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 is a hybrid course that combines face-to-face instruction with distance education instruction. The course will be using a Web-based Learning Management System Canvas.
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. 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 the course start date and need assistance, please email me or technical support at this email address support@my.cuesta.edu. Also, I can assist you during our face-to-face class meetings.
Hybrid Learning:
This course is an 18-week hybrid course, which means that it will meet once a week in-person, and the rest of the coursework is to be completed online. Each week, I will post a new module on Canvas that will include any readings, online discussion forums, or quizzes that are to be completed that week. In our face-to-face meetings, we will be discussing and doin g activities that connect to writing assignments and readings.
Because the course is at least half online, there are a few key tools and skills that you’ll need to successfully complete the course. You will need access to either a computer or a digital pad with a keyboard attachment. Please also make sure that you have access to Microsoft Word or Google Docs for submitting the majority of your formal assignments. If you don’t have access to a computer or a tablet with a keyboard (or if something happens to your computer during the semester), let me know and I’ll help you access a computer that you can borrow through Cuesta.
Course Description
For the official course description and course outline of record please go to CurricUNET.
In this class, your emotional and intuitive connections with language will reach a sweet spot with reason and logic. We will practice using words as razor-sharp scimitars to cut to the core of issues. As you develop arguments by analyzing different texts, your experiences, views, and personal insights will help you to draft and revise powerful essays. This class will cultivate an aggressive curiosity for ideas, reading, and writing.
The Cuesta Catalog provides a rather dry description of English 201A, stating that the class “provides a study of and practice in the use of language and writing argumentative/analytical essays and research papers,” which is all true, but the class is so much more. It is an entry into college writing and can affect every other class you take that has room for creative, logical, and insightful ideas expressed through words.
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Employ close reading strategies to identify and interpret patterns and ideas written in complex
texts and to demonstrate comprehension of main and supporting ideas in selected readings.
2. Develop process-based writing practices that include generating, drafting, and revising to
produce clear and persuasive writing.
3. Write essays that are organized effectively.
4. Formulate effective strategies to find relevant resources, critically evaluate information in
light of its complexities of authority and production, and ethically attribute and skillfully
integrate source material.
5. Write fair and persuasive arguments that assert and support positions, demonstrate audience
awareness, and incorporate differing viewpoints.
Textbooks and Materials
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
Waitlist Policy:
Please review Cuesta’s waitlist procedure and instructions.
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