Established in 2006, the Center for the Study of Rhetoric in Society (CSRS) studies language use and rhetorical activity in public, nonprofit, academic, corporate, and governmental settings.

We develop and employ research methodologies that combine qualitative, quantitative, and creative approaches to studying language in use.

Current projects study how discourses and literate practices create, circulate and prioritize values in organizations, project groups, social networks, and social reform movements. Visit our Projects page to learn more about the Center's work

Our Mission

Our mission is to promote the responsible use of rhetoric and enhance the quality of professional and public discourse.To support this mission, we seek collaborations with cross disciplinary and community partners who share our commitment to responsible rhetoric and ethical, effective discourse.

The CSRS is housed in the Virginia Tech Department of English. Our work supports and is supported by Virginia Tech's Institute for Society, Culture, and the Environment (ISCE) and the English Department's doctoral program in Rhetoric and Writing.

Contact CSRS Director Dr. Kelly Belanger for more information about working with the Center or becoming a faculty affiliate.