English | Academic Catalog

The English Department offers courses in composition, literature, journalism, creative writing, and English as a second language. These courses are designed to help students develop skills in reading perceptively, thinking critically, and writing effectively. The Writing Center, located in Liberal Arts (LA) 201, offers supplemental support to assist students in developing these skills. In order to be placed into the proper level of composition class, all new students are required to complete a guided self-placement and meet with a counselor prior to enrollment. The guided self-placement assists students by helping them to identify their skill level in English, develop an educational plan, and choose appropriate classes. Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution and major in English should consult with a counselor regarding the transfer process and lower division requirements.

Recommended Placement for English

Recommended Placement for English
High School Performance Metric for English	Recommended Placement for English
H.S. G.P.A. ≥ 2.6 Self-reported high school G.P.A.	Transfer-Level English Composition No additional academic or concurrent support required.
H.S. G.P.A. 1.9 - 2.6 Self-reported high school G.P.A.	Transfer-Level English Composition Additional academic concurrent support ENGL 086 or ENGL 686 is required.
H.S. G.P.A. < 1.9 Self-reported high school G.P.A.	Transfer-Level English Composition Additional academic concurrent support ENGL 087 or ENGL 687 is required.

Advanced English Courses

Course List
Code	Title	Units
ENGL 122	Journalism Production: Introduction	3
ENGL 123	Journalism Production: Intermediate	3
ENGL 125	Literary Magazine Production	3
ENGL 140	Exploring the World of Science Fiction	3
ENGL 141	Mystery and Detective Fiction	3
ENGL 151	Freshman Composition and Literature	3
ENGL 151H	Freshman Composition and Literature - Honors	3
ENGL 153	Literature and Film	3
ENGL 161	Women Writers	3
ENGL 163	Chicana/o Literature	3
ENGL 165	African-American Literature	3
ENGL 175	The Literature and Religion of the Bible	3
ENGL 232	Creative Writing	3
ENGL 260	American Literature to Mid 19th Century	3
ENGL 261	American Literature from 1865 to Present	3
ENGL 270	English Literature: Middle Ages to 18th Century	3
ENGL 270H	English Literature: Middle Ages to 18th Century - Honors	3
ENGL 271	English Literature: 18th Century to Present	3
ENGL 271H	English Literature: 18th Century to Present - Honors	3

ENGL 015 4 Units

Preparation for College Writing

Lecture: 72 contact hours

This is a writing course designed to prepare students for writing at the college level. The primary focus is on the development of the paragraph and short essay. The course includes a review of grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation.

ENGL 086 1 Unit

Strategies for College Composition

Lecture: 18 contact hours

Corequisite: ENGL 101|Placement may be required for this course.

This course provides support for English 101, including strategies for college level reading, writing and critical thinking. This course is taken as pass/no pass only.

Associate Degree Applicable

ENGL 087 2 Units

Fundamentals for College Composition

Lecture: 36 contact hours

Corequisite: ENGL 101|Placement may be required for this course.

This course provides intensive support for English 101, including fundamentals for successful college level reading, writing and critical thinking. This course is offered as pass/no pass only.

Associate Degree Applicable

ENGL 101 4 Units

College Composition

Lecture: 72 contact hours

Prerequisite: Eligibility for college level English based on the SBVC Guided Self-Placement process.

Corequisite: Students who require supplemental support to succeed in ENGL 101 may be required to take ENGL 086 or ENGL 087 depending on assessment.

This is a writing course emphasizing expository and argumentative essays, which helps students develop the writing skills necessary for success in college-level courses across the disciplines. It also includes instruction in library research and preparation of documented research papers. The course acknowledges the diverse identities of students through a variety of multicultural readings and student writing.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: ENGL 100

ENGL 101H 4 Units

College Composition - Honors

Lecture: 72 contact hours

Prerequisite: Eligibility for college level English based on the SBVC Guided Self-Placement process.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: ENGL 100

ENGL 102 4 Units

Intermediate Composition and Critical Thinking

Lecture: 72 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H

This course provides further work in argumentative and critical writing, critical thinking, analysis of non-fiction texts (and a work of literature), research and documentation.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: ENGL 105

ENGL 102H 4 Units

Intermediate Composition and Critical Thinking - Honors

Lecture: 72 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H

This course provides further work in argumentative and critical writing, critical thinking, analysis of non-fiction texts (and at least 2 works of literature), research and documentation. This course is intended for students in the Honors Program but is open to all students who desire more challenging course work.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: ENGL 105

ENGL 122 3 Units

Journalism Production: Introduction

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H

This course provides an introduction to gathering, synthesizing/organizing and writing news in journalistic style across multiple platforms resulting in the production of the campus student newsmagazine. Topics include the role of the journalist and related legal and ethical issues. Students will report and write based on their original interviews and research to produce news content. Experiences may include covering speeches, meetings and other campus events, writing under deadline, and use of AP Style.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to CSU only

C-ID: JOUR 130

ENGL 123 3 Units

Journalism Production: Intermediate

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 122

This course provides further instruction on gathering, synthesizing/organizing and writing news in journalistic style across multiple platforms resulting in the production of the campus newspaper as well as development of editorial leadership skills. Topics include the role of the journalist and related legal and ethical issues. Students will report and write based on their original interviews and research to produce news content. Experiences may include covering speeches, meetings and other campus events, writing under deadline, and use of AP Style.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to CSU only

ENGL 125 3 Units

Literary Magazine Production

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H

This course covers the theory and practice of producing a literary magazine including instruction on all relevant aspects of editing, design and layout. Students in this class are responsible for production of the college literary magazine.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to CSU only

