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.
Connect with Us
Department Co-Chair
| Brandon Marshall |
English faculty and peer tutors are also available to offer any additional support you need to succeed.
English Program Maps
You Can Afford College
Which Course Should You Take?
Start with 1A or 1AX
| English 1A Recommended For | English 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
| Features | English 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 + Above | → | English 1A (College Level) 4 Units ENGL 800N Recommended | → | English 1C or 2B (College Level) 3 and 4 Units Prerequisite |
| HS GPA 2.0 – 2.59 | → | English 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 + Below | → | English 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.](https://www.contracosta.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/gwendolyn-2.jpg)
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
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