English
41 courses · Allan Hancock College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
ENGL 100 Writing in Career/Tech Fields
- Units
- 4
- Transfers to
- CSU
A writing course designed primarily to meet the needs of students pursuing career and technical programs. Meets the written composition graduation requirement for an AHC associate's degree. Students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution will need to take ENGL C1000 instead of this course to meet the university's first-year composition requirement. Readings will be drawn from the disciplines involved so that students master comprehension and critical reading skills in real-world texts. Writing assignments and projects will similarly be based upon the types of critical thinking and analytical writing required in the students' fields of study. Research methods and skills will be emphasized.
ENGL 104 Technical Writing
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- N/A
Develops written communication skills for industrial, scientific, and technical fields. Emphasis is placed upon audience analysis; technical formats such as reports, summaries, and proposals; collaborative problem solving; research skills; clarity and conciseness of expression.
ENGL 105 Language and Culture
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ANTH 130
An introduction to the study of language and communication in relation to culture. Focus is on the structure, function and history of language as well as the social, symbolic and practical uses of language. Linguistic concepts, methodologies, and theoretical assumptions will also be explored. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for ANTH 105.
ENGL 106 Creative Writing
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ENGL 200
An introduction to the writing of fiction and verse, offered as a creative outlet for students who like to write and as a step toward greater writing proficiency.
ENGL 107 Literary Arts Journal 1
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- N/A
In this course, students will begin the process of creating a literary arts journal. This course will offer hands-on training in creating and editing written and visual texts. Students will work cooperatively and explore the role of social media in the literary arts. The course will offer opportunities for publishing students’ original works and is appropriate for students who are interested in publishing their work or the work of others.
ENGL 108 Literary Arts Journal 2
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- N/A
In this course, students will publish a literary arts journal. They will create and edit written and visual texts while working cooperatively and will use social media to market and publish original creative works. The course is appropriate for students who are interested in publishing their own work or the work of others.
ENGL 110 Grammar for College and Career
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- N/A
This course provides a comprehensive review of grammar and mechanics for students who want to increase their understanding of the fundamentals of English. Students will learn to recognize grammatical errors in their writing; to reduce the number of misspelled and misused words; and to write clear, correct, and effective sentences. Students may wish to take this course prior to or concurrently with an English composition course.
ENGL 112 Transfer English Composition Skills
- Units
- 2
- Corequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- N/A
English 112 is designed to provide additional support and practice in academic skills and strategies needed to analyze college-level texts and to write college-level essays. Students are required to enroll in the linked co-requisite English 101 course to take English 112. Students cannot drop English 112 and remain in the ENGL C1000 course.
ENGL 113 Introduction to Critical Reading
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- READ 310, or ENGL 513
- Transfers to
- CSU
English 113 is designed to equip students with effective reading skills for success in college courses. The emphasis is on improving reading comprehension and developing effective text analysis. Students learn to engage successfully a variety of texts to suit different reading purposes; to develop literal, inferential, and critical comprehension skills; and to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate texts from diverse sources. By practicing critical reading, students will also improve their writing skills. This class serves as a prerequisite for English 101. Lecture: 3 hours per week. Lab: 1 hour per week. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for READ 110 or ESL 110.
ENGL 117 Detective Fiction
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides a critical and historical study of the literary genre of detective fiction. Students will read representative works by such authors as Doyle, Poe, Hammett, Christie, Chandler, Himes, and McDonald. This course will encompass a variety of fiction selections covering an introduction to the popular literary genre and its origins and growth over the last two centuries. Topics may include the conventions of the form, the elements of fiction, critical thinking applied to solving crimes, and the ethical problems raised in the works under discussion.
ENGL 118 Women in Literature
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
This course provides a critical and historical study of literature written in English by culturally diverse women authors. The course focuses on novels, short stories, poems, plays, and/or essays written by and/or about women, and explores the particular cultural, historical, political and social issues which have influenced women and society.
