English Course Descriptions
Core Composition Courses
1 Critical Reading and Composition
This is an introductory course offering integrated instruction in reading, critical thinking, and expository and argumentative writing, intended to develop the ability to read and write complex, college-level prose. Theme-based units of study will examine ideas in relation to individuals' world view and contexts from which these ideas arise. Primary texts will showcase diverse writers, including marginalized voices. Some research required. Prerequisite: Eligibility for college-level composition as determined by multiple measures or other appropriate method or , ENGL 102.
4A Critical Thinking and Writing About Literature
Develops critical thinking, reading, and writing skills as they apply to the analysis of fiction, (short stories and novel), poetry and drama. Prerequisite: English 1 with a grade of "C" or higher. 4 hours. Transfer: CSU, UC. (4 units).
7A Critical Thinking and Writing Across Disciplines
Develops critical thinking, reading, and writing skills as they apply to the textual analysis of primary and secondary book-length works from a range of academic and cultural contexts. Emphasis on the techniques and principles of effective written argument in research-based writing across disciplines. Prerequisite: English 1 with a grade of "C" or higher. 4 hours. Transfer: CSU, UC. (4 units)
Literature Courses
Elective literature and creative writing courses are transferable as indicated and are offered on a rotating basis. Please see schedule of classes for current semester's offerings.
20 Studies in Shakespeare (3 units)
Readings of the sonnets and representative comedies, histories, tragedies, and romances of William Shakespeare, with attention to the early, middle and late phases of his art and to the Age of Elizabeth. Strongly recommended:English 4A (completed with a grade of "C" or higher). 3 hours. Transfer: CSU; UC; CSU/GE: C2; IGETC: Area 3B; AA/AS/AA-T.
21 The Evolution of the Black Writer (3 units)
Introduction to American black writers in fiction, poetry, drama, and the essay, beginning with the African experience as it relates to storytelling, to the "Slave Narratives" and continuing to the present. Emphasis on the 20th and 21st century writers' growth and development in relation to their historical and cultural context. Strongly recommended: Eligibility for English 1. 3 hours. Transfer: CSU; UC; CSU/GE: C2, D3; IGETC: Area 3B; AA/AS/AA-T.
22 Mexican American/Latino Lit of the U.S. (3 units)
Introduction to literary works in fiction, poetry, drama and the essay which are concerned with the Mexican American/Latino cultural experience. Analysis of literature in the context of the historical growth of Mexican American/Latino identity in the United States in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. Strongly recommended: Eligibility for English 1. 3 hours. Transfer: CSU; UC; CSU/GE: C2, D3; IGETC: Area 3B; AA/AS/AA-T.
24 Storytelling in Modern American Novels and Films (3 units)
A critical comparison of storytelling in modern American novels and films. Examines how each genre uses its unique form and methods to convey narrative, integrating elements of contemporary culture and history. Explores the works of diverse novelists and filmmakers in light of particular periods and themes, as well as connections and adaptations between the two genres. Strongly recommended: Eligibility for English 1. 3 hours. Transfer: CSU; UC; CSU/GE: C2, D3; IGETC: Area 3B; AA/AS/AA-T.
25 Asian-American Literature (3 units)
Introduction to literary works of fiction, poetry, drama and the essay that reflect and explore the diversity of the Asian-American experience. Analysis of literature in the context of the historical growth of Asian-American identities with a focus on the 20th century. Strongly recommended: Eligibility for English 1. 3 hours. Transfer: CSU; UC; CSU/GE: C2; IGETC: Area 3B; AA/AS/AA-T.
26 The Literature of Immigration & Migration (3 units)
Exploration of literature that reflects the diverse experience of immigrating to and migrating within the United States. Focus on historical, political, social, and cultural background and issues of assimilation and identity drawn from the work of Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, European Americans, African Americans, Native Americans, Arab Americans, among other groups. Strongly recommended: Eligibility for English 1. 3 hours. Transfer: CSU; CSU/GE: C2; IGETC: Area 3B; AA/AS/AA-T; AC.
28 Classic and Contemporary Youth Literature (3 units)
Social-historical context and tools for analyzing literature directed toward young readers. Emphasizes contemporary U.S. texts, classic works, and the origins of youth literature (including fables, folk tales and fairy tales). Explores subgenres and literary elements common to children’s and young adult literature, including fantasy, journeys, and animal characters. Emphasizes literature from diverse authors and communities, and the impact of this literature on the psychological, sociological, and cultural growth of young readers. Strongly recommended: Eligibility for English 1. 3 hours. Transfer: CSU; UC; CSU/GE: C2; IGETC: Area 3B; AA/AS/AA-T.
