ENGL-101 - English Composition - Dr. Deanna Davis
| Course: | English Composition |
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| Professor: | Dr. Deanna Davis |
| Email: | deanna.davis@canyons.edu |
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| Course Length: |
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Introduction
Welcome to English 101! I know that you have already taken many English courses, but this course can help you improve your reading and writing skills for any purpose, including other college courses and a future career. Don’t worry if you are coming into this course without much enthusiasm for reading and writing. As long as you do all the assigned work, by the end of the semester you will have learned how to comprehend better anything that you read and to express yourself more clearly and professionally. And if you are already an enthusiastic reader and skilled writer, this semester’s work will enable you to take your reading and writing skills to new heights and to strengthen still more the communication skills so crucial to your future success.
The most important thing to know about me as a professor is that I genuinely want to help you improve your reading and writing skills. Another thing to know about me is that I take my instructional responsibilities seriously. You can rely on me to be organized, responsive to emails and questions, and completely committed to your learning. I will post many helpful course handouts and resources to help you throughout the semester, and I will always be available for Zoom office hours or emailed questions.
Course Description
The focus of this course will be to help you improve your ability to read texts that present different arguments on a topic and then engage in conversations with others about the authors’ ideas as well as your own views on the topic. And of course, you will also be improving your ability to develop and present your own views on the topic.
However, I would like this course to do even more for you than just satisfy the reading and writing outcomes for English 101. I want you to learn something that could benefit your entire life. For this reason, I have selected texts for this course that focus on one key conversation, perhaps the most important topic for all human beings, in every place and every time: The Art and Science of a Happy and Meaningful Life. You will read free online articles that engage this topic from many perspectives, including that of the field of positive psychology. This is a group of research scientists who study what makes people happy and fulfilled, including activities and attitudes that help people to flourish.
What to Expect in this Course
Every week, you will need to log in and complete the assignments for that week. At the beginning of the semester, I will post a detailed schedule that shows you the assignments and due dates for the whole semester, but I will also post and email an announcement on Canvas on Sunday of each week that reviews what is due that week. There will be no Zoom class sessions, though I will be available for Zoom office hours throughout the semester.
I will email you frequently throughout the semester to remind you of deadlines and provide clarification on course content and assignments. If you regularly check your email and log in to our course Canvas page often, you will get a lot of help from me!
Types of Assessments
This course will include written response assignments, online discussion forums, online quizzes, a midterm essay exam, 3 major essays, and a portfolio including a revised essay and reflective writing. I also provide many opportunities throughout the semester for you to earn extra credit.
Textbook Information
They Say, I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing (4th Edition). ISBN 978-0393631678.
Reading assignments are listed by the title of the chapter, not page numbers, in the schedule so you may use an earlier edition of this text if you wish. There is also an e-book version you are welcome to use. Required work using this book will begin during the second week of the semester, so it is good to get it as soon as possible. In addition, you will select ONE of the following book choices after learning about them:
- a) DEEP WORK: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport, ISBN 978-1-4555-8669-1
- b) Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul by Stuart Brown, M.D., ISBN 978-1-58333-378-5
- c) Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, ISBN 978-0-7352-1909-0
These books are also available through the COC Bookstore; you will not need to have the book you choose until the seventh week of the semester.
Additional readings: Some free online articles will also be required readings throughout the semester. These will be the basis for your first two essays as well as for many reading response assignments.
Other Relevant Course Information
You must complete the first week’s assignments by Saturday of the first week in order to avoid being dropped from the course.
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: 10/08/2021 Sub#: 808