English - 101 - English Composition - Yvette de la Vega

Introduction

Hello Writers,

What We Will Be Learning in Engl-101?

In this English 101 class, you will develop critical reading, writing, and research skills through a decolonized lens, focusing on rhetorical analysis, literary analysis, and research. The central theme of the class will revolve around exploring social justice issues concerning technology and the environment. Additionally, you will be encouraged to cultivate a growth mindset, foster collaboration, and contribute to a supportive classroom community.

This course will equip you with the necessary critical thinking, reading, and writing skills to become informed, engaged, and articulate contributors to contemporary discussions surrounding social justice, technology, and environmental matters. By the end of the semester, you will have expanded your intellectual horizons, enhanced your writing proficiency, and developed a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the world around us.

Hello, my name is Yvette de la Vega, my personal pronouns are she/her, and I am excited to be your Engl-101 online instructor for the Fall 2024 semester. One of my main goals as your instructor is to center the voices that have historically been silenced or marginalized. I am committed to empowering and representing individuals from diverse backgrounds, encompassing race, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion, disability, and age. By actively engaging and including these perspectives, I aim to create a safe and inclusive space where every individual feels valued, respected, and heard.

I believe that higher education has a vital role in cultivating a classroom environment that meets the needs of our diverse communities. With this in mind, feel free to share ways to improve the effectiveness of the course. As we navigate the world of writing, we must keep in mind the importance of intersectionality in the way we examine our academic environment and beyond. We must always commit to equity, inclusion, and enhancing diversity in the classroom and community at large.

I am excited to take this writing journey with you and highly believe that we can have a productive and successful semester.

Sincerely,

Yvette de la Vega

Course Description

Course Description

Emphasizes expository writing and research, demonstrating principles of thesis and support, rhetorical organization, control of diction, clear sentence and paragraph construction, and command of the conventions of English usage. Develops analytical and interpretive reading skills.

What to Expect in this Course

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Discussion Boards

Generally, there will at least one (1) discussion per week. Discussions for each weekly module will be opened at the beginning of each week but must be completed by their specific due dates. For full credit you must post your own original post then respond to at least 2 classmates by 12:00 PM of the due date. No make-ups for missed discussion posts. Please make every effort to respond to classmates (or me) that have asked you a question.

When responding to classmates, look for students that have not yet been replied to. Discussions are found in the modules and in the discussion section for the course. Your thorough participation (making comments, posting questions, and adding feedback) on this discussion board throughout the week is necessary for your success in the class. Grammar and spell check is available on the discussion board and should be used as this will also be taken into consideration when grading the assignments. Please use black font. I will be frequently checking the discussion boards and providing input and commentary as this is a very important part of your grade and knowledge base for the class. Please keep in mind online writing etiquette (netiquette). Use of profanity, bullying etc. will not be tolerated.

Scaffolded Activities:

A scaffolded assignment for essays is a structured approach where tasks are broken down into smaller, manageable steps, each building on the previous one, to help students develop their writing skills progressively.

Essay Projects:

Throughout the semester, essays are structured as a series of "Projects." Each project comprises interconnected units of critical reading, writing, and thinking exercises, culminating in a formal, thesis-driven essay. Detailed assignment prompts, instructions, and due dates for each project will be posted on Canvas.

Writing Center Tutoring Visits:

For your major projects, documented visits to the Learning Resource Center (LRC) will be required, contributing to your overall semester grade. Seeking assistance from a writing tutor through scheduled appointments can provide valuable constructive feedback.

Writing Workshops:

Throughout the semester students will have the opportunity to engage in peer review sessions, where they will exchange drafts of their essays with classmates. Constructive feedback will be encouraged, enabling students to receive diverse perspectives, identify strengths, and pinpoint areas for improvement. The instructor will facilitate discussions on effective writing techniques, logical organization, and persuasive argumentation to guide students in enhancing their written work.

Types of Assessments

Coursework:

Weekly Attendance Discussion Boards

Scaffolded Activities

Peer-Review Workshops

Essay Drafts

Unit Quizes

Textbook Information

Textbook:

Academic Writing Now by David Starkey

Second Edition

Broadview Press - Publication Date: November 5, 2021

• ISBN: 9781554815098

Literary Research Text:

Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood

ISBN: 9780385721677

Kindle ISBN: 9781400078981

Atwood, Margaret. Oryx and Crake (MaddAddam Trilogy, Book 1). Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Other Relevant Course Information

While this is an online course, it is a writing extensive class. In oder for me to give everyone feedback and attention, I will not be over capping this class. This class is at capacity with 2 students on the waitlist. You must complete the introductory module to count as your week-1 attendance. If you do not complete the week 1 module and have not communicated your absence with me, there is a good chance you will be dropped from the class to make room for the waitlisted students. 

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: 08/10/2024 Sub#: 1796