English
Apply Now“You write in order to change the world...
...knowing perfectly well that you probably can't, but also knowing that literature is indispensable to the world... The world changes according to the way people see it, and if you alter, even by a millimeter, the way…people look at reality, then you can change it.” (James Baldwin in a 1979 interview)
The English and Literature Program at Skyline College sharpens and enhances reading, writing, and critical thinking skills applicable to every field. Our literature courses guide students to not only expand their literary knowledge, but also to deepen their understanding of themselves and the world. In our ever-changing and growing global economy, businesses and organizations want to hire colleagues who can understand a variety of perspectives and who have the skills to read and write with detail, logic, and persuasion.
Employment Statistics
Average Salary in California
Source: U.S. Department of Labor and Glassdoor
The Program
The most valuable skill a person may ever develop may be writing. An English major’s skills will prove applicable to any learning, work, and/or creative environment and will never become obsolete. For career plans including advertising, law, teaching, or even health fields, the universal tools and skills gained as an English major will allow students to adapt to whatever the future has in store. Additionally, the study of literary texts underscores the richness of the human experience and challenges students to critically explore and appreciate the diversity of cultures and ideas that surround them.
Skyline College offers an Associate of Arts degree in English that can help to create a clear path for transfer to a four-year institution.
Career Outlook
Studying English and Literature provides a foundation of writing, communication, and critical thinking skills essential in almost any career from the sciences or finance to marketing or public relations.
An English degree can create paths to a variety of career trajectories, including user experience writing, advertising, social media management, editing, law, marketing, advertising, education, web content development, technical writing, and many others. Salary ranges for jobs within these careers vary greatly. For example, social media managers in California make an average of $57,025 per year according to Glassdoor. Technical Writers in California make an average of $100,730 per year.
Looking for a list of classes offered this semester?
Check out the current class schedule.All Courses
ENGL 100 Composition (3 units)
Designed to help the student recognize and critically evaluate important ideas in short and book length texts, and offers instruction in expository and argumentative writing, appropriate and effective use of language, close reading, cogent thinking, research strategies, information literacy, and documentation.
ENGL 103 Applied English Skills for Cultural Production I (3 units)
Designed for students who want to develop critical thinking skills in the writing of a Pilipino Cultural Night (PCN) and will focus on writing the script for PCN. Students will research other PCNs, read and evaluate cultural literary texts related to the theme for content and composition, and work collaboratively to write a script to celebrate the Filipino and Filipino American experience.
ENGL 104 Applied English Skills for Cultural Production II (3 units)
Designed for students who want to develop critical thinking and leadership skills while participating in various aspects of a Pilipino Cultural Night (PCN). This course will focus on the creation of a PCN, including producing, advertising, acting, singing, dancing, stage/technical crew, and prop/set design and construction. Rehearsal times will be arranged by the instructor. All students will be required to participate in and work collaboratively for the PCN performance at the end of the semester.
ENGL 105 Composition with Support (5 units)
Designed to help the student recognize and critically evaluate important ideas in short and book length texts, and offers instruction in expository and argumentative writing, appropriate and effective use of language, close reading, cogent thinking, research strategies, information literacy, and documentation.
ENGL 110 Composition, Literature, and Critical Thinking (3 units)
Introduces students to major imaginative genres of poetry, drama, and fiction from diverse cultural sources and literary critical perspectives. Students will write analytical essays, employing methods of literary analysis and research and demonstrate critical thinking skills appropriate to a college-level writing class.
ENGL 161 Creative Writing I (3 units)
Introduction to the theory, theorists, philosophies, and craft of writing short stories, sketches, poetry, short dramas, creative nonfiction and other literary forms for both personal enjoyment and professional training. Students will practice writing in various genres and will be introduced to the workshop method. During the Spring Semester, class members may volunteer to work on the college's literary magazine.
ENGL 162 Creative Writing II (3 units)
Continued study on the craft of writing short stories, sketches, poetry, short dramas, creative nonfiction and other literary forms for both personal enjoyment and professional training. Students will practice writing in various genres and will be introduced to the workshop method. During the Spring Semester, class members may volunteer to work on the college’s literary magazine.
ENGL 165 Composition, Argument and Critical Thinking (3 units)
Through investigative learning in conjunction with nonfiction prose, students will explore multiple points of view of controversial issues, using critical thinking, reading and writing skills, research strategies, information literacy and proper documentation to discuss and manipulate ideas in a progression of argumentative essays more advanced than English 100/105.
