Greg Miraglia - LGBT5 Intro To LGBT Studies

LGBT-5 Introduction To LGBT Studies

Welcome to LGBT-5 Introduction to LGBT Studies. This introductory course focuses on a broad range of domestic and global contemporary LGBT topics in art, history, law, literature, and politics. Students have the opportunity to explore intersecting identities while developing research and critical thinking skills vital for further progress in the program.

This course is the entry level class for the LGBT Studies degree, but is ideal for anyone who is interested in learning more about the community. It is open to all students regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

About This Course

This class meets entirely online and there are no class meetings on campus. Attending an online class means logging into Canvas a couple of times a week and completing the course work assigned.

Students may request to add the class through the first week of class. Add codes will be provided as space allows.

Download an accessible version of the syllabus.

Required Textbook:

Amory, D., & Massey, S. (2022). LGBTQ+ Studies: An Open Textbook OER Services. Print: ISBN 978-1-4384-9170-7

There are two other recommended books that have extra credit assignments available for them.

Learning Outcomes

Analyze and write critically about the various ways people identify their sexual orientation and/or their gender identity and expression.
Analyze the systemic complexities confronting multiple intersecting identities within the context of LGBT struggles globally and domestically.
Assess theories about sexual orientation and gender identity and expression within the context of Feminist Theory, Gender Theory, and Queer Theory.
Examine the continuous evolution of legal policies and societal views of LGBT people on a global level.
Examine sexual orientation and gender identity issues within various indigenous, racial, ethnic, and recent immigrant communities in the United States.

Preparing You For Success

Whether you are taking this class as part of a certificate or degree at City College or on your way to a 4-year college, an important part of your education is learning what is expected of a successful student and a professional.

Here are some of the essential attributes of a successful student and a professional and how they relate to this class.

• Honesty and trustworthy: This is especially important in an online class. Doing your own work, not engaging in plagiarism, and not every cheating on a test or assignment demonstrates honesty and that you are trustworthy. Demonstrating honesty in your actions makes your trustworthy.

• Punctual, exercise time management, and the ability to meet deadlines: Time management is a critical skill. You can submit your work at any time during the week before the due date and time. Plan ahead and submit your work well before it is due. This will ensure you meet every deadline.

• Ability to communicate effectively and accurately orally and in writing: Take the time to proof read your writing for grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Every writing assignment is a chance to practice and improve. Use the CCSF English Lab if you need help.

My Approach To Teaching

Teaching is a passion for me and has been part of my life since childhood. I wanted to be a teacher long before ever thinking about a career in law enforcement and I'm fortunate to have been able to enjoy two incredible careers. I love teaching classes face-to-face and in the online environment. I can honestly say that I look forward to the first day of class each semester as much as I did the very first day I walked into a classroom.

I see the role of a teacher, especially in an online classroom, as a facilitator of learning. I do my best to create content, activities, and experiences that help students learn. I can honestly say that I learn something new about the subjects I teach as well as how to teach from every class. I can't think of a class I've taught exactly the same way from one semester to the next. I appreciate curiosity and full participation of students in all class activities.

This is all to say that you and I are in this together! I hope to share with you this semester some of what I have learned from my experience in law enforcement and at the college.

Tips For Success

Attend the optional course orientation on CityZoom. This is a great opportunity for us to meet and for you to get a tour of the course in Canvas.
Set your Canvas notifications to forward course announcements and messages to forward to our mobile device and email.
Always submit every assignment. The most common reason students fail my class is because they simply don't submit the work.
Turn your work in early. Set a personal deadline at least 12 hours before a deadline to reduce stress and to ensure you don't run into technical problems at the last minute.
Ask questions about anything you are unsure about before submitting an activity or assignment.
Always use the modules to access course content. Do not rely on the Canvas "To Do" list - it's nevery complete.
If you ever score less than 80% on an open-book quiz, go back and review the material and take the quiz again. I always count the highest score you achieve.

