English

Acquire an independent mind

Ready to hone your critical reading, writing, and thinking skills? Students of English will read diverse and culturally relevant literature and media such as poems, songs, novels, plays, films, and comics. Through the study of these literary texts, students will sharpen their writing and critical thinking skills to examine the ways in which these texts engage issues relevant to our culture and society—from the environment and class to gender and race.

Studying English opens doors to endless possibilities and specialties: literary analysis, rhetoric and composition, education, creative writing, and more.

School of Communications, English and World Languages

Programs of Study

Associate Degree

Transfer Degree

Credit Certificate

Non-Credit

Limited Enrollment

Online Options

English for Transfer

Associate in Arts for Transfer

Students earning the Associate in Arts in English for Transfer will read, analyze, and interpret diverse literary texts in order to craft academic arguments and literary analyses. Students will also encounter a variety of literary genres and periods, with the opportunities to examine how literature can embody cultural, intellectual, and artistic trends.

This program assists students with seamless transfer to a California State University.

Program Code

MAA648/MAA649

Units

19 units

View Program Map

More Ways to Learn

Studying English develops effective communication skills and the critical thinking capacity valued in the job market. A degree in English can lead to a career in teaching, marketing, journalism, publishing or editing, creative writing, and more. It can also be used as a springboard into graduate or law school.

What You'll Learn

How to think critically about and interpret literature, employing language and methods of literary analysis to construct interpretive arguments and to address the ways that literature invites multiple interpretive possibilities.
How to write essays of literary analysis effectively supported by integrated, interpreted, and relevant textual evidence.
The ability to demonstrate an understanding of how cultural history informs and is informed by literature.

Career Options

Author or Copy Writer
Journalist
Editor or Literary Agent
English Language or Literature Teacher
Technical, Grant or Scientific Writer
K-12 Teacher
Librarian

Some students may receive a District recommendation to take English 91 along with English 1A through the registration and placement process. The English faculty at MVC do not recommend students to take English 91 because studies show that you will be successful at 1A without extra coursework. You have the right to challenge your placement, and can do so online at any time.

What are English 1A and English 91?

English 1A

English 1A is a 4-unit English Composition class that fulfills the college writing requirement.
Every student has the right to enroll directly into English 1A without the extra units of English 91.
Expect interactive instruction and activities related to reading and writing.
Expect feedback from instructors.
Expect access to additional support such as embedded tutors, office hours, the Learning Center, and the Writing and Reading Center.

English 1A+91

English 1A+91 is Eglish 1A (see description to left) and English 91, a 2-unit support course.
English 1A+91 are linked together; to stay enrolled in one, you must stay enrolled in both.
Even through English 1A+91 are two separate classes, it will feel like a single, 6-unit english 1A class taught by the same instructor for both classes.
English 91 provides you with additional time in the classroom for even more feedback, guidance, and support.

How Am I Placed into English 1A vs. English 1A+91?

You will be placed directly into ENG-1A if: You have a high school GPA of 2.6 and above or earned EAP (Ready) or earned EAP (Conditionally Ready + ERWC with C- or higher).
You will be placed into ENG-1A with the option of taking English 91 if: You have a high school GPA of 1.9 to 2.59. However, the MVC English faculty recommend that you enroll directly into English 1A without 91.
You will be placed into ENG-1A with the requirement of taking English 91 if: You have a high school GPA under 1.9. However, you can opt out of this requirement with a simple form that is automatically approved. The form should take 2 - 3 minutes to complete.
You will be placed directly into ENG-1B if: You earned a 3, 4, or 5 on AP Composition & Language or you earned a 3, 4, or 5 on AP Composition & Literature.
If you earned a GED and/or it's been 10 or more years since you attended high school, we recommend that you choose between English 1A and English 1A+91. You can discuss your options with a counselor.

Challenging Your Placement: Opting into English 1A without English 91

Every student has the right to enroll directly into English 1A without taking English 91. If you have been placed into English 1A+91 as a recommendation, you do not need to challenge your placement and opt into English 1A. Simply enroll in English 1A as you would other classes. If you have been placed into English 1A+91 as a requirement, follow the two steps below.

Step 1: Fill out the challenge/opt in form. The form should take 2-3 minutes to complete.
Step 2: Submit the completed form. You'll receive confirmation on your updated placement within three business days from Counseling Services.

English Placement Challenge/Opt In Form