ENG 1A - Critical Reading & Composition
Instructor: Richard Dry
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Course Description
Integrated approach to reading, writing, and critical thinking intended to develop ability to read and write complex, college-level prose. Examination of ideas in relation to individual's world view and contexts from which these ideas arise. Some research required. Prerequisite: English 100B or 104 or equivalent or an appropriate skill level demonstrated through the English assessment process.
To take this class, you must have daily access to a computer with an Internet connection, an email account, and experience using a web browser. You will also need to update your email address in CLASS-Web when you register.
Check the college catalog for CSU/UC transferability and to see if this course meets AA/AS degree requirements.
This class begins Aug 20 and ends Dec 23.
On-Campus Meetings
There are no on-campus meetings.
How This Class Operates
This is not a self-paced class. Weekly interaction with each other and with your instructor are the foundation of the class. Typically, there are assignments due three times a week: A reading and posting in the middle of the week, and a reply posting and quiz at the end of the week. There are also four major essays (4-8 pages long) spread throughout the semester. There is also an online "lab" assignment due at the end of every week.
Class Activities
- Weekly readings and discussion postings
- Weekly quizzes
- 4 major essays
- Reading and annotation of two books and multiple articles
- Research and documentation
Class Project(s)
The books this semester will be "That's Not What I Meant," by Deborah Tannen, which is about communication and relationships, the novel "1984," by George Orwell, and one other text that will be announced during the class session. Through these texts, we will examine the use of language on personal, social, and political levels. You will be asked to research and analyze articles regarding related topics.
How Students are Graded
Your postings and papers will be graded on how well you understand the readings and how well you can communicate your ideas. You will receive points for all assignments. The major essays will be worth approximately 50 percent of your grade. You will have an opportunity to rewrite the first two essays based on my comments and receive additional points.
Succeeding in an Online Course
Students who succeed in online courses tend to be independent, self-motivated learners with good computer skills. If you are a procrastinator who relies heavily on the instructor for motivation, can't use a computer too well, have taken less than 21 units of college credit in your lifetime, and/or have a grade-point-average under 2.0, you should probably consider enrolling in a face-to-face course instead.
Also, don't enroll in this class if you believe the myth that learning online requires less effort than learning face-to-face. This course covers the same content and has similar activities as the face-to-face version of the course; only the method of delivery changes.
LPC offers a tutorial called "Succeeding in an online course" that will not only tell you if you are a good fit for online learning, but it also offers many strategies -- among other pertinent information -- that will help you succeed online. Please complete the tutorial.
Blackboard
This course will use the Blackboard course management system as its virtual classroom. To learn how to log in to Blackboard, go to the Blackboard Login Procedures page. Once you enroll, you will not be able to log in until the first day of class.