Objectives and Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
The English Department at Yuba College has four Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) that guide much of our instruction in English 1A courses.
Upon completion of the course, students will:
- use reading strategies to understand argumentative texts that contain both literal and implied meanings;
- compose a clearly-written, well-organized, purpose-driven essay;
- synthesize evidence from outside sources to support claims effectively;
- attribute and document sources correctly.
That isn’t the most student-friendly language, so don’t be too concerned if much of this doesn’t make sense to you yet. Things will become clearer as we work through the semester.
In addition to the official outcomes, I have a number of other objectives, as well. I would like you to:
- develop your skills as a critical thinker, reader, and writer;
- meaningfully affect people in your sphere of influence;
- engage deeply with important public policy issues.
Ideally, you also have your own objectives. If you don’t, I recommend you spend some time thinking about what objectives you might set for yourself. Why (beyond earning a grade) are you taking English 1A? Why are you in school more generally?
The clearer your sense of purpose, the more likely you are to stick with the course when it becomes challenging.
Next up: Policies
The next section is about the course’s policies.