WEST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE
Using Distance Delivery Strategies to Achieve Course Objectives
in ENGLISH 211 “FICTION”
The online format enables instructors to evaluate a great variety of each student's written
interactions with assigned texts. Since textual interactions are posted, in writing, for thorough
review by the instructor and classmates alike, students put significant critical thought into
drafting both initial message addressing discussion prompts as well as responses to each
other. Required written student interaction adds another layer of analysis in text
interpretation and critical analysis that is particular to the online classroom.
Explain the function of the plot in several stories.
This will be accomplished online via instructor-moderated discussion which will be
assessed by instructor for depth, quality of analysis and demonstrated understanding
of plot concepts. Students will also be required to respond meaningfully to each
other, demonstrating reflection and understand of classmate contributions.
Responses will also be assessed.
Analyze the development of several characters in one or more stories.
Online students will submit written assignments to demonstrate character analysis
skills which will be assessed for depth, quality of analysis and demonstrated
understanding of character roles.
Provide a detailed explanation of the way in which setting contributes to the meanings of a
story.
Online students will conduct internet research on setting and purpose and discuss
research findings with classmates which will be assessed for depth, quality of analysis
and demonstrated understanding of the setting. Students will also be required to
respond meaningfully to each other, demonstrating reflection and understand of
classmate contributions. Responses will also be assessed.
Identify and explain the function of point of view (third-person narrator, first-person narrator)
in several stories.
Online students will conduct internet research on the function of point of view and
post research findings to discussing forum with examples which will be assessed for
depth, quality of analysis and demonstrated understanding of narrative concepts.
Examine the use of symbolism in several stories.
Instructor-moderated discussion on symbolism will be used to explore specific
symbols and their meanings relevant to assigned readings. Contributions will be
assessed for depth, quality of analysis and demonstrated understanding of
symbolism.
Explain the ways in which various elements of a story contribute to its theme.
Online students will conduct internet research on critical interpretation of theme and
submit written research-based assignments complete with proper citation of online
sources. which will be assessed for depth, quality of analysis and demonstrated
understanding of thematic concepts.
Analyze the use of style, tone, and irony in various stories.
Online students will post specific examples of irony to the forum and discuss the
author’s purpose in using it. Tone and style will also be discussed. Contributions will
be assessed for depth, quality of analysis and demonstrated understanding of style,
tone, and irony concepts.
Make several connections between the events in a story and events in your own life.
Online students will submit written assignments to demonstrate understanding of
significant plot points which will be assessed for depth, quality of analysis and
demonstrated understanding of connections.
Analyze several works by the same author and/or different authors to trace the development
of a specific theme--for instance, love, death, the search for identity, or conflict with society.
Online students will search internet databases for critical theory relevant to prevalent
themes in assigned works, and discuss findings which will be assessed for depth,
quality of analysis and demonstrated understanding of thematic concepts. Students
will also be required to respond meaningfully to each other, demonstrating reflection
and understand of classmate contributions.