English 1B
Course Information
To register for this class, first register as a student with CCSF. Search the class schedule for my name or for the name of the course, and then scroll to the section you would like.
What Students Say About the Class
This was the first class since the pandemic hit that I truly felt I was in a classroom.
-Stephen
1B was an incredible experience for me. .. it was very interesting to see how examples of English and American literature could have relevance to contemporary life. I think I have a greater awareness of how issues of class and race can be hidden in these stories, and I was surprised how these stories can look at these issues in quite nuanced ways. ..I was also surprised how Frankenstein and Othello seemed so relevant even though they were written so long ago... It was a pleasure to discover more about these stories, and they will be alive for me for many more years. -Dante
I really enjoyed all the material and I do feel like I improved as student and writer a lot over the course of this class. I swear im [sic] almost sad the class is over...One thing I know I will keep from this class is the self confidence that I can do things that are difficult for me. .. I can never remember being so motivated in school. By the end of Othello I really liked the play and I feel like I could even read more Shakespeare in the future. -Max
Support
Optional Zoom supported work time will be offered weekly. Please check the syllabus for specific days and times. Work sessions will be recorded for later review.
Building Community
The heart of this class is the discussion forum. Some of the discussions with be audio/visual in the FlipGrid tool. In other words, each of you is the heart of the class. Each week you and classmates will analyze and discuss issues that come up in the reading or writing assignments. We learn from each other, from our varied experiences, from our different world views. I look forward to reading and participating in discussions and hope you will too!
What determines good participation in discussions?
I respect your minds and your futures. Great school habits translate directly into the workplace – which often means jobs kept and raises given. To maintain your seat in class, it’s important to:
Do assigned homework Because this is a process course, missing work has an impact on essay performance. I don't like busywork, and you don't, either. All of your work is actually prewriting for your paper. When we start drafting, you will have a wealth of summarizing, connecting, and reflecting that is ready to be used for essay drafting.
I know you can succeed and that you want the best future possible, so I expect a lot of you. But maybe your work schedule changed or your computer is down or…? Let's talk to see if we can find solutions. Conferencing is one of my favorite parts of the job.
Participation in discussion assignments
Participate in discussions and other homework as if you were going to work at a rewarding job. Taking an active role in your learning and in class – stretching your leadership skills – makes the environment more energetic and teamwork based.
You should consider scheduling at least three days a week to make Canvas posts to participate with others. In order to earn full credit for discussions, you will make thoughtful and well-developed contributions that follow assignment directions, and make a minimum of one reply to a classmate per discussion assignment. You can do your homework outside of Canvas in Google or Word, and then designate a few days a week to copy and paste your work into Canvas if you'd like. I do highly encourage you to draft work outside of Canvas because occasionally things get lost. Be sure to check back to make replies. You can do this on the second and third days you post.
Posts that come in as assigned, on Tuesdays and Fridays by 11:59 PM are eligible to earn full points.
Replies that come in by Sunday at 11:59 PM are eligible to earn full points.
Original posts that come in on Saturdays and Sundays will have late deductions of one point per day (most original posts are worth three points).
Modules close at 11:59 PM Sundays. The next week's module opens on Saturdays at 10AM for those who like to do homework on weekends or get ahead.
This is a process course—the purpose of homework is to rehearse reading, discussion, critical thinking, and writing skills so that you will be well thought out and prepared to write essays. So please stay in touch with me if you are struggling to keep up. I love conferencing and supporting students!
Dropping the Class
If you know you have a high level of commitment, you can probably speed read the below. But if you’re not sure, and for those who like to know the details, here's my drop policy, just so you won't accidentally get into problems.
If you don't participate for the first week of school by making any posts or doing other assignments, you may be dropped if there is a wait list.
If you don't participate by the end of the second week, you'll definitely be dropped.
During the semester, if you don't participate for a week, I will probably reach out to you.
If you remain unresponsive, I will probably drop you. So for your own peace of mind, let me know if something is up -- if you move or get sick or have some other issue arise that keeps you from participating.
A missed midterm may be made up with a doctor’s excuse. A missed final exam cannot be made up.
An incomplete can be granted when a student provides a doctor’s excuse for a medical emergency during the last two weeks of school.
If you decide to discontinue this course, please drop it to avoid getting no refund (after 10% of course length), a W symbol (after 20%), or a grade (after 60%). If you are interested, check out the following articles for more information.
In college, responsibilities that may have financial or record consequences, such as adding and dropping a course, are part of your job as a student. If you don't participate and an instructor drops you, you may end up having to repay financial aid, for instance.
Required Software
Make sure you have access to a desktop computer. Composing, submitting essays, participating in peer reviews, and doing on-line activities do not work well on a cell phone. If you need a loaner laptop, the campus should be able to provide one.
Important Dates
Adding, dropping, scholarship application, and all other important dates are on the CCSF.edu website.
There will be a midterm and exam that you will take in a timed format. The midterm is in the 8th week of the semester, and the final exam is in the 17th week, after classes have ended.