Spriggs is an asshat each time I tried to take a class with him it seemed like taking a pol150 class again. I suggest just getting him to know your name and be buddy buddy with him even though more then half the class will know in depth what everything is. It's a challenege to stay away but I'm sure your prodding (as I have seen in becker's class) will keep the class more lively and he likes chattering so that might be the best way to deal with his asshatness.