Course Descriptions
ENGL 110 Composition, Literature, and Critical Thinking (3 units)
The study of novels, short stories, poetry, and drama written by diverse authors. The course covers how factors such as race, culture, gender, and historical context inform texts. Students write analytical essays that demonstrate critical interpretation and the use of evidence and research.
ENGL 161 Creative Writing I (3 units)
Students learn and practice the craft of writing short stories, sketches, poetry, short drama, journals, reportage and other literary forms for both personal enjoyment and professional training.
ENGL 162 Creative Writing II (3 units)
In this advanced Creative Writing class, students continue to learn and practice the craft of writing short stories, sketches, poetry, short drama, journals and/or reportage or other literary forms.
ENGL 164 Creative Non-Fiction (3 units)
The craft of writing the non-fiction genres, such as memoir, personal narrative, biography, autobiography, or journal. Discussion and critiques of works by established authors. Workshop of students' own writing. Guidelines for submission for publication.
ENGL 200 Introduction to Linguistics: A Survey of Language (3 units)
Equivalent to LING 200. The origin, development, acquisition, and evolution of spoken and written languages are studied in this course. Topics include phonetics/phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics.
ENGL 695 Independent Study (0.5- 3 units)
Designed for students who are interested in furthering their knowledge via self-paced, individualized instruction provided in selected areas or directed study to be arranged with instructor and approved by the division dean using the Independent Study Form. Varying modes of instruction can be used -- laboratory, research, skill development, etc. For each unit earned, students are required to devote three hours per week throughout the semester. Students may take only one Independent Study course within a given discipline.
ENGL 847 Accelerated Academic Reading and Writing (5 units)
Pre-transfer course that prepares students for college-level reading and writing. The course focuses on thesis construction, essay organization, and the use of evidence as well as sentence-level writing skills. Text-based assignments incorporate reading strategies to improve comprehension, fluency, analysis, and vocabulary.
ENGL C1000 Academic Reading and Writing (3 units)
In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. Formerly ENGL 100.
ENGL C1000E Academic Reading and Writing (5 units)
In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. This course includes embedded support. Formerly ENGL 105.
ENGL C1001 Critical Thinking and Writing (3 units)
In this course, students receive instruction in critical thinking for purposes of constructing, evaluating, and composing arguments in a variety of rhetorical forms, using primarily non-fiction texts, refining writing skills and research strategies developed in ENGL C1000 College Reading and Writing (C-ID ENGL 100) or similar first-year college writing course. Formerly ENGL 165.
LIT. 151 Introduction to Shakespeare I (3 units)
Equivalent to DRAM 151. Study of a chronological sequence of Shakespeare's plays, including works in different genres, and a selection of his sonnets and longer poetry. Reading, discussion, critical papers. The course also covers Shakespeare's role in the development of English language and literature, and his connection to contemporary political and social issues.
LIT. 200 American Literature (3 units)
Survey of literature by and about diverse Americans from 1850 to the present. Includes canonical and lesser-known works of fiction and non-fiction that shapes a multidimensional perspective of the United States.
LIT. 205 New Voices in World Literature (3 units)
This course is a comparative study of selected works, in translation and in English, of literature around the world, including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and other areas, from the mid or late seventeenth century to the present.
LIT. 231 Survey of English Literature I (3 units)
Surveys the literature written in the British Isles up to the last quarter of the 18th century.
LIT. 232 Survey of English Literature II (3 units)
Survey of major English writers from the late eighteenth century to contemporary British and post-colonial periods. Acquaints students with the most important literary genres practiced in these eras, and students read and discuss a variety of texts that reveal cultural and political issues of the time, such as the rise of feminism, the issue of slavery, and the rise of British colonialism.
LIT. 252 Women Writers: Multicultural Perspectives (3 units)
A survey of the influence of women in a global society through an examination of fiction and non-fiction by women writers. Explores the changes in women's history; the development of women's roles, globally and in American culture; and the significance of women within society. The literature sampled emphasizes a comparative approach toward analyzing writing by women from diverse backgrounds throughout history.
LIT. 266 Black Literature (3 units)
A survey of Black American literature from mid 18th century to the present. The literature sampled explores the development of this ethnic group; analyzes the significance of African Americans to the formation of this nation; and includes: autobiographical works, poetry, short stories, folk tales, novellas, films, music, and art.
LIT. 371 Mexican-American Literature (3 units)
Study the historical origins and evolving nature of Mexican-American Literature. Examine what diverse authors who identify as Mexican, Mexican-American or Chicano have to say about the history, culture and socio-political issues of Mexican-Americans. Literature of more recent immigrants from Mexico will also give us an opportunity to analyze the ever-changing themes and characters in Mexican-American Literature. Various points of view are examined, including those of feminists and LGBTQ+ communities.
LIT. 372 Myth and Folklore of La Raza (3 units)
Explore the purpose and meaning of myth and folklore within the context of the indigenous, Mexican, Mexican-American, and other mestizo cultures found in Mexico, other parts of Latin America, and the Southwest. Course work involves analyzing myths and folklore that originate from the indigenous of the Americas, the Spanish and the mestizos of Latin American culture. Students also study the effects of these myths and folklore on contemporary values. The course examines the perspectives, values, and cultures of Native American, Spanish, and mestizo people of Latin America and the United States.
LIT. 373 Latin American Literature in Translation (3 units)
In this course students study Latin American literature written in English. An emphasis is placed on contemporary short stories, poems, and novels as well as films. In order to fully appreciate these texts, students learn about relevant historical, political, and social issues.
LIT. 441 Survey of Film (3 units)
Survey of film masterpieces from the early 1900's to the present with emphasis on structure of film and the technique of film making. Screening of films followed by discussion and reading exercise students' abilities to think, speak and write critically about films and their historical context.
LIT. 442 Film Study and Appreciation (3 units)
Film study and appreciation with a focus on one area of study: i.e., one period, genre, director, national cinema, chosen from film history. Screening of films followed by discussion, reading, and writing, with emphasis on students' abilities to think, speak and write critically about films.
LIT. 695 Independent Study (0.5- 3 units)
Designed for students who are interested in furthering their knowledge via self-paced, individualized instruction provided in selected areas or directed study to be arranged with instructor and approved by the division dean using the Independent Study Form. Varying modes of instruction can be used -- laboratory, research, skill development, etc. For each unit earned, students are required to devote three hours per week throughout the semester. Students may take only one Independent Study course within a given discipline.