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ENGL 112 - Intermediate Composition, Literature, and Critical Thinking - Juan R. Buriel

Course:Intermediate Composition, Literature, and Critical Thinking
Professor:Juan R. Buriel
Email:juan.buriel@canyons.edu
Format:
  • Online
Course Length:
  • Applies to All Course Lengths

Introduction

Hello, my name is Juan R. Buriel. I received my Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from UC, Irvine and have been teaching full-time at COC since 2007. I also attended the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM, was born and raised in Riverside, CA, and reside in Santa Clarita with my family.

I approach my courses with the belief that collaboration, modeling, and relevance are keys to academic success. What this means is that our understanding and written work is the product of a group effort consisting of the student, peers, and the professor. No one does it alone. To eliminate surprises or guessing, I believe in providing plenty of sample work that shows what a finished product might look like, whether it be an essay or a discussion thread and response. Finally, I believe that what we study and produce must be personally relevant. For instance, even less formal discussion threads should be viewed as producing content for eventual use in an essay. It should all be connected.

Please feel free to email me if you have concerns, questions, or would like more information.

Course Description

This is a UC/CSU transferable course that builds on the critical thinking, reading, and writing practices begun in English 101, offering instruction in analytical, critical, and argumentative writing, critical thinking, research strategies, information literacy, and proper documentation through the study of literary works from major genres, while developing students' close reading skills and promoting an appreciation for the aesthetic qualities of literature. Prerequisites include English 101, English 101H, or placement determined by the COC English assessment process. Units (4.00) apply to the associate degree. Course objectives include:

  • Apply critical thinking, specifically multiple perspectives, rhetorical strategies and related fallacies, as well as critical theories, to the analysis and interpretation of literature
  • Compose well-structured, grammatically-correct essays which demonstrate the ability to critically read, analyze, compare and evaluate complex literary terms while supporting interpretations with convincing textual evidence

What to Expect in this Course

Two significant Canvas announcements will be posted each week during the semester. A Monday announcement will introduce activities while a Friday announcement will serve as a brief reminder. These announcements will provide convenient links to: office hours; discussions; course documents; videos. These announcements will also include detailed guidance on readings and assignments. Each discussion contains a sample thread and response to assist with their production. Each essay assignment also contains sample material to model what is expected.

Types of Assessments

The course consists of 4 essays (on fiction, the novel, poetry, and drama), a weekly discussion, and regular reading.

Textbook Information / Link to ZTC Textbook

Gardner, Janet E., Joanne Diaz, Beverly Lawn, Jack Ridl, and Peter Schakel. Literature: A Portable Anthology. 5th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2021. ISBN#: 9781319215033. [required - by week #1]

Boyle, T.C. The Tortilla Curtain. New York: Penguin, 1996. ISBN#: 9780140238280. [required - by week #4]

Ruggiero, Vincent Ryan. Beyond Feelings: A Guide to Critical Thinking. 9th ed. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2012. ISBN#: 9780078038181. [required - by week #1]

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Hacker, Diana and Nancy Sommers. Rules for Writers. 10th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2022. ISBN#: 9781319244255. [optional]


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

College of the Canyons cares about your emotional and physical health. Learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including free counseling and mental health services available during this time by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center website or by calling them at: 661-362-3259.

The National Suicide Lifeline number is 1-800-273- 8255 (TALK). Please call it if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress - it could save someone's life.

You can also use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. It's free, available 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: 02/10/2022 Sub#: 283