Gerald R. Shuster
Visiting Lecturer, Presidential
Rhetoric/Political Communication, Department of Communication
PhD, University of Pittsburgh
BS and MS, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Specialized graduate work in public relations programs, Rowan University, University of Delaware
1109N Cathedral of Learning
Phone: 412-624-5199
E-mail: ges3@pitt.edu
Fax: 412-624-1878
Gerald R. Shuster’s primary areas of interest are in the political arena from a political communication perspective—evaluating integration of communication theories and concepts as they are applied and integrated into political campaigns and evidenced by the strategies utilized by candidates and political parties in political campaigns. The interest encompasses elections on all levels and all political parties. The other major area of interest is in the modern presidency—from John Kennedy through and including the current president in terms of their rhetorical styles and strategies as evidenced in their public comments and speeches and the impact of both as each attempted to achieve particular objectives with Congress and other audiences.
Gerald R. Shuster’s primary focus outside the classroom is as a political analyst. In this capacity, he is quoted regularly by regional print media and appears often on electronic media to provide analysis/commentary on various topics related to local, regional, state, and national political issues and events.
He is also listed as one of the University’s political communication experts and is routinely contacted by national print and electronic media for comments and commentary on political issues and events, as well as analysis of presidential addresses and public comments. He serves as one of the co-hosts on area electronic media for post-election as well as pre- and post-presidential address coverage and analysis.
Courses Taught
- Political Communication (COMMRC 1104)
- Presidential Rhetoric I (COMMRC 1018)
- Presidential Rhetoric II (COMMRC 1118)
- Organizational Communication (COMMRC 1102)
Communication Process - Writing for Electronic Media (Special Topics)
Media Participation/Selected Publications
Publications include a dissertation focused on the communication strategies and rhetoric employed by President Ronald Reagan as he established a new consensus in foreign policy during his first term; a text chapter on the necessity to recognize student diversity in political communication classes; a comprehensive study guide for organizational communication; numerous presentations to organizations and local government groups highlighting the necessity for developing effective communication among various constituencies to improve community feedback; and a text in progress establishing organizational strategies for professionals to become upwardly mobile in organizations while maintaining professional job security.