives are shaped by messages that surround them.”
Dr. Philip Perdue, Associate Professor of English
Preparing Students for the Future
Perdue finds students’ discovery of their interests and their development of a sense of direction throughout their college experience particularly rewarding. He finds joy in seeing students recognize what they want to do and begin finding their purpose.
Perdue hopes that the college continues to adapt to changes in technology, specifically AI. He hopes to introduce a special topics course through the Russell Program to teach the practical applications of AI and the importance of understanding its capabilities and risks.
“I want PC to figure out a way … to not just help students learn how to use AI, but how to live in an AI world and live in a way that still aligns with our values,” Perdue said.
Beyond the Classroom
Perdue enjoys woodworking when he is not in the classroom. While working at a cedar mill in his twenties in Northwest Washington, he developed this passion. The leftover pieces of wood he collected led him to start crafting furniture.
Today, he has a workshop at home where he builds cabinets, tables, and desks.
He sees woodworking as an opportunity to get away from the screens and create something with his hands.
“Getting away from the screen, working with my hands, getting dirty,” he said. “It’s super fun.”
Through his studies of persuasive communication, helping students, and woodworking, Perdue hopes to continue creating opportunities to learn, create, and aid to the PC community.