31 Introduction to Gay and Lesbian Literature (3 units)
Introduction to novels, poems, plays, and essays by and about gay men and lesbians. Analysis of the literature in the context of the gay and lesbian social and political movements of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries and evolving societal attitudes toward homosexuality. Strongly recommended: eligibility for English 1. 3 hours. Transfer: CSU; AA/AS/AA-T.
32 U.S. Women's Literature (3 units)
Chronicles the expression of U.S. women authors through readings in a variety of genres such as fiction, poetry, drama, and the essay. Explores works by authors of varied racial and ethnic backgrounds in an effort to understand the diversity of women's voices, especially in the 20th century. Strongly recommended: Eligibility for English 1. 3 hours. Transfer: CSU; UC; CSU/GE: C2; IGETC: Area 3B; AA/AS/AA-T; AC.
35 Modern and Contemporary U.S. Literature (3 units)
U.S. literature from the second half of the 19th Century to the present, including poetry, drama, prose fiction, and essays. Explores each work in relation to its social, cultural and historical contexts, and emphasizes the analysis of defining moments of the times as they are reflected in literature. Includes some research. Prerequisite:ENGL 102 (completed with a grade of "P" or higher) , ENGL 101B (completed with a grade of "P" or higher) or eligibility for English 1 based on Accuplacer test score. 3 hours. Transfer: CSU; UC; CSU/GE: C2; IGETC: Area 3B; AA/AS/AA-T.
41 World Literature - 17th Century to the Present (3 units)
Comparative study of selected works of literature, in English and in translation, from around the world, including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the Americas, and other areas, from the mid seventeenth century to the present. Prerequisite:ENGL 102 (completed with a grade of "P" or higher) or , ENGL 101B (completed with a grade of "P" or higher) or eligibility for English 1 based on Accuplacer test score. 3 hours. Transfer: CSU; UC; CSU/GE: C2; IGETC: Area 3B; AA/AS/AA-T.
45 Studies in Fiction (3 units)
Form, development, and cultural insights of the novel and short story; exploration of particular themes or periods as reflected in works of fiction. Strongly recommended: Eligibility for English 1. 3 hours. Transfer: CSU; UC; CSU/GE: C2; IGETC: Area 3B; AA/AS/AA-T.
48 The Literature of the Holocaust (3 units)
Explores the literature of the Holocaust through readings in a variety of genres including the memoir, the diary, the essay, as well as fiction and poetry. Historically and culturally contextualizes the literature and examines the implications of writing which attempts to represent the Nazi genocide against the Jews. Strongly recommended: Eligibility for English 1. 3 hours. Transfer: CSU; UC; CSU/GE: C2; IGETC: Area 3B; AA/AS/AA-T.
Creative Writing Courses
11 A Intro to Creative Writing (3 units)
Elements of creative writing, including narrative, verse and dialogue, using materials drawn from individual's own work and selected texts. Strongly recommended: Eligibility for English 1. 3 hours Transfer: CSU; CSU/GE: C2; AA/AS/AA-T.
11 B Intermediate Creative Writing (3 units)
Elements of creative writing at an intermediate level. Builds on the skills developed in English 11 including short story development, poetry writing and play writing, using materials drawn from individual's own work and selected texts. Prerequisite:ENGL 11 (completed with a grade of "C" or higher).
12 A The Craft of Writing - Fiction (3 units)
Practice in writing fiction. Developing internal and external sources for stories and novels; biographical sources, characterization, plotting, points of view, narrative techniques; analysis and criticism of published writing and individual's own work. Strongly recommended: Eligibility for English 1. 3 hours Transfer: CSU; CSU/GE: C2; AA/AS/AA-T
12 B Intermediate Craft of Writing - Fiction (3 units)
Practice in writing fiction at an intermediate level. Builds on the skills developed in English 12A by requiring greater use of description, detail, character development, consistent point of view, and logical plotting that avoids cliche. Focus on developing themes that create intellectual or emotional resonance. Expectation of sentence structure, grammar, and format accuracy. Develop internal and external sources for stories and novels; analysis and criticism of published work. Requires submission for publication at the end of the semester. Prerequisite:ENGL 12A (completed with a grade of "C" or higher).
13 A Craft of Writing - Poetry (3 units)
Practice in writing poetry using materials drawn from published poetry and individual's own work for analysis and criticism with a focus on techniques of revision. Strongly recommended: Eligibility for English 1. 3 hours. Transfer: CSU; CSU/GE: C2; AA/AS/AA-T
13 B Craft of Writing - Poetry (3 units)
Practice in writing poetry at an intermediate level. Builds on skills developed in English 13A. 13B requires: greater and more integrated use of trope, image, and metaphor; more extensive development of themes, including across different poems; more nuanced eye towards personal revision and workshop critique of classmates’ poems; deeper integration of materials drawn from published poetry and individual's own work for analysis and criticism with a focus on techniques of revision. Prerequisite:ENGL 13A (completed with a grade of "C" or higher).