ENGL 650 English Supplement for TRIO Students (0.5- 3 units)
Individual instruction in reading and writing skills for TRIO students based on TRIO English instructor's/ coordinator’s assessment of each student’s reading and writing skills. Students are assigned a personal tutor/mentor in The Learning Center. (Open entry.) (Units do not count toward the Associate Degree.)
ENGL 695 Independent Study in English (0.5- 3 units)
Designed for students who are interested in furthering their knowledge via self-paced, individualized, directed instruction provided in selected areas 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 819 English Development (3 units)
Jump Start is a six-week summer program designed to help emerging high school students upgrade their reading and writing skills. Practice and instruction focuses on reading high school and college level texts and writing in-class and out of class text-based essays. Topics include thesis construction, organization, development, and sentence skills. (Units do not count toward the Associate Degree.)
LIT. 101 Contemporary Literature (3 units)
Read, interpret and analyze a representative selection of contemporary literary fiction, poetry and drama since WWII using some of the major theoretical approaches to literature. These readings offer not only a greater critical perspective and insight into contemporary history, but an enhanced understanding of ourselves within our own culture.
LIT. 154 Queer Literature (3 units)
A sociopolitical and cultural examination of the concerns of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, bi-gendered, intersex, and queer communities in a range of historical periods and literary genres.
LIT. 155 Comics and the Graphic Novel (3 units)
Study of the history, structure, and content of the graphic novel, or comic book, a narrative form that blends literary and visual components. Includes analysis of primary sources and graphic novel criticism that explores the genre's cultural impact. Topics also may include fan culture, particular genres of comics, and connections between comics and other forms of visual text.
LIT. 191 Children's Literature (3 units)
An overview of the body of world literature deemed appropriate and enriching for children from infancy to adolescence. The course is designed to impart knowledge about and practice in storytelling techniques, as well as practical experience in presenting age-appropriate literature to children and youth. Theory and practice in discerning literary genres, criteria for selection, and techniques for using classic and contemporary literature with young people. Also listed as ECE. 191.
LIT. 201 American Literature I (3 units)
Study of American Literature from Native American narratives through the 19th century. Lectures, discussions, reading of primary and secondary works, and writing of critical papers.
LIT. 202 American Literature II (3 units)
Study of American Literature from the mid 19th century to the present. Lectures, discussions, reading of primary and secondary works, and writing of critical papers.
LIT. 220 Introduction to World Literature I (3 units)
Study of representative works from the genres of selected works (poetry, prose, drama, and film), in translation and in English, of literature from around the world, including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and other areas, from antiquity to the mid or late seventeenth century. Includes analysis of primary sources and literary criticism as well as how the genre interacts with mythology, philosophy, mass media, and popular culture.
LIT. 221 Introduction to World Literature II (3 units)
Study of representative works from the genres of selected works (poetry, prose, drama, and film), in translation and in English, of literature from around the world, including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and other areas, from the mid or late seventeenth century to the present. Includes analysis of primary sources and literary criticism as well as how the genre interacts with mythology, philosophy, mass media, and popular culture.
LIT. 231 Survey of British Literature I (3 units)
Study of the typical works of major British writers from the 8th to the 18th Century. Lectures, discussions, related readings, and writing of critical papers.
LIT. 232 Survey of British Literature II (3 units)
Study of the typical works of major British writers from the 19th Century to the present. Lectures, discussions, related readings, and writing of critical papers.
LIT. 251 Women in Literature (3 units)
A study of the historical, sociopolitical, and cultural concerns of women as these appear in novels, short stories, and poetry. A glimpse into the struggle for self-identity and the forces that interact in the course of this struggle.
LIT. 265 Asian American Literature (3 units)
A survey of Asian American literature will acquaint students with the distinct literary and aesthetic qualities and the personal and cultural concerns of American writers of Asian descent. Authors may include Chinese Americans, Japanese Americans, Vietnamese Americans, Filipino Americans, Pacific Islanders, Korean Americans, Southeast Asian Americans, and Indian Americans. Material will be presented in a variety of genres.
LIT. 266 Black Literature (3 units)
A survey of Black American literature from 1619 to the present. Literature, such as autobiographical works, poetry, short stories, drama, folk tales, novellas, and novels, will be included to introduce and explore the qualities of Black American writing.
LIT. 267 Filipino American Literature (3 units)
A survey of Filipino American writing of the twentieth and twenty-first century will acquaint students with the issues that these American writers of Filipino descent address as they move between different societies. The literature reflects the unique background of shared language and history, as well as the contrasts between the cultures of the Philippines and the United States. Material will be presented in a variety of genres.
