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ENGL 103 - Critical Reading/Writing/Thinking - Professor Ashley Jean Granillo

Course:Critical Reading/Writing/Thinking
Professor:Professor Ashley Jean Granillo
Email:ashley.granillo@canyons.edu
Format:
  • OnlineLive
Course Length:
  • 16 Week

Introduction

Welcome to English 103!

You might be wondering why you need another English class, right? I want you to keep the “why” part of the question and dismiss the fact that this is an “English” course. For now, at least.

English is typically viewed as the study of grammar and literature. While that’s partially true, the study of English is listed under the Department of Humanities, or the study of human society and culture. Therefore, this course was designed to challenge your current thought process and to help you analyze the world around you.

Unlike conventional English classes, we will be reading a variety of texts including cake as visual art, fashion, and public spaces. These are things we encounter daily, which means that it is all the more important to know why they exist and how they shape our world socially and politically. Especially important is the ability to articulate and write nuanced arguments that will allow other people to engage with our varying perspectives.

Through the writing process and a series of critical frameworks derived from literary criticism, a study within the field of English, together we will discover the greater significance, impact, and value of these texts. Each framework will provide its own criteria by which we will begin begging those larger questions. Not only that, we will also engage in the design process to turn composition into creation.

Keep an open mind, listen to others, and the journey will be that much more valuable to you.

Take care,

Professor Granillo

(Prof. G. is fine, too!)

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

Online Live Sessions

Please treat our Zoom classroom like a regular classroom environment. While your camera does not have to be on, you are still expected to: 

  • For attendance reasons: ensure your FIRST and LAST Name appears on the screen, along with your PRONOUNS

  • Be alert and ready to learn! 

  • Actively participate in breakout rooms, class discussions, and Google Doc collaborations through the chat, or by turning on your microphone.

  • Avoid doing work, driving, or completing other tasks while our class is in session. I don't want you to miss anything important :)

Google Jam Boards and Google Docs

In between readings and lectures, we will interact within these spaces to make the readings more tangible, or real. If you do not participate, this assignment will count towards one of your 3 allowed absences.

Discussion Board Posts 

Discussion boards will be due at the end of every week. They function like mini essays and are a safe space for you to write about a subject of choice within the scope of our current unit. We will use ONE of these posts per unit to turn into an essay.

Types of Assessments

Google collaborations during online live sessions, discussion board posts, and writing projects/essays.

Textbook Information

The World is a Text by Jonathan Silverman and Dean Rader | Broadview Press 2018 | ISBN: 978-1-55481-379-7 Critical Theory Today by Lois Tyson | Third Edition, Routledge | ISBN: 978-0-415-50675-5


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: 10/05/2021 Sub#: 731