English 201A
Instructor:
Emily Shipley
Contact information
Email Address: emily_shipley@cuesta.edu; Canvas messaging.
Phone Number:[N/A]
Office Location/ Hours: TBA
Instructor Contact Expectations: The best and fastest way to contact me is via Canvas messaging. I will generally respond to your messages within 24 hours during weekdays only. During busy times and on weekends during the semester, the response time may increase to 48 hours. If you message me on weekends due to extenuating circumstances or an emergency, I will do my best to get back to you ASAP, but I cannot guarantee an immediate response.
Course Environment:This online course will be using a Web-based Learning Management System called Canvas as the method to disseminate information. Canvas provides the framework for the course including PowerPoint presentations, Zoom lectures, student data files, the tools to receive and send course materials, and a grade book. Using these tools, you can communicate using e-mail, and you can share materials and ideas with other course participants via the discussion forums and groups. In fact, this is a requirement for English 201A, the quality of which will largely determine your participation grade.
Class opens / Accessing Canvas:Prior to the Monday classes start, you will receive an email to your my.Cuesta.edu address providing you with a reminder that class will be starting and log in procedures for Canvas, the learning management system (LMS) used to deliver course content. You can access Canvas by logging into MyCuesta, then clicking on the Resources Tab, then clicking on Canvas in the Online Learning Channel, or by typing the Canvas address (https://cuesta.instructure.com/) into your browser address bar. Do not bookmark / favorite the canvas site after your login, or you will get an error message next time you try to log in. You must access this login directly.
If you are not familiar with logging into Canvas, please refer to the Canvas Quick Reference GuideLinks to an external site.. Once logged into Canvas, you will be directed on where to get started. Be sure to read all the directions located on the course home page to get a feel for the class and what to expect over the next eighteen weeks.
If you are having difficulty logging into Canvas after our start date, are enrolled, and need assistance please email 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, exams, etc.) is submitted online. There are no face-to-face meetings. Please be prepared to spend 8 - 12 hours per week on coursework for this class.
For success in this course, you must have access to a reliable and up-to-date computer, an email account, and a functioning, stable Internet connection. You should also have a backup plan should your system or your Internet provider fail you. Since you will submit your assignments via Canvas’s internal system, you must at least have a basic understanding of how to use these features, navigate the Internet, and communicate online.
IS AN ONLINE CLASS FOR YOU?
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First, go to the Online Readiness ResourcesLinks to an external site.to take a self-assessment, if you are unsure. 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 NOTdescribe 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:
You will have regular contact with me via announcements and week-by-week modules to guide you through the material of the course. You will also have contact with your peers in the class, in both larger discussions and smaller peer workshops and activities that will have you work with only a couple of other people in the class.
While we do not meet in person, regular attendance is required in English 201A. This is counted by login and assignment submission. Student failure to login to the class twice a week or more will result in being dropped from the roster. In addition, you may be dropped if your postings-to-forum or assignment submissions fall below 50%.
The types of assignments and participation you can expect in this class include the following:
- Class discussions that illicit germane debate and analytical approaches to classroom readings
- Writing assignments of varying lengths, some peer workshopped, some not.
- Major out-of-class papers with edited rough drafts, a final draft, and reflective cover letter
- A midterm test and essay
- Small-group work and discussions
- A research paper as the capstone project to the course
Course Description
English 201A provides a study of and practice in the use of language and writing of argumentative/analytical essays and research papers. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement or ENGL 180 or equivalent. Transfer: CSU; UC.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Write a fair and persuasive argument that takes a clear position while incorporating differing viewpoints.
- Write an essay that is effectively and clearly organized.
- Find necessary information, assess its value, and use it in a research paper.
- Integrate and document sources correctly, clearly, and ethically.
- Write clear, grammatical sentences with few errors.
Text Book and Materials
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Everything’s An Argumentby Andrea Lunsford, 8th edition, no extra readings
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The Circle by Dave Eggers
If you purchase books in electronic format, you will need the proper software to view them on the device you use to access this course. This will include a PDF program, most likely Adobe or Preview.
Supplemental Materials necessary for the class, as applicable:
Technical Support
Cuesta students are encouraged to direct all technical support inquiries to support@my.cuesta.edu. If you are having issues with Canvas, you should contact the Canvas Support Hotline at (877) 921-7680, or click on the help button on the Canvas Navigation to report a problem.
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 me 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.at 805-546-3148 or
College & Course Policies:
Academic Honesty Policy:. Plagiarism will result in an “F” on the assignment, and I will report you to the appropriate offices for student disciplinary action. If you are found guilty, a stamp of “AD” – or Academic Dishonesty – could be placed on your academic record and transcripts. If you are caught plagiarizing twice, you could be expelled. We will discuss plagiarism and how to avoid it this semester.
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:You will be dropped if you fail to log in a minimum of twice a week and/or if your postings-to-forum or assignment submissions fall below 50%..
Cuesta Drop Policy: http://academic.cuesta.edu/admrreg/infodate.htm
Waitlist Policy: Students will be added to the class if there is room according to the course maximum and according to the order they are waitlisted. In addition to my course specific procedures, please review Cuesta’s waitlist procedure and instructionsLinks to an external site..
Further information about my class can be found on my syllabus, which is posted to Canvas and available to students who are enrolled. Please add yourself to my class in order to view this.
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