English
28 courses · Gavilan College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
ENGL 1A Composition and Reading
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- English 280 or equivalent with grade of 'C' or better or informed self placement via multiple measures
- C-ID
- ENGL 100
English 1A is a composition course which focuses on the development and application of the academic writing process. Students read and assess models of expository, analytical, and argumentative prose to learn techniques of effective writing. Students practice strategies for planning, drafting, sharing, and revising essays in a variety of rhetorical modes. Students apply critical reading skills to the evaluation of source material. Students apply techniques in organizing, developing, and crafting prose that supports their arguments and balances outside sources with their own voice as writers. To achieve this end, students will write a minimum of 6,000 words and read book-length works, articles, model essays, and other writings.. (C-ID: ENGL 100). PREREQUISITE: English 280 or equivalent with grade of 'C' or better or informed self placement via multiple measures.
ENGL 1B Composition and Literature
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- English 1A with a grade of "C" or better
- C-ID
- ENGL 120
English 1B continues the work begun in 1A, but now the emphasis shifts to writing expository prose in conjunction with reading and analyzing imaginative literature. Students are to write as fledgling critics and use the text as a basis for other forms of reflection. The reading requirement includes short stories, poetry, drama, and at least two novels. Course work will also include fundamentals of research writing. Minimum 6,000 words of formal writing. (C-ID: ENGL 120) PREREQUISITE: English 1A with a grade of "C" or better.
ENGL 1C Critical Reasoning and Writing
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- English 1A with a grade of "C" or better
- C-ID
- ENGL 105
This course is designed to develop critical thinking skills and information literacy and the ability to apply these skills to reading and writing. The emphasis is on developing analytical and argumentative academic essays based on reading of complex texts and the use of outside research leading to a documented research paper. Students will write a minimum of 6,000 words. (C-ID: ENGL 105). PREREQUISITE: English 1A with a grade of "C" or better.
ENGL 2C Introduction to Film and Fiction
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- Eligible for English 1A
This is a literature course in analysis of the novel and film as art forms. The student will read several novels, view the films based on the novels, and discuss the difference in techniques, both orally and in writing. PREREQUISITE: Eligible for English 1A.
ENGL 2E Introduction to Women Writers
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- Eligible for English 1A
This is a transfer literature class which examines the history of women as writers and distinguishes themes in women's literature using the tools of literary criticism. PREREQUISITE: Eligible for English 1A.
ENGL 2F Children's Literature
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- English 1A or appropriate placement based on AB 705
- C-ID
- ENGL 180
A survey of texts for elementary and intermediate grades, with a focus on literary analysis, criticism and evaluation. Study of historical backgrounds and development of genres of children's literature in a cross section of cultures. This course has the option of a letter grade or pass/no pass. (C-ID: ENGL 180) . PREREQUISITE: English 1A or appropriate placement based on AB 705.
ENGL 2J World Mythology
- Units
- 3
This course is a survey of myths from around the world, with an emphasis on literary analysis of the myths. The course covers the purposes and types of myths; the development of myths and mythological characters, the recurring elements of mythological structures, the influence of mythology on contemporary texts.
ENGL 2L Latinx Roots and Revolution
- Units
- 3
This course emphasizes the formal, thematic, and cultural importance of Latinx literature. We will read novels, poetry, and short stories, among other media, by authors from a range of identities—including Mexican American, Central American, Cuban American, and others. We will explore literary movements, such as magical realism, and the cultural constructs—e.g. borderlands, gender and sexuality, internalized oppression, resisting racism—that shape the work of Latinx authors. Students will work collectively and individually to undertake writing projects that explore Latinx literature in terms of literary contributions, community empowerment, and connectedness to social justice movements.
ENGL 2R Race, Power, and Resistance
- Units
- 3
Students will examine race, racism, and resistance in the context of contemporary American ethnic literature: Black, Latinx, Native American, Asian American, mixed-race, and others. Students will seek to understand this literature using historical, post-colonial, feminist, and other types of literary criticism as well as critical race theory. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the sociological and historical contexts from which each of these texts emerged—particularly the ways in which ethnic communities have navigated their struggles with enslavement, genocide, violence, poverty, education, language, and family in the United States. Works of literature will be analyzed in the context of personal and community empowerment, intersectionality, and their contribution to the development of unique literary traditions.