ENGL 119 California Literature
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This transfer-level literature course surveys the origins of California literature to the present and will encompass a broad spectrum of voices. Students will explore California’s diversity; students will understand and will think critically about their own ideas, beliefs, and assumptions; and students will examine a variety of literary forms (including novels, short stories, letters, poems, plays, and narratives) as representative of California’s history and literature. Topics may include literary movements, conventions of genres, and literary elements such as plot, characterization, theme, and setting. The course is designed to sharpen students’ reading, writing, and critical thinking skills with special attention to close reading (analysis and criticism).
ENGL 130 American Literature to 1865
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ENGL 130
Surveys American writers and literary movements through 1865. Either one or both semesters of American Literature partially fulfill the humanities requirement of the GE for California State Universities and the University of California.
ENGL 131 American Literature 1865 to Present
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ENGL 135
Surveys American writers and literary movements from 1865 to present. Either one or both semesters of American Literature partially fulfill the humanities requirement of the GE for California State Universities and the University of California. ENGL 130 is not a prerequisite to this course.
ENGL 132 Literature and Film
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
Techniques of literary and film criticism and application of those techniques to films and the literary works inspired them. Emphasis is given to the critical analysis of the transformations that occur when literary forms are adapted for the screen.
ENGL 133 Modern Fiction
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
Designed to increase student understanding and enjoyment of modern fiction through a study of selected works by 20th century authors. Selections may vary from semester to semester. English 133 has no geographical boundaries, but includes works by American and English authors, as well as works in translation.
ENGL 135 Poetry for the People’s Liberation Movements
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Ethnic studies movements have been led by the words of poets, who possess the tools to embolden the masses. This course analyzes the historical and contemporary protest poetry written by scholars in the field of Black American, Asian Pacific American, Native American, and Latino/a American Studies, and is grounded in Ethnic Studies pedagogy, such as institutional oppression, immigrant survivalism, racial, gender and sexual identity. Course material will focus on the close reading of activism poetry, provide an interdisciplinary framework to understand power struggles in the United States, and will conclude with a required community engaged literary event led by student poets that supports a local non-profit. This course is not open to students who have enrolled in or who have received credit for ES 135.
ENGL 137 Children's Literature
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ENGL 180
A study of poetry, folk and fairy tales, fiction, non-fiction and realistic works for children. Emphasis is on exploring modes for bringing this literature to child audiences.
ENGL 138 Introduction to Shakespeare
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
Introduction to Shakespeare in which a number of major works are read, with close attention to language, structure, and historical content.
ENGL 139 Ideas of Difference: Ethnic Studies Literature and Advocacy Composition
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
Ethnic studies embodies solidarity and collective liberation, but liberation cannot be achieved without analyzing differences. This course explores— through the analysis of contemporary literature, in texts, film and multimedia—concepts of racial-ethnic discrimination experienced by the four minoritized populations—African and Black American, Asian and Pacific Island American, Native American and Latino/a American. Through the study of these ideas of differences, this course will explore the tensions, unity and intersectionality between these communities. The students will end the semester completing a community project that utilizes their skills of advocacy writing to support a non-profit organization that has an impact on the minoritized group studied. They will engage in the question: Would you rather have an enemy or a conversation? This course is not open to students who have enrolled in or who have received credit for ES 139.
ENGL 140 Graphic Novel as Literature
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
This class will examine the emergence of the graphic novel, from the comics of the 1920s, the super hero novels of the 1950s, anime and manga to the current crop of diverse novels gone graphic. It will look at the multicultural nature of the novels, with new novels being produced in a variety of countries; and its subversive intentions.
ENGL 144 Literature: The Ancient and Classical World
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
An examination of the ancient epics and classical literature of Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome. Representative readings will include the Epic of Gilgamesh, The Iliad, The Odyssey, Genesis, Antigone, The Aeneid, and Marcus Aurelius Meditations.
ENGL 145 British Literature to 1800
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ENGL 160
A study of the major British writers in the 14th century to the beginning of the Romantic Period around 1800. The course covers the major works of such writers as Chaucer, Shakespeare and Milton, with emphasis on their continuing capacity to talk to us today.
