English - Creative Writing (ENGCW) Courses
ENGCW 400 Creative Writing
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:C-ID ENGL 200
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This introductory creative writing course provides writing experience with three or four of the following genres: short story, poetry, creative nonfiction, and script writing for theater or film. In addition, it covers the relationship between cultural events and literary conventions and to do so with an awareness of literature’s role in culture, emphasizing diverse experiences and perspectives. This course includes analysis of literary models from diverse cultures, faculty and class critiques of texts, and discussion of literary techniques, such as voice, metaphor, imagery, dialogue, and narrative in each covered genre. This course encourages students to develop an original voice, reflecting their unique backgrounds and experiences.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze works of creative literature in their historical and cultural contexts.
- compose and revise manuscripts in at least three of these four genres: poetry, short fiction, creative nonfiction, and script writing for theater or film.
- assess creative work by other writers, using workshop principles.
- investigate sources of publication, including traditional and new media.
ENGCW 410 Fiction Writing Workshop
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This creative writing course employs a variety of fiction techniques--including plot, character, imagery, and dialogue--to develop stories that reflect one's unique backgrounds and experiences. In addition to introducing revision and editing processes, it examines published fiction from diverse cultures and communities.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- compose short stories or novel chapters using a variety of techniques.
- evaluate and analyze peers' fiction using workshop standards.
- interpret and analyze culturally diverse published stories for their historical and cultural contexts and their use of fiction-writing strategies.
- revise original fiction to develop purpose, voice, and style.
- investigate sources of publication, including traditional and new media.
ENGCW 415 Comedy Writing Workshop
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This creative writing course concentrates on comedy writing, including the analysis of work written during the semester. Topics include the examination of stand-up comedy, comedic sketches, and satirical essays as well as idea generation and revising and editing processes. A portfolio/presentation of original work and a conference with the instructor are required.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- compose a five-minute stand-up comedy set using a variety of joke-writing techniques.
- compose three different kinds of comedic sketches.
- compose a satirical essay.
- evaluate and analyze peers' stand-up and comedic fiction using workshop standards.
- analyze comedic performances and texts for elements of comedy writing and cultural and historical contexts.
- investigate and analyze sources for performance and publication.
ENGCW 420 Poetry Writing Workshop
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This creative writing course focuses on poetry, emphasizing the development of a personal voice while also introducing the skills to analyze and appreciate the wide range of styles in contemporary poetry. This course examines literary styles and elements in traditional and contemporary poetry and offers practice in revision and in giving constructive critiques. In addition, it provides contexts to analyze the relationship between culture and literature, with an emphasis on understanding multicultural experiences and perspectives.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- compose poems using a variety of techniques.
- analyze and evaluate published poetry for formal elements and their historical and cultural contexts.
- evaluate peers' writing using workshop principles.
- revise poems to develop purpose and style.
- investigate sources of publication, including traditional and new media.
ENGCW 430 Creative Non-Fiction Writing Workshop
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This creative writing course concentrates on the literary essay and explores the factual and experiential sources of creative non-fiction. It covers the writing of various kinds of essays, such as memoir, autobiography, personal essays, reflective nature writing, prose with poetic elements (prose-poetry), and fact-based or philosophical writing with a definite literary, stylistic component. Course readings include one full-length work of creative non-fiction. Topics in this course also include analysis of classical and modern essays for elements such as voice, point of view, and structure. Additional topics will include the relationship between cultural events and literary conventions and an awareness of literature’s role in culture, emphasizing diverse experiences and perspectives.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- use methods for exploring various sources of factual and personal writing.
- analyze published works for factual content, structure, voice, and literary style.
- compose creative non-fiction essays according to the ethical principles of the genre.
- critique unpublished writing using workshop principles.
- revise creative non-fiction writing.
- devise prompts for heuristic writing exercises leading to the development and revision of drafts.
- interpret and discuss non-fiction in terms of its historical and cultural context.
- investigate sources of publication, including traditional and new media.
ENGCW 441 Feature Film Screenwriting Workshop I
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Advisory:ENGCW 400
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course introduces the writing of feature-length film scripts. It requires three proposals for projects, one of which is developed through the first act in official screen format, plus scene descriptions for major scenes, character sketches, and plot outlines. Several classic feature films and/or scripts are analyzed for their writing strengths.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- outline a three-act feature-length film plot.
- create film characters.
- compose visual description.
- formulate film dialogue.
- draft scripts in the industry-standard "speculation" format.
- evaluate professional scripts and peer writing.
- construct scenes, sequences, and a first act of a feature-length script.
ENGCW 450 College Literary Magazine
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:ENGWR 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Advisory:ENGCW 400, 410, 420, or 430
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course provides instruction and editorial staff experience in producing the college literary and fine arts magazine, American River Review. The course focuses on the selection and editing of literary content on publicity, marketing, fundraising, and distribution of the magazine. Students will learn the editorial process and select and edit manuscripts in the genres of poetry, short fiction, and creative non-fiction. Students publish the American River Review annually. The American River Review regularly competes with other college literary magazines.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- prepare literary manuscripts for publication.
- examine current marketing practices, emerging business trends, and inequities in the literary publishing industry.
- create and develop competitive literary standards, valuing literary works that manage the dynamics of
difference, cultural knowledge, cultural contexts, and community.
- evaluate and analyze submissions for diverse and multicultural perspectives and voices.
- compose publicity and other business communication.
- compose editorial recommendations for revisions to authors seeking publication.
- manage data and e-mail for the magazine's purposes.
- collaborate effectively with editorial and design teams to compete in national magazine contests.
- foster an editorial culture dedicated to equity and inclusion.
ENGCW 495 Independent Studies in English - Creative Writing
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.
ENGCW 499 Experimental Offering in English - Creative Writing
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This is the experimental courses description.
English - Education (ENGED) Courses
ENGED 305 Structure of English
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ENGWR 300 or 480 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course examines the structure of English grammar systems. It includes the study and practice of traditional and transformational grammars in standardized usage, especially as they relate to written language. It will examine the history and nature of the English language as it relates to language acquisition and development, apply grammatical concepts as they meet the 2,000-word writing requirement, and investigate equity issues and power imbalances connected to teaching English in culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
It is designed for those who plan to teach or who are especially interested in grammar as it relates to writing.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- examine principles of English grammar by drawing upon the history of the English language, the history of grammar instruction, and basic knowledge of semantics, morphology, and syntax.
- identify and explain parts of speech and various grammatical structures - such as phrases, clauses, and sentence types - used in English, and demonstrate understanding through application to their own writing.
- evaluate the relationships between language and power, including development of English language knowledge among culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
- differentiate standard English and other forms of English by examining grammar, punctuation, orthography, usage, and convention, and employ critical thinking skills in making appropriate grammatical choices based on rhetorical considerations.
- apply the principles of traditional and transformative English grammars as those principles relate to writing and writing instruction.
