English 101:
College Composition
Fall 2023 Syllabus
Instructor: John Toth
Office Phone: (661) 722-6300 ext. 6323
Office Location: T300 J
Email: john.toth@avc.edu
Fall 2023 Syllabus
Instructor: John Toth
Office Phone: (661) 722-6300 ext. 6323
Office Location: T300 J
Email: john.toth@avc.edu
Welcome!
I am John Toth, and I will be your instructor for English 101 this semester. For the last 20 years, I have been teaching at Antelope Valley College . I have held other jobs--including a long stint working for Disney--but I am glad that I ultimately landed here because I have found no other job to be as rewarding or fulfilling as being an instructor. One of the best aspects about teaching is that I learn from my students. Each of you has a unique background, set of experiences, and perspective, and a classroom rich in diversity provides an opportunity for a robust exchange of ideas. I am hoping that we can create an inclusive environment that promotes sharing our perspectives and learning from one another.
I look forward to meeting you and helping you to achieve your goals this semester.
John Toth
This sixteen-week course will begin the week of Monday, August 14.
This class will meet in person at the regularly scheduled times.
Most assignments will be posted in and submitted through Canvas, but I will discuss assignments during our class meetings.
Let's be sure to follow COVID 19 protocols to keep everyone safe and healthy this semester.
How to Be Successful in this Course
In addition to the three hours of class time, you can expect to devote up to six hours per week for reading and writing assignments, so be sure that you have the appropriate amount of time in your schedule to be able to successfully complete these assignments.
We will use the texts for the course extensively, and they will be the basis your essays in the course. I hope that you consider the money that you spend on purchasing these texts an investment in your success. However, I have put copies of the texts for this course on reserve at the library, so you have that as an option if you choose not to purchase those books.
Taking a college class can be overwhelming; please reach out to me if you have questions or need me to explain anything in more detail.
Typically students who meet with me during office hours to review drafts of their essays tend to see more improvement in their writing. I highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity.
Part of my role as an instructor is to support my students in the course and be available to them to respond to any questions they may have. Students who contact me are not bothering me; they are taking an active role in furthering their education.
I will hold office hours each week during the times listed below. If you are unavailable during those times, I welcome you to contact me outside of that time, and I will be happy to arrange a different meeting time on Zoom that accommodates both of our schedules.
Office Hours:
MW: 12:30-2:00
TR: 12:30-1:30
My office, T300 J, is located in one of the trailer T 300 1 behind the Child Development Center. and Yoshida Hall.
You do not need an appointment to see me during office hours. Often students hesitate to visit instructors because they feel that office hours are only for studens who are struggling. Consider dropping by during office hours to discuss your goals and an academic journey. Getting to know your instructors can be helpful in achieving your academic goals.
Perhaps the best way to contact me outside of office hours is to email me at my campus address john.toth@avc.edu, or you can use the Canvas inbox.
I will try to respond to emails within 24 hours, so if you do not receive a response, please send another email. since you might have encountered a technical problem that prevented me from receiving it.
You can also leave me a message at my office phone number: 661-722-6300. Extension 6323. It would be helpful for you to include a number so I can return your call.
We will be conferencing during the semester either in person or through Zoom to review your essays, but we can arrange a conference or a Zoom meeting at any time during the semester if you would like some additional feedback on your work.
I will provide you with a carefully organized course with assignments designed to help you meet the course objectives and student learning outcomes.
I will be respectful of your time and not overburden you: the assignments for this class have been designed to encourage critical thinking and to provide you with a better understanding of the works we study.
I will be an active participant in your learning.
I will provide clear, fair, and honest feedback of your work both verbally and in writing with the goal of helping you become a better writer.
I will be respectful of all students and strive to create an equitable and inclusive environment.
I will reach out to you when I feel you need support.
I will be human and make mistakes. I will see these as an opportunity to learn and grow. I hope that you will be able to be patient and understanding with me.
Is there anything that you would like to add?
You will be an active participant in the class who is willing to commit the time and effort to be successful in the course.
You will view the classroom as an opportunity to learn from others and for others to learn from you.
You will communicate with me about any circumstances that are not allowing you to be successful in the course, including not being able to attend class or needing to submit an assignment late.
You will contribute to any collaborative activities by sharing your ideas and carefully listening to and responding to the ideas of others.
You will treat your classmates and your instructor with respect.
You will approach the class with a sense of enthusiasm and adventure.
You will be patient with yourself. Everyone makes mistakes. Learning and developing academic skills comes with its share of frustrations. Be proud of yourself for embarking on this journey.
Is there anything that you would like to add?