FRS 002GG — Sec. 001 — (2 units) — CRN 53287 — R 12:10 - 2:30 pm — 1102 Hart Hall
Writing About the Future

Instructor: Andy Jones, Department of English, College of Letters and Science

Description: Articles in today’s press tell stories of advances in nanotechnology, successful experiments with cloning, ubiquitous computing and the rapid growth of the Internet. Such themes, narratives, and new disciplines of study sometimes make the innovations and discoveries of the last several years seem like science fiction. “Writing About the Future” will introduce students to current and recent concepts in futurism, to practical skills that will make them more successful learners (such as writing, managing workflow, and public speaking), and to the impact of technology on their chosen fields of study.

Format: The seminar will meet in a computer classroom (1102 Hart) for two and a half hours a week. Students and the instructor will discuss assigned topics and readings each week. Students will also write and read out loud two-page position papers, create a web page with classroom computers, and (during week seven) discuss chosen and assigned topics on the radio. Finally, students will write a 750 word essay that describes the future of a single topic in a student’s field of study. Each student will purchase a course reader available at Campus Copies. Grading: Attendance 10%, Participation (preparedness, quality of comments, performance on the oral exam) 20%, Quality and presentation of the position paper 20%, Quality and presentation of single-subject web page 20%, Final Paper (three pages) 30%

About the Instructor: Andy Jones has worked as a Lecturer in the UC Davis Department of English for over six years. As Coordinator of the Department’s Computer-Aided Instruction Program, Andy has given over fifty talks and workshops on instructional technology. In addition to teaching classes in the last few years on film theory, creative writing, science fiction, literary criticism, and writing in the professions, Andy has interviewed many authors, performers and pundits as host of “Doctor Andy’s Poetry and Technology Hour” on radio station KDVS.