ENGL 201A: English Composition / CRN 73303

Contact information

Instructor: Roland Finger

Email Address: roland_finger@cuesta.edu

Phone Number: (701) 566-2614

Office Location/ Hours: Room 6222 and Online Through Zoom: TBA

Instructor Contact Expectations: 

The best and quickest 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, August 14, 2023. 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. 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 August 14, 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 a significant amount of timer per week on coursework for this class

IS an ONLINE CLASS FOR YOU? 

Go to the Cuesta College Canvas Tutorial (self-paced). 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

Provides instruction in and study of expository and argumentative writing, appropriate and effective use of language, close reading, cogent thinking, research strategies, information literacy, and documentation.

For the official course description and course outline of record please go to CurricUNET.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Write a fair and persuasive argument that takes a clear position while incorporating differing viewpoints.
2. Write an essay that is effectively and clearly organized.
3. Find necessary information, assess its value, and use it in a research paper.
4. Integrate and document sources correctly, clearly, and ethically.
5. Write clear, grammatical sentences with few errors.

Textbooks and Materials

• Hoffman, Andrew. Monsters: A Bedford Spotlight Reader. 2^nd, Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2020.
• Pichetshote, Pornsak, et al. Infidel. Image Comics, 2018.

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 specifications.

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) or at 805-546-3148.

College & Course Policies:

Academic Honesty Policy

Academic dishonesty of any sort, including plagiarism, is not allowed.  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 conduct.

Add / Drop Policy:

Please review the Cuesta policy for drops

• Add Policy
• Drop Policy

Waitlist Policy:

Please review Cuesta’s waitlist procedure and instructions.