English

College of the Desert’s English program offers a wide range of courses meant to help students develop writing, research, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills that are applicable across disciplines and the varied career paths that our diverse student body pursues. Currently, there are between 100 and 120 sections of English offered each semester.

The English program’s composition courses prepare incoming students with the fundamentals of sentence structure and academic expository essay structures, critical thinking skills, and basic research techniques to assure competency in their freshman-level writing requirements, other college-level writing assignments, and vocational and professional needs. These skills translate into use across the disciplines and across career paths.

The English program also offers an AA-T degree in English, in compliance with SB 1440, as well as courses leading to transfer to a four-year college or university. English majors are well prepared for virtually any professional career that requires skills in communication, writing, and complex thinking. Students who choose to continue their studies toward a bachelor’s degree should consult with a counselor for specific information regarding the transfer requirements of their preferred college or university.

For more information about the English program, please call 760.773.2572.

Advisors:  

Heather Benes
Associate Professor of English
hbenes@collegeofthedesert.edu      
760.568.3082

Kristie Camacho
Instructor of English
kcamacho@collegeofthedesert.edu
760.862.1356

Kimberly Dozier
Professor of English
kdozier@collegeofthedesert.edu    
760.776.7208

Kathy Enciso
Professor of English
kenciso@collegeofthedesert.edu
760.776.7362

Brian Fotinakes
Associate Professor of English
bfotinakes@collegeofthedesert.edu
760.674.7644

Rebecca Gaydos
Instructor of English
rgaydos@collegeofthedesert.edu 
760.565.4843

Ruth Nolan
Professor of English
rnolan@collegeofthedesert.edu
760.776.7408

Vida Rossi
Associate Professor of English
vrossidean@collegeofthedesert.edu
760.568.3233

Reid Sagara
Professor of English
rsagara@collegeofthedesert.edu
760.776.7359

Corbyn Voyu
Assistant Professor of English
cvoyu@collegeofthedesert.edu
760.776.7308
 

ENG 001A  English Composition   Units: 4

This course focuses on the elements of academic writing, including genre, audience, purpose, and argumentation. Students learn critical thinking, textual analysis, and research techniques, as they apply to the writing process, and they will compose essays using proper documentation, following MLA and/or APA rules. (C-ID ENGL 100) Note: All students now can enroll in this transfer-level course without completing posted requisites. Please refer to AB 705 (under How do I enroll in courses at COD?) or see a Counselor.
Lecture Hours: 72         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ENG 061 or ESL 071
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C4a                 CSU GE: A2                 IGETC: 1A

ENG 001X  English Composition with Co-Curricular Support   Units: 5

This course focuses on the elements of academic writing, including genre, audience, purpose, and argumentation. Students learn critical thinking, textual analysis, and research techniques, as they apply to the writing process, and they will compose essays using proper documentation, following MLA and/or APA rules. This course also includes a laboratory component during which students will work on reading and writing assignments and will practice academic literacy skills that are directly linked to essay and other assignments. Note: All students now can enroll in this transfer-level course without completing posted requisites. Please refer to AB 705 (under How do I enroll in courses at COD?) or see a Counselor. C-ID: ENGL 100
Lecture Hours: 72         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ENG-061 or ESL-071
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C4a                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ENG 002  Argumentative Writing and Critical Thinking through Literature   Units: 4

This course offers expanded instruction in analytical and argumentative writing, critical thinking, research strategies, information literacy, and textual documentation through the study of literary works from multiple genres. Students develop close-reading skills and an appreciation for the aesthetic qualities of literature. This course builds upon the skills begun in ENG 001A. (C-ID ENGL 110; ENGL 120)
Lecture Hours: 72         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ENG 001A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3, C4b                 CSU GE: A3, C2                 IGETC: 1B, 3B

ENG 005A  Introduction to Creative Writing   Units: 3

This course introduces students to the theories, skills, and techniques of all forms of creative writing, with primary emphasis on fiction and poetry. C-ID: ENGL 200
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ENG-001A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ENG 005B  Advanced Creative Writing   Units: 3

This is an advanced course in creative writing, designed to enable students to refine their creative writing skills in their chosen genre(s).
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ENG 005A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ENG 010A  American Literature I   Units: 3

