HUM-100 - Introduction to the Humanities - Dr. Adam Kaiserman
Course: | Introduction to the Humanities |
---|---|
Professor: | Dr. Adam Kaiserman |
Email: | adam.kaiserman@canyons.edu |
Format: |
|
Course Length: |
|
Introduction
My name is Adam Kaiserman, and I am Professor of English at College of the Canyons as well as the chair of our Humanities Program. Before coming to College of the Canyons, I earned my M.A. and Ph.D. in English from the University of California, Irvine. My primary research interests are in the intersection of media studies and post-1945 American literature. However, over the last two years or so, I’ve become increasingly interested in refocusing my research and teaching around eco-criticism (the literary study of the environment). My Damascus Road moment occurred after reading David Wallace-Wells’s “Uninhabitable Earth” in New York Magazine. Wells documents all of the worst-case scenarios that might happen with climate change. It’s gripping, horrifying reading. Of course, I had known that climate change was a problem—I had just lived through the Thomas Fire in Ventura—but I was a brand-new father then, and the impacts that climate change would have on my son were genuinely devastating. Since then, I’ve tried to green my pedagogy whenever possible.
Course Description
I’ve organized the class along three central questions: How did we get here with climate change? How does the present moment feel? How should we act for the future? In the first unit, we will look at history, specifically Nathaniel Rich’s “Losing Earth: A Recent History.” In the second unit, where we consider our present moment we will look at short stories and personal essays from the collection Tales of Two Planets. In our third section, we will turn our attention to environmental ethics and write our own eco-manifestos.
HUM-100 involves a fair amount of reading regardless of the section. Please make sure that you can dedicate the appropriate amount of time for this class so that you can get all of the reading done for the class. It is critical for your success. Given the reading demands of the course, the humanities program recommends that all students have some experience reading and writing at the college level before taking this class.
I look forward to teaching you over this semester and to hearing from you soon.
What to Expect in this Course
Weekly modules and discussion boards.
Types of Assessments
Weekly discussion boards
Reading journal
Weekly low-stakes quizzes
Two papers
Final
Textbook Information / Link to ZTC Textbook
Tale of Two Planets
Stop Saving the Planet
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: 04/21/2022 Sub#: 1337