- design an audience-appropriate grammar lesson plan.
ENGED 320 Service Learning: Tutoring Elementary Students in Reading
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:In order to participate in the fieldwork portion of the course, students will need to complete any clearance processes required by the cooperating school's policies. These may include but are not limited to: fingerprinting, background checks, and vaccinations.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:Local GE L7B (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course provides an opportunity to learn and practice basic methods of tutoring elementary school children in reading. Course content provides theoretical and foundational knowledge of reading skills development, tutoring, and instruction, including initial tutor preparation at the start of the semester. Students in the course will partner with elementary school students for in-depth practice tutoring with supervision where they can integrate and apply course content.
This course can meet the field experience requirement for teacher preparation programs.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- characterize aspects of reading and the reading process as they relate to reading skill acquisition, development, and instruction.
- examine and apply tutoring pedagogy in preparing for and conducting tutoring sessions, including strategies for motivating students and managing group dynamics and behavior, with an emphasis on relationship building and effective communication with diverse groups of learners.
- evaluate student reading skills using informal assessments.
- design and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans that consider student interests, are based on student needs from assessments, and focus on essential elements of reading skills development, such as word analysis, sight word knowledge, fluency, and comprehension.
- critique children's literature, taking into consideration representation of diverse student identities; use of language, art, story, and theme; and student interests and skills.
- utilize collaboration, feedback, and self-reflection to improve lesson planning, tutoring, and student learning.
ENGED 324 Introduction to Elementary Teaching with Field Experience
- Same As:ECE 350
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:In order to participate in the fieldwork portion of the course, students will need to complete any clearance processes required by the cooperating school's policies. These may include but are not limited to: fingerprinting, background checks, and vaccinations.
- Advisory:ECE 312 or PSYC 372
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L7B (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:C-ID EDUC 200
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course provides students an opportunity to explore the field of elementary education, Kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12), through investigation of topics relevant to teaching diverse learners and fieldwork in an elementary school setting. Course content provides theoretical and foundational knowledge while fieldwork experiences allow students to integrate and apply course content.
This course is not open to students who have completed ECE 350.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe the history and philosophies that are the basis of contemporary U.S. education.
- define the academic requirements and experiences needed to become a credentialed elementary school teacher.
- identify the role and function of the teacher in the public school setting as in the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP) and the state adopted Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs).
- develop a personal preliminary philosophy of teaching by: 1) examining experiences with and beliefs and assumptions about teachers and teaching, and 2) evaluating attitudes, actions, behaviors, and responsibilities of a professional educator in a public school setting.
- interpret theories of child and adolescent development and learning and integrate them with instructional practices and teaching.
- use research and personal observations to identify instructional needs of students and provide differentiated instruction and support for student success in state adopted academic content and performance standards.
- analyze current educational research, equitable and inclusive instruction practices, and behavior management and guidance strategies to make appropriate decisions for instruction, assessment, homework, and classroom management policies.
- demonstrate awareness of current social forces and issues in education impacting public schools and the effect of these on children with diverse needs in order to effectively demonstrate cultural competency in relationships with students, families, and other teachers in an educational setting.
- identify and explain the diversity of the student population and how this diversity relates to issues in education as well as recognize and describe individual differences among students and identify strategies and accommodations used to address these differences.
- demonstrate objective, descriptive, and interpretative observation skills and relate observations to course content.
ENGED 325 Introduction to Middle and High School Teaching with Field Experience
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:In order to participate in the fieldwork portion of the course, students will need to complete any clearance processes required by the cooperating school's policies. These may include but are not limited to: fingerprinting, background checks, and vaccinations.
- Advisory:ECE 312 or PSYC 372
- Transferable:CSU (effective Fall 2025); UC (effective Fall 2025)
- General Education:Local GE L7B (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course provides students an opportunity to explore the field of middle and high school education, grades 6-12, through investigation of topics relevant to teaching diverse learners and fieldwork in a middle or high school setting. Course content provides theoretical and foundational knowledge while fieldwork experiences allow students to integrate and apply course content.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe the history and philosophies that are the basis of contemporary U.S. education.
- define the academic requirements and experiences needed to become a credentialed middle or high school teacher.
- identify the role and function of the teacher in the public school setting as in the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP) and the state adopted Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs).
- develop a personal preliminary philosophy of teaching by: 1) examining experiences with and beliefs and assumptions about teachers and teaching, and 2) evaluating attitudes, actions, behaviors, and responsibilities of a professional educator in a public school setting.
- interpret theories of child and adolescent development and learning and integrate them with instructional practices and teaching.
- use research and personal observations to identify instructional needs of students and provide differentiated instruction and support for student success in state adopted academic content and performance standards.
- analyze current educational research, equitable and inclusive instruction practices, and behavior management and guidance strategies to make appropriate decisions for instruction, assessment, homework, and policies for learning environment management.
- demonstrate awareness of current social forces and issues in education impacting public schools and the effect of these on children and adolescents with diverse needs in order to effectively demonstrate cultural competency in relationships with students, families, and other teachers in an educational setting.
- identify the diversity of the student population and explain how this diversity relates to issues in education as well as recognize and describe individual differences among students and identify strategies and accommodations used to address these differences.
- demonstrate objective, descriptive, and interpretative observation skills and relate observations to course content.
ENGED 495 Independent Studies in English - Education
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.
ENGED 499 Experimental Offering in English - Education
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This is the experimental courses description.
English - Laboratory (ENGLB) Courses
ENGLB 299 Experimental Offering in English - Laboratory
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This is the experimental courses description.
ENGLB 499 Experimental Offering in English - Laboratory
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This is the experimental courses description.
English - Literature (ENGLT) Courses
ENGLT 300 Introduction to Fiction
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3B (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course covers the study of fiction as a type of literature. It typically examines at least twenty short stories and at least three novels, critically analyzing plot, setting, character, theme, and style. This course includes fiction written in English, as well as fiction in translation.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- distinguish fiction as a specialized literary genre.
- discover and analyze literary devices used in works of fiction.
- analyze the larger patterns and historical continuity of short stories and novels.
- analyze works of fiction as a reflection of the authors' cultures and values.
- compose essays and other writings that analyze, interpret, and evaluate fiction.
ENGLT 304 Introduction to Poetry
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3B (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course introduces the art of poetry. It includes the analysis and appreciation of poetry as a type of literature with careful attention to the elements of poetics, the various styles of poetry, and major poets and poetic movements. Poetic theories and poems by a wide variety of traditional and contemporary poets as well as poetic theory are examined.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- distinguish poetry as a specialized literary genre.
- identify poetic devices and effectively integrate a discussion of those devices into analysis of poetry.
- analyze poetic movements and forms of poetry while investigating specific works and writers.
- compose essays and other writings that analyze, evaluate, and respond to poetry.
- analyze poetry as a reflection of poets’ cultures and values.