19 Literary Magazine Workshop (1 unit)
Practical workshop training in the managing, editing, and printing of a literary supplement and/or magazine. Workshop enrollment constitutes the staff of the magazine. Strongly recommended: Eligibility for English 1. (1 hour).
College Preparatory Reading and Writing
201A Non-Credit Preparation for English Composition I
Noncredit preparation in English to practice academic reading, critical thinking, and writing expected in credit classes or degree applicable classes. This is the first 9-week course in a two-course sequence. Slower-paced college preparatory English class, which develops English vocabulary and comprehension, developing paragraphs and essays. This course is FREE to students and repeatable. (9 weeks/45 hours)
201B Non-Credit Preparation for English Composition II
Noncredit preparation in English to practice academic reading, critical thinking, and writing expected in credit classes or degree applicable classes. This is the second 9-week course in a two-course sequence. Slower-paced college preparatory English class, which develops English vocabulary and comprehension, developing more advanced paragraphs and essays. This course is FREE to students and repeatable. (9 weeks/45 hours)
202: Noncredit Reading, Writing, and Reasoning-Accelerated Course
Noncredit preparation in English to practice academic reading, critical thinking, and writing expected in credit classes or degree applicable classes. This is a semester-long course, designed to prepare students to move into English 1. Faster-paced college-preparatory English class, which develops reading comprehension, and more advanced paragraphs and essays. This course is TUITION FREE to students and repeatable.
210 - English Jam: Non-Credit Preparation for English Composition
215 English Skills - Support with Reading and Writing
Noncredit preparation in English for success in college or career. Self-paced, individualized instruction in reading comprehension and writing effectiveness. You and your English 215 instructor will tailor a learning plan to give you the support you need to more easily succeed in any class that requires reading and writing. FREE to students and repeatable. (Variable hours 18-54)
115 English Skills - Support with Reading and Writing
(NOT CURRENTLY OFFERED)
Preparation in English for success in college or career. Self-paced, individualized instruction in reading comprehension and writing effectiveness. You and your English 115 instructor will tailor a learning plan to give you the support you need to more easily succeed in any class that requires reading and writing. (May be repeated until student has earned 3 units. Enrolls through eighth week of instruction). (Variable unit .5-3 units)
102 Reading, Reasoning, and Writing - Accelerated Course*
(NOT CURRENTLY OFFERED)
Emphasis in the development of thinking, reading, organizing, and writing skills, particularly those required for successful execution of college-level papers in all subject areas. Faster-paced college preparatory English class, designed for those seeking more practice with academic reading and writing prior to entering English 1. (3.5 units)
37 Proofreading and Editing for College Writing (3 units)
Basic components and rules of English grammar, syntax, and punctuation. Includes parts of speech, sentence patterns, sentence construction, and identifying and correcting sentence level errors in conjunction with writing; strong emphasis on support for college-level writing in English courses and other courses requiring writing. This course is designed as a support course, to be taken concurrently with English or any class requiring academic writing. This class does not address errors that are particular to students who are non-native speakers, learning English as a second language; these issues would be addressed in the ESL 114, 121, 122, 123 series.
Strongly Recommended: concurrent enrollment in any English or other course requiring academic writing. This course is designed as a support class for other classes in which writing is a focus.
Service Learning
SERV 85 A, B, C, & D Learning in Action (2-3 units)
Placement in meaningful volunteer projects in community organizations or schools, approved by instructor and supervised by site supervisor. Introduction to practical skills and knowledge required to serve as effective volunteers or tutors. Discuss specific problems in the community (themes will vary by semester) and help conceptualize, design, and carry out service projects to address them. Class will meet one hour per week on campus for reflection and discussion of community issues, and students will serve at least 3 hours per week in community agencies or schools.
General Studies
31 Women's Spirituality: An Examination of Ancient and Emerging Traditions (3 units)
A cross-cultural look at the women's spirituality movement in the U.S. and abroad. Examination of reformist aspects of this movement as they impact religions such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and/or Hinduism. Also focus on the reclamation of pre-Christian and indigenous spiritual systems of Europe and the Americas. Explores text, ritual, music, and film. Strongly recommended: Eligibility for English 1. 3 hours Transfer: CSU; UC; CSU/GE: C2, D4; IGETC: Area 3B; AA/AS.