English 102-09 TR 12:30-1:45 in Stone 352 Instructor: Rod Spellman Office Hours: MW 12-1, TR 11-12 or by appointment Office: 137 McIver Office Phone: 334-5867 Department Phone: 334-5311 Mailbox: 133 McIver E-mail: rbspellm@uncg.edu Web: www.uncg.edu/~rbspellm	The Future: Coming Soon to a Life Near You “We want a man hagridden by the Future--haunted by visions of an imminent heaven or hell upon earth {. . . }--dependent for his faith on the success or failure of schemes he will not live to see. We want a whole race perpetually in pursuit of the rainbow’s end, never honest, nor kind, nor happy now, but always using as mere fuel wherewith to heap the altar of the Future every real gift which is offered them in the Present.” --Screwtape (from C.S. Lewis) “I see, in your future, a tall, dark stranger . . .” --any fortune-teller, anywhere
what this class is about	ENG 102 is similar to ENG 101 in its emphasis on writing. However, 102 expands the field to include spoken communication as well. For all intents and purposes, this course is both writing and speaking intensive. Also, unlike 101, this course is themed. The theme for this section is “The Future.” We will be looking at this rather broad concept in three ways: as prophecy (religious and secular), as goal, and as speculation.
what you need for this class	BOOKS: Williams, Patricia. Seeing a Color-Blind Future. Dick, Phillip K. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Orwell, George. 1984. MATERIALS Disk(s) for saving writing 3-ring notebook for portfolio Extra notebook for class materials and writing drafts OTHER: E-mail account (available for free on campus) Access to www and typewriter, word processor, or computer.
what you will not need for this class	v Too much ego v A closed mind v A disrespectful attitude v A belief that you can be absent and still pass v Tendencies to procrastinate v An unhealthy reliance on grades v A sleep-deprived or substance-abused mind and body v Excuses
learning goals	ü To understand the ideas behind effective oral and written rhetoric. ü To understand the demands of different audiences for oral and written communication. ü To become a more effective speaker, writer, and reader.
attendance policy	Because this class will be heavily centered on in-class discussion, group work, and in-class writing, your attendance is required. Missing more than two classes will lower your grade for this course. Being late for class, or leaving before class is over, will count as one-half of an absence. If you miss more than six classes, you will not pass this course. **I will not allow make-up work for classes missed.** If you must miss class, notify me ahead of time, if at all possible, that you will be away.
academic misconduct	Using someone else’s words or ideas as your own on any assignment is plagiarism. It is a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy as defined in the student handbook. Plagiarism is grounds for failing an assignment, or possibly failing the course. (Check the Academic Integrity policy in the Student Handbook, pp. 205-214)
classroom behavior	Just in case anyone was raised in a barn . . . *Have courtesy and respect for yourself, your fellow classmates, and your instructor. Avoid distracting or disrespectful behavior (eating, talking while others are talking, insulting others, etc.). *Turn off cell phones and pagers. (See Student Code of Conduct in the Student Handbook, pp. 183-204)
grading policy and late work	*Grades are not the center of this course; learning to be a better reader, writer, and speaker are. *Your grade will be determined by three things: speaking, writing, and participation. Each item counts for approximately 1/3 of your total grade. Speaking includes both formal and informal speaking. Writing will be determined by your final portfolio, and participation is determined by journal writing, group work, and class contributions. *Late work will not be accepted without prior consideration.
students with disabilities	If you have any sort of disability that could affect your performance in the class or for which you need accommodation, please contact me and/or the office of Disability Services at 334-5440.
writing center	The Writing Center is a valuable resource for all writers on the UNCG campus. It is located in 101 McIver. It is open Monday-Thursday from 9am to 8pm, and on Friday from 9am to 3pm. You can just drop in, or you can schedule an appointment by calling 334-3125.
speaking center	The University Speaking Center provides opportunities for students and faculty to receive assistance in speech preparation, delivery, and to develop knowledge and skills in the areas of interpersonal and group communication. It is located in 22 McIver and is open Monday through Thursday from noon until 8pm, and on Friday from 10am ‘til 2pm. Phone: 256-1346
group work	Much of the activity in this class will be centered around group work. You will be placed in a group that will stay together for the semester. The group will complete speech assignments together, act as readers for written assignments, and collaborate on in-class discussions.
conferences	Our class meetings are not always the best place to receive individual attention on your concerns about writing and speaking. While you are always welcome to visit me during office hours, you will also be required to chat with me at least three times during the semester. Failing to show up, prepared, for an assigned conference date will negatively affect your grade.
portfolio	In short, your portfolio will be your representation of the work you have accomplished during the semester. It will include at least 20 pages of work that have been extensively revised and polished, as well as notes and comments on your speech acts. More details on the portfolio will be forthcoming as the semester progresses.
formatting your writing	All writing that is turned in to me (unless it is turned in during the class in which it was written) must be typed with the following guidelines: Double-spaced 1” margins on top, bottom, and sides 12-point font (Times New Roman)
online readings	As you have probably noticed, we only have three small books required for this class. However, I will be putting additional readings online using the Library’s e-reserve system. It will be your responsibility to download and/or print these readings as necessary.

General Schedule (very general and very subject to change)

Week 1: Introductions

Weeks 2-6: Prophetic futures

*Paper/Speech 1 due around Week 5

Weeks 7-10: Working towards a better future

*Paper/Speech 2 due around Week 9

Weeks 11-15: Speculative futures

*Paper/Speech 3 due around Week 13