ENGLT 308 The Graphic Novel and Manga
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3B (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course critically examines graphic novels and manga. It explores the social, cultural, and historical contexts reflected in these mixed-media genres, analyzing thematic, character, and structural development and exploring the relationship of image and text in this development. This course typically includes at least five full-length works as well as numerous background readings.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- differentiate between comics, graphic novels, and manga.
- differentiate between icons, symbols, and metaphors.
- evaluate the qualities of icons and analyze how those qualities affect the text and story.
- evaluate graphic novels and manga for elements of narrative structure.
- evaluate the page layout and panel transitions.
- analyze the relationship of images to text.
- compose essays and other written responses that analyze and evaluate graphic novels and manga.
ENGLT 310 English Literature I
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ENGWR 300 or 480 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3B (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:C-ID ENGL 160
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course surveys representative works in English literature from the Anglo-Saxon period through the eighteenth century. It traces the development of medieval, Renaissance, and Restoration prose, poetry, and drama, introducing methods of literary analysis and research. Historical movements and the cultural contexts of particular works and authors are also covered. Whenever possible, works are read in their entirety.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify literary devices and apply them effectively to literary works.
- analyze the larger patterns and historical continuity of early English literature from the Anglo-Saxon period through the 18th century.
- compose essays that respond to, analyze, and evaluate literary works.
- analyze early English poetry, prose, fiction, and drama as a reflection of the authors' cultures and values.
- analyze the socio-historical context in which the literature was composed.
ENGLT 311 English Literature II
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ENGWR 300 or 480 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3B (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:C-ID ENGL 165
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course is a survey of representative works in English literature from the late eighteenth century through the present, covering the Romantic, Victorian, modernist, and postmodern periods. Prose, poetry, and drama are represented, and whenever possible, works are read in their entirety.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify literary devices and apply them effectively to literary works.
- analyze the larger patterns and historical continuity of English literature from the late 18th century to the present.
- compose essays that respond to, evaluate, and analyze literary works.
- analyze English poetry, prose, fiction, and drama of the late 18th century through the present as reflections of the authors' culture and values.
- analyze the socio-historical context in which the literature was composed.
ENGLT 320 American Literature I
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ENGWR 300 or 480 with a grade of "C" or better
- Advisory:ENGWR 301, 303, or 481
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3B (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:C-ID ENGL 130
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course surveys representative texts in American literature from the precolonial period to the Civil War and introduces students to a literary tradition born from many languages and ethnicities. Considering a variety of contexts, it examines writing as a device to reflect and create a rapidly changing world marked by political revolution, expanding commerce, and the rise of print culture. Readings--from a variety of fictional and nonfictional texts--and discussion highlight the multicultural nature of American literature and society. Whenever possible, texts are read in their entirety.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- compose appropriate academic discourse, using the conventions of critical literary analysis.
- analyze and interpret themes found in the literature and intellectual movements of the period, using a variety of rhetorical strategies and modes of literary criticism.
- relate specific literary works to their historical, philosophical, social, political, regional, or aesthetic contexts.
- integrate research, evidence, and independent and collaborative thought into writing and critical thinking.
ENGLT 321 American Literature II
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ENGWR 300 and ENGL C1000H with grades of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3B (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:C-ID ENGL 135
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course surveys representative American literature from the post-Civil War period until the present, with consideration of important aspects of American literary history. Readings--from a variety of stories, novels, plays, and poetry--and discussion highlight the multicultural nature of American literature and society.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify literary devices and apply them effectively to literary analysis.
- analyze the larger patterns and historical continuity of America's literature while investigating specific works and writers.
- compose focused analyses and arguments showing insights into themes explored and arguments made by American authors, using various rhetorical strategies and modes of literary criticism.
- relate the literary works to their historical, philosophical, social, political, regional, and/or aesthetic contexts.
- integrate research, evidence, and independent and collaborative thought into writing and critical thinking.
ENGLT 327 Literature of California
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3B (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course examines the literature of California in the context of its ethnic, social, political, geographical, and intellectual history. It covers a wide range of multi-ethnic, multicultural, and cross-cultural literature (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, memoirs, essays, and films), such as Native American legends, early California exploration accounts, prose and poetry from the California heartland, and Hollywood crime fiction, with emphasis on what makes the California experience unique.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify literary devices and apply them correctly to literary analysis.
- analyze the larger patterns, the multi-ethnic and multicultural contrasts and conflicts, and the historical continuity of California's literature while investigating specific works and writers.
- compose essays and other writings that respond to, evaluate, and analyze literary works.
- analyze California literature as a reflection of the authors’ cultures and values.
ENGLT 330 African American Literature
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:Eligibility for ENGWR 300.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3B (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course is a survey of representative African American writers from the slave narratives to the present. This comprehensive literary study includes analysis of significant historical and cultural influences and relevant critical approaches and contexts in a variety of literary genres. This course is not open to students who have completed ENGLT 486.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- evaluate African American literature critically
- assess historical significance of African American literature
- compose transfer-level essays analyzing African American literature
- demonstrate an appreciation for the contributions of African American writers and the political, social, and historical significance of their works
- demonstrate critical thinking skills through discussions and written analytical essays
- incorporate bibliographic research effectively into analytical papers
ENGLT 334 Asian-American Literature
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3B (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course surveys fiction, drama, poetry, memoirs, and creative nonfiction written by Asian Americans. It focuses on works written by Americans of Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Hmong, Korean, and Vietnamese descent but also includes the work of other Pan-Asian American writers. This course explores the diaspora and ways in which the experience of being Asian in America has shaped the literature and examine the differences and similarities of these experiences across cultures, generations, genders, and sexuality. Optional field trips may be included.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- evaluate Asian American literature within its social/historical context.
- analyze the effects of Asian American writers' cultures on their works.
- explore the immigrant experience as it relates to the lived experiences and social struggles of Asian American Diaspora.
- compose transfer-level essays that critically analyze events in the histories, cultures, and intellectual traditions represented in Asian American literature.
- analyze literary devices employed by Asian American writers.
- demonstrate critical thinking skills that enable an equitable society through class discussions, presentations, and written assignments.
ENGLT 335 Latino, Mexican-American, and Chicano Literature
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3B (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course explores literature (poetry, short stories, novels, creative nonfiction, and performance) authored by Latino writers. It typically examines the following themes: resistance, survival, identity, homeland, immigration, the border, socio-political activism, gender, and sexuality. All or most of each text is in English. Knowledge of the Spanish language is helpful but not required.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- appraise influences from other arts to literary production by Latinos.
- research complexity of identity (including multiethnic, multiracial, and multinational aspects) depicted in literary works by Latinos.
- compare and contrast literary devices used in literary works by Latinos.
- build upon knowledge of the forms and themes of literature by Latinos.
- evaluate and critique literature by Latinos and make connection to an author’s geographic region and socio-historical context.
