ENG 102-16 English Composition II
TR 2:00-3:15 pm MHRA 1210
Instructor: Brian Ray
Office: MHRA 3210C Office Hours: TR 3:30-5 pm and by appointment
Email (preferred contact method): ; Phone: 4-5837
Course Description: Aristotle famously defined rhetoric as the ability to find the available means of persuasion in any given situation. Because the roots of public discourse lie in the classical Greek tradition, this course will explore speech from an explicitly rhetorical perspective. Watch or listen to any speech made by politicians, celebrities, religious leaders, as well as other public figures, and you’ll see that that in some ways not much has changed since 400 C.E. Greece. Rhetors still appeal to logic, character, and emotions when speaking on a given issue. Time and place (kairos) still often determines the content of their speeches. Speech writers still adhere to the five canons of rhetoric (invention, memory, style, arrangement, delivery). Study of these concepts will aid us not only in composing effective speeches and texts but also in understanding how communication sustains civil society and functions in every aspect of public life, from politics to marketing.

Student Learning Goals:At the completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • Interpret and evaluate written and/or oral arguments
  • Locate and evaluate relevant information
  • Construct and communicate cogent arguments

Course Objectives:

  • To advance and extend students’ knowledge of oral argumentative discourse, and apply this knowledge as a mode of learning how to write, do research, and engage in inquiry.
  • To advance and extend students’ appreciation for writing and speaking as public and community-based processes through the activities of drafting, peer review, and revision, as well as individual and small group oratory exercises.
  • To introduce students to the principles of invention, arrangement, style, memory, and delivery in oral presentations.
  • To help students to develop the habit of synthesizing, versus reporting on or simply summarizing, source information in both oral and written communication.

Required Texts and materials:
1. Techne Rhetorike Ed. Babb, Benson, Dodson. Fountainhead P: 2009:9781598712544
2. Ancient Rhetorics for Contemporary Students, 8th edition. Ed Sharon Crowley, 2004:978-0205574438
3. Various Blackboard readings accessible via Internet access
Online Requirements:
1. Online access (via personal computer, library, campus computer lab)
2. Active i-Spartan email address (check this daily)
3. Blackboard account
4. Printing access (library, computer lab, or home computer).
5. Access to a computer with word processing programs (e.g. Microsoft Word) and Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Grading Policy:
Participation
(workshops, debates, class activities) / 20 %
Reading Responses and Quizzes / 15 %
Individual Presentation / 15 %
Group Presentation / 15 %
Essays (3 total) / 15 %
Reflection Project / 10 %
Final Exam / 10 %

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Attendance and Participation:
Attendance:There will be no grade penalty for up to three absences. If you reach four absences, you will fail this course. I don’t distinguish between “excused” and “unexcused” absences. Discussions and activities that are missed cannot be “made up.” It’s your responsibility to contact classmates or the instructor during your absence to ensure that you will be prepared for the next class session. I don’t have to accept late papers, and I’m not required to reschedule presentations. Students with exceptional circumstances necessitating additional absences should contact the Dean of Students office.
Active participation is essential to the speaking intensive courses. Come to class prepared.
Disruptions and e-devices: I’ll caution you once for any actions that impede the course or seem to detract from your own learning. After that, your participation grade plummets.

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MajorCourse Assignments:

Rhetorical analysis: You’ll write one analysis (4/5 pages) of a public speech, written argument, or a commercial or magazine advertisement. Guidelines for the analysis will appear on BB. This paper requires application of concepts and methods from class discussions and readings. You’ll have the opportunity to revise this paper once by the end of the semester.

Group oral presentation: In groups of four (approx), you’ll prepare a presentation in which each person speaks for roughly three-four minutes on a particular issue in a manner that deploys stasis theory and knowledge of the topics. Like the individual presentation, this will also be evaluated according to the five canons. The concepts apply not merely to each individual part but to the overall presentation. Regarding arrangement, for example, each individual speaker’s contribution needs to fit clearly into an argumentative framework. This presentation also contains a written component (4/5 pages) discussed in detail on BB. The paper can be written collaboratively or, if you choose, you can turn in your own 5-page paper for a separate grade. It is suggested that you use library resources.

