Summer 1A: 16740 ENG 1A PRIN OF COMPOSITION I
Units: 3
Wednesdays 7-8 pm (recommended)
Hi! Welcome to English 1A!
I'm Dr. Fisher, your professor and guide through the course. My email is mfisher@saddleback.edu, but a faster way to reach me is via text message.
Before classes begin, you'll want to log in to Canvas using your MySite username and password (set up your password; don't rely on your enrollment pin). If you need help with setting up a password, contact Student Technical Support.
Check out the "Start Here," and "Unit 0: Orientation," buttons on the Home Page. You will find the general class guidelines in the Syllabus, and assignments for the first week of class underneath in Unit 1.
Before the first class, you have 4 pieces of homework:
Complete the orientation module
Reading: The Course Syllabus
Quiz: Quiz 0.8: Syllabus Quiz
While this is an online class, students will be expected to sign up for synchronous sessions with the professor at least 4 times during the semester; appointments can be made through the Canvas Calendar. There will be weekly collaborative assignments, too. While these can be completed asynchronously, it is easier during one of the two Wednesday sessions through Zoom.
Make sure you can log in to Mysite and Canvas with a password (not your pin; create a password the day before on MySite so you can log in easily for class). I will be available 15 minutes early to troubleshoot tech for on campus students.
We will be using this Liquid Syllabus (or a printable version: Syllabus) and "The Importance of Writing" for the first writing assignment: FA 1.5: Learning Statement I.
Students who fail to show up for one of the first collaborative sessions AND do not complete the syllabus qui and first learning statement by the end of the first will will be dropped as "no shows."
I will provide you with a clear, organized course that is designed to ensure you meet our course outcomes in a meaningful manner.
I will provide a variety of assignments to ensure your learning needs are met.
I will be actively present in your learning.
I will provide a supportive and safe environment for you to share and discuss ideas with your peers.
I will reach out to you when I sense that you need support.
I will treat you with dignity and respect and be flexible to support your individual needs.
I won't be perfect. I am human and will make mistakes at times. I will view mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Is there anything else you would like to add to this list? If so, you will have the opportunity to make a suggestion when we build our Class Norms during the first class session.
You will strive to be an active participant in this course and aim to meet due dates.
You will maintain an open line of communication with me so I understand how to support you.
You will contact me if you have a concern with meeting a due date.
You will strive to regularly contribute to collaborative activities to ensure other members of the community have ample opportunity to read/listen, reflect, and respond to your ideas.
You will treat me and your peers with dignity and respect.
You will do your best to have patience with technology. There will be hiccups, expect them. We will get through them together.
You will give yourself grace. Expect to make mistakes. You are human and mistakes are part of learning and growing.
Is there anything else you would like to add to this list? If so, you will have the opportunity to make a suggestion when we build our Class Norms during the first class session.
You will want to explore the Lesson 0.2: Canvas Student Tour and Unit 0: Orientation 8/16-8/20 before the first class.
Everyone will need to be able to access Google Drive using their student login. All papers will be written in Google Drive using gDocs on templates provided for the class. Your school email is already connected to a G Suite account (try logging into gMail using your Saddleback email and Canvas log in).
Open office hours will be on Zoom by appointment; you can sign up through the Canvas Calendar (Sign Up Directions).
The Class Session link for alternate Zoom attendance options will be posted on Canvas.
There is also a Coffee Shop link that students can use to meet with their groups independently.
You will also want to be familiar with these programs for the course:
TurnItIn: Canvas will connect you automatically
RefWorks: RefWorks: http://www.refworks.proquest.com (Sign up using your Saddleback email)
Mindomo: Sign up before Unit 6 using your Saddleback email with the course code.
Recommended:
Padlet: https://padlet.com/ (a free account should be fine: used in class to document discussions)
Kahoot! App (Recommended to install on your phone; we play 5-6 games throughout the semester)
Monosnap: https://monosnap.com/ (download the free app; don’t sign up; useful for creating videos and screenshots for homework)
Students are expected to attend all class sessions and field trips. With prior arrangement, digital attendance is possible to arrange occasionally. Please note that this is in case of emergency (i.e.: COVID related emergency, hospitalization, or quarantine), and not designed to replace regular attendance.
Students will also be expected to attend four appointments with the professor to check in on paper drafts, which can take place during coffee shop sessions. Additional individual 30 minute appointments may also be signed up for through the Canvas calendar.
This is a course will use a ZTC (Zero Textbook Cost) option.
I'm looking forward to meeting you in class!
--Dr. Fish