ENGLT 338 Native American Literature
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3B (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course examines a range of Native American perspectives as expressed through autobiography, fiction, poetry, and drama. Emphasis is placed on Native authorship. The literature highlights the survival strategies of indigenous cultures in the face of historical and present day colonization. This course examines how Native literature is a reflection of the social and cultural movements that have shaped, been shaped by, and interacted with the Native community. Included are samples of Native literary voices from North, South, and Central America. Field trips may be required.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- explain the major themes in the Native American experience
- evaluate personal values and ideas relative to a text
- analyze major literary elements and employ a variety of critical approaches
- apply critical theory about race, ethnicity, and ethnocentrism to a text
- judge a text's level of authenticity as a Native work of literature
- compare literary texts
- compose essays and other writing that respond to, evaluate, and analyze literary texts
- identify important cultural themes in a work of literature
ENGLT 340 World Literature I
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ENGWR 300 or 480 with a grade of "C" or better
- Advisory:ENGWR 301 or 481
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3B (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:C-ID ENGL 140
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course surveys world literature in translation from antiquity through the early seventeenth century. In addition to significant works in the western tradition, masterpieces of non-western literature are studied. Ancient world cultures and historical movements are introduced, along with methods of literary analysis and research. The entire range of genres is represented and, whenever possible, works are read in their entirety.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify literary devices and apply them effectively to literary analysis
- analyze the larger patterns and historical continuity of early world literature while investigating specific works and writers
- compose essays and other writings that respond to, evaluate, and analyze literary works
- analyze early world poetry, prose, fiction, and drama as a reflection of the authors' cultures and values
ENGLT 341 World Literature II
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ENGWR 300 or 480 with a grade of "C" or better
- Advisory:ENGWR 301 or 481
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3B (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:C-ID ENGL 145
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course surveys world literature in translation from the late seventeenth century to the present. In addition to significant works in the Western tradition, masterpieces of non-Western literature from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and South America are studied. The entire range of genres is represented, and, whenever possible, works are read in their entirety.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify literary devices and apply them correctly to literary analysis.
- analyze the larger patterns and historical continuity of later world literature while investigating specific works and writers.
- compose essays and other writings that respond to, evaluate, and analyze literary works.
- assess later world poetry, prose, fiction, and drama as a reflection of the authors' cultures and values.
ENGLT 345 Mythologies of the World
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3B (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course of mythic literature introduces characters and themes in stories from world literature: creation stories, heroic journeys, and moments of transcendent transformation. It explores the timeless metaphors of these stories, metaphors which continue to not only influence characters and stories in modern literature, but also captivate contemporary readers.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- differentiate between characteristics of oral and written traditions.
- evaluate traditional and contemporary texts for the functions of myth.
- analyze traditional and contemporary texts for mythic archetypes.
- evaluate a literary text for the elements of the hero's journey.
- analyze the transformation of hero and society.
- examine liminal events and situations, assessing the effect of these events and situations.
- compose essays and other written responses that evaluate and analyze mythic texts.
ENGLT 360 Women in Literature
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3B (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course examines women as both creators of and characters in literature. It includes reading and analyzing literature from a broad range of periods, genres, and cultures. Works by both men and women are included, with emphasis on works written by women and the social and cultural contexts that produced those works.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify literary devices and apply them effectively to literary analysis.
- analyze the larger patterns and historical continuity of literature by or about women while investigating specific works and writers.
- compose essays and other writings that respond to, evaluate, and analyze literary works.
- assess literature by or about women as a reflection of the authors' cultures and values.
ENGLT 365 Introduction to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Literature
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Local GE L4 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3B (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course surveys representative literature concerning gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (GLBTQ) themes and issues as written by or about GLBTQ people from throughout its literary history to the present day. The comprehensive literary study includes analysis of significant historical and cultural influences.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate a basic knowledge of GLBTQ literature and the cultural and intellectual trends it represents.
- recognize the contributions of GLBTQ writers to mainstream literature and the GLBTQ subculture.
- identify and explain GLBTQ issues at work in literature over the course of several historical periods.
- discuss the significance of GLBTQ writers and topics within a historical framework.
- compose essays and other writings that respond to, evaluate, and analyze literary works.
- assess literature by or about GLBTQ people as a reflection of the authors' cultures and values.
ENGLT 370 Children and Literature
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:C-ID ENGL 180
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course is a survey of high-quality literature, past and present, created for children (ages 0-12), and of the criteria for selecting, evaluating, and discussing children's literature. It includes discussion of the history of children's literature and current issues such as censorship, literacy, multiculturalism, and diversity. This course is intended for prospective teachers, early childhood education (ECE) majors, librarians, parents, those interested in writing or publishing children's books, and those who enjoy children's literature. It includes reading to children.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- examine the genres of children's literature.
- analyze and apply theories and criteria for selecting and evaluating children's literature.
- describe and interpret the contributions of outstanding authors, illustrators, and critics of children's literature.
- interpret and apply the theories and practices of oral reading and storytelling.
- develop ideas and practical activities for helping children to experience, appreciate, and respond to literature.
- examine literature portraying diverse and multicultural perspectives.
ENGLT 378 Young Adult Literature
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3B (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course presents an overview of young adult literature (ages 12-18) and is designed to incorporate the ever-changing nature of this genre. The literature addressed reflects themes of interest to young people. Topics include a review of the history of young adult literature, readings of contemporary award-winning young adult literature, as well as a look at some of the classics from the past. Censorship concerns and culturally diverse selections also form a core part of the course. This course includes an analysis of literary elements, an examination of an author's style and content, and reflection on what makes a piece of literature a classic.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- apply criteria for evaluating young adult literature.
- analyze the contributions of outstanding authors and critiques of young adult literature.
- identify the significant literary elements and an author's style for a given text.
- analyze and explain the influence of society on young adult literature.
- compose analytical expository essays and other writing about young adult literature.
ENGLT 380 Introduction to Shakespeare
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3B (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course provides an introduction to Shakespeare's works. Six to ten plays, representing the range of Shakespeare's achievement, are covered. Topics include strategies for reading Shakespeare's English, exploration of dramatic genres, and contemporary approaches to interpreting the plays. Viewing of live Shakespearean performances may be required.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- evaluate the significance of Shakespeare's literary achievement.
- analyze the language of Shakespeare's plays.
- evaluate the contemporary relevance of Shakespeare's plays.
- compose analytical and interpretive essays about particular Shakespearean plays.
- synthesize multiple interpretations of Shakespeare.
- analyze and compare dramatic genres.
ENGLT 382 Introduction to Dramatic Literature
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3B (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course introduces drama as a type of literature. Plays from various historical periods and cultures are covered, with an emphasis on the analysis of plot, characterization, setting, theme, and other literary elements of drama. Viewing of a live theater production may be required.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify elements of literature as they apply to the study of drama.
- apply literary evaluation criteria to different plays.
- analyze the cultures that produced particular plays.
- examine and evaluate dramatic styles and their place in literature.
- assess the contemporary importance of particular plays.