This course presents a survey of American literature, both formal and informal, extending from the period preceding Columbus' voyages through the time of the Civil War. Selections include writings that reflect the rich and diverse cultural backgrounds that make up America's unique and complex heritage. (C-ID ENGL 130)
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ENG 001A
Advisory: ENG 001B
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: C2                 IGETC: 3B

ENG 010B  American Literature II   Units: 3

This course presents a survey of late 19th and 20th Century American literature. Selections include writings of traditional and non-traditional American authors that reflect the rich and diverse cultural backgrounds that make up America's unique and complex heritage. (C-ID ENGL 135)
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ENG 001A
Advisory: ENG 001B
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: C2                 IGETC: 3B

ENG 011A  English Literature I   Units: 3

This course surveys the major writers and works of English literature, spanning from Old English through the late Eighteenth Century (C-ID ENGL 160).
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ENG 001A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: C2                 IGETC: 3B

ENG 011B  English Literature II   Units: 3

This course surveys the major writers and works of English literature of the Romantic, Victorian, and Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries (C-ID ENGL 165).
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ENG 001A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: C2                 IGETC: 3B

ENG 012A  Global Literature 1   Units: 3

Global Literature 1 is a survey course, exploring major works of literature from early civilizations to the 17th century. Students will increase their awareness of social and historical events that contributed to literary development, engage in critical reading, thinking, and writing, and deepen their cultural sensitivity. Classics in a variety of genres are studied for their artistic merit and their contributions to the development of literature. (C-ID ENGL 140)
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ENG 001A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: C2                 IGETC: 3B

ENG 012B  World Literature II   Units: 3

This course surveys works which have influenced world thought from 1660 to the present. Selections reflect the rich and diverse cultural backgrounds of world literature. This course may be taken independently from World Literature I, ENG 012A. (C-ID ENGL 145)
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ENG 001A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: C2                 IGETC: 3B

ENG 014  Shakespeare   Units: 3

This course is a study of selected histories, comedies, and tragedies of William Shakespeare.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ENG 001A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: C2                 IGETC: 3B

ENG 015  The Short Story   Units: 3

This course introduces students to the short story, through critical discussion and analysis of the genre's elements, structure, devices, and meanings. Students will read a substantial and representative collection of short stories, all while considering the genre's characteristics and its relationship to other literary genres.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ENG 001A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: C2                 IGETC: 3B

ENG 017  Literature by Women   Units: 3

This course is a survey of literature written by and about women. Students examine the relationships between and among feminist movements, women's identities and experiences, and women's literature as a genre.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ENG 001A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: C2                 IGETC: 3B

ENG 018  Poetry CSI   Units: 3

This course offers an investigation of the techniques and development of poetry through the exploration, discussion and criticism of poetry in its historical context. Students are encouraged to compose their own poems based on forms studied in the course.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ENG 001A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: C2                 IGETC: 3B

ENG 021  Intro Latin American/Chicano Literature   Units: 3

This course is a survey of literary analysis of folk, traditional, and contemporary Latin American/Chicano literature with critical analysis of representative works in all the literary genres: the essay, short stories, the novel, poetry, and drama.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ENG 001A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: C2                 IGETC: 3B

ENG 022  Intro to African American Literature   Units: 3

This course provides an introduction to folk, traditional and contemporary African American literature with critical analysis of representative works in the essay, the short story, the novel, poetry and drama. It includes a historical overview from the seventeenth century through the present. Through varied reading selections and learning about the history and culture of African Americans in the United States, the students better understand and appreciate the richness and diversity of African American literature.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ENG 001A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: C2                 IGETC: 3B

ENG 024  Native American Literature   Units: 3

This course is a survey of Native American literature, from oral tradition through European contact, assimilation, and contemporary narrative, taught through the lenses of Native American ethnic studies, anti-colonialism, decolonization, intersectional identity, and the politics of literary canonization.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ENG 001A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: C2                 IGETC: 3B

ENG 025  Introduction to the Novel   Units: 3

This course introduces students to the literary genre of the novel. Emphasis is given to the novel's historical development, its formal characteristics, and its place within literary studies and the broader social world.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ENG 001A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: C2                 IGETC: 3B

ENG 026  LGBTQ+ Literature   Units: 3

This course is a survey of literature written by and about LGBTQ+ people. The course explores representations of LGBTQ+ people in fiction, poetry, and drama, as well as the social, historical, and political contexts in which queer identity is and has been rooted. Appropriate literary and cultural criticism is introduced.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ENG 001A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: C2                 IGETC: 3B

