ENGL-C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing - Linda Beauregard-Vasquez
| Course: | Academic Reading and Writing |
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| Professor: | Linda Beauregard-Vasquez |
| Email: | Linda.Beauregard-Vasquez@canyons.edu |
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| Course Length: |
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Introduction
WELCOME TO ENGLISH C-1000!
My name is Linda Beauregard-Vasquez, and I will be your instructor for the course. You may call me Prof. Vasquez or just Prof. V. I began my higher education at COC in the late 1970's, never dreaming that one day I would be working here. I have taught at COC for over ten years, and I also teach at multiple other colleges and universities. All told, I have been teaching multiple subjects, including all levels of English, Sociology, Critical Reading and Writing, Professional and Technical Writing, History, Speech, Literature, Career Development, and many other subjects for over 30 years. In addition, I am the former chief-of-staff to a state legislator and the owner of my own consulting firm. It is my honor to share my experience with you and to have you as my potential student. I have a Masters degree in English with a specialty in Rhetoric and Composition, and I have a passion for helping my students to be successful. Therefore, I do offer a grading contract that will help you to earn the best grade possible.
THE CLEAN SLATE: I believe in a level playing field. I do not care about any past so-called sins in terms of reading or writing. In my class, you get a fresh start. While you may hate English, please remove that label. You are with me to learn what really matters in college: The ability to think well and to express yourself well so that you can compete in the real world of work, which is now based on a global economy. I honor ALL people from all walks of life. I do not care who you are: If you set foot in my classroom (albeit virtually or not), you are one of mine, and I will be your guide for as long as you will have me in your life. I do not believe in being a one-and-done professor. I want to see you graduate from college, succeed in life, and tell me all about your great-grandchildren someday! In other words, I think of myself as a coach: I will provide you with activities, opportunities, and feedback to improve your skills. You are always welcome to visit me during student hours or contact me by email or text. I am happy to help you work through the course. Remember, you begin with a perfect A. I want to help ensure you keep that grade if you want it.
IN CASE YOU WONDERED, YES! YOU BELONG HERE! MY MOTTO IS: I care. You matter. This class should be fun. Please work with me closely so that I may help you to succeed. I truly look forward to getting to know each of you.
WHAT THIS COURSE WILL DO: This course will hone your critical thinking skills to prepare you to be a global citizen in a world rife with critical thinking challenges. You will be learning about (and practicing) critical thinking, reading, and writing with me and with each other in an interactive workshop-style course in the online environment. The central theme of the class will revolve around exploring social justice issues and other key topics, the most important of which is having fun while learning the skills required of all college students. Our novel for the course will help us to examine a dystopian world with themes that mirror our world today, such as change and resiliency, rebirth, community, compassion, inclusion vs. exclusion, sustainable hope, inequality, human rights, truth vs. denial, adaptation, and much more. As we dig into the novel's themes, we will explore how we can find empowerment through our pen. Every assignment for the class is designed to help you become successful in you academic, professional, and personal lives. Additionally, you will be encouraged to cultivate a growth mindset, foster collaboration, and contribute to a supportive classroom community. I will be your coach and cheerleader. I am here to help you and to cheer you on to victory. Please work closely with me to help ensure your success!
PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS!
I strongly urge you to not be shy! Please reach out to me. If I cannot answer you immediately, please be patient. I will get back to you. If you have not heard from me within 24 hours, please try again. Please be sure to tell me that you are a College of the Canyons student and which English C-1000 class you are taking. I look forward to having a fun and productive semester together!
Sincerely,
Instructor: Linda Beauregard-Vasquez
Instructor Email: Linda.Beauregard-Vasquez@canyons.edu
Course Description
Description:
This is a UC/CSU transferable course that builds critical reading and expository writing skills through the analysis and evaluation of college-level texts and the composition of well-organized, full-length essays containing properly documented evidence. Units (4.00) apply to the associate degree.