- compose arguments about the interpretation of particular plays.
ENGLT 392 Science Fiction and Fantasy
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3B (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course explores the literature of science fiction and fantasy. It includes an exploration of the roots of these genres—the fantastic, the Gothic, terror and horror—and the development of their diverse contemporary forms. Texts may include selections from television, film, anime, short stories, and novels.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- evaluate the use of Gothic characteristics in various texts.
- compose essays and other writings that respond to, evaluate, and analyze critically the literary elements of a text.
- examine the social, cultural, historical, or political contexts that might have influenced a text.
- distinguish and assess the role of the Other.
- analyze literary works by applying various critical approaches.
- differentiate among individual subgenres, such as classic fantasy, sword and sorcery, terror, horror, space opera, and cyber punk.
ENGLT 403 Film Adaptations
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3B (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course examines the processes, problems, and successes of adapting literary, stage, and previous film material into films. It discusses faithful and unfaithful adaptations through reading the original texts and viewing the adapted films with an awareness of their historical and cultural contexts. This course analyzes intention, creative distinctions, and the limits and strengths of each medium.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- apply basic terminology from narrative theory, literary studies, and film studies.
- distinguish between the strengths and weaknesses inherent in the genres of short story, novel, drama, and film.
- analyze differences among genres and media.
- construct criteria for judging strengths and weaknesses of adaptations.
- evaluate films based on course concepts, such as narrative modes, genre conventions, and production exigencies.
- evaluate both literature and film in cultural context, as cultural and artistic expressions in their historical and social moments.
- compare and contrast the works studied.
ENGLT 486 Honors African American Literature
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Eligibility for the Honors Program.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3B (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course is an advanced seminar on African American literature from the slave narratives to the present. This comprehensive literary study includes analysis of significant historical and cultural influences and relevant critical approaches and contexts in a variety of literary genres. In comparison to ENGLT 330, this honors course uses an intensive instructional methodology designed to challenge motivated students and cultivate advanced critical thinking skills. Instruction emphasizes critical thinking in a seminar style, where the focus is on analysis and evaluation of literature and literary theories. Honors students will also develop proficiency in library and internet-based research, make oral and written presentations, and participate in student-led group discussions. An MLA style research paper is also required. This course is not open to students who have completed ENGLT 330.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- evaluate African American literature critically
- assess historical significance of African American literature
- compose transfer-level essays analyzing African American literature
- demonstrate an appreciation for the contributions of African American writers and the political, social, and historical significance of their works
- demonstrate critical thinking skills in seminar-style discussion and in written analytical essays
- incorporate extensive bibliographic research effectively into analytical papers
- apply literary criticism effectively into analytical papers
- present independent research on African American literature
ENGLT 494 Topics in Literature
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ENGWR 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This is a literature course to be scheduled as needed under a title describing specific content. It provides the opportunity to focus on an in-depth study of specific literary subjects or genres. The course offers an extensive study of works by significant writers of literature defined by theme, region, vocation, or human experiences. Possible titles include Retelling Stories or Literature of War.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- examine and compare works studied according to theme, author's style, or genre.
- compose essays and other writings that respond to, evaluate, and analyze literary works.
- analyze the use and effect of literary devices in a variety of works.
- assess poetry, prose, fiction, or drama as a reflection of the authors' culture and values.
ENGLT 495 Independent Studies in Literature
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.
ENGLT 499 Experimental Offering in Literature
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Hours:18 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ENGWR 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course will provide a study of a concentrated area of literature. For example, courses might be offered in a particular genre (for example, the sonnet or the fairy tale), author, literary period (for example, the Harlem Renaissance), or theme (for example, The Monster in Literature). Individual course descriptions are provided in the class schedule.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Analyze literary works in terms of the context offered by the course (for example, sonnet form or fairy tale motifs), both individually and collaboratively.
- Develop methods for critical analysis, including examination of major literary elements (for example, imagery, setting, narrative voice, or staging).
- Examine the cultural context of literary works.
- Experiment with various literary critical approaches.
- Compare different literary works.
- Compose essays and other writing that responds to, evaluates, and analyzes literary texts.
English - Reading (ENGRD) Courses
ENGRD 15 Strategic Reading
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This is a multifaceted course meant to engage all aspects of foundational reading skills. Topics include vocabulary strategies, textbook comprehension, and study skills, all of which can be applied to other courses. This course is not open to students who have successfully completed ENGRD 56 or ENGWR 56.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- apply a variety of vocabulary techniques, including structural analysis, dictionary skills, and context clues to derive the definition of an unfamiliar word.
- identify stated main ideas in paragraphs.
- recognize supporting details in paragraphs.
- distinguish inferred meanings and draw appropriate conclusions in textbooks, periodicals, and various appropriate-level materials.
- apply comprehension and study techniques such as Study, Question, Read, Recite, Review (SQ3R), highlighting, annotating, and others.
- adjust techniques dependent upon the purpose for reading.
- employ time management and test taking skills.
- analyze the five elements of fiction: characters, plot, theme, setting, and conflict.
- differentiate text structures in paragraphs, such as example, comparison/contrast, cause and effect, sequence, definition, or classification at the appropriate reading level.
- identify a stated thesis in a multi-paragraph selection.
- formulate implied main ideas from major supporting details.
ENGRD 111 Reading Across the Disciplines: Academic and Professional Development
- Units:0.5
- Hours:9 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Corequisite:Enrollment in a below transfer-level course.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This Reading Across the Disciplines (RAD) course offers reading skills to students as they apply to various below transfer-level courses. Topics include annotating, vocabulary development, schema building, and other strategies to increase reading focus and retention. Pass/No Pass only.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze lectures, readings, and handouts to meet course requirements.
- synthesize material from lectures, assigned readings, and research to create appropriate study tools.
- identify the purpose for reading and adjust reading style (careful reading, general reading, skimming, or scanning) to fit the purpose.
- assess the reading process and use metacognitive strategies to increase focus.
- develop vocabulary building techniques.
ENGRD 116 Preparation for Academic Study
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course analyzes expository and argumentative essays, textbooks, and literature in preparation for ENGRD 310 and other transfer-level classes across the disciplines. It emphasizes recognition of an author's thesis, supporting details, point of view, purpose, and tone through an in-depth analysis of an essay's structure. This course also focuses on the application of study strategies for comprehending and retaining information from textbooks in preparation for tests.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze words contextually and structurally.
- apply the reading process such as Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review (SQ3R), or Prepare, Read, Organize (PRO) to textbook selections.
- apply appropriate annotations, note-taking, and mnemonic techniques.
- analyze the structure of expository or argumentative essays.
- identify an essay's stated or implied thesis, primary and secondary supports, and pattern of organization.
- critically analyze an author's purpose, tone, bias, and point of view.
- distinguish fact from opinion and claim from premise in an argumentative essay.
- analyze literature or narrative non-fiction to identify elements of fiction such as setting, plot, characters, conflict, and theme.
