Course Description:
In Communications Arts 102 we will emphasize the ability to collect and synthesize information from a variety of sources and to write and speak persuasively. The following are tasks you will accomplish or skills you will develop.

1. Distinguish between oral and written styles and adapt both oral and written messages for specific audiences and purposes.
2. Prepare written and oral communication assignments via a process approach through rhetorical invention, drafting or delivering, and revision.
3. Develop a clear focus in assignments, organize and support ideas effectively, use vivid language, and demonstrate clarity and correctness.
4. Select, evaluate, and document sources through primary and secondary research.
5. Interpret and analyze ideas through critical reading and listening.
6. Recognize the structure of logical argument and recognize and avoid logical fallacies.
7. Integrate visual information such as graphs, tables, or photographs into written and oral presentations.
8. Develop effective small group communication skills.

Text and Materials:  

Ramage, Bean, and Johnson, Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing, Brief Edition, 6th ed.	Laptop computer or smart phone (if available)
Emmons and Knierim, Communication Arts: A Student's Guide, 4th ed.	Aaron, The Little, Brown Compact Handbook with Exercises, 8th ed.

Grading Distribution:  
Annotated Bibliography and Synthesis essay (10%)
Position paper (15%) and speech (10%)
Proposal speech (15%) and background paper (10%)
Evaluation paper (15%)
Speech revision (10%)
Daily work (10%)
Final exam (5%)

Grading Scale:
A = 93-100, A- = 90-92, B+ = 87-89, B = 83-86, B- = 80-82, C+ = 77-79, C = 73-76, C- = 70-72, D+ = 67-69, D = 63-66, D- = 60-62, F = 59 or below

Daily Assignments
The schedule of daily assignments for Dr. Kirby's course is distributed separately with each assignment.

Guidelines for Assignment Submission:
All assignments are due at the beginning of the class period on the day specified on the assignment sheet. Unexcused late assignments will probably be accepted, but at a penalty of one letter grade for each class period they are late. Final papers must be submitted via e-mail attachment from your SU e-mail account and precisely named:  the attached file must be named with your SU e-mail ID and POS, EVAL etc.  You must also submit a folder with all preliminary materials (including drafts, peer reviews, copies of sources, and other materials). All submissions must be original with sources clearly and correctly documented. Work previously submitted for other courses is not acceptable. All work must show evidence of revision.  Any student who represents the work of another as his or her own is guilty of plagiarism and will be subject to the penalties outlined in the Student Handbook, potentially including expulsion from the course and the university.  You must submit all assignments to pass the course; unless you make arrangements to receive a grade of Incomplete, you must turn in all assignments before grades are due on Dec. 13.

Absences
Since a workshop depends on your active participation, you should attend every class meeting. Students who miss more than four classes in a TTh section or six classes in a MWF section will receive an FA for the course. Students who must be absent due to university business should notify the teacher early in the course. Arriving late or leaving early from a class is disruptive; three tardies/early exits will be considered the equivalent of an absence. Students who come to class unprepared or who do not practice mutual respect may be dismissed by the professor, and such dismissal will be counted as an absence.

Students with Disabilities
Samford University complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Students with disabilities who seek accommodations must make their request through Disability Resources (phone 726-3980 or 726-4078)  in Couseling Services in room 205 of the University Center.  A faculty member will only grant reasonable accommodations upon notification from the Advisor for Students with Disabilities.  Come see me in my office and we will discuss your accommodations.

Samford's Inclement Weather/Emergency Policy
Inclement weather or other events beyond the control of the University that might cause risk or danger to students, faculty, and staff may occasionally result in changes to normal University operations, including cancellation of classes or events; the calendar schedule may be adjusted.

Statement on Inclusive Language
Language--how it is used and what it implies--plays a crucial role in Samford University's mission to "nurture persons." Because verbal constructions create realities, inclusive language can uphold or affirm those whom we seek to nurture, while exclusive language can damage or defeat them. We therefore actively seek a discourse in our university community that supports the equal dignity and participation of men and women; we seek to avoid verbal constructions that diminish the equal dignity of all persons. It is an affirmative--and affirming--part of our mission to educate students, staff and faculty in the creation of a community of equality and respect through language.

Communication Resource Center
The Communication Resource Center offers free tutoring for Samford students in oral, written, and mediated communication, as well as support for developing and improving critical reading skills.  It is located in Brooks Hall 222.  Hours are posted at the start of each semester at http://www.samford.edu/crc/.  Sessions last from 10 to 30 minutes, and appointments are not required. 

Final exam
All students in UCCA 102 will take a uniform final exam at a uniform exam time, May 14 at 3:30 p.m.

General Course Policies
This course will be conducted in accordance with all policies stated in the Student Handbook.  All electronic devices must be turned off during class unless specifically permitted by the professor.  It is your responsibility to check SU e-mail and other official means of communication to stay informed; I sometimes forget things and will e-mail you a reminder or clarification.