Semester-length, on-campus section of English 201A

This course is a full semester-length 201A course, and we meet on campus Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.

Each week, you'll write, whether that's a couple of sentences, a paragraph, or an essay. You won't start out writing essays, though; that comes a bit later. Using this approach, you'll be building on your previous writing, extending it into longer explorations and support of your ideas.

This course is on campus; however, many of the handouts and assignments are online in Canvas.

Interested in what others say about the course? Read on.

The question is: How can you be happier?

Philosophers have pondered and debated this question for centuries. Perhaps all of humankind has. We'll explore the idea of happiness both from a scholarly and personal perspective, taking wisdom from others and adding our own valuable insights.

While learning and sharing about this topic, you'll strengthen your writing and argumentative skills (including analysis and critical thinking).

You'll support your ideas with research, explanations, comparisons and contrasts, and different texts like music and art. 

After all, who doesn't like happiness?

This course is on campus

And there are no books to buy! The course begins August 12th and goes through December 13th, 2024. You'll have access to the online portions of the course in Canvas at cuesta.instructure.com.

Besides our discussions in class, you'll have opportunities to meet online with your peers and me to ask questions and collaborate, and you'll be able to ask questions and collaborate using Pronto (a messaging app), discussion forums, and other online features of Canvas, too. 

You'll find that whatever your college writing skills are now, they'll be stronger by the end of the course, and you can proceed with confidence to your next college class knowing how to make writing essays easier and more effective. Bonus, you'll have plenty of support and feedback to guide you through the course so you can make the best of your learning opportunities. The course is designed to start with smaller steps and then to build on those steps weekly. There are plenty of practice activities where you're encouraged to explore your skills before tackling essays.

No required textbook

There are no required texts to buy! 

All the handouts, media, and texts you'll need are provided in the course, except for material you'll locate as part of your research effort. You have online access to the Cuesta Library to perform research as well as the option of visiting the library.

To enroll in the course, visit Class FinderLinks to an external site. to view CRN 70252 for the fall 2024 term.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are valued

Photo of Cuesta students collaborating on a project.

I’ve designed this course to be a welcoming environment where you can exchange ideas freely with your peers and me, where each person is respected and their perspective is valued. The strength of the course lies in the diversity of you, the students. You are a member of a learning community where everyone can participate and gain support from each other no matter their background or skill set. 

In addition, you'll have opportunities to learn more about diverse perspectives regarding key topics and issues throughout the course. Curiosity is the key!

Contact Me

The best way to contact me is to use the Canvas Inbox, which in a browser looks like a letter being dropped in a mailbox::  
In the Canvas Inbox, click the pencil icon  to compose and send an email to me. I will generally respond to your emails within 24 hours on weekdays.

You can also message me in Pronto. 

If you're not in Canvas, you can also reach me by Cuesta email at colleen_harmon@cuesta.edu.

College policies

For college policies about adding and dropping a class and student conduct, check out PoliciesLinks to an external site.

Ask other questions or get help

The Student Success CenterLinks to an external site. can assist with questions about tutoring, borrowing a laptop, emergency funding, etc. 

Financial AidLinks to an external site. is chock-a-block with information to help finance your education.

And for questions or help with housing or food or to join a great club, check out Student LifeLinks to an external site..

And remember, I'm interested in your success. So please reach out to me with any thoughts, concerns, or questions. Message me in Pronto or using the Canvas Inbox.