- infer authors' tone by identifying connotation, denotation, and figurative language.
ENGRD 117 Reading Center: Individualized Support Skills for ENGRD 116
- Units:0.5
- Hours:9 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course offers instruction in intermediate reading skills. It provides supplementary practice to students who are concurrently enrolled in ENGRD 116. Pass/No Pass only.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- distinguish author's tone using inferential comprehension techniques
- differentiate organizational patterns in expository or persuasive essays
- apply note-taking strategies to textbook selections
- implement inferential comprehension techniques in expository and persuasive college-level selections
ENGRD 299 Experimental Offering in English - Reading
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This is the experimental courses description.
ENGRD 310 Critical Reading as Critical Thinking
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in ENGWR 300.
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:Local GE L1B (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course covers the theory and practice of critical and speed reading skills needed for successful academic performance with an emphasis on the following: (1) critical and analytical evaluation of college-level expository and argumentative essays, (2) development of flexible reading rate and speed, (3) critical analysis and evaluation of independent research, (4) vocabulary development, and (5) application of these skills to multicultural essays, journals, fiction, and nonfiction reading.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify thesis statements, stated or implied in college-level essays and articles.
- analyze content to determine major details and patterns of development.
- assess critical comprehension elements in written arguments: inference, fact and opinion, judgment, tone, bias, style, and purpose.
- evaluate the logic of arguments in college-level texts, focusing on propaganda, assumptions, faulty analogies, non-sequiturs, and deductive and inductive patterns.
- evaluate the quality and sufficiency of evidence and other forms of support for a written argument.
- create effective and efficient study reading strategies for college-level material such as annotating, outlining, mapping, and summary.
- assess reading strategies appropriate to regulate reading rate depending on reader's purpose and varied college-level materials.
- introduce analysis and critical thinking using inductive and deductive reasoning.
ENGRD 312 Academic Texts and the Self
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course focuses on the relationship between individuals and various academic texts as a tool for improving reading self awareness, overall retention, and learning. Reading strategies for analyzing authors' intended purposes and individual reader's responses will be discussed as well as how life experience, cultural differences, and discipline-specific communication all play a part in the understanding and processing of academic texts across the disciplines.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- develop metacognitive awareness of the reading and learning processes.
- understand the impact of self on reading and learning.
- evaluate the nature of power and privilege through text analysis and effects on the reader.
- apply appropriate study skills for various content area courses including previewing, annotating, paraphrasing, and reviewing.
- analyze and apply appropriate reading rates to college-level material.
- evaluate purpose and structure in college-level textbooks with specific applications related to careers and disciplines.
ENGRD 314 Reading Across the Disciplines: Speed Reading
- Units:1
- Hours:18 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course offers reading skills to transfer-level students as applied to various content-area courses. Topics include the following: assessing the reading process and material to employ appropriate strategies to meet the purpose for reading; utilizing one's reading rates and styles based on purpose and material; utilizing college-level, discipline-based vocabulary; and mastering the skills needed to critically read and analyze current and future transfer-level course texts. Pass/No Pass only.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- assess the reading process and material for appropriate strategies.
- identify the purpose for reading.
- adapt reading rate and style based on reading purpose and material.
- utilize college-level, discipline-based vocabulary.
- analyze college-level texts, essays, journals, and research material.
ENGRD 315 Reading Across the Disciplines for Content Courses
- Units:0.5 - 1
- Hours:9 - 18 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course offers individualized or small-group sessions to help students improve academic performance. Topics include the principles of the reading process, analysis of discipline-specific reading assignments, strategies for test taking, and research strategies particular to the chosen discipline. All strategies are applied to a course of the student's choosing. Students should contact the RAD Center before enrolling. Pass/No Pass only.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze lectures, readings, and assignments to meet course requirements.
- synthesize materials from lectures and reading assignments to create appropriate study tools.
- assess the reading process and materials to employ appropriate critical reading strategies.
- identify the purpose for reading.
- choose reading rate and style based on purpose and material.
- utilize college-level, discipline-based vocabulary.
- develop and employ reading strategies for research.
ENGRD 316 Reading Across the Disciplines for Content Courses II
- Units:0.5
- Hours:9 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ENGRD 315
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course offers individualized or small-group sessions to help students who have already completed ENGRD 315 to improve academic performance. It focuses on application of inferential and critical reading strategies and study skills to specific content courses and programs. Topics include learning style assessment, how to implement appropriate reading strategies, and how to choose the best study methods. Students should contact the RAD Center before enrolling. Pass/No Pass only.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- connect learning purpose to reading strategies.
- analyze content-course material to determine the best reading strategies to use to study and retain the information in that material.
- evaluate the usefulness of different active reading strategies and apply the appropriate strategy to the assigned task.
- assess performance on content-course exams in order to modify study strategies.
ENGRD 495 Independent Studies in English - Reading
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in Reading, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in Reading and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.
ENGRD 499 Experimental Offering in English - Reading
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This is the experimental courses description.
English - Writing (ENGWR) Courses
ENGWR 50 Developmental Composition
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course focuses on developmental writing skills, emphasizing the connection between writing and reading with the goal of building fluency. It includes writing in response to assigned readings as well as practicing the writing process: prewriting, thesis development and organization of ideas, drafting of essays, and revision.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- compose summaries of assigned texts.
- distinguish between fact and opinion.
- respond to issues raised in texts.
- analyze assignments and create strategies for addressing them.
- organize ideas to improve focus.
- compose short essays with controlling ideas and support.
- demonstrate document formatting/setup.
- revise essay drafts.
- compose complete sentences with a variety of patterns.
ENGWR 56 Integrated Reading, Writing and Study Skills
- Units:6
- Hours:108 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course emphasizes the interrelationships among reading, writing, and study skills at the basic skills level. Course content, activities, and assignments integrate all three areas, providing opportunities to improve reading and writing skills in a student-centered environment. This course provides students with ongoing practice with the reading and writing processes and covers strategies for reading and writing in response to a variety of texts. Additional topics include a review of campus services and programs and effective study strategies. This is a learning community course taught by one reading and one writing instructor. Completing this course is equivalent to completing both ENGRD 15 and ENGWR 50. This course is not open to students who have already completed ENGRD 15, ENGWR 50, ENGWR 51, or ENGRD 56 with a grade of "C" or better.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- apply the writing and reading processes in completing writing and reading assignments.
- apply a variety of idea-generating tools, such as previewing, brain-storming, and clustering, appropriate to specific reading and writing tasks.
- assess the key ideas of texts by different authors on related topics.
- assess and differentiate among main ideas, stated or implied; supporting details; and patterns of organization in paragraphs and essays.
- evaluate the different points of view of a variety of texts and distinguish the key points in the texts by using appropriate annotating and note-taking skills.
- analyze the meanings of words by applying a variety of vocabulary evaluation techniques, such as structural analysis, dictionary skills, and context clues.