Oral presentation: Separately, you’ll prepare a 5-8 minute oral presentation on an issue of your choice. This presentation will be graded according to the five canons of rhetoric. In other words: original ideas expressed clearly without over-reliance on notes or prompts, organized effectively, and presented in a way that engages your audiences. This presentation will require use of library databases and synthesis of research methods, as well as written component (5 pages). Note that the oral presentations should not be simply a reading of your paper but a supplement to it.

Final Project: Separately or in groups, you’ll choose a particular institution and analyze its discourse. The word “institution” refers to any entity that engages public discourse. For example, you might choose to analyze The Daily Show with regard to its political biases, its use of satire, its audience demographics, history, and general contribution to public discourse. You could do the same with Wikipedia, the New York Times, CNN, Fox News, a political party, a television show, a nonprofit organization, a magazine, or a record label. Your particular choice might require some stretching or modification of the assignment guidelines. Come see me with questions.

Reflection: You’ll write one 2-page paper that discusses your development as a rhetor this semester. This means that you’ll evaluate your performance in speaking/writing as well as your evolving awareness toward the rhetorical aspect of public discourse and popular culture. Detailed guidelines will appear on BB.

Note: All written material due in this class should be typed and double-spaced unless otherwise indicated. Use standard MLA, APA, or other format (Times New Roman 12 pt font), and standard one-inch margins. Handwritten assignments will not be accepted.

Late Assignments: All assignments are due on time and will not be accepted late. If you will be unable to present on your assigned date, you must give 24 hour notice. Failure to do so will lead to zero credit for the assignment. Computer failure is no excuse for late or incomplete assignments. Begin your work early and always back up your work on another file (campus network drive, USB flash drive, or email).

Academic integrity is founded upon and encompasses the following five values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility. Violations include, for example, cheating, plagiarism, misuse of academic resources, falsification, and facilitating academic dishonesty. If knowledge is to be gained and properly evaluated, it must be pursued under conditions free from dishonesty. Deceit and misrepresentations are incompatible with the fundamental activity of this academic institution and shall not be tolerated” (from UNCG’s Academic Integrity Policy). To ensure that you understand the university’s policy on academic integrity, review the guidelines and list of violations at < I expect you to abide by the Academic Integrity Policy.

Plagiarism: Any type, form, or method of plagiarism will not be tolerated in this course. Plagiarism can be briefly defined as verbatim copying without proper acknowledgement, paraphrasing without proper acknowledgement, failing to acknowledge sources, or using other's ideas without acknowledgement. Penalties for plagiarism range from failure of the assignment, failure of the course, and even recommended expulsion from the university. For detailed offences and penalties, see the Academic Integrity Policy at

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The SpeakingCenter is a valuable asset for this course. Tutors provide individual consultations to prepare you for public speaking assignments. The SC is located in 3211 MHRA . For more information, visit It is conveniently located next door to The Writing Center:

Disability Policy: Students with documentation of special needs should arrange to see me about accommodations as soon as possible. If you believe you could benefit from such accommodations, you must first register with the Office of Disability Services on campus before such accommodations can be made. The office is located on the second floor of the Elliott University Center (EUC) in Suite 215, and the office is open 8am to 5pm, Monday - Friday. Telephone: 334-5440; e-mail: .

ENG 102 Schedule – Spring 2011

BB = Blackboard Reading (you will be responsible for printing and bringing these texts to class).
TR = Techne Rhetorike. Crowley =Ancient Rhetorics for Contemporary Students
* = Critical Response & Presentations due per sign-up schedule for individual students

Disclaimer: This schedule is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion. Readings should be completed by the day they’re listed, unless noted otherwise. For example, read the first chapter of Crowley before coming to class on Thursday 8/27.