Course Overview:
In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. Part 2: This course builds critical reading and writing skills through the analysis and evaluation of college-level texts. Students will learn how to write argument-driven, well-organized, full-length essays containing properly documented sources. This is an introductory course that offers instruction in expository and argumentative writing, appropriate and effective use of language, close reading, cogent thinking, research strategies, information literacy, and documentation.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Analyze and critically evaluate college-level texts for rhetorical and genre strategies.
- Compose persuasive, well-organized, grammatically correct essays, synthesizing properly documented and relevant evidence to develop and support a unified thesis.
Course Objectives:
- Part 1:
1. Read analytically to understand and respond to diverse academic texts.
2. Compose thesis-driven academic writing that demonstrates analysis and synthesis of sources as appropriate to the rhetorical situation.
3. Demonstrate strategies for planning, outlining, drafting, revising, editing, and proofreading written work.
Part 2:
4. Conduct research and critically evaluate appropriate source material(s).
5. Organize and structure essays in an effective manner.
6. Use style, diction, and tone appropriate to a diverse academic community and the purpose of the specific writing task; proofread, edit, and reviseessays so English grammar, usage, or punctuation do not impede clarity.
7. Apply MLA style and citation format.
8. Reflect on reading and writing practices in order to improve work habits and skills.
What to Expect in this Course
HOW TO ACCESS THE COURSE
The course can be accessed via Canvas at coc.instructure.com on the first day of the course. Follow the login instructions at the bottom of the screen to login. If you have questions before the first day, please feel free to email me at Linda.Beauregard-Vasquez@canyons.edu. Here, you can also access Canvas user guides with helpful tips for navigating and using Canvas. For any Canvas related issues please call the Canvas Student Support line at (661) 362-3344 during college business hours, or (877)889-9052 for 24/7 support.
Types of Assessments
Throughout the course, you will compose a total of three formal multi-paragraph and research-driven essays. Every paper will require you to complete a step-by-step writing process, which will be explained over the first weeks of class. In class conversations and/or online discussion boards will help us work through new writing terms, techniques, and strategies. In addition, the discussion boards will help reinforce the reading assignments. In addition to discussion boards, there will be quizzes and/or exercises which involve reading and writing responses. In addition, you will complete one final examination (which will be proctored). Students who actively and consistently participate in the course, tend to do well. Please email me or contact me via telephone regarding any concerns or questions. I believe that open communication is a key to learning.
Textbook Information
A NOTE ABOUT TEXTBOOKS AND REQUIRED ITEMS
Most of our textbooks will be provided to you at no cost (they will be free on Canvas). You will need to purchase The Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler ISBN: 978-1538732182 at the COC bookstore. In order to succeed in any online course, you must have a reliable PC or Mac, access to your COC email address, Internet access with a reliable web browser (preferably Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome), Microsoft Word, and have some basic computer skills including how to upload and access files for this class. You may contact the college to obtain free MS Office software if you do not have it on your computer. I cannot accept Pages or GoogleDocs assignments, so be sure to save things in the proper format (.doc or .docx). You should also install Adobe Reader to be able to access PDF files. You will also be required to have a MyCanyons email account (You must actively check your COC student email for class announcements. Please be sure to also actively check Canvas for announcements.). Canvas comes with built-in access to Zoom, but you will need access to audio and camera access for ConferZoom office hours with me, tutoring, etc.
Other Relevant Course Information
REGISTRATION AND DROP INFORMATION
You may be dropped from the class if you do not attend this course via Zoom on the first day of class (Pacific Time) on the first day of the semester. Please note: You are responsible, though, for dropping the class by the official college deadlines if you choose not to complete the course. If you are having trouble with the course, please reach out to me first. It has been my experience that students who drop the class prematurely typically could have gotten a passing grade.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS:
If you have accommodations you need met, please let me know on the first day of the course, so that I can make arrangements for 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: 06/20/2025 Sub#: 151 Sub ID: 77721