- compose well-organized essays supported by specifics/details from assigned texts.
- organize paragraphs and essays to support a point of view in ways appropriate to the topic.
- compose clear, effective, and grammatically correct sentences in a variety of structures.
- format essays according to MLA guidelines.
- identify and employ appropriate and expected college-student behaviors.
- evaluate various learning styles and apply them to individual study habits.
- describe campus programs and student services and assess their relevance to student success.
- describe the types of and ways to receive counseling at American River College.
- apply time management strategies to develop an effective study schedule.
ENGWR 94 Succeeding in Academic Reading and Writing
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Corequisite:Concurrent enrollment in ENGL C1000.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course offers small- and large-group instruction on composition processes, writing and reading strategies, and critical thinking skills necessary for success in ENGL C1000 (formerly ENGWR 300). Assignments are connected to the students’ ENGL C1000 coursework. It covers pre-writing, drafting, revision, and editing processes. Pass/No Pass only.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- utilize self-reflection, self-assessment, and prior knowledge to approach reading and writing tasks confidently.
- apply a recursive writing process that includes pre-writing, drafting, revising, and editing.
- apply a recursive reading process that includes previewing/surveying, reading actively, annotating, paraphrasing, reviewing, and reflecting.
- connect their own experiences, prior knowledge, and writing voice with academic writing tasks.
- apply feedback and self-assessment in order to revise writing content, clarity, and style.
- identify, locate, and utilize course, campus, and/or community resources that foster college-level literacy skills.
ENGWR 95 Beginning Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC)
- Units:0.5
- Hours:9 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:BUSTEC 300.1 or CISC 300
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course offers both individualized and group instruction in appropriate writing processes and strategies for a variety of basic written assignments in all academic disciplines. Topics include understanding writing assignments, strategies for revision, and proofreading. Pass/No Pass only.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate proficiency in the beginning writing skills studied
- compose and revise basic writing
- apply basic writing strategies to a variety of assignments
ENGWR 96 Intermediate Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC)
- Units:0.5
- Hours:9 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:BUSTEC 300.1 or CISC 300
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course offers both individualized and group instruction in appropriate writing processes and strategies for a variety of college-level writing assignments in all academic disciplines. Topics include understanding writing assignments, strategies for revision, and basic documentation. Pass/No Pass only.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate proficiency in the college-level writing skills studied
- compose and revise college-level writing
- apply appropriate writing strategies to a variety of assignments
ENGWR 299 Experimental Offering in English - Writing
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This is the experimental courses description.
ENGL C1000 Academic Reading and Writing
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment
process
- Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in ENGRD 315.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L1A (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 1A (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:C-ID ENGL 100
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course was formerly known as ENGWR 300 College Composition.
In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing
processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. Students develop audience awareness, individual writing voices, and synthesis and critical thinking skills essential for successful completion of a college program through a variety of written assignments (5000 words). The course emphasizes workshop, collaboration, and reflection on the writer’s process. This course was formerly known as ENGWR 300 and is not open to students who have successfully completed ENGWR 300, ENGWR 480, or ENGL C1000H. Students may satisfy the prerequisite for the course through the Los Rios placement process OR guided self-placement OR successful completion of ESL 325.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Read analytically to understand and respond to diverse academic texts.
- Compose thesis-driven academic writing that demonstrates analysis and synthesis of
sources as appropriate to the rhetorical situation.
- Demonstrate strategies for planning, outlining, drafting, revising, editing, and proofreading
written work.
- Compose college-level writing for multiple and diverse audiences using a variety of rhetorical strategies and sources (including the student’s own community knowledge or lived experience).
- Demonstrate an understanding of research tools and practices, as well as information literacy to identify bias, context, and explicit and implicit purpose.
- Analyze and synthesize complex oral and/or written sources from multiple perspectives and traditions to build comprehension, think critically, and share learning.
ENGWR 301 College Composition and Literature
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ENGWR 300 or 480 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L1B (effective Fall 2025); Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 1B (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 3B (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:C-ID ENGL 120
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course offers study of literary texts, with emphasis on analytical reading and writing. It covers principles of argument and analysis, such as reasoning inductively and deductively. Assigned texts include novels, short stories, poems, plays or films, and literary criticism. Writing assignments (5,000 words minimum) emphasize close reading skills, interpretation and analysis of creative works. At least one essay includes citations from secondary sources, documented in current MLA format. This course is not open to students who have successfully completed ENGWR 481.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze the cultural and historical contexts of literary works.
- reason inductively from examples, patterns, and structures to form generalizations.
- reason deductively by drawing conclusions about literary works.
- compose a thesis-driven argument of interpretation or evaluation and support it with textual evidence, using a sufficient variety and number of appropriate examples.
- compare opposing interpretations by literary scholars.
ENGL C1001 Critical Thinking and Writing
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:College-level composition (ENGL C1000/ENGL C1000H/ENGL C1000E/C-ID ENGL 100) or equivalent
- Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in ENGRD 315.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L1B (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 1B (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:C-ID ENGL 105
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course was formerly known as ENGWR 302 Advanced Composition and Critical Thinking.
In this course, students receive instruction in critical thinking for purposes of constructing,
evaluating, and composing arguments in a variety of rhetorical forms, using primarily non-fiction
texts, refining writing skills and research strategies developed in ENGL C1000 Academic Reading and
Writing (C-ID ENGL 100) or similar first-year college writing course. Students examine methods by which people are persuaded to think, believe, and/or act by exploring the relationship between language and logic. Students also identify cognitive biases and common fallacies of language and thought in order to craft traditional and/or multimodal arguments in context of current social, economic, political, and environmental discourse. This course includes writing a minimum of 5,000 words. This course was formerly known as ENGWR 302 and is not open to students who have successfully completed ENGWR 302, ENGWR 482, or ENGL C1001H. Students may satisfy the prerequisite for the course through successful completion of ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Define, recognize, and utilize forms of critical reasoning, including deductive and inductive
reasoning, in a variety of rhetorical contexts.
- Reflect critically on one’s own thought processes to identify and avoid cognitive biases and
common fallacies of language and thought.
- Employ critical reading and research strategies to locate and evaluate complex texts,
primarily non-fiction, representative of diverse experiences, perspectives, and forms of
authority.
- Evaluate and document evidence to construct arguments in a variety of rhetorical
situations, distinguishing knowledge from belief and fact from judgment.
- Draft written arguments to respond appropriately to texts, with attention to intended
audience, purpose, and social context, and revise for clarity, cogency, persuasiveness, and
soundness.
