103 - Critical Reading, Writing, and Thinking - Ron Dreiling
| Course: | Critical Reading, Writing, and Thinking |
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| Professor: | Ron Dreiling |
| Email: | ron.dreiling@canyons.edu |
| Format: |
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| Course Length: |
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Introduction
Hello. My name is Ron Dreiling, and I've been teaching English 103 online and onground at COC for nearly 20 years now, and every year I teach it, I find myself excited and energized about doing so. How can that be? In truth, I'm not entirely sure, but I know it has a lot to do with you, the students who arrive in my class.
It's your personalities, your past and present situations, your experiences, and your eagerness to achieve your education and life goals that inspires and energizes me to do my best to learn how to become a more effective teacher.
Challenges typically arise during the course of a semester that can impact your efforts to succeed in the class. Helping you figure out how to best address those challenges requires creativity and dedication on the part of both of us. I like finding ways to help you figure out how you can overcome such challenges.
Course Description
This course 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 meets onground at the time and location specified in the registration information. I'll see you on day 1!
If you have any questions, send me an email. I'll reply promptly.
In addition to inclass/onground learning activities, including short lectures, videos, class discussion, among others, students will complete three "take home" research based argumentative essays, which comprise to majority of the semester total points. Students will also complete at our Canvas website a few online discussions and group peer editing of the three research based argumentative take home essays.
Because this is not an online class, technology needs are those related to access to the Internet and familiarity with basic writing and reading online/digital tools.
Finally, I earned a BA in English AND Philosophy, and one of my philosophical heroes is Alfred North Whitehead, who among many outstanding academic accomplishments (too many to note here for sure) “influenced an entire academic arena about how to teach, and this statement below captures a portion of his ideas on how and why to teach and which was developed by Xie Bangxiu, based on Whitehead's thinking. It's called "FEELS," which stands for five things in curriculum and education:
- Flexible-goals,
- Engaged-learner,
- Embodied-knowledge,
- Learning-through-interactions, and
- Supportive-teacher.
These concepts are used by me for understanding and evaluating educational curriculum under the assumption that the purpose of education is to ‘help a person become whole’” (Xie Bangxiu).
Types of Assessments
Three multi-paragraph, research supported, argumentative essays (including one short timed writing essay), Outlines, Rough drafts and peer reviews, Discussion Board activities, Reflections, Quizzes.
Textbook Information
FROM CRITICAL THINKING TO ARGUMENT | Edition: 6TH
Author: BARNET
ISBN: 9781319194437
Publication Date: -2020
Publisher: MAC HIGHER
Estimated Student Price (Savings based on Print, New):
Print, new: $36.55
Print, used: $27.40 (25% Savings)
Print, new rental: $24.85 (32% Savings)
Print, used rental: $17.20 (53% Savings)
eBook, buy: $24.00 (34% Savings)
Other Relevant Course Information
I've been teaching onground and online courses for quite a few years, and the course I have built for English 103 will guide you toward becoming an improved writer and critical thinker. But keep in mind that online courses like this one require a high level of self-initiative.
I know that completing this course will bring an increase in knowledge about how to communicate more effectively with the written word. I hope that completing this course will bring a certain level of entertainment and even pleasure.
I'm here to help!
Sincerely,
Ron Dreiling
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: 08/09/2022 Sub#: 87