English 70A/70B introduces you to the techniques and processes involved in writing and publishing fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. The prerequisite for this course is English 1A, and recommended preparation for 70B is 70A. The course is acceptable for transfer credit at both California State University and the University of California. For several years now, English 70A and B have been offered as real-time, on-site courses at West Valley Community College. The fall 1999 semester marks our first offering of a section of this course on-line.

Q.1  How does the on-line course operate?

A.1  In terms of content, the distance learning or on-line version of English 70A/B is virtually identical to the classroom-based version of the course. We will read and discuss samples of creative work from published authors, and we will research current data bases, magazines and users groups that aid writers in growing and publishing their work. Most important, the course will operate as a writing workshop, wherein at least one third of our time and energy will be devoted to reading and critiquing each other's manuscripts. Eventually, our class'síweb site will move from this home page to the West Valley College home page.
Our web site will serve many functions. I will use it to post our course syllabus and calendar, lectures on the writing craft, discussions of readings from our course textbooks, and discussions and critiques of student manuscripts. The web site will also contain links to other sites relevant to writing and literary efforts. I have so far compiled a list of 70 such sites, and am working on narrative descriptions of them. You will be required to access these sites, report back to your class mates regarding their content, and apply what you find on site to your own work in progress.
In addition to our central web site, we will also utilize a central email hub known as a group email list server. During the first week of the fall semester, I will provide both live and on-line orientations to our web site and our email list server. These orientation activities will constitute the completion of your first weekís assignments. The orientation will show you how to post your manuscripts and discussion comments, as well as how to become acquainted with your classmates.

Q.2 How are you evaluated and graded in this course?

A.2 See detailed descriptions of course requirements and grading policies in the attached syllabus. For now, please understand that in order to earn a minimum grade of C in the class, you will be required to ìpostî at least three times a week. Posting means much more than merely going on-line and reading what you find there. Posting means responding in writing to a discussion, manuscript critique, lecture, or other class activity. As with live, real-time courses, assignment deadlines and due dates will be strictly enforced.

To sample the breadth and variety of assignments that will be expected of you, check out the attached syllabus and course calendar that Iím using in my current, on-site version of the course. During the month of June, I will post an updated syllabus and calendar
You may notice that the Schedule of Classes indicates that we actually meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 noon until 1-15 in the Computer Assisted Writing Classroom. These on-site meetings are not required, but I strongly recommend that you attend them, at least for the first two weeks of class. Weíll use these sessions to get acquainted, learn about our web site and email hub, and trouble-shoot any problems that arise as we get started. If the class wishes it, we can continue these on-site meetings, conducting some of our lectures and workshops live, and others on-line. How we proceed is entirely up to us, and we should decide how to proceed based upon the needs of our class. But Iíd like to begin the semester with a hybrid course, one that combines the best of the classroom world with the best of the virtual world.

Q.3    Should you take this class?

A.3    If you are in the frame of mind to operate in a different and unorthodox manner than the one youíve grown accustomed to in school, you should consider taking this class. Consider enrolling in the class if you are highly motivated and self disciplined. But donít enroll if you like sitting in the back of the class and letting others do the front line work. Consider taking this class if your profession, family life, and, or commuting situation make an on-site course impractical for you. Donít take this class if you expect it to be easy. Do take it if you want to work hard, build a writing community, learn much about the writing craft and creative process, and have fun. Finally, consider this pedagogical advantage: With the absence of such typical classroom cues as physical appearance, voice inflections, and other personal idiosyncrasies, you will become acquainted with your classmates entirely on the basis of your writing. Language alone will determine our classí collective personality, as well as each individual studentís persona. The distance learning venue allows you to participate in the class at times most convenient for you, insuring that whenever youíre there, youíll want to be there.