The University of Iowa

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

036:002:048 Rhetoric II

Spring 2004

 

Instructor:  Amy N. Aldridge                           Section:  48

E-mail:  amy-aldridge@uiowa.edu                     Course Location:  316 NH

Office:  52 EPB                                                            Course Meeting Times:  11.30-12.20 MWRF

Mailbox:  14 EPB

Office Hours:  Wednesdays 10.30-11.30am (Wild Bill’s); Thursdays 1-2pm (52 EPB);

Fridays 10.30-11.30am (Wild Bill’s)

 

Course Policy Statement:

The second semester of a two-semester sequenced course involves speaking, writing, and critical reading with emphasis on argument, persuasion, research, competence in research procedures, location and evaluation of information and diverse points of view, analysis and responsible use of evidence, and reasoned interpretation of substantive matters. In addition to informal assignments, students are required to write three essays, give three speeches, and complete several critical reading assignments. All assignments require extensive revision and most involve peer workshopping in class. Completion of the two-course sequence fulfills the Rhetoric requirement.

 

Workload:

Instruction in 10:2 will be based on the study of three public controversies and will follow two basic steps:

  1. Learning how to describe several positions on a controversy; and
  2. Learning how to use other people’s positions on a controversy to build and advocate your own.

Note:  There will be one paper and one speech for describing and two papers and two speeches for advocating.

 

Required Texts (available at the IMU Bookstore):*

Ehrenreich, B. (2001). Nickel and dimed:  On (not) getting by in America. New York:

Henry Holt.

Faigley, L. (2003). The brief penguin handbook. New York: Pearson Longman.

Hamper, B. (1991). Rivethead:  Tales from the assembly line. New York: Warner Books.

 

*In addition to these three books, there is also a reading packet for the class that can be picked up downtown at Zephyr.  Allow time for them to print the order after you reserve your copy.  This could take a couple of days.

 

Miscellaneous Items:

1.       A good college dictionary;

2.       Binder/Notebook for class lectures and discussions;

3.       Folder in which to keep drafts and graded assignments;

4.       Access to either an inkjet or a laser printer (both are available at ITC labs on campus);

5.       Access to the Internet and e-mail; and

6.       Additional small purchases, such as 4x6 note cards, magazines, newspapers, photocopies, etc. will be needed throughout the semester.  You will be completing research for class assignments that will require you to photocopy readings as needed.

Grading:

            Speech 1                       10%

            Paper 1                         10%

            Speech 2                       10%

            Paper 2                         10%

            Speech 3                       20%

            Paper 3                         10%

            Journal Responses         20%

            In-class activities           10%

 

Unit 1 Schedule

Unit 2 Schedule

Unit 3 Schedule

 

Detailed assignment sheets will be provided for the three speeches and the three papers. 

 

Two typed copies of journal responses must be turned in on reading or movie discussion days.  The journals should not be more than two pages, double-spaced and should focus on the analysis and application of the material and not read as a book review.  You should also include a question or two about the reading within your entry.  Journals will be worth 10 points each and the lowest grade will be dropped.

 

In-class activities will vary, but may include impromptu speaking or writing, quizzes, responding to the work of your peers, or participating in relevant activities.  In-class assignments cannot be made up and will be recorded as a zero if you are absent, unless you have an excused absence. 

 

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences uses the A+ to F system.

 

A

 

B

 

C

 

D

 

> 98.5%

A+

> 87.5%

B+

> 77.5%

C+

> 67.5%

D+

> 92.5%

A

> 82.5%

B

> 72.5%

C

> 62.5%

D

> 89.5%

A-

> 79.5%

B-

> 69.5%

C-

> 59.5%

D-

 

Work that meets the minimum requirements of an assignment, is completed on time and displays average involvement with the course content is deserving of a “C.”  Higher grades are awarded to work that goes above and beyond the minimum standards to produce papers and presentations that reflect superior intellectual effort, excellence in critical analysis and overall creativity in the approach towards any given assignment.

 

Attendance:

It is very important that you attend class regularly.  Excused absences are caused by illness, family emergencies, mandatory religious obligations, or authorized university activities.  Excused absences require documentation that must be presented to the instructor before final’s week.

 

Missed/Late Assignments:

1.       Written Work:  For each class session that an assignment is turned in late, you will be assessed a penalty of 10 points for that particular assignment.

2.       E-mailing assignments/computer problems:  You will need to submit most of your assignments in hard copy.  On occasion, it will be possible to submit assignments via e-mail.  Please note:  Your computer breaking, printer not working, etc. will never be accepted as an excuse for late work.  It is your responsibility to begin work early enough to accommodate unforeseen circumstances.  In addition, e-mailed work is recorded as “turned in” according the time stamp in the introduction to your message.  “I got your address wrong” or “my e-mail wasn’t working” will not be accepted as reasons for late assignments.

3.       Speeches/Presentations/Interviews:  If you miss an assigned speech, we may not have not have time to allow you to present it later.  If you know you are going to miss an assigned speech, trade speaking dates with someone in the class, and let the instructor know about the change.  Failure to make a speech/presentation/interview will result in a zero for that assignment.

 

Classroom Climate:

The success of this course is directly related to the sense of community that we will develop in this classroom.  Participation is essential to this process.  I encourage you to share your views and listen to those of others.  Debate and discussion are an important part of the learning process.  While there will no doubt be disagreements, I expect the members of this community (including myself) to challenge ideas in a manner that reflects respect and recognition of opposing viewpoints without attacking individuals. 

 

Class Grievances:

I am willing to meet with you to discuss our class and/or particular assignments at any time during my office hours or at a pre-arranged meeting time.  I ask that you please wait 24 hours after you have received a graded assignment to come see me.  Before we discuss your work, you are required to type out a document detailing what particular elements of your work you feel merit discussion.  Should you ever feel that you are not being heard, please contact the Rhetoric Department’s Associate Chair, Mary Trachsel in 172 EPB.

 

Plagiarism:

Plagiarism occurs whenever you use someone else’s ideas or words as your own.  If you copy materials from ANY source—published or unpublished—and do not properly use quotation marks and cite your source, that is plagiarism.  Penalties for plagiarism include academic probation, suspension, and expulsion.  Students in this course will be responsible for authenticating any assignment submitted to the instructor.  If asked, you must be able to produce proof that the assignment you submitted is in fact your own work.  Therefore, it is recommended that you engage in a verifiable working process on assignments.  Keep copies of all drafts of your work, make photocopies of research materials, write summaries of research materials, keep logs or journals of your work on assignments and papers, learn to save drafts or versions of assignments under individual file names on computer diskettes, etc. 

 

Students with Disabilities:

If you have a disability which may require some modification of seating, testing, or other class requirements, please talk with me during my office hours so appropriate arrangements can be made.  The phone number for Student Disabilities Services is 319.335.1462.

 

University Counseling Service:

The University Counseling Service (UCS) is available to assist students as they improve their academic skills, explore career directions, and improve their personal functioning. Students are encouraged to visit UCS, 3223 Westlawn or to call 319.335.7294.

 

Additional Information/Things That Cause Your Instructor to Smile:

  • Please turn all cell phones/pagers on silent while you are in class.  Check your messages AFTER class and return the calls then.
  • Do not pack up before I dismiss you.  You never know when I may say something important or give a last minute assignment.  You’re going to want to have that pen and paper handy.

 

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