LIT. 370 Readings in Literature of the Latino in the United States (3 units)
A study of the historical, sociopolitical, and cultural concerns of Latinos in the U.S. as these appear in novels, short stories, and poetry. A glimpse into the struggle for self-identity and the forces that interact in the course of this struggle.
LIT. 432 Folklore (3 units)
A lively study of folk tales, legends, beliefs, superstitions, proverbs, mythology, folk life, folk speech, folk songs, lyrics, folk epics, and their influence in the literature and culture that form our heritage. Special attention will be given to folklore of various racial and ethnic groups that mold American society.
| Program | Type | Total Units |
|---|---|---|
| English | AA | 60 Units |
| English for Transfer | AA-T | 60 Units |
The English program will allow students to:
- ESSAYS: Write focused, organized, well-developed, and text-based essays using effective paragraphs, which support a clear thesis statement, and demonstrate competence in standard English grammar and usage.
- CRITICAL ANALYSIS: Demonstrate critical reading, writing, and thinking skills through analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of important ideas.
- SOURCES: Effectively evaluate and fluidly integrate relevant sources, using appropriate research strategies and tools, and documenting them according to MLA guidelines.
Literature courses will allow students to:
- ESSAYS AND SOURCES: Write analytical, unified, text-based essays using the conventions of literary analysis and criticism, and effectively integrating and documenting sources according to MLA guidelines.
- LITERARY ANALYSIS: Demonstrate an understanding of a broad range of literary works from the period and/or genre by analyzing major themes and literary techniques.
| Type | Status | Title | Days | Time | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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OPEN | ENGL 100 - 53661 - Composition | TBA | Christensen, G | |
| |
OPEN for Waitlist | ENGL 100 - 54050 - Composition | TBA | Sandel, A | |
| |
OPEN for Waitlist | ENGL 100 - 54051 - Composition | TBA | Zoughbie, S | |
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OPEN for Waitlist | ENGL 100 - 55864 - Composition | TBA | Ghan, C | |
| |
OPEN for Waitlist | ENGL 100 - 55935 - Composition | TBA | Belluomini, J | |
| |
OPEN for Waitlist | ENGL 105 - 55869 - Composition with Support | TBA | Zoughbie, S | |
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OPEN | ENGL 105 - 56130 - Composition with Support | M T W Th | 10:40am-12:45pm | Ghan, C |
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OPEN | ENGL 105 - 56130 - Composition with Support | TBA | Ghan, C | |
| |
OPEN for Waitlist | ENGL 110 - 53899 - Comp., Lit. & Crit. Thinking | TBA | McClung, K | |
| |
OPEN for Waitlist | ENGL 110 - 54053 - Compos., Lit. & Crit. Thinking | TBA | Warden, M | |
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OPEN for Waitlist | ENGL 110 - 55084 - Compos., Lit. & Crit. Thinking | TBA | Sandel, A | |
| |
OPEN for Waitlist | ENGL 110 - 55878 - Compos., Lit. & Crit. Thinking | TBA | Clark, M | |
| |
OPEN | ENGL 819 - 56128 - English Development Jumpstart | M T W Th | 9:00am-11:10am | Feiner, J |
Resources at Skyline College
Writing & Reading Rhetoric: What, Why, and How? Mastering 15 Concepts to Become a Better Writer
Skyline College Writing & Reading Tutoring Lab
Skyline College Learning Center
Skyline College Library
External Resources
Local Literary Events
Faculty Resources
ENGL 100 vs ENGL 105
What's the Difference?
English 105 and English 100 have identical requirements and expectations, and both courses are transferable to UC/CSU. The major difference between both courses is that English 105 offers students more time in the classroom with instructors to ensure student success.
English 105 courses are 80 minutes longer per week, which provides:
- more in-depth guidance on writing assignments
- more in-class practice
- more time interacting with peers
- more time with your instructor in and out of the classroom
| English 105 is Recommended For: |
|---|
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| ENGL 100/105 Example Assignments |
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To judge whether you might require more time to be successful, please review the course material below to get a better sense of instructor expectations. |
| Requirements for Both Courses | |
|---|---|
| Reading Requirements | |
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Two or more non-fiction books, plus a number of additional readings at a more advanced level. Academic reading with in-depth analysis and more complex concepts. |
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| Writing Requirements | |
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5-6 text-based essays of 4-8 pages (including a mandatory research paper). Complex thesis and outlines, advanced organizational techniques, quotation formatting and documentation. |
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| Student Performance Expectations | |
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At least 15 hours of course work per week. This course is designed for college transfer. The level of difficulty is identical to equivalent English classes offered at state colleges or universities. |
Primary Contact
Department Faculty
Dean