ENGL 146 British Literature 1800 to Present
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ENGL 165
A study of the major British writers since 1800. The course covers selected plays, novels, poems and essays from the outstanding writers of the Romantic and Victorian periods and of the 20th century, including Wordsworth, Shelley, Keats, Browning, Conrad, Yeats, Joyce and Eliot. ENGL 145 is not a prerequisite to this course.
ENGL 148 Hispanic Literature in Translation
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
An introduction to contemporary Hispanic literature in translation. Readings from Latin America, as well as Hispanic writers in the United States, have been selected. Course will focus on the themes and symbols characteristic of such literature. Cultural differences will be explored. Students will read selected works both critically and analytically. Films and other media may be included.
ENGL 150 Asian American Literature
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
This course critically examines the histories within the field of Asian American Studies as it is embodied within literary texts, emphasizing the intersectionalities of race, gender, class, sexual identity, and interethnic relations. Through an Asian American Studies lens, students will examine concepts of collective liberation, self-determination, sovereignty, and critical consciousness in celebrating Asian American narratives, ranging from China, Japan, Korea, India, and Southeast Asia. Asian American Studies concepts, such as identity and recognition, first and second generation assimilation, immigration and race-base exclusion policies, Orientalism, diaspora and transnationalism, will be then used towards a culminating student organized event with a local non-profit that promotes Asian American awareness and celebration. This course is not open to students who have enrolled in or who have received credit for ES 150.
ENGL 151 African American and Black Literature
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
Critical examination of African American histories, cultures, intellectual traditions, lived experiences, and racial and social justice struggles within literary texts, including oral traditions, poetry, essays, drama, novels, and other genres. Uses African American Studies and Black Studies concepts to examine African American and Black literature as sites of cultural expression, intellectual tradition, and resistance. Focus is placed on the particular and collective roles of Black writers and thinkers in the shaping and development of culture and literature within U.S. society through the frameworks of Black Studies and African American Studies, with particular attention to concepts such as race and racism, racialization, white supremacy, self-determination, liberation, decolonization, and anti-racism. Readings and assignments highlight how Black writers and thinkers have shaped U.S. culture while contesting systemic oppression, and how their work addresses intersections of race, gender, class, sexuality, religion, and national identity. Through engagement with community-based movements and critical theories, students will connect African American cultural production to broader struggles for racial and social justice, solidarity, and liberation in the United States. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or who have received credit for ES 151.
ENGL 152 Latina/o Literature
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- NA
Informed by the intersectionality of race, socioeconomic class, and gender; institutional racism and historic oppression; and borderland identity politics, this course critically examines historical, cultural, sociopolitical, and aesthetic attributes of Latina/o and Chicana/o literature and cultural production, and applies Latina/o Studies, Chicana/o Studies, and Ethnic Studies frameworks to the study of literature, emphasizing how writers engage concepts such as race, colonialism, resistance, decolonization, and social justice. Students will analyze contemporary and classic texts including memoir, fiction, poetry, film, essays, and other visual-verbal expressions with an emphasis on recognizing and affirming plural identities and advocating social justice and equity. Through the celebration of Latina/o narratives, students will gain an understanding of racial justice movements (e.g., El Movimiento, MEChA, farmworker unionization, and Central Coast community activism), which they will leverage towards activism and social transformation within their communities. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for ES 152.
ENGL 153 Native American Literature
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
This course employs theoretical constructs within the field of Native American Studies, such as concepts of sovereignty, tribal nations and governance, colonialism and settler colonialism, Indigeneity, Land Back movements, treaties and legal rights, survivance, cultural continuity and revitalization, gender and sexuality, decolonization, historical trauma and healing, and intellectual trade. Using these frameworks and concepts, this course’s analyses of literature and cultural expression will account for the Native American response within the colonial borders of the United States to historical, political, and legal contexts, with emphasis on the specific religious, linguistic, historical, political and cultural context of Native American literary and cultural achievements. Focus is placed on the particular and collective roles of Native American writers and thinkers in the shaping and development of culture and literature within North America with emphasis on the intersectionalities of race, gender, class, sexual identity, and interethnic relations. This course is not open to students who have enrolled in or who have received credit for ES 153.
