ENGL C-1000 - Academic Reading and Writing - Abigail Royster
| Course: | Academic Reading and Writing |
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| Professor: | Abigail Royster |
| Email: | abigail.royster@canyons.edu |
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Introduction
Hi there! My name is Professor Royster, and I am your instructor for ENGL C1000. I’m a book nerd at heart, and I’m excited to work with you this semester!
About Me: I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in English from UCLA and my Master’s degree in English and Comparative literature from Columbia University. But, what I’m most proud of is that I started at College of the Canyons! I got my Associate’s here so I could follow my dream to teach, and I was so inspired by my experience here that I returned to our wonderful campus community.
Course Description
This course is an introduction to college level analytical reading and argumentative writing that will prepare you to tackle almost all of the writing you do for the rest of your college career. You’ll learn how to evaluate a text’s meaning and identify the persuasive strategies it uses. You’ll be able to communicate your original ideas and arguments clearly and concisely, and you’ll be able to find and use reliable evidence to support those arguments. You’ll become an expert at navigating the writing process, from research and prewriting to your finished product–the MLA style academic essay. Ultimately, we are going to prepare you to read and write confidently as you step into this new chapter in your education!
What to Expect in this Course
We will be meeting two days a week for this course. Otherwise, all of our coursework will be done online remote via Canvas. In this course, you can expect to do 2-3 hours of reading per week. You’ll be expected to complete two personal assignments a week, like a discussion board or a reading reflection, which should take you no more than an hour. You will complete three essays over the course of the semester, so about every five weeks. This will give you plenty of time per essay to develop your writing process, and the assignments each week will be “building blocks” toward each essay. In the week before the essay is due, you’ll also be assigned to review your peers’ essays and provide feedback, and visit The Learning Center for free tutoring (in-person or via zoom) to get feedback. Don’t worry–I don’t believe in pop quizzes! I’m sure they stress you out as much as they stress me out. Your midterm and final will both consist of a few short-answer style, open-book reading questions.
Textbook Information
We will be using two textbooks in this course. The information can be found below:
- They Say I Say (sixth edition) by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein
This will be our primary textbook in building knowledge of rhetorical strategies. We will be referring to it mostly in lectures. It is widely available to purchase online, but I have provided the COC Bookstore and Amazon links above. E-versions are OK to purchase as well.
- The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green
You will be analyzing essays in this book for the latter half of the course. It is widely available to purchase online, but I have provided the COC Bookstore and Amazon links above. E-versions are OK to purchase as well.
Other Relevant Course Information
Because this course utilizes an online platform, you will need access to a computer to create and review digital documents. You will also need access to a Wifi connection to submit assignments and review material on Canvas, our online learning platform. COC’s Library and Learning Center have computers that you can use during regular business hours for FREE!
I’m so looking forward to getting to know you this semester! Please email me if you have any questions.
Best,
Prof. Royster
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: 08/12/2025 Sub#: 1956 Sub ID: 200223