ENGL 3 Introduction to Shakespeare
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- ENGL 1A or equivalent course
This class introduces students to a selection of the tragedies, comedies, histories, and sonnets of William Shakespeare. Students will examine the historical contexts that influenced Shakespearean works and explore Shakespeare’s literary innovations and contributions to the English literary tradition. ADVISORY: ENGL 1A or equivalent course.
ENGL 4A British Literature - 449 to 1798 A.D.
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- Eligible for English 1A
- C-ID
- ENGL 160
This course is a study of the masters of early British Literature from the years 449 - 1798 and the major literary trends within that time period. In this course, students will work to understand the language and concepts within early British poetry and prose, as well as explore the social and historical influences which inform this literature. (C-ID: ENGL 160) PREREQUISITE: Eligible for English 1A.
ENGL 4B British Literature - 1798 to Present
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- Eligible for ENGL 1A as determined by College assessment or other appropriate method
- C-ID
- ENGL 165
This course is a study of the masters of British Literature from 1798 to present, as well as an exploration of major literary trends during the Romantic, Victorian, Modern, and Contemporary Literary Eras. Note: this course need not be taken in sequence. (C-ID: ENGL 165) . PREREQUISITE: Eligible for ENGL 1A as determined by College assessment or other appropriate method.
ENGL 5A Survey of American Literature - 1620 to 1865
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- Eligible for ENGL 1A as determined by college assessment or other appropriate method
- C-ID
- ENGL 130
This course is a study of the masters of American Literature and the major trends of literature from Pre-colonial times through to 1865. In this course, students will work to understand concepts within poetry and prose, examine common literary trends, as well as work to explain the social and historical influences which inform this literature. (C-ID: ENGL 130) PREREQUISITE: Eligible for ENGL 1A as determined by college assessment or other appropriate method.
ENGL 5B Survey of American Literature - 1865 to Present
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- Eligible for English 1A or English Composition as determined by college placement based on AB 705 mandates
- C-ID
- ENGL 135
This course is a study of the masters of American Literature and the major trends of literature during the years 1865 to the present. The major trends can include Realism, Naturalism, Modernism, Post-Modernism, etc. (C-ID: ENGL 135) PREREQUISITE: Eligible for English 1A or English Composition as determined by college placement based on AB 705 mandates.
ENGL 6A Beginnings through Early American Colonization (449-1680)
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- Eligibility for college-level composition (English 1A) or equivalent, as determined by college assessment or other appropriate method. ENGL 6A, 6B, and 6C can be taken in any order. C-ID (ENGL 150)
This course examines literary innovation in Anglo-Saxon, Medieval, Renaissance, and early Colonial works of literature in Britain and America--with a focus on the emerging English language, rise of Christendom, and British colonization. Students will explore the historical contexts that influenced these literary traditions and movements and the role literature plays in influencing societal change. PREREQUISITE: Eligibility for college-level composition (English 1A) or equivalent, as determined by college assessment or other appropriate method. ENGL 6A, 6B, and 6C can be taken in any order. C-ID (ENGL 150).
ENGL 6B “British” and Emerging “American” Literatures (1680-1860)
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- Eligibility for college-level composition (English 1A) or equivalent, as determined by college assessment or other appropriate method. ENGL 6A, 6B, and 6C can be taken in any order. C-ID (ENGL 152)
This course examines literary innovation in the Neoclassical, Romantic, Transcendental, and early Victorian periods in Britain and America, with a focus on colonialism, liberty, and the transatlantic slave trade that binds the two sides of the Atlantic together during this era. Students will explore the historical contexts that influenced these literary traditions and movements and the role literature plays in influencing societal change. PREREQUISITE: Eligibility for college-level composition (English 1A) or equivalent, as determined by college assessment or other appropriate method. ENGL 6A, 6B, and 6C can be taken in any order. C-ID (ENGL 152).
ENGL 6C Transcontinental Literature of Modern Times (1860-Present)
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- Eligibility for college-level composition (English 1A) or equivalent, as determined by college assessment or other appropriate method. ENGL 6A, 6B, and 6C can be taken in any order. C-ID (ENGL 155)
This course examines literary innovation in the late Victorian, Modern, Harlem Renaissance, and Postmodern periods in Britain and America. Some areas of focus include race, postcolonial identity, gender and sexuality, industrialism, and the economy. Students will explore the historical contexts that influenced these literary traditions and movements and the role of literature in creating both historical, literary continuity, and change. PREREQUISITE: Eligibility for college-level composition (English 1A) or equivalent, as determined by college assessment or other appropriate method. ENGL 6A, 6B, and 6C can be taken in any order. C-ID (ENGL 155).
