English 201A: English Composition--Summer 2024
By the end of this syllabus, ask yourself what the three quotes have in common and what they tell you about this class you plan to take.
Welcome to English 201A!
Quote 1: “It's all knowing what to start with. If you start in the right place and follow all the steps, you will get to the right end.” Elizabeth Moon, American science fiction writer
Instructor: Alyssa Emerson
Contact Information
How can I reach my instructor? Instructor Contact Expectations
- Post questions in the Q & A Discussion Forum first—This way everyone can see your question, and if someone knows the answer, they can help you.
- Please note that using your Canvas Inbox email is the best and fastest way to reach me.
- I will generally respond within 24 hours. During those times in the summer session when things are really busy, the turn around time may 48 hours.
- I am generally online Monday through Friday multiple times a day 9am-5pm, and usually offline from 5pm – 9 am. I am not likely to respond to emails or discussion posts when offline or on the weekends or holidays but will if available.
What is English 201A? Course Description
English 201A provides a study of and practice in the use of language and writing of argumentative/analytical essays and research papers.
What skills will I have at the end of this semester?
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Upon completing English 201A successfully, students will be able to
- 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.
- Develop process-based writing practices that include generating, drafting, and revising to produce clear and persuasive writing.
- Write essays that are organized effectively.
- 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.
- Write fair and persuasive arguments that assert and support positions, demonstrate audience awareness, and incorporate differing viewpoints.
This class requires a significant amount of weekly reading. We will be completing homework assignments, class discussions, and online forums based on weekly reading assignments. Therefore, you will need the textbooks right away. Textbooks may be purchased reliably through the Cuesta College Official BookstoreLinks to an external site., but you may rent or purchase a new or used copy through other sites.
- Axelrod, Rise B. and Charles R. Cooper. The Concise St. Martin’s Guide to Writing, 9th edition (I will refer to this book as Concise Guide.)
- All other course materials are accessible through our Canvas CMS
How much time will this class require? Student Expectations
- Note: This course begins with an online orientation to improve the likelihood of success in the course.
- This distance education, asynchronous course is completely online using Canvas; all coursework (discussions, assignments, quizzes) is submitted online in asynchronous form. Zoom is only used for requested student-teacher meetings by appointment.
- Students are required to log into the course at least three times a week, at least two separate days to read and post content.
- There are no face-to-face meetings. Believe it or not, please be prepared to spend 20+ hours per week on coursework for this class. Because this is a six-week, accelerated summer course, it will require substantially more time weekly than the traditional eighteen-week, full-length semester course. An online course requires more reading and writing than a face-to-face class because lectures, discussions, and course content is in written form. Please be mindful of what this time commitment entails.
- If a student does not log in AND participate for one week, or if their posting percentage is 60% or below, or if a student consistently fails to submit assignments, the student may be dropped from the course. If a student does not participate by the Friday of the first week of class, 6/14/23, they may be dropped.
Netiquette and Online Course Participation:
Creating a Positive, Equitable, Inclusive Learning Environment through Personal Classroom Conduct and Netiquette
Together, we create our own class dynamic, and this space is one that should support and encourage a positive learning experience. We should not dismiss those behaviors that impede an effective learning environment. To ensure a comfortable and positive learning environment, let’s agree to be respectful of each other. This includes making a thoughtful, courteous, and productive contribution to discussions and exchanges even when we express an opposing viewpoint. Also, please note that class discussion and reading material may address controversial issues and may include references to adult themes and language. Lastly, if discriminatory comments or language become part of the discussion, we will work to address and resolve this with the aim of supporting our diversity while maintaining an inclusive, supportive community of learners. The following rules apply to all written work in this class:
- Use respectful and appropriate language in your forum discussions.
- Please do not use texting language, i.e. LOL.
- Emoticons are acceptable ways to show emotion.
- Avoid CAPS as they come across like YOU'RE SCREAMING.
- You are expected to read all forum posts.
- You are to respond to the appropriate number of posts for each forum.
- All messages are public, so be careful and courteous when you post.
- Make your posts thorough and your replies as well.
- Complete sentences and thoughts are mandatory for forum posts; be sure to proofread before posting.
- Use a person's name when you reply to their post.
- Use mycuesta.edu email for private communication.
Discussion Forum Requirements
- This is a vital component of the class as it will be where the greatest communication as a class takes place. Discussion forums will be used to discuss the reading, share rough drafts, post presentations, and offer feedback on a variety of class assignments.