ENGL 155 Introduction to Science Fiction and Fantasy
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU
An introductory survey of science fiction and fantasy offers exploration into the historical purpose of these genres, the impact they have had on both past and present contexts, and how these historical and socio-cultural discussions help us understand the significance they hold today.
ENGL 179 Experimental Courses in English
- Units
- 1-3
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- N/A
This course is designed to test new curriculum before adopting it as part of an academic program. It meets specific needs in the college and community as they are identified. Each class will carry a specific title relating to the discipline concerned.
ENGL 180 Harry Potter and Realms of the Fantastic
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
This course provides a critical and scholarly study of the Harry Potter series and its literary inspirations. It will explore the world of Potter-related literature as a genre (including the book series, scholarly articles, films, poetry, fan response texts, memes, art and more). The course will also explore the ways in which the series acts as a commentary on social and political issues and how the series holds up a mirror to historic events as well as navigates and reflects ongoing issues. This course will explore the ongoing issues of censorship and these novels. The course will encourage discussion on such issues as gender, race, class, technology, warfare, ethics, family, religion, myth, and heroism in the texts. This course will include critical thinking, literary analysis, and analysis of how this series of books has become a social cultural phenomenon. Students may also explore the influence of medieval legends and the hero's journey to analyze the series and to contextualize the series.
ENGL 189 Independent Projects
- Units
- 1-3
- Transfers to
- CSU
Courses for students capable of independent work who demonstrate the need or desire for additional study beyond the regular curriculum. Enrollment allows students to pursue activities such as directed field experience, research, or development of skills and competencies under faculty advisement and supervision. Independent projects may be earned in most disciplines. Students wishing to enroll in Independent Projects should contact the appropriate instructor identified in the class schedule. If the project proposed is acceptable to that instructor, a contract will be developed. All contracts for these classes must be completed and submitted to the Records Office no later than the end of the second week of the semester. Students may enroll for any combination (unit value) of Independent Projects 189 and/or 389 for a total of four semesters in a specific discipline. Units are awarded depending upon satisfactory performance and the amount of time committed by the student to the course. Allowable units vary according to discipline, and are based on the following formula: 1 unit - 48 hours per semester 2 units - 96 hours per semester 3 units - 144 hours per semester
ENGL 306 Writing Lab
- Units
- 0.5
- Corequisite
- Enrollment in any Allan Hancock College credit course. Not open to students enrolled in English 511, 512, 513, or 514.
Provides students with individualized writing practice with computer-assisted strategies. Not open to students enrolled in English 300, 501 or any other English course with a lab component.
ENGL 307 Writing Across the Curriculum 1
- Units
- 0.5
This course provides students with instructor-guided individualized writing practice focused on structure and organization. Not open to students currently enrolled in English 511, 512, 513, 514.
ENGL 312 Reading Skills and Strategies
- Units
- 3
English 312 uses fiction and nonfiction texts to develop reading skills and strategies. The emphasis is on improving reading comprehension and efficiency and helping students become critical readers. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for READ 310 or ESL 310.
ENGL 510 Improving Reading Comprehension
- Units
- 4
Designed to introduce students to reading skills necessary for success in college. Emphasis is on improving reading comprehension and developing vocabulary. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for READ 510 or ESL 510.
ENGL 595 Accelerated Reading and Writing Skills
- Units
- 4.5
- Prerequisite
- Placement based on START process
This course is open to any student who places below English 101. It is a demanding course that uses college level material to teach critical reading, thinking and writing skills according to student need. Students who pass this course are eligible for English 101.
ENGL C1000 Academic Reading and Writing
- Units
- 4
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ENGL 100
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. Students will prepare and write a research paper. The course is not open to students who received credit for ENGL 101.
ENGL C1001 Critical Thinking and Writing
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ENGL 105
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. Emphasizes skills application through writing a sequence of argumentative essays. Not open to students who have taken ENGL 103.
ENGL C1002 Introduction to Literature
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ENGL 120
In this course, students are introduced to works by diverse authors and major literary genres, developing close reading and analytical writing skills. Students also develop appreciation for and critical understanding of the cultural, historical, and aesthetic qualities of literature. This course is not open to students who have already successfully completed ENGL 102/ ENGL C1002.