Professor Cristy Lopez-Bowlin

Oxnard College English Department

Welcome to my instructor page!

Here you can learn a little bit about me and the courses that I teach. I teach a variety of courses in the English program at Oxnard College, including Academic Reading & Writing and its Corequisite Support, Critical Thinking through Composition & Literature, and English Literature I.

My Teaching Philosophy

I am committed to helping students explore new ideas while developing their own perspectives and values. I teach students to compose effective essays using various rhetorical modes and to think critically as they research and read about relevant topics and issues. I also strive to foster an environment where students can develop greater empathy when engaging with each other and diverse viewpoints.

About Me

I grew up in Ventura County and have been teaching at Oxnard College since 2016. I've always loved reading and writing, and I discovered my passion for teaching while I was a student and peer tutor at Cal Poly SLO. I completed my BA in English with a minor in dance at Cal Poly, and then I received my MA in English at the University of Kentucky.

In my free time, I enjoy going on hikes with my husband and daughters, tap dancing, listening to audiobooks, playing video games, and watching TV and movies with my cat curled up beside me. I also have written four young adult fantasy novels that you can learn more about on my Goodreads Author Profile.

Learning Pact

What you can expect from me as your instructor:

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 provide a supportive and safe environment for you to share and discuss ideas with your peers.
I will treat you with dignity and respect and be flexible to support your individual needs.
I’m human and will make mistakes at times. I will view mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow.

What I will expect from you as students:

You will strive to be an active participant in my course and strive to meet due dates.
You will maintain an open line of communication with me so I understand how to support you.
You will treat your peers with dignity and respect.
You will do your best to have patience with technology. There will be hiccups, but we will get through them together.
You are human and should expect to make mistakes. Give yourself grace, and view mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow.

All of my courses are managed through Canvas. If you are already enrolled, you can log in to your course here!

Need individual help or guidance with our class?

I am here for you! I prefer that you contact me through the Canvas inbox, but you can also reach me via email at clopezbowlin@vcccd.edu.

If you contact me Monday-Friday, I will respond within 24 hours (usually much sooner). I will also reply during weekends, but I might take a little longer.
I'm happy to arrange times to meet individually in person, on Zoom, or via phone call if that's preferred. Just let me know!

Have a general course-related question?

Use The Lounge discussion board in our Canvas class.

If you have a general question about the course, I invite you to ask it in The Lounge. Your question will be seen by your peers, and if anyone has the answer before I get a chance to respond, please feel free to post a reply!
To find The Lounge in Canvas, click on Discussions in our course menu.

Need help with Canvas?

Contact the Canvas 24/7 tech support at (844) 603-4262.
Contact the Peer Canvas Support staff at (805) 678-5300 or via email at ocdehelp@vcccd.edu.

Looking for other resources?

Current information on OC student resources can be found here.
These resources include Tutoring, Academic Counseling, Transfer Center, CalWORKS, Educational Assistance Center, Health Services, Financial Aid, and more!

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