2010 Summer Doctoral Seminar at Wayne State University
June 9 - 13, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan 
with distinguished guest scholar Dr. Lee Wilkins

THINKING DANGEROUSLY:
TEACHING, RESEARCH AND PUBLIC SCHOLARSHIP
ABOUT COMMUNICATION, DISASTER AND RISK

People need to communicate when a disaster strikes, whether it’s a hurricane, an airline crash, or an oil spill. Families talk to families, officials talk to voters and to each other, experts talk to citizens, and the media talk to everyone. But what affects how those needs are met — how do officials and publics know what they need, and how do the media know whether they are leading or misleading? This seminar offers an intensive look at how practice informs theory — and how theory helps build better practice — in a communication field of immense public, scholarly, and professional concern.

Lillian C. (Lee) Wilkins (PhD, University of Oregon, 1982) is a professor at the University of Missouri School of Journalism, with a joint appointment in the Harry S. Truman School of Public Affairs. She is author or co-author of a number of books on science, risk, and disaster communication as well as scholarly and practice-oriented volumes on media ethics — a field in which she also edits a leading journal, the Journal of Mass Media Ethics. Dr. Wilkins is a consultant for federal and nongovernmental agencies on risk communication issues and developed a series of workshops for journalists on covering disasters and terrorism. A former newspaper reporter and editor herself, she is frequently interviewed on risk communication and ethics issues by regional and national news media outlets. She also coordinates the “Preparing Future Faculty” program for the Missouri graduate school.

 
ADMISSION INFORMATION

All PhD students interested in being exposed to leading communication research and theory are encouraged to apply.  Most expenses for accepted candidates will be paid by the Department of Communication at Wayne State University.  Covered expenses include airfare, lodging & meals, and course materials.  A welcoming reception and social events will give participants time to get to know each other and to discuss and exchange ideas.  A small group of doctoral students from throughout the nation will be selected to join this unique program.  

Complete the online Application Form ( http://snipurl.com/docsem2010 )
and then SEND a CURRENT VITA to wsudocsem@gmail.com

Application Deadline: March 15, 2010

For more information you may contact the Summer Seminar Committee chair:
Dr. Fred Vultee
vulteef@wayne.edu

Department of Communication
585 Manoogian Hall
Detroit, MI 48201
FAX (313) 577-6300
PHONE (313) 577-2943 

A flyer promoting the summer seminar is available as a pdf.

Some highlights from previous doctoral seminars can be reviewed here.