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English

About the Program

Welcome to the Department of English at Foothill College, where we read, write, and think critically about a variety of local, regional, national, and global texts and contexts. Through carefully designed courses of study, students are invited to engage with texts that reflect a range of cultural perspectives.

The English Department empowers students by facilitating their understanding and use of language and other media as we support their academic, career-related, and personal endeavors.

"Reading and writing mean being aware of the writer's notions of risk and safety, the serene achievement of, or sweaty fight for, meaning and response-ability." Toni Morrision

 

What you can do with a degree in English

  • Writing & Editing
  • Communications
  • Education
  • Content Strategy & Development
  • Law
  • Journalism
  • Nonprofits
  • Business Development
  • And so much more!

Why Study English?

The English Major prepares students for a range of careers and disciplines. An English degree enhances students' critical reading, writing, and thinking skills and offers a breadth of cultural and historical knowledge through the study and creation of diverse texts.

Degree & Program Types

View list below for programs offered at Foothill. Then select program map for a possible schedule that fulfills program and college requirements.

Foothill College offers two English degrees. The ADT prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions. Students who complete the ADT in English are ensured preferential transfer status to any California State University (CSU) as an English major. 

For program requirements and full course listings, view degrees and certificates information.

Associate in Arts for Transfer

Associate in Arts

Winter 2024 Featured Courses in  Literature and Creative Writing

In addition to our core English 1A, English 1B, and English 1C courses in a range of modalities, we are offering a selection of compelling literature courses, all offered entirely online asynchronous, and Intro to Creative Writing, offered online hybrid asynchronous with one weekly meeting in Zoom.

Please check current schedule of classes for days and times and any changes or cancellations. 

LITERATURE

ENGL 7: Native American Literature

This course is an introduction to the history, development, and diversity of Native American literatures, from pre-contact civilizations to present-day tribal cultures. Readings include traditional creation myths, songs, and stories from a variety of tribal cultures; nineteenth and twentieth century autobiographical narratives; and significant works of fiction, poetry, and non-fiction prose by contemporary Native American authors. Emphasis on the specific religious, linguistic, historical, political and cultural context of Native American literary achievements. 

ENGL 12: African American Literature

This course includes literature by African Americans beginning in slavery and continuing on into the 20th and 21st centuries, with a discovery of many of the current stereotypes in American cultural mythology about African Americans. You will study the complex and varying forms of resistance and creation African Americans have developed, and the definition of issues and strategies in writings from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, including audience, identity (self), gender, family, culture, politics, spirituality and language. The class is Intended for students wishing to transfer and/or students interested in African American literature. Literature may evoke similar or different meanings and emotional responses, considering historical, cultural, critical, theoretical, and other contexts for creation and reception, with attention to diverse artists in both literary and film genres, and stories representing experiences from across cultures, ethnicities, class, and genders.

ENGL 16: Introduction to Literature

This course provides an introduction to literary study through texts from a wide range of genres, including poetry, drama, fiction, and creative nonfiction. The focus is on analytical reading and literary analysis, including effective use of critical theory and secondary source research. Intended for students desiring further development of literary analytical skills and literary appreciation. 

ENGL 43B and 43BH: Survey of British Literature II — The Romantic Period to the Present

This course includes a survey of literature beginning with the 1798 publication of Lyrical Ballads, through the Romantic period, Victorian period, 20th-century modernism and postmodernism, to the present. Texts are discussed and analyzed within historical, sociocultural, philosophical, political, legal, and aesthetic contexts, integrating theories of race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, socioeconomic class and labor (including slavery), colonialism and immigration, national origin, mixed heritages, religion/spirituality, and ability.  This course includes an Honor options as ENGL 43BH.

CREATIVE WRITING

CRWR 41A: Poetry Writing

This course includes explicit instruction and practice in writing poetry. Assignments include reading, analyzing and responding to published and student work and writing original work. 

CRWR 41B: Advanced Poetry Writing

This course includes explicit instruction and practice in reading and writing poetry at an advanced level. Assignments include reading, analyzing and responding to published and student work and writing original work. Class presentation and workshop leadership required. 

Take a Creative Writing Course

The Foothill Script

Read our student publication online

Want to write for The Foothill Script? Take a Journalism course or join the Journalism Club. Learn more here!

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Questions?
Please Contact Me!

Kella Svetich, English Department Chair

svetichkella@fhda.edu


Division Office Contacts

LANGUAGE ARTS DIVISION
Valerie Fong, Division Dean
Phone: 650.949.7135
Email: fongvalerie@fhda.edu
Language Arts Division

 

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