- You will complete 1-2 Discussion Forum assignments each week over the six-week summer session. In other words, we will have class discussions on an average of two topics a week.
- You must first post a response to the writing prompt. Then you must reply to typically at least two peers on two different days. For example, you may post a response to the Discussion prompt on Wednesday, reply to a peer on Wednesday, and then reply to a second peer on Friday. The best advice: Post early and often.
- Refer to Netiquette Policy above.
Plan for Success: College Support Services
Success rarely just happens. It is usually the result of planning and perseverance. While we may not expect it right now, there may come a time when we need some extra help. There are many resources students can utilize to maximize the likelihood of success in this class and other classes. These are just some of my recommendations:
- Student Tutors—Cuesta offers free tutoring! Visit the Writing CenterLinks to an external site. for assistance on your writing assignments. There are also student tutors available in most other subjects through the Student Success CenterLinks to an external site.. I recommend the Writing Center for input and feedback on every writing assignment. Utilizing tutoring services is an integral part of the writing process as it provides one-on-one instructional support. You are not on your own—they want to help you! Tutorial services can be found at the following link: Tutorial ServicesLinks to an external site.
- The Library—For a list and reference to library services, including learning research and assistance, please follow the link: Library and Learning ResourcesLinks to an external site.
- Basic Computer Skills—You will use word processing programs to complete quizzes, drafts, and essays. You will also have presentation assignments that require a basic knowledge of PowerPoint or Google Slides. If you believe this will present a challenge for you, now is the perfect time to check out tutorials offered by each of these resources.
- Veterans ServicesLinks to an external site. : Cuesta offers resources and community for those who have served. If you are a veteran, connect with this supportive community and learn about the resources available.
- Food ResourcesLinks to an external site.--If you are food insecure or know a student who is, the Cuesta Cougar Food Pantry can be a lifesaver.
- Student Health ServicesLinks to an external site.--Cuesta offers physical and mental health services, including free therapy sessions for students, wellness resources, referrals and much more.
- Basic Needs CenterLinks to an external site.--Cuesta works to connect you with and provide vital essential resources, such as transportation, housing, financial aid, mental wellness, and healthcare.
Quote 2: "Success isn't always about greatness. It's about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come." Dwayne Johnson, American actor
Disabled Students Programs and Services
- If you have a physical, mental, or learning disability that requires any special accommodation, please contact Disabled Student Programs and ServicesLinks to an external site. as soon as possible to ensure that you receive the accommodations in a timely manner. I will be happy to discuss and work with you on your need for accommodations. If you have previously qualified for these services, such as an IEP in high school, or if you believe you have some type of disability, contact them. Even if you believe you can complete your coursework without their assistance, it is vital that you connect with them at the beginning of the semester so that you are informed about what they offer. Think of it as insurance—you may not need their help, but if you do, it will be there.
Grading Policy and Assignment Expectations
- Timeline for assignment feedback: All work will receive feedback within 7-10 days.
- Submission Policy: Each assignment includes instructions on the acceptable submission form. (ex: doc, pdf, text box)
- This is a general breakdown of grades. Point values for some categories may change slightly.
Assignments & Point Values
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Assignments & Point Values
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Essays (@ 1500 & 2000 word-minimum)
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350
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Discussions (8 total @ ~20-40pts. ea.)
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200
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Reading Comprehension Quizzes
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100
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Essay Prep Activities and Exercises
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150
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Grammar Review Exercises
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100
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Library Information Literacy Assignment (4 modules)
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100
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Total Points
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1000
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Final Grade Scale: This class uses a plus or minus (+/-) grading scheme.
A=93%-100%, A-=90-92%,
B+=87%-89%, B=83%-86%,B-=80%-82%
C+=77%-79%, C=73%-76%
Note: Because 201A is a prerequisite class, a student cannot receive a C- grade.
D+=67%-72%, D=63%-66%, D-=60%-62%
F=0-59%
“What’s my grade?”: You can find out your current grade in Canvas.
Assignments
Essays
- Writing Process—Each essay will include preparatory reading assignments, writing exercises, and class discussions. The Film Evaluation Essay and Research Paper will also require a presentation. Be certain to complete all the steps to ensure success.
- Final Drafts—The essays must conform to the standard format covered in class using MLA 8th edition.
