Instructor: Kevin J. Pearce

Office Hours: Tuesday: 5:30-700pm, Thursday: 4:30-6:00, plus by appt.

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COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. To develop an understanding of speech and the maturing individual, freedom of speech, nature and responsibilities, socio-legal-rhetorical issues.
1. To develop an awareness of specific issues and current controversies regarding freedom of speech in the United States and elsewhere.
1. To develop an awareness of specific issues regarding local and regional free speech issues as well as those issues specific to various organizations and institutions

REQUIRED TEXT

Tedford, T. L. (1993). Freedom of speech in the United States. (2nd Edition). State College, Pennsylvania: Strata Publishing Inc.

Speech in a Free Society is a senior-level course with senior-level expectations. In particular, this is a writing-intensive course in which you are expected to develop as a writer as well as know the topical material. That being the case, there are items which are essential to your writing efforts. Students are required to use APA style for all writing assignments. Not using this style consistently throughout a paper could result in a reduced grade for that assignment. I recommend you purchase the following:

American Psychological Association. (1994). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (4th ed.). Washington, DC: APA.

EXAMS

There will be four exams and a final exam. The exam dates and topics are as follows.

                Exam One: September 30, Over Chapters 1-3 and Appendices 1 & 2.

                Exam Two: October 21, Over Chapters 4-6.

                Exam Three: November 11, Over Chapters 7-9.

                Exam Four: December 9, Over Chapters 10-13.

                Final Exam: December 16 (Tues), Comprehensive

ORAL PRESENTATIONS

Presentations will be graded on:
 

• quality of content (issue analysis, arguments, evidence)
• quality of organization (case structure and development)
• presentation skills (verbal and non-verbal)

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS

All assignments must be neatly typed and must us APA style of citation. Aside from content, written assignments will be graded on grammar, usage, spelling, and style. Assignment grades will be lowered one 5 percentage points for each DAY they are late (not each class period). In other words, do you work on time! Also, if you are placing a late assignment in my box you must make arrangements with me ahead of time. I am only on campus on Monday through Thursday so if you put something in my box on Friday without telling me I will count it as being handed in when I find it on the following Monday.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Following is a statement of the attendance policy for this class. It will be strictly enforced.

Four hours of class time (one class in this case) is accepted for an unexcused absence without penalty. For each additional unexcused absence above the one allowed, the total course grade will be lowered by 5%.

If you are going to be absent for any reason and you are aware of this ahead of time, let me know and I will tell you what documentation you will need for proof of an excused absence. NOTE: A pink slip indicating a health center visit is not acceptable. Always bring a copy of you excuse to class the next class session so I may keep it for my records. I suggest you exchange phone numbers with someone in the class so you can find out what you missed in case of an absence.

PLAGIARISM

University policy with regard to plagiarism and improperly prepared student work is applicable in this course:

A student who plagiarizes could receive a zero for that assignment, a lowering of the final grade, and/or failure for the course. Probation, suspension, and/or dismissal from the university is also possible.

Please see me for any questions regarding plagiarism or refer to you student handbook as even "unintentional" plagiarism can result in a penalty. Remember, plagiarism and cheating rules also apply to speeches.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

International Free Speech Assignment 50 Points _______

                                      Research Project 200 Points _______

                Research Project Rough Draft 50 Points _______

                                         Creative Project 200 Points _______

                                                         Exam 1 100 Points _______

                                                         Exam 2 100 Points _______

                                                         Exam 3 100 Points _______

                                                         Exam 4 100 Points _______

                                                  Final Exam 100 Points _______

                            Total Course Points = 1000 Points _______

GRADES

A = Excellent Scholarship 900-1000 points

B = Good, Above Average 800-899 points

C = Fair or Average Attainment 700-799 points

D = Poor, Below Average 600-699 points

F = Failure 0-500 points

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Everything you hand in must be typed unless otherwise noted.
• Always keep up with reading assignments for class. Book readings in this class are far more than supplementary.
• No talking, reading, crying, or sleeping while an instructor or student is addressing the class.
• This syllabus and everything on it is subject to change.

                           DATE                                                 READING                               TOPIC/ACTIVITY
 
 

Sept 9	Chapter 1, Appendices 1,2	Early free speech.
Sept 16	Chapter 2	Free Speech before WWI
Sept 23	Chapter 3	Guest: William Gorden
Sept 30	Chapter 4	Guest: Television Reporter   Eric Nevins
Oct 7	Chapter 5	Religio-Moral Heresy
Oct 14	Chapter 6	Guest: Kent PD officer    Paul Fafrak
Oct 21	Chapter 7	Film: National Security and   Freedom of the Press
Oct 28	Chapter 8	Guest: ACLU representative Prior Restraint (TBA)
Nov 4	Chapter 9	Guest: Akron Beacon JournalFreedom of the Press
Nov 11	Chapter 10	Guest: William Gorden;  Time, Place, and Manner
Nov 18	Chapter 11	Film: The 1st Amendment and   Institutional Constraints
Nov 25	Chapter 12	Film: On Television: the   Violence Factor
Dec 2	Chapter 13	Guest: Professor Tim Smith   Broadcasting/Cable/Internet
Dec 9	Chapter 14	Approaches to Free Speech