ENGWR 303 Argumentative Writing and Critical Thinking Through Literature
- Units:4
- Hours:72 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ENGWR 300 or 480 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L1B (effective Fall 2025); Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 1B (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:C-ID ENGL 105; C-ID ENGL 110; C-ID ENGL 120
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course emphasizes complex literary works in all major genres with a conscious inclusion of writers representing Black, African American, Latinx, Native American, Asian American and Pacific Islander, and LGBTQIA+ communities. This course also focuses on analytical, critical, and argumentative writing; critical thinking; research strategies; information literacy; and proper documentation. Close reading skills and the aesthetic qualities and elements of literature are studied alongside the cultural contexts of literary texts. A minimum of 5000 words of formal writing is required.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- evaluate literary texts for social, historical, cultural, psychological, or aesthetic assumptions, including representations of gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, nationality, race, ethnicity, colonialism, social class, or physical ability.
- employ critical and argumentative reasoning skills, including inductive and deductive reasoning, causation, and argumentative appeals.
- analyze and interpret literary texts by identifying key elements of genre.
- compose thesis-driven arguments to suit a variety of rhetorical situations, including interpretation, evaluation, and analysis.
- synthesize textual evidence, including primary and secondary sources, documenting sources for readers' needs.
- apply self-reflection strategies to define and assess writing and revision goals, including drafting, peer review, and editing for purpose and audience.
ENGWR 306 Advanced Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC)
- Units:0.5
- Hours:9 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course offers individualized and small-group instruction focused on helping students from all academic disciplines apply appropriate writing processes and use transfer-level writing strategies required for academic composition. Topics vary according to need and may include the principles of the writing process, analysis of writing assignments, strategies for revision, and research and documentation skills. In order to take this course, students must be enrolled in at least one other transfer-level course. Pass/No Pass only.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- apply writing strategies for a variety of written assignments
- demonstrate proficiency in the advanced writing skills studied
- compose and revise written transfer-level assignments
ENGWR 362 Writing in the Disciplines: Composing Essays
- Units:0.5 - 1
- Hours:9 - 18 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course offers instruction on the writing processes and writing strategies necessary to compose academic essays. It includes an examination of the rationale for using a process-based approach to writing as well as specific writing strategies for prewriting, conducting and using research, drafting, revising, editing, and composing metacognitive reflections.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- apply a variety of writing strategies for different aspects of the writing process.
- demonstrate understanding of the writing strategies studied.
- compose metacognitive reflections about writing that demonstrate awareness of the importance of the process and strategies taught.
- compose and revise written transfer-level assignments.
ENGL C1000H Academic Reading and Writing - Honors
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process
- Advisory:LIBR 318 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L1A (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 1A (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:C-ID ENGL 100
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course was formerly known as ENGWR 480 Honors College Composition.
In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing
processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research.
This is an honors course. This honors writing course focuses on reading, writing, and critical thinking skills that extend past those developed in a traditional writing course. This rigorous course requires the analysis of complex short works along with at least one full-length volume of non-fiction. It emphasizes the writing of carefully reasoned, stylistically sophisticated essays, at least one of which includes research and appropriate documentation. Written work should demonstrate a nuanced understanding of writing situation and purpose. The course also emphasizes presentation of independent and collaborative research. Essays written in this course will total at least 6,500 words. This course was formerly known as ENGWR 480 and is not open to students who have successfully completed ENGWR 300, ENGWR 480, or ENGL C1000. Students may satisfy the prerequisite for the course through the Los Rios placement process OR guided self-placement OR successful completion of ESL 325.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Read analytically to understand and respond to diverse academic texts.
- Compose thesis-driven academic writing that demonstrates analysis and synthesis of
sources as appropriate to the rhetorical situation.
- Demonstrate strategies for planning, outlining, drafting, revising, editing, and proofreading
written work.
- Evaluate one full-length volume of non-fiction for style, purpose, tone, and content.
- Apply complex critical thinking skills by defining issues; gathering, analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing ideas; and developing conclusions.
- Organize and present individual project results to facilitate discussion.
- Collaborate in presenting responses, analyses, and evaluations of reading and writing assignments.
ENGWR 481 Honors College Composition and Literature
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ENGWR 300 or 480 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L1B (effective Fall 2025); Local GE L3 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 1B (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:C-ID ENGL 120
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course is an advanced seminar in critical reading and writing about literature. Focused on complex, in-depth reading assignments, it develops the analytic skills needed to examine fiction, poetry, and drama, expanding on those covered in a traditional ENGWR 301 course. The course includes culturally responsive texts representing diverse perspectives and cultures. It covers inductive and deductive reasoning about literature and the written analysis of literature, requiring at least 6,500 words of formal, analytical writing. This course also examines literary theory and research, the use of primary and secondary sources, and MLA documentation. This course is not open to students who have successfully completed ENGWR 301.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze the cultural, historical, biographical, ethnic, and philosophical contexts of literary works.
- assess a variety of perspectives about literary works to create a nuanced understanding about approaches to and purposes for critical perspectives.
- examine a dynamic range of literary conventions and their purposes.
- reason inductively from examples, patterns, themes, and structures to form reasonable and accurate generalizations about literary works.
- reason deductively by drawing logically rich conclusions about the meaning of literary works.
- compose interpretations of culturally representative literary works.
- analyze complex works of literary criticism and theory.
ENGL C1001H Critical Thinking and Writing - Honors
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:College-level composition (ENGL C1000/ENGL C1000H/ENGL C1000E/C-ID ENGL 100) or equivalent
- Advisory:LIBR 318 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L1B (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 1B (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:C-ID ENGL 105
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course was formerly known as ENGWR 482 Honors Advanced Composition and Critical Thinking.
In this course, students receive instruction in critical thinking for purposes of constructing,
evaluating, and composing arguments in a variety of rhetorical forms, using primarily non-fiction
texts, refining writing skills and research strategies developed in ENGL C1000 Academic Reading and
Writing (C-ID ENGL 100) or similar first-year college writing course. This is an honors course. In this honors course requiring skills that extend beyond a traditional ENGL C1001 course, students read, discuss, and analyze complex texts—essays and book-length works—reflecting a variety of social, cultural, and historical contexts. A minimum of 6,500 words of writing is required for the course, as are group and individual presentations. This course was formerly known as ENGWR 482 and is not open to students who have successfully completed ENGWR 302, ENGWR 482, or ENGL C1001. Students may satisfy the prerequisite for the course through successful completion of ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Define, recognize, and utilize forms of critical reasoning, including deductive and inductive
reasoning, in a variety of rhetorical contexts.
- Reflect critically on one’s own thought processes to identify and avoid cognitive biases and
common fallacies of language and thought.
- Employ critical reading and research strategies to locate and evaluate complex texts,
primarily non-fiction, representative of diverse experiences, perspectives, and forms of
authority.
- Evaluate and document evidence to construct arguments in a variety of rhetorical
situations, distinguishing knowledge from belief and fact from judgment.
- Draft written arguments to respond appropriately to texts, with attention to intended
audience, purpose, and social context, and revise for clarity, cogency, persuasiveness, and
soundness.
ENGWR 495 Independent Studies in English - Writing
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.
ENGWR 499 Experimental Offering in English - Writing
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This is the experimental courses description.
