English 201B: Introduction to Literature and Critical Thinking Asynchronous Online--No Required Face-to-Face Meetings / CRN 50137
Contact information
Instructor: Dr. Roland Finger
Email Address: roland_finger@cuesta.edu
Office Location/ Hours: 6222, Office Hours will be announced and held through Zoom
Welcome to English 201B: Introduction to Literature and Critical Thinking! I am Dr. Roland Finger, and it will be my pleasure to work with you this semester.
What you should know:
- We have no required face-to-face
- You will participate in this course on an almost every-other-day
- You will write weekly in online forums (length requirements vary by assignment).
- Homework assignments and readings will be due each
- You will write a series of essays, including drafts and peer
Instructor Contact Expectations:
The best way to contact me is through email. I will generally respond to your emails within 24 hours during weekdays only. During busy times of the semester, the response time may increase to 48 hours. On weekends, I will do my best to get back to you ASAP, but I cannot guarantee an expeditious response.
Course Environment:
This online course will be using a Web-based Learning Management System Canvas as the method to disseminate information. Canvas provides the framework for the course including lecture material, student data files, the tools to receive and send course materials, and a grade book. Using the communication tools, you can communicate using e-mail, and you can share materials and ideas with other course participants via the discussion forums and groups.
Accessing the Course:
You will see your course in Canvas on the first day of class. You can access Canvas by clicking on Canvas from the top bar of the Cuesta homepage (www.cuesta.edu), or by typing the Canvas address (https://cuesta.instructure.com/) into your browser address bar.
If you are not familiar with logging into canvas, please refer to the Canvas Quick Reference Guide.Links to an external site. Once logged into Canvas you will be directed on where to get started. Be sure to read all the direction on the course home page.
If you are having difficulty logging into Canvas after June 12, 2023 and need assistance, please email me or technical support at this email address: support@my.cuesta.edu.
Online Learning:
If you have never taken an online class or this is your first experience with Canvas, please be patient with yourself. Online classes are not inherently easier, although they may be much more convenient for many students. You should expect to spend at least as much time, if not more on this course as you would on a course that meets face to face. Since there is no lecture component, much of this time will be self-directed and there will be a substantial amount of reading, viewing, studying, and writing required. This course is completely online using Canvas; all coursework (discussions, assignments, quizzes) is submitted online. There are no face-to-face meetings. Please be prepared to spend 8 to 12 hours per week on coursework for this class
IS an ONLINE CLASS FOR YOU?
Go to the Cuesta College Canvas Tutorial (self-paced)Links to an external site., there are many resources that were designed to help you understand the basis for an online class and the skills necessary for success. (If the tutorials do NOT describe you, then taking this class online is NOT for you and I strongly suggest that you drop the online class and enroll in a traditional classroom section.)
Regular Effective Contact policy:
Regular and Effective Instructor Contact will be met through weekly instructor initiated threaded discussion forums; weekly announcements to students; timely and effective feedback on student assignments; email, phone or messaging to individuals; and virtual office hours.
Course Description
The Cuesta Catalog states that English 201B “provides an introduction to the study of literature with an emphasis in both literary composition and critical thinking. This course emphasizes the development of critical thinking and writing skills through the close study of major genres of literature: poetry, fiction, and drama. Students receive further instruction in analytical and argumentative writing through examination and development of comprehensive literary discourse, identifying sound and fallacious methods of reasoning in critical assessments of literature.”
For the official course description and course outline of record, please go to CurricUNETLinks to an external site..
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completing ENGL 201B successfully, students will be able to:
Demonstrate advanced critical thinking and reasoning skills in a literary context;
Write interpretive literary arguments using advanced rhetorical and composition skills;
Demonstrate information competency in a literary context.
Texts and Materials
Multiple e-texts available through Canvas, ranging from Renaissance to Postmodernist works.
Technical Support
Cuesta students are encouraged to direct all technical support inquiries to support@my.cuesta.edu. If you are having issues with Canvas, or email support@instructure.com.
If you are having difficulty viewing the course or logging in, it may be because you are not using the correct url: https://cuesta.instructure.com/ or you are using your phone or using an unsupported browser.
Your learning environment is best accessed from a desktop or laptop computer, using Firefox or Chrome. This may solve your problem! Please review the browser requirements and minimum computer specificationsLinks to an external site..
Accommodations:
This course is designed using an accessible Learning Management System, and course materials have been created with ADA compliance in mind. If you have a disability and might need accommodations in this class such as extended time on exams or other resources. Please contact the instructor as soon as possible so that you can receive appropriate accommodations in a timely manner. You should also contact DSPS (Disabled Student Programs & Services)Links to an external site. or at 805-546-3148.
College & Course Policies:
Academic Honesty Policy: Plagiarism in any form is unacceptable. In addition to my course policy, please note all students attending San Luis Obispo County Community College District, at any district site and when representing Cuesta College in any off-campus activity, assume an obligation to conduct themselves in an acceptable manner compatible with the Student Code of conduct. Please review the Cuesta College Student Code of conductLinks to an external site..
Add / Drop Policy: In an online course, regular completion of assignments is absolutely required. If you do not complete more than half of all assignments at any point in the course, I may drop you. Also, if you do not log in for seven days, I may drop you. In addition to my policy, please review the Cuesta policy for drops.
Waitlist Policy: I will give out add codes to those on the waitlist if there is space available. In addition to my course specific procedures, please review Cuesta’s waitlist procedure and instructions.