ENGL-103 - Critical Reading, Writing, and Thinking - Adam Kaiserman
| Course: | Critical Reading, Writing, and Thinking |
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| Professor: | Adam Kaiserman |
| Email: | adam.kaiserman@canyons.edu |
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| Course Length: |
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Introduction
In English 103 we learn how to think critically, analyze and compose arguments, and how to write well. But what shall we think critically about? What is deserving of our time and attention? To think critically means to take part an argument. We live in a country dedicated to the ideal that everyone is created equally. And yet, if we think about this assertion critically, we can see that the history of the United States reveals that we have often fallen short of this ideal. To give our class focus, we will be analyzing and writing about texts that examine the legacy of unequal treatment, both toward African Americans and women. What does equality mean? How shall it be achieved? These and others are the questions we will ask, and hopefully, answer during this class. The course will proceed in three major units. We will begin by reading James Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time, written at the height of the Civil Rights Era. From there we will look at the rights of women and the constitution by looking at Heidi Schreck’s What the Constitution Means to Me. Finally, we will take a look at monuments and public art, both local and national, and think about how this influences public space. As we explore the above-mentioned texts, we will examine rhetorical means of persuasion, the relationship between argument and counterargument, and to evaluate our assumptions as well as the assumptions of others.
Course Description
English 103 examines the principles of critical thinking as applied to writing and reading arguments on complex issues. Focuses on close textual analysis, argumentative writing, and logical reasoning. Essay topics may include pop culture, politics, social issues, or moral/ethical issues.
What to Expect in this Course
Students should be prepared to participate in Zoom class orally and through text. Students will use Canvas as well to turn in and access assignments.
Types of Assessments
Four revised essays
Discussion Questions
A small final exam
Textbook Information
Sylvan Barnet, Hugo Bedau, and John O’Hara, From Critical Thinking to Argument, 6th ed. (ISBN: 978-1319194437)
James Baldwin, The Fire Next Time (ISBN: 978-0679744726)
Heidi Schreck, What the Constitution Means to Me (ISBN: 978-1559369640)
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: 11/16/2021 Sub#: 1146