How This Course Works

This course is organized into learning modules. Each module begins with an Overview and Instructions page that provides an overview of what you will do and learn in that module. The pages that follow contain videos, text, and links to various websites. The assignments section includes those activities that you need to complete. Typically, each assignment section includes a discussion topic, writing assignment, and often a quiz.

As you view each page and complete each activity, a green check mark will appear on the right side of the Modules page display. This should help you keep track of where you are in any given module.

The first module is a course orientation. This module requires you to view each and every page in order. Some of the pages require you to check the "mark done" button in the lower right corner of that page. You will find several activities and agreements that you must complete in order to move forward in the course. This is all designed to ensure you know how to be successful in this class. Modules will open up at 12:01AM on the Sunday before the module is scheduled to begin. I will send you an announcement about the coming week's work every Sunday morning. You are welcome to get started early.

Due dates for every activity and assignment are visible on the Modules page display as well as within the details for each activity. In most cases, activities and assignments are due by 11:59PM on Sunday night. The course home page contains a schedule of what modules are assigned each week. You will also find the dates for exams. Exams are typically available for 48 hours and you must complete the exam during that time period.

If you encouter an error in the course, please let me know as soon as possible so I can get the problem fixed.

Below is what the typical schedule looks like for a week of class.

Grading

Assessment and grading in this class will be completed using points. Points are awarded for almost every discussion, activity, survey, writing assignment, quiz and exam. You will find a wide variety of ways to earn the grade you want.

Class participation will also be considered in the final grade calculation. Evaluation and grading of class participation in face-to-face, hybrid, or fully online classes includes active involvement in class and submission of assignments, activities, projects, group activities, and discussions (online and face-to-face). You earn participation points by submitting work and completing activities.

Extra credit is often available to enhance your learning experience in class.

The final course grade will be determined based on a percentage of points earned from the total possible using the scale below. This includes all writing assignments, papers, exams, graded activities, and class participation.

A = 90% to 100% 
B = 80% to 89% 
C= 70% to 79% 
D = 60% to 69% 
F = 59% and Below

Commitments

Here is what you can expect of me:

I encourage you to reach out by telephone or the Canvas Inbox with any questions you have. I will respond to your email or message within 24 hours during the week, unless I inform you otherwise.
I will treat you fairly and your ideas with respect.
I will grade your assignments and Discussion posts and replies most often within 48 hours. (If you have posted late work, it may take longer.) Grades on the final project and final exam will be done within a week.
You will see your grades in the Canvas Gradebook.
I will work hard to make this a great class.

You will succeed in this course if you meet the following expectations:

Log-in regularly (at least twice a week) to this class in Canvas.
Participate in weekly discussions by posting an initial response to the topic and replying to at least two other students.
Participate in group assignments and activities.
Read all assigned content in the textbook and in each Module.
Complete all assignments and submit them on time.
Complete all scheduled exams during the time they are scheduled.
Complete the term project and submit it by the time due.
Always do your own work, cite your sources, and don't engage in plagiarism.

How To Get Questions Answered

Ask A Question In Class

You can pose a question to me and the rest of the class by using the "Ask A Question In Class" discussion topic. You will find a link to this discussion at the top of the course home page.

Remember, everyone in the class will see what you post and everyone is welcome to respond to your question. I monitor this discussion topic and will be notified anytime a question is posted.

Canvas Inbox

For a private question that you want only me to see and respond to, use the Canvas Inbox. I am notified anytime you send me a message.

You can also send a note via email to gmiraglia@ccsf.edu.

In both cases, I will respond to you within 24 hours.

Let's Meet

Sometimes it's just easier for us to meet up and talk about your question.

I am available to meet with you by telephone or CityZoom. My office hours are often flexible, so send me a message via the Canvas Inbox or email me at gmiraglia@ccsf.edu to arrange a time for us to meet.

Best Ways To Contact Me

My office hours are flexible during the work week. The best way to contact me is via the Canvas Inbox. Look for a link on the far left side of the Canvas screen.

Email: gmiraglia@ccsf.edu
Phone: 707-728-5428
Personal website: www.gregmiraglia.com

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