ENGL 101 - Online - English Composition - Laurisa Reyes

Introduction

Welcome to English 101. I'm Laurisa Reyes and will be your instructor. I realize there is not a lot of information here in the orientation letter. That’s because the really important stuff is in the syllabus, which you will find on the Canvas Course homepage (to go live soon). But I hope there is enough here to give you an idea of what to expect.

Course Description

The focus of this course is to improve your writing skills by reviewing fundamentals such as comma usage, in text documentation and citation of sources, syntax, methods of persuasion, and so forth. In addition, students will write thoroughly researched, well-organized papers with effective thesis statements (claims) and support for those claims. My main objective is for students to become confident, effective writers and to use their writing skills to make a difference in their communities.

What to Expect in this Course

In addition to the assessments mentioned above, students will be completing GLAs (via the The Learning Center) and writing four essays for the course, including outlines, TLC reviews, and multiple drafts. Students will also be expected to complete quizzes, discussion board assignments, research journals, & occasional other assignments.

What to Expect the First Week

Students will be viewing 1-2 video discussions on Canvas each week. On the first day of class, I will be going over the syllabus and the required assignments for the class. The first assignments will be a "Getting to Know You" video & a 1-2 page diagnostic writing assignment, which will be due the following week.

There will be weekly quizzes and discussion board assignments in addition to assigned readings, which will be from the textbook & essays provided on Canvas.

A heads up that students who do not post an introduction video the first week will be dropped from the course for non-attendance. So please show up online and complete the assignments.

Types of Assessments

There will be an online quiz for each chapter of They Say, I Say and discussion board assignments for the assigned readings (which will provided on Canvas). There will also be essay portfolios, a final exam, and a self-reflection assignment at the end of the course.

Textbook Information

They Say, I Say – 6th ed. w/out readings  by Graff, Birkenstein, Durst (ISBN 978-1324070030)

Please purchase your books during the first week of class, as the first lecture on the text will be on the 2nd Monday of class (which means you need to have read the first assigned chapter by then). Texts are available at the College of the Canyons bookstore on the Valencia campus, or you can purchase/download from online retailers such as Amazon or Chegg.

Other Relevant Course Information

As a late start or winter/summer online course, there is a lot of work to be done in a short amount of time. In order to pass this course, you will need to do the following:

1. Submit all your assignments – missed assignments are the #1 cause of poor grades.
2. Submit your assignments ON TIME – points will be deducted for assignments submitted one day late, and I give NO POINTS for assignments submitted more than one day late.
3. Read my comments – when I grade your essays, I comment on issues you need to work on. I expect those problems to be corrected the next time around. In other words, I expect to see improvement. The whole point of this class is to become a better writer.
4. Keep up with the reading – There will be a quiz for each reading assignment. Don’t fall behind.
5. Communicate – If you are not sure about something, ask. Feel free to text or email me, though I will set up a discussion thread specifically for questions about assignments so that the whole class has access to those questions and answers. However, please do not contact me about excuses for late or missing assignments. My policy is what it is.
6. Read my announcements – I send out frequent Canvas announcements. Please read them.
7. Keep A Schedule – Students who schedule their reading, research & study time are more likely to succeed. Don’t put off assignments to the last minute. There is a lot of work in this course. If you are short on time and cannot commit to a minimum of three hours a day for this class (including online & homework), then you should consider taking this course another time.

Remember YOU are responsible for your education. I will do my best to teach you, but it is up to you to learn and to apply what you learn in your writing.

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: 10/03/2024 Sub#: 1848