The Associate of Arts Degree in English Literature provides students with a strong foundation in literature to better prepare them for transfer into a four-year English program. Core course work explores primarily British and American writers through an array of literary traditions, providing opportunities for students to express their understanding and appreciation of the literary world through analysis, research and composition. This degree requires nineteen - twenty units, of which thirteen - fourteen are required courses. An additional six units must be selected from the listed optional courses.
A.A. Degree Level Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing the English Literature A.A. Degree will:
- Critically analyze and evaluate the subtext of literature texts in order to demonstrate knowledge of literary terminology.
- Identify and evaluate the writer’s use of literature as a persuasive tool to identify and assess the effectiveness of literary works.
- Recognize the historical and cultural context of material to evaluate the impact of various cultural phenomena on perspectives presented in literature.
- Employ established modes of reasoning in the defense and development of thesis/judgments to clearly demonstrate knowledge of critical analysis tools in all written work.
- Critically analyze and synthesize source material to demonstrate ability to write at the college level.
- Demonstrate cultural awareness, personal responsibility, and ethical behavior in evaluating and writing about literature.
Students receiving this degree must meet the following requirements:
- Complete the District General Education Pattern or Cal-GETC.
If transferring to a CSU or UC students are strongly recommended to complete the Cal-GETC General Education Pattern. Students looking to transfer to an out of state or private college should consult with a counselor for the appropriate GE pattern selection. - Complete with a “C” or better each course as specified by the major.
- Maintain an overall GPA of a 2.0 or better in all degree applicable coursework.
- Meet the 12-unit residency requirement.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses: | ||
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing | 4-5 |
| or ENGL C1000E | Academic Reading and Writing | |
| or ENGL C1000H | Academic Reading and Writing - Honors | |
| ENGL C1001 | Critical Thinking and Writing | 4 |
| or ENGL C1001H | Critical Thinking and Writing - Honors | |
| or ENGL C1003 | Critical Thinking and Writing through Literature | |
| or ENGL C1003H | Critical Thinking and Writing through Literature - Honors | |
| ENGL 251 | Introduction to English Literature I | 3 |
| or ENGL 252 | Introduction to English Literature II | |
| ENGL 261 | Introduction to U.S. American Literature I | 3 |
| or ENGL 262 | Introduction to U. S. American Literature II: 1865-The Present | |
| Select two (2) of the following courses: | ||
| Introduction to Poetry | 3 | |
| Drama as Literature | 3 | |
| Creative Writing: Fiction, Poetry and Non-Fiction | 3 | |
| Horror Literature | 3 | |
or ENGL 213H | Horror Literature - Honors | |
| American Latino Literature | 3 | |
| Queer Literature | 3 | |
or ENGL 224H | Queer Literature - Honors | |
| Asian American Literature | 3 | |
| African American Literature | 3 | |
| Introduction to English Literature I | 3 | |
| Introduction to English Literature II | 3 | |
| Introduction to U.S. American Literature I | 3 | |
| Introduction to U. S. American Literature II: 1865-The Present | 3 | |
| Introduction to World Literature: Ancient - Early Modern | 3 | |
| Introduction to World Literature: 1600's through Twentieth Century | 3 | |
| Introduction to Women's Literature | 3 | |
| Ethnic Voices in Film | 3 | |
| Film as Literature | 3 | |
or ENGL 291H | Film as Literature - Honors | |
| Children's Literature | 3 | |
or ENGL 293H | Children's Literature - Honors | |
| Introduction to Shakespeare | 3 | |
or ENGL 294H | Introduction to Shakespeare - Honors | |
| Ethnic Voices in U.S. Literature from 1900 to Present | 3 | |
| Literature of the Bible | 3 | |
| Total Units | 20-21 | |
2-Year Curriculum Map Example
This map represents one possible pathway through the program and is only for reference.
*It is highly recommended that you make an appointment to create a customized education plan that fits your needs.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Term 1 | Units | |
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing or Academic Reading and Writing or Academic Reading and Writing - Honors | 4-5 |
| Cal-GETC Area 2: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning | 4 | |
| ENGL 251 | Introduction to English Literature I | 3 |
| Cal-GETC Area 3A: Arts | 3 | |
| Units | 14-15 | |
| Spring Term 1 | ||
| ENGL C1001 or ENGL C1001H | Critical Thinking and Writing or Critical Thinking and Writing - Honors | 4 |
| ENGL 252 | Introduction to English Literature II | 3 |
| Cal-GETC Area 1C: Oral Communication | 3 | |
| UC/CSU Elective | 3 | |
| UC/CSU Elective | 3 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Term 2 | ||
| ENGL 261 | Introduction to U.S. American Literature I | 3 |
| HIST C1001 | United States History to 1877 or United States History to 1877 - Honors or United States History since 1865 or United States History since 1865 - Honors or African-American History to 1876 or African-American History since 1876 or History of Women in the United States | 3 |
| Cal-GETC Area 5A: Physical Science without Lab | 3 | |
| Cal-GETC Area 6: Ethnic Studies | 3 | |
| UC/CSU Elective | 3 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Spring Term 2 | ||
| ENGL 262 | Introduction to U. S. American Literature II: 1865-The Present | 3 |
| POLS C1000 or POLS C1000H | American Government and Politics or American Government and Politics - Honors | 3 |
| Cal-GETC Area 5B: Biological Science with Lab | 4 | |
| Citrus GE Area E: Personal Health and Wellness | 3 | |
| UC/CSU Elective | 3 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Total Units | 61-62 | |
Career Opportunities
There are a variety of careers you can do with this major.
To explore more about this major, schedule an appointment with a career counselor.