ENG 035  Myth and Legend   Units: 3

This course provides an introduction to the mythological and legendary literature from various world cultures, with special reference to Judeo-Christian, Oriental, Native American, Northern European, and classical Greek and Roman mythologies.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ENG 001A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: C2                 IGETC: 3B

ENG 036  Children's Literature   Units: 3

This course introduces students to a formal study of literature for children from preschool through middle school, including critical examination of genres, themes, and cultures depicted in these texts; in addition, students study the professional literary criticism of this literature. (Equivalent to CDE 229.)(C-ID ENGL 180)
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ENG 001A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: C2                 IGETC: 3B

ENG 037  Methods of Tutoring Writing   Units: 3

Study of the theory, principles and methods of tutoring students who need specific practice in writing. Those completing this course with a grade of C or better are eligible to participate in tutorial writing services on campus. May not be counted toward fulfilling requirements for the English or liberal arts majors. May be counted toward fulfilling electives for the English or Liberal Arts majors. Students in this class are expected to be proficient writers.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: 10          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ENG 001A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ENG 061  Accelerated English for College Success   Units: 4

Preparation for academic writing and critical thinking expected in transfer and associate-degree classes. Strongly recommended: participation in the English placement process.
Lecture Hours: 72         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: NAA
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ENG 300  English Edge   Units: 0

This course prepares incoming college students for the rigors of college-level reading and writing, and college-level English courses specifically. Students will learn and/or review the academic norms that lead to academic success and some foundational essay-writing concepts.
Noncredit Hours: 24                                        Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ENG 301  Basic Grammar and Punctuation   Units: 0

This course provides an overview of grammar and punctuation concepts that are essential to composing academic English. Emphasis is on concepts that directly impact college-level reading and writing. (Noncredit In-class Hours: 10)
Noncredit Hours: 10                                        Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ENG 302  Sentences and Syntax   Units: 0

This course provides an overview of English syntax and usage. Emphasis is on concepts that directly impact college-level reading and writing. (Noncredit In-class Hours: 10)
Noncredit Hours: 10                                        Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ENG 303  Developing Paragraphs   Units: 0

This course strengthens a student's ability to compose focused and developed paragraphs. Students learn basic paragraph elements, including topic sentences, supporting details, and analytical commentary. Students will practice composing paragraphs using these foundational components. (Noncredit In-class Hours: 10)
Noncredit Hours: 8                                        Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ENG 304  Basic Essay Principles   Units: 0

This course develops a student's ability to compose well-developed essays that include introductory paragraphs, thesis statements, body paragraphs, and conclusions. Attention is given to developing a clear and focused idea throughout a single essay while providing supporting evidence. (Noncredit In-class Hours: 10)
Noncredit Hours: 8                                        Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ENG 305  Language in Context   Units: 0

In this course, students examine the use of language in context. The course requires students to explore the cultural, social, and political meanings behind language, and to recognize how the setting in which language is used can alter word meaning. Students explore appropriate word choice in varying settings. Attention begins at the individual word level and then moves to the examination of phrases and sentences. (Noncredit In-class Hours: 10)
Noncredit Hours: 8                                        Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ENG 306  Narrative Writing and Writing from Personal Experience   Units: 0

In this course, students practice the skills required for composing narratives. Students examine how narrative accounts can support and explain ideas, opinions, and research. This course examines how composing narratives about personal accounts of events can be used in academic and professional contexts. (Noncredit In-class Hours: 10)
Noncredit Hours: 10                                        Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ENG 307  Introduction to Research and Documentation   Units: 0

This course provides an overview of academic research and source documentation, as they apply to writing tasks across the curriculum. Students learn what comprises the academic research process, how to use library-based databases to locate research sources, and how to document these sources using a standard academic documentation system, such as MLA. (Noncredit In-class Hours: 10)
Noncredit Hours: 10                                        Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ENG 308  Introduction to Rhetoric and Argument   Units: 0

This course provides an overview of rhetorical analysis and basic written argumentation. Students learn how to analyze various genres of argument that are commonly read in college courses, such as academic, editorial, and political arguments. In addition, students learn how to compose argumentative thesis statements, how to organize argumentative essays, and how to anticipate and respond to counterarguments. (Noncredit In-class Hours: 10)
Noncredit Hours: 10                                        Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None