ENGL 140 3 Units

Exploring the World of Science Fiction

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H

This course is a survey of science fiction genre from the late 19th Century to the present. Students read, analyze, and discuss major themes, genres (short story, novels, drama, and poetry), media (radio, film, tv, internet), and the function of science fiction as a literary form that reflects human concern for solving or escaping problems in an increasingly technological culture and age.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

ENGL 141 3 Units

Mystery and Detective Fiction

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H

This course will introduce the student to mystery and detective fiction as a literary genre and as popular literature, exploring literary elements such as plot, sub-plot, suspense, setting, back story, procedural clues, hook, twist, ethical concerns of investigative methods, and civic life. Discussions of various styles and themes will engage students in critical thinking applied to historical era, multicultural contexts, and gender roles in mystery writing.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

ENGL 151 3 Units

Freshman Composition and Literature

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H

This course includes the study of representative works of fiction, poetry, and drama, including an understanding of their cultural, historical and aesthetic contexts, as well as an emphasis on the fundamental principles of literacy criticism and interpretation, including student writing based on critical reading.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: ENGL 120

ENGL 151H 3 Units

Freshman Composition and Literature - Honors

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: ENGL 120

ENGL 153 3 Units

Literature and Film

Lecture: 36 contact hours
Lab: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H

This course studies literature that has been adapted into film. Students will read short stories, novels, and plays; view the film(s) adapted from each literary work; and write critical and analytic essays about the literature, the films, and their interplay.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

ENGL 161 3 Units

Women Writers

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H

This course is a survey of poetry and prose written by prominent women writers that explores historical and contemporary issues in women's lives.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

ENGL 163 3 Units

Chicana/o Literature

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H

This course is a survey of Chicana/o literature, including novels, drama, poetry, and essays. The course explores concepts of Chicana/o identity, race and racism, and how these themes characterize Chicana/o culture and literary expression. It also examines important social, cultural, and political movements that have influenced and continue to shape the Chicana/o community. (This course is also offered as ETHS 163)

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

ENGL 165 3 Units

African-American Literature

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H

This course is a comprehensive examination of African American literature, including prose, poetry, and fiction, from the early oral tradition to present. The course also explores concepts of race, racism, and ethnicity that are manifest in African American literature, and will examine identity as it relates to finding national identity, losing a given, forced identity and acceptance of identity that is foreign to personal history. (This course is also offered as ETHS 165)

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

ENGL 175 3 Units

The Literature and Religion of the Bible

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H

This course covers The English Bible as literature and as religion including an examination of the types of literature found in the Bible, the historical and religious context in which the literature was developed and an extensive reading of the two testaments. This course is also offered as RELIG 175.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

ENGL 224 1 Unit

Independent Study in English: Production

DIR: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H

Students with previous course work in English may do assigned projects involving research and analysis of selected topics. This independent study is for students who are interested in furthering their knowledge of the production of work in print or other text-based media. This independent study would be appropriate for students wanting further work and practice in print publication (print newspaper, magazine or journal production, etc.) or publication for the web (web-based magazine, newspaper, or journal). Prior to registration, a written contract must be prepared jointly by the instructor and the student.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to CSU only

ENGL 232 3 Units

Creative Writing

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H

This is an introductory course in creative writing, with an emphasis in poetry and fiction. Students will learn and practice creative writing by producing their own work in the genres studied, studying and analyzing the work of established and peer writers, and participating in the workshop method.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: ENGL 200

ENGL 260 3 Units

American Literature to Mid 19th Century

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H

This course introduces students to American Literary traditions. The course traces the beginnings of the earliest American literary voices up through 1865.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: ENGL 130

ENGL 261 3 Units

American Literature from 1865 to Present

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H

This course introduces students to American Literary traditions. The course traces American authors from 1865 to present.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: ENGL 135

ENGL 270 3 Units

English Literature: Middle Ages to 18th Century

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: ENGL 160

ENGL 270H 3 Units

English Literature: Middle Ages to 18th Century - Honors

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H

This course surveys English literature to the last quarter of the 18th Century including coverage of all significant literary types in the development of English literature from the Middle Ages to the late 18th century. This course is intended for students in the Honors Program but is open to all students who desire more challenging course work.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: ENGL 160

ENGL 271 3 Units

English Literature: 18th Century to Present

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H

This course surveys English literature from the late 18th Century to the present including coverage of all significant literary types.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: ENGL 165

ENGL 271H 3 Units

English Literature: 18th Century to Present - Honors

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H

This course surveys English literature from the late 18th Century to the present including coverage of all significant literary types. This course is intended for students in the Honors Program but is open to all students who desire more challenging course work.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: ENGL 165

ENGL 611 Noncredit

Basic Grammar and Usage Review

Lecture: 18 contact hours

This noncredit course covers a review of basic English grammar and common errors in grammar and usage. (Formerly ENGL 911)

ENGL 615 Noncredit

Preparation for College Writing

Lecture: 72 contact hours

This is a noncredit writing course designed to prepare students for writing at the college level. The primary focus is on the development of the paragraph and short essay. The course includes a review of grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation.

ENGL 686 Noncredit

Strategies for College Composition

Lecture: 18 contact hours

Corequisite: ENGL 101|Placement may be required for this course.

This noncredit course provides support for English 101, including strategies for college level reading, writing and critical thinking. Multicultural readings and writing assignments will help to connect students to their own lived experiences. This course is taken as pass/no pass only. (Formerly ENGL 086)

ENGL 687 Noncredit

Fundamentals for College Composition

Lecture: 36 contact hours

Corequisite: ENGL 101|Placement may be required for this course.

This noncredit course provides intensive support for English 101, including fundamentals for successful college level reading, writing and critical thinking. Reading and writing assignments will focus on students' lived experiences as they connect to the course content. This course is offered as pass/no pass only. (Formerly ENGL 087)