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English

Reading, writing and other English skills are important for success in every course you’ll take at CCC. So, it’s a good idea to take an English course as early as possible–preferably your first semester.

Our English Program can help build the skills you need to express your ideas clearly, creatively and persuasively.

The English Department also offers an Associate of Arts degree in English with a clear pathway for transfer to a four-year institution.

Department Co-Chair

Maritez Apigo
510.215.4127

Department Co-Chair

Brandon Marshall

English faculty and peer tutors are also available to offer any additional support you need to succeed.



You Can Afford College

Which Course Should You Take?

Start with 1A or 1AX

English 1A Recommended ForEnglish 1AX Recommended For:Which Class is Right For You, 1A or 1AX?

Ask Yourself…
– students whose placement recommendation indicates English 1A

– students who received an “A” or “B” in English 142B
– students whose placement recommendation indicates English 1AX

– students who received a “C” in English 142B

– students who would like extra support in their reading and writing skills

– English Language Learners who are ready to take English 1A or 1AX, though these students are highly encouraged to take the English 1AX section with an ESL Focus and the ESL 175 co-requisite course
Can you write 4-5 essays per semester?

Can you complete a 5-pg. essay assignment in 2 weeks?

Can you read a full-length book in 2 weeks?

When writing an essay, do you typically engage in the full writing process (brainstorm, outline, draft, revise, proofread)?

Are you comfortable reading college-level texts? (See self-placement)

How many questions did you answer “yes”?

3-5 = 1A RECOMMENDED
0-2 = 1AX RECOMMENDED

Things to Know About English 1A + 1AX

FeaturesEnglish 1A (4 Units) English 1AX (5 Units)
Transferable to UC/CSU and other universities
Reading requirements: at least 1 nonfiction or fiction book + at least 10 additional academic readings
Writing requirements: minimum of 4 argumentative essays
Extra class time for more support with college-level reading and writing assignments X

Where to Go From There

GPA ENGLISH CLASS 2ND ENGLISH CLASS
HS GPA 2.6 + AboveEnglish 1A
(College Level)

4 Units

ENGL 800N Recommended
English 1C or 2B
(College Level)

3 and 4 Units

Prerequisite
HS GPA 2.0 – 2.59English 1AX
(College Level)

5 Units

ENGL 800N Recommended
ENGL 842N Recommended
English 1C or 2B
(College Level)

3 and 4 Units

Prerequisite
HS GPA 1.9 + BelowEnglish 1AX +
ENGL 800N

5 Units

ENGL 842N Recommended
English 1C or 2B
(College Level)

3 and 4 Units

Prerequisite
I used to always write. I have one book published. It’s a challenge. I always just say put your heart out there. No one’s going to judge you, because that’s not their place in life. All they need to see is that you want an education [and] you want to go further. And the Foundation will finance you.
I used to always write. I have one book published. It’s a challenge. I always just say put your heart out there. No one’s going to judge you, because that’s not their place in life. All they need to see is that you want an education [and] you want to go further. And the Foundation will finance you.Gwendolyn Bullocks