The Department of English

Walter Beale


Contact Information
            E-mail: whbeale@uncg.edu
            Office: MHRA 3109
            Office Phone: 336-334-5660

At UNCG Since: 1971

Education
            Ph.D. University of Michigan-1971
            M.A. University of Michigan-1968
            B.A. Wake Forest University-1967

Research Interests
Dr. Beale’s current interests lie at the intersection of linguistics, rhetoric, and the theory of discourse. His most recent book, Learning from Language: Symmetry, Asymmetry, and Literary Humanism, explores the history of extrapolations from language philosophy to literary humanism (rhetoric and literature), criticizing some honored approaches and advancing some new ones. Current projects include some pedagogical applications of that work; an investigation into the effects of population density on literacy and language change; and an essay of uncertain outcome entitled "Grammar and Wisdom."

Selected Publications

  • Learning from Language: Symmetry, Asymmetry, and Literary Humanism. Pittsburgh: U of Pittsburgh P, 2009.
  • A Pragmatic Theory of Rhetoric. Carbondale: Southern Illinois U P, 1987.
  • Real Writing. Glenview: Scott Foresman, 1986.

Awards and Honors

  • UNCG Teaching Excellence Award, 1977.