English 103 - Readings & Writing on Popular Culture - Larry Carstens
| Course: | Readings & Writing on Popular Culture |
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| Professor: | Larry Carstens |
| Email: | larry.carstens@canyons.edu |
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| Course Length: |
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Introduction
Welcome to my English 103 Late Start Course!
I’m looking forward to teaching this class and working with you. Please be prepared to set aside significant hours each week to get the reading and writing assignments done. This is a late-start course, but the amount of work you’re expected to do is the same as that of a semester-length class.
Course Description
A few details about how the class will proceed, which will be covered in greater detail in the syllabus: Assignments will be posted on Canvas on the mornings (or evenings before) of Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Each time assignments are posted, you will have at least 24 hours (probably until midnight the next day) to complete them. Quizzes and tests on the readings can be done any time during the same time frame (until midnight the next day), but once you start, you will only have a limited time (usually 10 minutes) to complete them. The reason for this is that I would like for you to actually do the reading (even if it takes some time), and not just copy answers from a study guide or the book itself. In order to do well on these quizzes and tests, you need to get the reading done ahead of time. Also, I usually ask questions that can’t be answered just through online study guides or Cliff Notes; in order to succeed on these quizzes, you should set aside the time to get the reading done ahead of time.
What to Expect in this Course
What can you read to prepare for the first week? I would recommend the author’s intro. and first 4 letters of the novel (Frankenstein). You can also read the first chapter of Beyond Feelings.
There is no reading assignment on the first day, but on the following three days of the week, there will be assignments from the novel, Frankenstein. I understand that the language may be a bit of a challenge, but I know, based on the experiences of my previous students, that with some effort, you can do it, and may actually find it interesting and rewarding. The critical thinking text will be Beyond Feelings. Later in the course, the reading assignments will be from Signs of Life in the USA.
Types of Assessments
These are the assessments/assignments that you can expect: online quizzes on assigned readings (3-4 per week), online discussion boards (1-2 per week), an online midterm and Final, and written essay assignments that involve research, and quoting and citing sources in MLA format.
Textbook Information
The 3 required textbooks are:
1) Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley
2) Beyond Feelings, (8th Edition) by Vince Ruggiero
3) Signs of Life in the USA, (10th Edition) edited by Solomon and Maasik
Other Relevant Course Information
Like it says on Rate my Professor: Be ready to read, to write, and learn in Carstens's class. He's a good instructor who cares about his students... but you need to do your part, too! I look forward to working with you!
Additional Resources
Canvas
This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:
- CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
- CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password
Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.
Online Education
Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.
The Learning Center (TLC)
The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!
Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)
College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.
Online Counseling
The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.
Management of Stress and Mental Health
Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.
Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.
You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.
Veterans Resource Center
The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.
Library
The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!
Last updated: 04/05/2024 Sub#: 1735