Please read the following info to make sure that you and web-based learning are a good fit.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS!

Read on for FAQ.

Thank you for your interest in English 120 on-line.

Before you decide to enroll in an on-line class, may I ask you a few questions? Do you like to read? Are you self-motivated? Do you learn better by reading or by listening? Can you learn by yourself or do you need contact with others? Are you willing to spend nine hours a week on the class (three hours in class and six hours homework)? I think you can see where I am going with these questions. This type of class requires LOTS of self-discipline. If you are that kind of learner, please join up. If not, you may find that a campus classroom will be more conducive to your success.

The requirements for English 120 on-line are the same as for on campus--the venue is just a bit different; namely, your time and your space. There will be due dates. And we must meet face-to-face at least three times during the semester. These meetings will be on the Grossmont campus at specified dates and times. However, if you are physically unable to come to campus, arrangements can be made for me to come to your home.

You will write about 6-10 papers, each one will be about 2-3 pages. You will also write a 10-page term (research) paper. You will submit these by e-mail (mostly--a couple of things may be snail mailed--USPO--or you may bring them to campus in person). You will also respond to the assigned readings in a virtual time class chat room. It is not a real time chat room like on the internet--and it is only for our class! I have that "Web Board" already reserved on the Grossmont server.

Yes, you may register for the class through phone reg as if it were an on-campus class. It will appear just the same as any other class on your transcript. No one will be able to tell from the transcript whether you took the class in person or on line. And yes, you must pass the prerequisites for an on-campus 120 since you will register for it the same way as any other class.   You will access assignments and lectures through our class web page. You will do the assignments during the prescribed time frame (yes, there are due dates), but you can do those assignments at your leisure before the assignment is due. For example, if a paper is due on September  10, that paper must be in my e-mail box by 8:00 a.m. on September 10 or it will be counted late. But you do not need to be in class MWF at 9 am.

1) Will there be a midterm and final in class?

A final exam will be conducted on the web; we do not need to meet on campus.

2) What will be the grading scale?

The grading scale is quite arbitrary. I decide what is A, B, C, etc. I do count grammar, spelling, etc., as well as content.

3) What books, if any, will I have to buy?

The texts are:

a.  Patterns for College Writing (Kirszner), 9th edition.

b. Writing the Research Paper (Lester), 10th edition.

c. Optional text: MLA Handbook, 6th edition.

d.  Also, I recommend that you view the video, Wrinklefree World of English Composition, by the Standard Deviants from Cerebellum Corp. which is on limited loan in the Library.

4) Will the lectures that you discussed in class be posted on the web verbatim?

There are no lectures in class--or better said--the lectures in class are on the web. Class is conducted ON the web at your time and your space.

You send me your papers by e-mail and you post your discussion comments on our class Webboard--a private, virtual (not real time) chatroom for our class only.

If you have further questions, please write back so that I can expand the FAQ for others who inquire.

After you register for the class, please send me an email.

Lucinda Sawyer