Dates / Assignments / Readings due
Week One
T 1/11 / Intro to class, syllabus
R 1/13 / Chp 1 in Crowley
“Introduction to Rhetorical Concepts” by Dodson in TR
In class: analysis of ads and commercials
Due:250-word BB discussion post on rhetorical concepts
Fri = Last day to drop course for tuition and fees refund
Week Two: The Basics of Rhetoric
T 1/18 / Chp 2 in Crowley
In class: analysis of kairos in Barack Obama’s Address at EbenezerBaptistChurch
Due: 200-word BB discussion post on personal experience with kairos
R 1/20 / “ The Wrestler and the President: Using Appeals and Canons to Convey Your Message” by GeorgeIn TR
“Developing an Idea of the Audience” by Babb in TR
In class: Informal presentations on BB discussion post (see below)
Due: 500-word BB discussion post. Take one concept or term from readings or discussions and apply it to a rhetorical situation in your own life, past or present
Week Three: The Appeals in Detail
T 1/25 / Chp 5 in Crowley
Op-ed piece #1 on BB
In class: analysis of op-ed piece with attention to logical appeals
Due: 200-word BB post on one particular logical appeals
*Introduce rhetorical analysis 4/5-pagepaper
R 1/27 / Chp 6 and 7 in Crowley
Op-ed piece #2 on BB
In class: analysis of op-ed piece with attention to ethical appeals.
Week Four: Stasis
T 2/1 / Chp 3 in Crowley
In class: time for peer review and assignment Q&A. Introduce speaking project #1--group project using stasis theory and topics
R 2/3 / In class: Discussion of stasis and time for working on group presentations
Due: draft of rhetorical analysis #1
Week Five: Presentations
T 2/8 / In class: Discussion of stasis and time for working on group presentations
R 2/10 / Presentations
Week Six
T 2/15 / Finish Presentations. Introduce individual presentation with research-based paper component
R 2/17 / In class: Discussion of research methods and library orientation. Meet in CITI lab at Jackson Library
Week Seven: Research
T 2/22 / Conferences: Bring your presentation notes
R 2/24 / Conferences: Bring your presentation notes
*This week would also be a good time to arrange appointments with the writing and speaking centers
Fri March 4= Last day to drop course without academic penalty (WF)
Week Eight: Vacation
3/1 In class discussion of assignment an rhetoric/example presentations.
3/3 In class discussion of assignment an rhetoric/example presentations.
T 3/8 / Spring Break
R 3/10 / Spring Break
Week Nine: Back to Work
T 3/15 / Individual Presentations
R 3/17 / Individual Presentations
Week Ten: Local Rhetoric
T 3/22 / Finish Presentations. Chp 12 in Crowley: Discuss visual and digital rhetorics, their relationship to oral discourse.
R 3/24 / Introduce final group/individual project: a discursive analysis of an institution (news station on TV or radio, a professional blog, or website). You can do this in groups or by yourself
Week Eleven: Global Rhetoric
T 3/29 / Excerpt from Wayne Booth’s The Rhetoric of Rhetoric on BB
In class: Analyzing global audience. Barak Obama’s address in Egypt, 2009. George W. Bush’s 2005 State of the Union Address. Hilary Clinton’s remarks on the 1998 observance of International Women’s Day.
R 3/31 / Analyzing clips from ColumbiaUniversity’s World Leaders Forum.
Week Twelve: Global Rhetoric Cont.
T 4/5 / Discussion of addresses made at UN General Assembly (In groups, students choose 5/6 different speakers):
R 4/7 / Discussion of addresses made at UN General Assembly Cont.
Week Thirteen
T 4/12 / Group/Individual Presentations
R 4/14 / Presentations
Week Fourteen
T 4/19 / Presentations
R 4/21 / Presentations and Evaluations
Week Fifteen
R 4/28 / Exam Period 3:30-6:30 pm. Reflection papers due.

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