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ENGL 101 - English Composition - Elana Kent-Stacy

Course:English Composition
Professor:Elana Kent-Stacy
Email:Elana.Kent-Stacy@canyons.edu
Format:
  • Online
Course Length:
  • Applies to All Course Lengths

Introduction

Hello Online Students,

Welcome to English 101, English Composition!  My name is Lonnie Kent-Stacy, and I’ll be your instructor. This letter is meant to provide you with essential information regarding this online class and to explain how it differs from taking a traditional course.

  • Note: This letter is not the course syllabus. The syllabus provides all necessary course information, and you will have access to the syllabus once you have logged into the Blackboard course website. This course is 100% online and will not be available the first day of the semester on the Canvas website, so please wait until then to try to log in.
  • To confirm your spot in the class, begin participating no later than 11:59 p.m. on the first day of the semester.  To log in to this course, you’ll find the Canvas website at:  http://cv.canyons.edu  If you have an existing COC student Canvas account, you will see the Eng 101 section appear on your list of courses once registered.
  • Prior to logging in to this class, you should become familiar with Canvas at the COC Online Education website. Please closely review the Canvas tutorial, which contains instructions and tips on how to use Canvas. You can find the tutorial on the online education website at: https://www.canyons.edu/academics/onlineeducation/
  • If you do not log on to the class website on the first day of the semester and begin participating by posting on the “Attendance” thread on the course Discussion Board, then you will be dropped from the class as a no-show. This mimics the policy in place for on-campus courses. Also, your post will show me that you’ve successfully logged in and know how to use the basics of Blackboard.

So, why do I need this class, anyhow?  Well, the author Gustave Flaubert believed writing offered people the ability to discern their thoughts and form new ideas. He once said, “The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe.” 

 

Course Description

English 101 is designed to build expository writing and critical reading skills through the composition of well-organized, full-length essays containing properly documented evidence and the analysis and evaluation of college-level readings. English 101 offers instruction and practice in writing strong analytical arguments using issues of contemporary culture as subject matter.  Critical thinking and writing is accomplished through close reading and rhetorical analysis and the application of techniques of rhetoric and composition. Objectives will be addressed through lecture, discussion, analysis, and evaluation of assigned readings and writing activities concerning various concepts and interpretations., students examine the principles of critical thinking as applied to writing and reading arguments on complex issues.

This course meets CSU/UC transfer requirements. The primary purpose of English 101 is to introduce students to the academic conventions of expository writing.  Class time will be used for lecture, discussion, analysis, and evaluation of assigned readings and for writing and discussion activities concerning various rhetorical concepts and strategies.

What to Expect in this Course

What’s the difference in an online class, anyway? Some students presume that an online course is going to be easier than a traditional one since there are no regular class meetings and course work can be completed at the student’s convenience. An online class does certainly offer advantages in terms of flexibility; however, an online course can present distinct challenges that prospective students need to consider. An online course’s flexibility requires organization, discipline, and self motivation on the students’ part. Thus, please answer these questions for yourself before this course begins:

  1. Can I rely on myself to do the reading, manage the workload, complete required assignments on time, and communicate regularly with my instructor and classmates on the course discussion boards?
  1. Do I have reliable, daily home/work access to a computer with Internet access and a properly configured web browser, a private e-mail address, and a word processing program, such as MS Word?

If you answered “yes” to these questions, then an online course should work well for you. Also, it’s important to mention that your involvement necessitates more than merely submitting assignments electronically on assigned dates—although submitting your work on time is essential to succeeding in the course.

You are also expected to be a part of the community that will make up this class. You will communicate with me and your classmates several times a week via the group discussion boards, both posting and responding to comments on all of the readings and assigned work, and you will be required to offer editorial feedback during peer review of your classmates’ essay drafts. You should plan to visit the course’s website at least once every day during the week. Also, if you do not log on to the course website for any period of seven days or more, you may be dropped from the course or failed. Deadlines are firm and will not be extended.

 

 

Types of Assessments

Students will be assessed through open book quizzes, a timed writing final exam, online discussion boards, online writing workshops, and written essays.

Textbook Information

Required Texts: (Students will be unable to complete the course without obtaining the books needed.) Books are available at the Valencia campus bookstore, though you may choose to buy your books online or elsewhere. However, shipping delays will not result in me extending your deadlines as late work is not accepted.

-   Envision In Depth: Reading, Writing, and Researching Arguments, 4th ed.,  - Required

    Authors:  Christine Alfano & Alyssa O'BrienStanford University

    ISBN-13: 978-0-13-467942-6  

     Edition / Copyright: 4th  - Current Edition, 2018 
     Publisher: Pearson Longman, 2018

-   Post-Truth - Required

Author: Lee McIntyre

ISBN: 978-0-262535045

Publisher: MIT Press, 2018.

-   Success Strategies - Required

Author: Kim Gurnee

ISBN: 978-0-981779478

Edition / Copyright: 3rd Edition, 2020 

Publisher: Impact, 2020.

 

 

 

 

Other Relevant Course Information

In order to begin to create this sense of community, your first task will be to write and post a short (1-2 paragraphs) biography of yourself in the “Attendance” thread on the discussion board by 11:59 p.m. on the first day of the course semester.

Follow the prompt, but give us a glimpse of who you are. (Find the “Discussions” tab on the course menu, and click on it to find the “Attendance” thread, or simply see your Canvas “Dashboard” tab.)

I’m looking forward to a productive and enjoyable semester ahead with you in English 101. I promise that you will leave this course with skills and knowledge that will aid you Follow the prompt, but give us a glimpse of who you are.

Sincerely,

Lonnie Kent-Stacy

Elana.Kent-Stacy@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: 06/07/2022 Sub#: 730