English 103 - Critical Reading, Writing, and Thinking - Adam Kempler
| Course: | Critical Reading, Writing, and Thinking |
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| Professor: | Adam Kempler |
| Email: | adam.kempler@canyons.edu |
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| Course Length: |
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Introduction
Welcome to English 103 at College of the Canyons. While English can be a challenging subject for some students, I'm here to help you progress in this class as a reader, writer, and thinker. I enjoy working with students and helping students to learn literacy skills, and I expect you to work hard in this class and be successful.
Course Description
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
This class will be 100% online. We will have no zoom meetings where we gather at the computer simultaneously. Instead, students will complete 5 modules, 1 per week, working asynchronously, sometimes independently and often interacting with classmates online, meeting weekly deadlines.
In the compressed format, students will complete the work at triple pace, finishing 16 weeks of work in 5 weeks. Students will probably spend 2-3 hours daily completing assignments by accessing assignments and work in Canvas, COC email, and the TLC.
Students who are self-motivated, who are self-disciplined, and who have a good work ethic will enjoy success.
Students will need access to the Internet, a computer, and a smart phone to complete assignments in Canvas: https://coc.instructure.com/login/canvas. Students will also need Microsoft Word, which is available to COC students for free here: https://www.canyons.edu/administration/it/resources/officeonline.php. If students need to use a computer or print for free, they may access the ASG Computer Lab: https://www.canyons.edu/studentservices/campuslife/asg-computer-labs/index.php. Students will be accessing Guided Learning Activities (GLAs) and tutoring in The Learning Center: https://www.canyons.edu/academics/tlc/index.php.
During the first week of instruction, students may not miss any class or assignments, or they will be dropped from the course. On the 4th missing assignment at any point in the semester, a student will be dropped.
The Canvas shell will open in the morning on the first day of instruction.
Types of Assessments
Assessments will include the following: quizzes, tests, journals, group work, discussion board postings, and essays.
Textbook Information
Please purchase From Critical Thinking to Argument: A Portable Guide by Sylvan Barnet, Hugo Bedau, and John O'Hara (7th Edition). Here is the ISBN: 978-1-319-33212-9. You may select a digital or print book. You will also need 1 composition book, and it will need to say "composition" on the front, be full-sized, and have lined pages. You may pick one up at Walmart for $1.00. There is no digital substitute for your composition book, and you will be taking and submitting photos of work done in the composition book for assignments.
Other Relevant Course Information
Again, welcome, and I look forward to working with you soon. You will want to secure your book (https://coc.bncollege.com/), your journal, and Office 365 (https://coc.bncollege.com/) before the semester begins. You will want to log in to Canvas to read the first announcement and complete your first assignments on the first day of instruction: https://coc.instructure.com/login/canvas. The class will open in the morning on the first day of instruction.
Buying your book, your journal, and securing Office 365 are your pre-semester assignments.
Thank you. See you soon.
Professor Kempler
(661) 362-3266
adam.kempler@canyons.edu
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: 07/05/2024 Sub#: 1772