Welcome to English 131
Composition and Analysis

This is a Web-based course taught by Laura Osborne.

Instructor Contact Information 

Ms. Laura Osborne, M.A., C.T.P., C.O.I. Email: osbornel@sfasu.edu Office phone: (936) 468-2425 Office location: 328 Liberal Arts North

Course Description
In this course, students will read extensively on a wide variety of topics, and will learn and practice writing skills with a focus on analytical reading and writing. Essay assignments address rhetorical analysis and evaluation and critical responses to close readings of texts. This course is required of all students who do not qualify for English 133H.

Required Textbook
The Conscious Reader, 10th edition. Published by Pearson-Longman. ISBN: 0-321-36604-2

Please note: The required textbook may change from one semester to the next. If you plan to buy the textbook before the semester starts, please email the instructor to verify what book is currently being used for this course.

Course Prerequisites
Prerequisite: Pass or exemption from THEA or a C in English 099. Must earn a grade of C or higher to be admitted to English 132.

Course Format and Participation Requirements
The format for this course includes scheduled assignments and deadlines, numerous reading assignments from the required textbooks, and online readings and participation using web pages, email, discussion boards, and chat. The course includes scheduled online quizzes and a final exam. The course requires one scheduled face-to-face meeting at the beginning of the semester, as indicated below. The final exam and all quizzes will be online, and students will not be required to come to campus to take them. All major assignments, including the final exam, must be completed in order to pass the course.

On-campus or Face-to-Face Meeting Requirements
There will be a couple of opportunities during the first week of each semester for students to attend a required, on-campus orientation session. Students living outside of the Nacogodoches/Lufkin area should contact the instructor for online options. No other on-campus meetings will be required. The course instructor will contact all students enrolled in the course two or three weeks before each semester starts to announce the dates/times of the orientation.

Course Assessment
The course grade will be determined by assessing student performance in a series of required essays, intermediate drafts, quizzes, weekly chats, and a final examination.

Effort Expected
This is a 3-credit-hour course. You should expect to work 2 to 3 hours per week for each credit hour. To be successful in this course you should expect to spend about 6 hours a week on readings, assignments, discussions, and other activities. This estimate is for the Fall and Spring semesters; if the course is offered during the Summer semester, more time per week may be necessary. It is strongly suggested that you set aside time each day (Monday-Friday) to at least take a few minutes to log into the course, check your course email messages, read the latest Announcement postings, and check to see if any new assignments have been posted.

Technical Requirements for the Course
Other than the minimum technical requirements for any course, students will need reliable Internet access, web browsing software, and word processing software. Microsoft Word is strongly recommended, but not required. If you are not using Word, you will need to be able to save and submit your assignment files in .rtf (Rich Text Format). Your instructor will not accept assignments submitted in Works or WordPerfect format.

About the Instructor
Laura Osborne joined the English faculty at SFA in Fall 2006, after a successful seven year career in the Texas A&M University Libraries where she worked as a technical writer and computer software trainer. Prior to that, she earned her Master's degree in English at Texas A&M University, during which time she served as a writing center consultant as well as an instructor of Freshman-level composition and Sophmore-level technical writing. She was born and raised in Northwest Louisiana (near Shreveport) and earned her B.A. in English from Louisiana State University in Shreveport. In addition to her academic credentials, she is also a Certified Training Professional and a Certified Online Instructor.

Before the Course Begins

• Complete the Getting Started area of sfaonline.
• Register and pay for the course just as you would any other SFA course.
• Carefully read and complete all steps of Getting a myCourses Username and PIN.

F-1 Visa Holders
There are important federal regulations pertaining to distance education activity for F-1 Visa holders. All students with an F-1 Visa should follow the instructions at the following link to make sure they are in compliance.
http://www.oit.sfasu.edu/disted/facsup/f1visa.html

RESOURCE LINKS:
 

Prepare for an online course:	Getting Started
Order your textbooks online:	Textbooks
Log on to your course:	myCourses Logon
SFA has a mandatory email policy:	Enable your SFA email account