ENGL 4 - Critical Thinking and Writing About Literature

 

Instructor: Ellie Hoffman

Instructor Website http://www.chabotcollege.edu/faculty/ehoffman

Email Instructor ehoffman@chabotcollege.edu

Instructor phone:  510-723-6600

Course Description

Develops critical thinking, reading, and writing skills as they apply to the analysis of fiction (short stories and novel), poetry and drama.

This class begins August 17th and ends December 19th

Check the college catalog for CSU/UC transferability and to see if this course meets AA/AS degree requirements.

On-Campus Meetings

Students will meet on campus five times during the semester in Room 317:

• Monday, August 17th, 6:00-7:50 p.m.
• Monday, September 14th, 6:00-8:50 p.m. (note later end time)
• Monday, October 19th, 6:00-8:50 p.m. (note later end time)
• Monday, November 16th, 6:00-7:50 p.m.
• Monday, December 14th, 6:00-7:50 p.m.

Optional On-Campus Orientations

You can also attend an OPTIONAL, on-campus Orientation to Online Learning that provides Blackboard log in instructions and help, an overview of the Blackboard course management system, and tips on netiquette, time management, and study skills for the online student.  Attend any one of these sessions:

• Monday, August 17th, 5:30-6:30 p.m., in Room 1602

• Tuesday, August 18th, noon-1:00 p.m., in Room 1602

• Wednesday, August 19th, 4:00-5:00 p.m., in Room 1618

• Thursday, August 20th, noon-1:00 p.m., in Room 1602

• Saturday, August 22nd, 10:00-11:00 a.m., in Room 1602

• Monday, August 24th, 5:30-6:30 p.m., in Room 1602

Learn more about these orientations, which are NOT course-specific.

How This Class Operates

This is not a self-paced class; there are due dates throughout the semester that you are expected to meet, just like in a traditional, face-to-face class.

This is a hybrid class with five mandatory on-campus sessions.
-Students will be expected to fully participate in both the online and on-campus sessions.
-During the "online" weeks, students will be expected to partake in discussions and should plan on accessing the course at least three times a week.
-As with any semester-length course, students should plan on devoting approximately nine hours a week to the class.

Add numbers are given on the first night of class.  Students must be present the first night to obtain add numbers.  Priority is given to PACE students.

Textbook Information

1. Literature: The Human Experience, Shorter Ninth Edition.  Richard Abcarian and Marvin Klotz, eds. Bedford/St. Martin's, publisher. ISBN-10: 0-312-45281-0
2. Ragtime. E.L. Doctorow. Any edition

Succeeding in an Online Course

Students who succeed in online courses tend to be independent, self-motivated learners with good computer skills. If you are a procrastinator who relies heavily on the instructor for motivation, or can't use a computer too well, you should probably consider enrolling in a face-to-face course instead.   Or, you might consider enrolling in our Introduction to Online Learning course (GNST-4910), which provides an overview of online learning and equips you to succeed in your first online class.

Don't enroll in this class if you believe the myth that learning online requires less effort than learning face-to-face. This course covers the same content and has similar activities as the face-to-face version of the course; only the method of delivery changes.

Blackboard

This course will use the Blackboard course management system as its virtual classroom. To learn how to log in to Blackboard, go to the How to Begin an Online Course page. Once you enroll, you will not be able to log in until the first day of class.  Students are expected to become familiar with the use and operation of Blackboard functions and are encouraged to attend an orientation session provided by the Distance Education program at Chabot College. In addition, the professor provides a general unit on "How to Navigate in Blackboard" for students to understand how to use the major features the professor employs.

Register for this course