This section of English 12 this Spring is structured with an overarching theme that examines the ways in which three different academic and professional disciplines approach (and write about) the Search for Extraterrestrial Life (usually abbreviated as SETI). The three units of the course will deal specifically with discourse within Astronomy, Sociology and Film Studies, looking at how each of these areas incorporate notions about life beyond Earth into their work.

First, we'll see how Astronomers (with the help of physicists and other scientists), such as those at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at Caltech, go about the business of looking and listening for signs of intelligent life in outer space. We'll look at the SETI Institute and the work being done on Project Phoenix, "the world's most sensitive and comprehensive search for extraterrestrial intelligence." Using these and other sources, we will get an idea of the thought-processes that go into the writing done by astronomers in reporting their findings and elucidating their theories.

Then, in the Sociology Unit we will look at the methods that professional sociologists use in conducting surveys and interpreting data by formulating, giving and analyzing a survey on attitudes at UNC about extrarterrestrial life.

Finally, we'll look at a number of popular films that deal with the subject of extraterrestrial life and its possible coexistence with humans. From the X-Files, to Star Trek: First Contact or Independence Day, to last summer's Contact and Men in Black, to the recently released Alien: Resurrection or Starship Troopers, the television and movie industry has been and remains fascinated by the concept of aliens and their interaction with humans. As we analyze these films, we'll be seeing the ways (and the accuracy of those ways) in which popular movies reflect both popular opinion and scientific theories about life elsewhere. The class will be creating four Web-pages (one each about four separate films) which will present in-depth analysis of a particular film's "take" on SETI.

In utilizing some of the new and growing technologies that are available now (such as HTML and Web-page design, e-mail, listservs, CD-ROM databases and more), we will endeavor to familiarize ourselves as a group with a fourth form of discourse, namely information technology.

In doing the research and production of the unit projects for the first two assignments, you will be required to consult a number of different sources within the specific fields which we are studying. For example, as you do your research in Sociology, you will be expected (and required) not only to use print references, but to consult professional sociology databases, newsgroups, mailing lists, etc. in gathering your data. Part of the final papers which you produce will examine they ways in which the data is presented in these different formats, with an implicit examination of the relative usefulness of such information to both a lay as well as a professional understanding of the subject.

Then, for the final unit, I will substitute the group production of a web page for the written paper (we will have gradually familiarized ourselves with HTML via ATN seminars and in-class work over the course of the semester). The reasons for this are threefold:

1. The academic discipline of Film Studies is inherently one involving multimedia (you must have some sensory contact with the film being discussed--i.e. see it--in order to analyze it fully) and the Web is not only an excellent resource for images and articles relating to film, but an perfect place to exhibit the findings which you have made (thereby making a practical contribution to the field which you are studying as you learn more about it).
2. Knowledge of HTML will prove useful to us all in becoming more computer-literate. The exponentially-growing number of web pages being put onto the Internet every day demands that the informed user know how these pages are created and maintained. As we produce our pages, we will also learn how to proeprly document and attribute the intellectual work that is being done in order to make it a valid resource for others. HTML's relative ease and the large number of software assistance programs available to help in page creation will make it accessible and familiar to us all by semester's end.
3. The assembly of a variety of materials into the medium of a Web page provides another creative outlet for you to express your ideas, one which will be applicable beyond the English 12 classroom. The production of a multimedia project (like a web page) and the cooperative work and trust you will develop with your fellow students in doing this assignment will benefit you well down the road.

However, merely coming to class to be a warm body in a cold chair does not constitute participation, so I base your class participation grade not only on whether you have been in the classroom but if you brought your mind and mouth with you. Everyone's opinion is equally valid in this class (and equally open to discussion and criticism--mine included!) so I encourage you to be a part of this class in more than just the seating chart.

If you must be absent, please try to get word to me that day. I understand that people get sick, but bad hair days and hangovers are not good reasons to miss a class, and not having an assignment ready to turn in is an even worse reason. I will not kill you if you come to class without an assignment. I might consider it, though, if you don't come to class to avoid being seen the day an assignment is due. All you do to yourself in that situation is fall further behind and put yourself in double jeopardy. There is a correlation between performance and attendance and it is not because of the points you lose on your participation grade.

Furthermore, if you are having trouble with a particular assignment, or just feel like you need some one-on-one advising, the Writing Center, located in Phillips Annex, offers assistance with writing (by appointment) to the entire University. I strongly encourage you to use this resource if you feel like you want or need more feedback on your writing. Don't be bashful. It isn't a failure or admission of inferiority to ask for more help with your writing, only stubbornness. The Writing Center's hours are M-Th 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Fridays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 962-7710 to set up an appointment. Be sure to take a copy of the assignment on which you are working as well as what you have written while working on that assignment. They are also available online at http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/.