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Oliver (Robert T.) papers
3015
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
USC Libraries East Asian Library
Title: Robert T. Oliver papers
creator:
Oliver, Robert Tarbell, 1909-
Identifier/Call Number: 3015
Identifier/Call Number: 956
Physical Description:
3 Linear Feet
3 bankers boxes
Date (inclusive): 1911-1993
Abstract: Robert T. Oliver was an American author, professor, specialist in Asian rhetoric and communication, and advisor to South Korean
President Syngman Rhee. This small collection consists of his professional and personal correspondence during his life and
career, as well as articles, clippings, and some photographs.
The Robert T. Oliver papers, 1911-1993, consist primarily of correspondence, both personal and professional, created and collected
by Oliver during his career as a professor, political advisor, author, and specialist in Asian rhetoric and communication.
The majority of the correspondence is made up of items to and from government agencies, organizations, and high-ranking officials
during Oliver's appointment as advisor to South Korean President Syngman Rhee, as well as letters between Oliver, Rhee, and
Rhee's family.
Additionally, there is a large amount of correspondence with colleagues at different universities and colleges, as well as
publishing companies and newspapers regarding Oliver's writings. Oliver shared the ongoing developments in his professional
life, as well as his personal opinions on current political climate between Korea and the United States, with his family members
through chain letters that were passed around amongst them. Many of these can be found within Oliver's papers.
The remainder of the collection comprises various publications featuring Oliver's articles and essays (as well as one book),
newspapers clippings, and a few scrapbooks and photographs.
Robert Tarbell Oliver, born on July 7, 1909, was an American author, lecturer, and specialist in public speaking, debate,
and Asian rhetoric and communication. In 1936 he received a Ph.D. in Speech from the University of Wisconsin and thereafter
served as Assistant Director of Victory Speakers Bureau in the Office of Civilian Defense in Washington, D.C. during World
War II, as well as Chief of the National Food Conservation office in the War Foods Department.
His post-war career included appointment as Professor and Chair of the Department of Speech at Pennsylvania State University
in 1949, and notably, advisor to South Korean President Syngman Rhee. During this time, he was also advisor to the Korean
Commission and the Korean Delegation to the United Nations. Additionally, he managed the Washington Bureau of the Korean Pacific
Press and was the editor of the monthly magazine Korean Survey.
Oliver remained in his post at Pennsylvania State while advising Rhee. He also taught at a number of other colleges and universities
during his lifetime, including Clark Junior College, Bradley College, and Syracuse University. Oliver served as President
of the National Communication Association in 1964, President of the Eastern Communication Association in 1967, and President
of the Pennsylvania State Communication Association. He retired as Research Professor at Pennsylvania State in 1970.
Additionally, he was the author of over fifty books on international rhetoric, intercultural communication, and Asian history.
Oliver passed away on May 29, 2000 at the age of 90.
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE. Advance notice required for access.
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Curator of the Korean
Heritage Library. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Korean Heritage Library as the owner of the physical
items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
[Box/Folder# or Item name]. Robert T. Oliver papers, Collection no. 3015, Korean Heritage Library, USC Libraries, University
of Southern California.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Robert T. Oliver
Materials in boxes were found to be arranged, for the most part, chronologically. The collection itself reveals (via correspondence
from Oliver) that archivists at USC were responsible for this arrangement upon the original receipt of the papers, possibly
by the request of Oliver himself.
This arrangement has been kept intact.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Intercultural communication -- Asia -- Archival resources
Korean language -- Rhetoric -- Archival resources
Political consultants -- South Korea -- Archival resources
Politicians -- South Korea -- Archival resources
Korea (South) -- Relations -- United States -- Archival resources
Clippings
Correspondence
Scrapbooks
Oliver, Robert Tarbell, 1909- -- Archives
Eastern Communication Association -- Archives
Korea (South). Delegation to the United Nations General Assembly -- Archives
Korean Pacific Press. Washington Bureau -- Archives
National Communication Association (U.S.) -- Archives
Pennsylvania State University. Department of Speech -- Archives
Rhee, Francesca Donner, 1900-1992 -- Archives
Rhee, Insoo -- Archives
Rhee, Syngman, 1875-1965 -- Archives
United Nations. Commission on Korea -- Archives