English C1001 - Critical Thinking & Writing - Aquil Yorke

Introduction

Just like all of you, I am a fellow student studying at the University of Michigan, getting my PhD in their Joint program in English and Education (JPEE for short). Therefore, I know and understand that many of you are balancing work, family, or personal challenges, and some may be experiencing housing or food insecurity. Despite these obstacles, you’ve chosen to invest in your education and future. I want you to know that I see you, and I’m here to support you!

Writing is powerful. It can shape opportunities, open doors, and even change lives. Strong literacy skills have a direct impact on lifetime earnings, and the work you do in this class will help build those skills. I’m here to help you grow, challenge yourself, and find confidence in your voice.

I also believe in continuous learning as an educator. I am committed to equity-minded teaching and regularly revise my syllabus and course materials to be student-centered, inclusive, and strengths-based.

I’m so excited to be on this journey with you. We’ve got this—together!

Course Description

I’ve designed this course, which covers critical thinking, argument, rhetoric, and critical writing, with a combination of Myths and Popular Culture as the primary focus of our study. Instead of examining classic texts, we’re going to explore various cultural myths in relation to pillars of consumer and entertainment culture today. How are we affected by the rhetoric embedded in what we watch, buy, or listen to? What relationships do we have with these aspects of our culture, and what do those relationships mean for the rest of society?

These are all important questions we’ll attempt to wrestle with over the course of this term. To complete the essay assignments for this course, you’ll need to peruse various forms of visual media (i.e., TV shows and movies – streamed, in theaters, or network aired), advertising, and visit a “space”. So, please plan your time and financial obligations accordingly.

What to Expect in this Course

Be prepared. Complete all weekly readings & viewings. Meet deadlines. Ask questions when you have them. Answer questions when you can. Engage in discussion and activities, etc. If you do most of those things most of the time, this class can be incredibly easy. If you do not do any of those things regularly, this class can be incredibly difficult.

Types of Assessments

To successfully complete this course, you will need to log onto our class website several times per week to view documents and PowerPoints, submit assignments, and participate in discussions. Each main Progression will have THREE main assignments meant to help scaffold the lessons we are learning in that section. These assignments include: Discussion Board Posts and Replies, Progression Essay Outlines with an Annotated Bibliography (excluding the first progression), and Peer Reviews.

Textbook Information

The World is a Text: Writing About Visual and Popular Culture: Updated Compact Edition Jonathan Silverman and Dean Rader ISBN – 1554813794 (Required)

Beginning Theory: An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory – Peter Barry ISBN – 1526121794 (Recommended)

Other Relevant Course Information

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner that supports communal learning. If you are disruptive or inconsiderate in any way (being rude to other students), you will be asked to adjust your behavior.

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: 07/21/2026 Sub#: 2061 Sub ID: 217999