Instructor: Mary Fox (she/her/hers)

Because of COVID-19, this class, and almost all TCC classes, are online. I know that you may be anxious, especially if being in an online class is new for you. In addition, I recognize that we are all going through a challenging time. Like many of you, I often find myself confused, overwhelmed, tired, sad, and angry. I get that this is tough.

Please know that we'll work together to make sure all students have the support they need to learn and thrive. In our English 103 class, we'll explore voices from various communities that make up the United States, though poetry, short stories, song lyrics, and film, and we'll consider how our own cultural identities enrich and/or limit our understanding of others. We are all in this unusual time together, and we'll make it work!

This is our Canvas Home Page. It's what most of you will see when you enter our Canvas course. Please click on "Modules" on the left side of this page to move through each week's activities. You'll see a module for each week of the quarter.

Each week, you'll have readings or videos to watch and a discussion post, quiz, and writing assignment to complete. Make sure to keep track of deadlines -- They'll be the same every week: Wednesday discussion posts, Friday replies to classmates' discussion posts, Saturday quiz, Sunday writing assignment. You are welcome to work ahead!

There is no required textbook for this class. I will post readings and videos, and students will sometimes contribute their own resources!

My Zoom student hours are Monday-Thursday 9:45-11 am and 4-5 pm. If I am unable to hold student hours, I will post a Canvas Announcement to let you know. Here is the Zoom link: https://tacomacc-edu.zoom.us/j/6334009625

Welcome Outcomes Getting Started Tips

Welcome

Welcome to English 103, Introduction to Literature. I'm your instructor, Mary Fox, and my pronouns are she/her/hers. Please call me Mary or Ms. Fox, whichever you are comfortable with. I'm looking forward to getting to know you and working with you this quarter.

In this class, we'll read and discuss poems, short stories, films, lyrics, and other literature from a variety of cultures within the United States. We'll explore similarities and differences between the works, and we'll think about what we can learn about each other through the work of our writers and an examination of our own cultural identities.

Hilltop Mural

Photo of whimsical mural in Tacoma showing young girl and various storybook-style characters

Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to...

1. Analyze specific elements of short stories, poetry, song lyrics and film;

2. Explore the cultural and moral values/themes a work reflects and to discuss them respectfully in light of your own cultural identities/values;

3. Acknowledge how your own cultural identities enrich and/or limit your understanding of experiences and literature of various communities;

4. Read literature that reflects a variety of ethnic backgrounds and cultures;

5. Write focused and well-developed discussions of a films or written pieces;

6. Conduct library and internet research;

7. Demonstrate careful and intentional use of language to express ideas and achieve a purpose for your audience.

Getting Started Checklist

In order to get started, you will need to complete the following activities and assignments during the first week of class. You'll find instructions in the Week One Module:

Read & Watch: Required Module Readings & Resources
- About Your Instructor
- Learner Support
- Canvas Tutorials & Support
- The Danger of a Single Story
Post & Discuss: Icebreaker Discussion
- Initial Post Deadline: Wednesday, Sept. 23
- Replies Deadline: Friday, Sept. 25
Complete: Student Acknowledgement Quiz
- Deadline: Saturday, Sept. 26
Submit: Practice Assignment Submission
- Deadline: Sunday, Sept. 27

Tips for Success

To help in the completion of class activities, you should…

To ensure you don't lose work, it is recommended that you work offline using a word processing application such as Microsoft Word and then copy/paste your post into the course's discussion forum.
Check the week's schedule at the beginning of the week. I'll post it on Sunday or before. It's helpful to look ahead so you can plan and also let me know when you have questions. If my assignments or discussions are confusing, please let me know so that I can clarify them!
Be respectful of and generous with your classmates, me, and the works we will be exploring. I find it helpful to take time to think before I write and to consider the potential impact of my words, not just my intention.

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