- Late Essays—In addition to any other standard deductions from the rubric,
- A late Film Evaluation Essay will receive a 10% deduction and will not be accepted more than one week late.
- The Research Paper is due Wednesday, 7/17, @ 11:59pm, will receive a 10% deduction if late, and will not be accepted after Friday, 7/19, @ 12 noon.
- Word-Minimum—If an essay does not meet the required word-minimum, there is a 20% deduction. All other standard deductions will also apply.
Discussions, Essay Prep Exercises, and Other Class Work
You will receive a variety of assignments over the course of the semester. Assignments are designed to encourage class participation, ensure you have completed the assigned reading, and build competency in the 5 Standard Learning Outcomes for English 201A. Writing assignments and discussions promote regular participation and preparedness.
Presentations
In addition to the Film Evaluation Essay and Research Paper, you will complete a presentation in Google Slides (or the equivalent) that will showcase your topic, discoveries, and experience during the writing process, and you will post it in a discussion forum. You will receive a detailed explanation of these assignments.
Grammar Review
Weekly exercises follow lessons on a variety of basic concepts and rules pertaining to grammar and punctuation. You will typically have two opportunities to complete each exercise for the highest grade.
Library Information Literacy Assignment
All English 201A students are required to complete the online modules and assignments, and it must count for 10% of a student's grade. These activities are designed to help you improve your ability to locate, research, evaluate, select, and cite sources.
Policy on Late Work
- Essays: See the policy above on late essays.
- Discussions: These communication forums are time-sensitive, but late posts and replies will receive credit with a 10% deduction up to one week late. Most first posts are due Wednesdays @ 11:59pm, and most replies to peers are due Fridays @ 11:59pm. See each discussion assignment for specific due dates/times.
- Grammar Exercises and Other Assignments: Accepted up to one week late with a 10% deduction.
- No credit will be given to work after Friday, 7/19, at 12 NOON.
Withdrawals
If you decide you do not want to complete the course, you need to drop the course. It is the responsibility of the student to withdraw from or drop a class. It is not the responsibility of the instructor to drop any student. Students may drop or withdraw from a course before 60% of the summer session has been completed and receive a "W" for withdrawal symbol on their academic record. The Cuesta College FAQs page on WithdrawalsLinks to an external site. is helpful.
Help and Technical Support
- For issues related to accessing Cuesta's LMS Site or other technical issues, students may email: support@my.cuesta.edu
- If the Cuesta server goes down or the power is out, the campus LMS will also be down and you will not be able to access your online course. When this happens, you should email your instructor from your student email (not from within the LMS) for more information or instructions.
- For all other issues related to the course or course content, try the Q & A Forum in Discussions.
- If you have an individual circumstance or situation, please email me.
Course and College Policies
Attendance Policy: You must log on to Canvas and work on course assignments a minimum of three times per week, at least two days per week. If a student does not log on AND participate for one week, or if their posting percentage is 60% or below, or if a student consistently fails to submit assignments, the student may be dropped from the course. If a student does not participate by the Friday of the first week of class, 6/14/23, they may be dropped.
Authentication policy: Authenticating student identity will be conducted by using the Learning Management System (LMS), Canvas. Canvas requires each student to log into the program using a secure login and password to access.
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, and and Zoom appointments.
Academic Honesty Policy
This is serious stuff! If we use another person’s work, we must give that individual credit. If a student willingly takes credit for someone else’s words or ideas, or if he/she is discovered cheating in any way, the student will receive a zero on the assignment and a Student Misconduct Report will be filed with the College Vice-President or Executive Dean. If a student uses AI language processing chatbots instead of generating their own work, the student will receive a zero on the assignment. If a student's Similarity Report through Turnitin is over 20% or if the AI report indicates AI was likely used, the assignment will not receive any credit. Basically, I want to see your work; I want to help you become an even stronger writer.
Course Calendar
There is a link to the Course Calendar on the course site. This includes all assignments and due dates as they become posted and available.
Disclaimer
I reserve the right to change the syllabus and/or schedule, as the needs of the class deem necessary. If such a need arises, I will inform you of any changes.
Quote 3: "A scholar is committed to building on knowledge that others have gathered, correcting it, confirming it, enlarging it." Parker J. Palmer, American educator, activist
Welcome to English 201A! I suspect this will be another interesting and eventful summer session. I am glad that you have decided to join our class!
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