Introduction to English 709

Hello English 709 class,

My name is Jordana Finnegan, and I'm excited to take this class because I'm very interested in learning more about integrated reading and writing concepts and strategies. I am completing a Certificate in the Teaching of Composition at San Francisco State as part of my sabbatical from my position as a full-time English Instructor at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, CA. At Foothill I teach English 1A and 1B (transfer-level) composition courses (both face-to-face and online), along with the American Literature survey course and Native American literature. I have taught at Foothill College since 2005 and was granted tenure in 2009. Prior to joining the faculty at Foothill, I completed a Ph.D. in American Literature at the University of Oregon, with a focus on Native American and Chicano/a Literature, and ecocriticism. Since my scholarly background is in literature, I am hoping to enhance my composition-teaching skills and understanding of composition pedagogy in the Teaching of Composition program.

Several of my colleagues at Foothill College have earned certificates or taken classes in the Teaching of Composition program, and I have been working with them on developing a new "pathway" for Foothill College's basic skills-level English courses that is based upon an integrated reading and writing approach to composition. So I am very excited to be able to learn more about this approach here, and to also focus on how metacognitive strategies can enhance student success. I live in the Santa Cruz mountains and in my free time (what there is of it), I enjoy reading, hiking, and spending time with my four year old son. I look forward to working alongside you in this class.