ENGL 9A Introduction to Creative Writing
- Units
- 3
- C-ID
- ENGL 200
This course allows writers to experiment with various forms of poetry and prose, including drama, fiction, poetry, and narrative non-fiction and includes the writing, reading, and discussion of such works. The class is primarily experiential, providing many opportunities for generation of new pieces of writing, some time for gentle and encouraging feedback, and a focus on terminology to develop better understandings of both the process and craft of creative writing. (C-ID: ENGL 200).
ENGL 9B Advanced Creative Writing
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- English 9A with a grade of 'pass' or C or better
This class is a continuation of English 9A, with an emphasis on further development on the craft and production of various forms of poetry and prose, including drama, fiction, poetry, and narrative non-fiction and includes the writing, reading, and discussion of such works. The class remains primarily experiential, providing many opportunities for generation of new pieces of writing, some time for gentle encouraging feedback with a greater focus on developing leadership skills in that area as well as a deepening knowledge of terminology, in order to develop better understandings of both the process and craft of creative writing. PREREQUISITE: English 9A with a grade of 'pass' or C or better.
ENGL 12 Tutoring Writers: Practice
- Units
- 1
Practice in the writing process, peer-to-peer communication, interacting with faculty and educational institutions, and effective responses to writing will be covered. In addition, students will gain an understanding of writing pedagogy while participating in a community of writers that connect them to their own writing practice. Also Listed as ENGL 212.
ENGL 23 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-2
Designed to afford selected students specialized opportunities for exploring areas at the independent study level. The courses may involve extensive library work, research in the community, or special projects. May be repeated until six units of credit are accrued. This course has the option of a letter grade or pass/no pass. REQUIRED: The study outline prepared by the student and the instructor must be filed with the department and the dean.
ENGL 210 English Academy
- Units
- 2
- Corequisite
- ENGLISH 1A
This immersion course is geared for students who are enrolled in or considering enrollment into English 1A. This course is designed to improve fundamental academic skills in reading, writing, and studying necessary for success in transfer-level English courses. The course will introduce reading, writing, research, and editing strategies. Students will work in a community-oriented environment. This is a pass/no pass course. COREQUISITE: ENGLISH 1A
ENGL 280 Composition and Reading Essentials
- Units
- 3.5
This course is designed to improve fundamental academic skills in reading, writing, research, and studying necessary for success in transfer-level English courses. Students will work in an inquiry-based environment as a means of learning and practicing a variety of reading strategies; learning and practicing the writing process; adapting writing for different audiences and rhetorical situations; finding, analyzing, and synthesizing information from texts; organizing information into a persuasive and coherent essay; and understanding the elements of style and grammar.
ENGL 749 Writers' Workshop
- Units
- 0
Writers' Workshop is an open enrollment class, allowing life-long learners and students from any discipline to participate in facilitated writing, reading, and feedback activities, using best communication protocols. Activities may include generative writing games, freewriting prompts, mindfulness and contemplative practices, reader response work, and an examination of social problems and solutions through research, writing, revision, performance, publication, and interaction with visiting writers and scholars.
ENGL 756 High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) Preparation
- Units
- 0
This course is designed to prepare the student to pass the five subject areas of the HiSET - Language Arts-Reading, Language Arts-Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. English grammar and usage, reading comprehension, writing, vocabulary and computational skills are emphasized. The course is designed for students who are 18 years of age or older and elect to take the High School Equivalency Exam. This course is repeatable.
ENGL C1000 Academic Reading and Writing
- Units
- 4
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. (Also known as ENGL 1A; C-ID ENGL 100)
ENGL C1001 Critical Thinking and Writing
- Units
- 3
Description Part 1: 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 Academic Reading and Writing (or C-ID ENGL 100) or similar first-year college writing course. Description Part 2: C-ID (ENGL 105). PREREQUSITE: College-level composition (ENGL C1000/ ENGL C1000H/ ENGL C1000E/C-ID ENGL 100) or equivalent. Also known as ENGL 1C.
ENGL C1002 Introduction to Literature
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- English C1000 with a grade of "C" or better. Formerly listed as ENGL 1B
- C-ID
- ENGL 120
Description Part 1: 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. Description Part 2: (C-ID: ENGL 120) PREREQUISITE: English C1000 with a grade of "C" or better. Formerly listed as ENGL 1B.