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Shannon Bow O'Brien

Associate Professor of Instruction, The University of Texas at Austin

I am a presidency scholar who focuses upon rhetoric. My first book looks at the locations of presidential speeches. In other words, do location choices help better inform us about priorities and decisions of administrations? My current book looks at how Donald Trump uses professional wrestling language in the presidency to help sway the public. He uses wrestling tactics to craft manufactured realities that emphasize his worldview.

I teach American Politics, American Presidency, Social Movements, Politics and Film, and Urban Politics. My work tends to have a strong American Political Development vibe (simply put, politics and history) with a focus upon how government and policy are impacted by choices. I'm very interested in how individuals impact systems.

Experience

  • 2021–present
    Associate Professor of Instruction, University of Texas at Austin
  • 2004–2021
    Assistant Professor of Instruction, University of Texas at Austin

Education

  • 2007 
    University of Florida, PhD, Political Science