Clariza Ruiz De Castilla, Ph.D.

IMG_1543Clariza Ruiz De Castilla, Ph.D.

Lecturer of Communication Studies
Area of expertise:  Rhetoric and Language Studies
Office: AS-355
Phone: (562) 985-8564
Clariza.Ruizdecastilla@csulb.edu

Curriculum Vitae

What are your Research interests?

I am interested in the rhetorical constructions of citizenship and immigration in media as well as Latina/o politics. I am especially interested in how English and Spanish newspapers portray citizenship (through words and pictures) as well as which audiences are included and excluded in popular media representations. I have published research on political cartoons of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

What are your Teaching interests?

My teaching interests intently emulate my research interests. I am interested in researching rhetorical tropes and media portrayals because I guide discussions on these issues in my classes. I enjoy seeing students become conscious of cultural Others such as Latinas/os, immigrants, and others. As a product not only of Los Angeles but also the CSU system, I love giving back to our students and helping them criticially and creatively learn about cultural issues that influence our city and state.

What courses have you taught?

In addition to teaching undergraduate courses such as Communication Criticism and Media Effects, I also teach Communication in Conflict Resolution. In the past, I have taught undergraduate courses in Argumentation, Debate, Interpersonal Communication, Public Speaking, Business Communication, and Introduction to Spanish.

How do you serve the department and the university and the community?

I currently serve on the curriculum committee in our department. I also give lectures in other departments on campus (such as the Department of Social Work) as well as off campus (such as the University of La Verne). I also fundraise for our Communication Studies Graduate Program by running the Los Angeles Marathon.