ENGL 261 - American Literature II - Amelia Norton-Cooke

Introduction

Welcome to ENGL 261- a survey of American literature from 1865 - present. I'm excited to explore a variety of authors, texts, genres, movements, and stories with you as we unpack and tackle some big questions that seem straightforward at first glance but become nuanced, complex, layered, and infinitely more interesting as we delve into them. 

Course Description

English 261 surveys a diverse range of American authors and their relationship to major literary and intellectual movements from the second half of the nineteenth century to the present. This class in particular will be concerned with the concept of identity, the complexity of what it means to be American, and the relationship between identity,  literature, culture, and the past.

What to Expect in this Course

This class is asynchronous and 100% online, so there will be no required meetings. Instead, students will work through the course material at their own schedule while still meeting set deadlines. To be successful, students will need access to a reliable computer, internet service, and be reasonably proficient in navigating through Canvas. It is my experience that Canvas works best with GoogleChrome, and it is not particularly friendly with iPads, Explorer, or Safari.

Online classes offer a lot of flexibility in terms of scheduling and accessing information; however, they also require higher levels of motivation, time-management, and diligence from students. One of the best ways to be successful in an online course is to follow the syllabus and course calendar closely and engage with the class as much as possible. Remember, the effort you put into an online class can make a huge difference in your success and enjoyment of the course. Unlike in traditional, face-to-face meetings, an online instructor has no way of knowing if a student is struggling until after an assignment is submitted (or not) - so always be an advocate for yourself and reach out early with concerns and questions. 

Types of Assessments

Our textbook is divided into three volumes, each covering a different literary period and time in history. Each volume corresponds with a unit in the class. When we have completed the material in each volume, students will write a paper on a given prompt from that volume. Throughout the unit, there will be relevant quizzes, discussions, and assignments that culminate in the volume paper.

Textbook Information

You can access the textbook from COC's bookstore: https://coc.bncollege.com. You will need all three volumes of the text (which come pre-packaged together as one item), but it is your choice if you prefer the physical copy (ISBN 9780393884432) or the digital copy (ISBN 8220146286959). 

Other Relevant Course Information

You will have access to our course in Canvas on the first day of class, and, similar to attending your first class meeting in a face-to-face course, you will be expected to "show up" for our class by logging into Canvas and completing a few quick assignments that first day. After the first day, the course will be available one unit at a time, which is roughly four weeks long, so you have more flexibility in planning your schedule, completing the readings, and submitting your assignments before their posted due dates.

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: 09/16/2026 Sub#: 2104 Sub ID: 220505