This is an archived copy of the 2023-2024 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.sierracollege.edu.

Contact Information

Contact Information
Division
Liberal Arts
Dean
Anne Fleischmann
Associate Deans
Patrick Marasso, Soni Verma
Location
Division Office
W 107, Rocklin Campus

Overview

The Department of English faculty subscribes to the idea that the language and literary arts are a basic and a chief way of discovering who we are, especially if “we” is defined broadly to take in the whole of past and present culture as it resides in the English language. We offer students the means of appreciating excellence in the literary language of the past and of developing excellence in their present uses of language. We believe that this experience can enhance a sense of personal identity as that sense is put in relation to “our” manifestations of identity in the past.

TRANSFER MAJOR REQUIREMENTS in English are available in the Counseling Center. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for specific transfer requirements.

Note: Students who speak a language other than English may choose English as Second Language (ESL) courses.  ESL classes help students improve English. If you need support to successfully complete degree and transfer requirements in English, then ESL may benefit you. Please talk with a counselor to review your options. Click here to view ESL courses. 

Faculty

Jay Batchelder

Professor, English

B.A., California State University, Sacramento
M.A., California State University, Sacramento

Joshua Breese

Professor, English

B.A., Humboldt State University
M.A., California State University, Sacramento

Nathan Conkle

Professor, English

B.A., San Francisco State University
M.A., San Francisco State University
Ed.D., California State University, Sacramento

Heather Donovan

Professor, English

B.A., California State University, Sacramento
M.A., California State University, Sacramento

Beth C. Ervin

Professor, English

B.A., San Diego State University
M.A., San Francisco State University
Ed.D., University of California, Davis

Kent Fortin

Professor, English

B.A., Western Washington University
M.F.A., University of Washington, Seattle

Christopher Hall

Professor, English

B.A., Humboldt State University
M.A., Humboldt State University

Jane Hemmerling

Professor, English

B.A., California State University, Sacramento
M.A., California State University, Sacramento
M.A., California State University, Sacramento

Michelle A. Johnson

Professor, English

B.A., California State University, Sacramento
M.A., California State University, Sacramento

Paul G. Macias

Professor, English

B.A., University of Montana
B.A., University of Montana
M.A., California State University, Sacramento

Barbara J. Nelson-Burns

Professor, English

B.A., Arizona State University
M.F.A., Arizona State University

Christina Nemec

Assistant Professor, English

B.A., Louisiana State University, Shreveport
M.F.A., University of California, Irvine

Andrea N. Neptune

Professor, English

B.A., California State University, Sacramento
M.A., California State University, Sacramento
M.A., California State University, Dominguez Hills

Rebecca D. Quinn

Professor, English/Women and Gender Studies

B.A., University of Massachusetts
M.A., University of New Hampshire
M.Phil., City University of New York

Lisa M. Rochford

Professor, English

B.A., San Francisco State University
M.A., San Francisco State University
Ed.D., California State University, Sacramento

Robert D. Roden

Professor, English

B.A., California State University, Long Beach
M.F.A., California State University, Long Beach

Rosemary Turner

Professor, English

A.A., Sierra College
B.A., University of California, Davis
M.A., California State University, Sacramento

Lauren Velez

Professor, English

B.A., California State University, Sacramento
M.A., California State University, Sacramento

Lynette Vrooman

Professor, English

B.A., California State University, Sacramento
M.A., California State University, Sacramento
M.A., California State University, Dominguez Hills

Tamalpais Wright

Professor, English

B.A., Sonoma State University
M.A., Sonoma State University

Degrees/Certificates

Associate Degree for Transfer

English for Transfer

AA-T Degree

This program is designed to award the Associate in Arts in English for Transfer degree (AA-T) to those students who have completed a specialization in English. The major provides students with a comprehensive study of composition, literary analysis and rhetorical strategies. Students will be able to identify the major themes, works, authors and movements in literature, particularly British and American literature. Students are trained in composition and given a solid background to explore literature as an intellectual discipline and an art. The required courses help students hone critical thinking, research, rhetoric and writing skills.

The Associate in Arts in English for Transfer degree (AA-T) prepares students to transfer into the CSU system to complete a bachelor’s degree in English or a major deemed similar by a CSU campus. Students earning an associate degree for transfer and meeting the CSU minimum transfer admission requirements are guaranteed admission with junior standing to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Upon transfer, students will be required to complete no more than 60 additional prescribed units to earn a bachelor’s degree.

To earn the Associate in Arts in English for Transfer degree, students must complete 60 CSU-transferable semester units with a minimum grade point average of 2.0, including both of the following:

The exact wording of the law pertaining to associate degrees for transfer may be found in Education Code Section 66746.

It is highly recommended that, prior to transferring, students complete courses that satisfy the CSU United States History, Constitution and American Ideals graduation requirement. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

RESTRICTION: International coursework from non-United States regionally accredited institutions cannot be applied to associate degrees for transfer.

Required Courses

ENGL 0001BCritical Thinking and Writing about Literature3
ENGL 0001CCritical Thinking and Writing across the Curriculum3
Select 3 units from the following:3
American Literature - Beginnings through Civil War
American Literature - Civil War to the Present
Select 3 units from the following:3
English Literature
English Literature
Select 6 units from the following courses or unused courses from above:6
Introduction to Creative Writing
Introduction to Drama as Literature
Introduction to Poetry
Introduction to the Novel
World Literature
World Literature
Select 3 units from the following courses or unused courses from above:3
Creative Writing (Poetry)
Creative Writing (Fiction)
Introduction to Literary Criticism and Critical Concepts
Introduction to Shakespeare (The Drama)
The Filmed Novel
Literature of Science Fiction
Total Units21

Courses

Understanding course descriptions

ENGL 0000N. Introduction to College Writing

Units: 4
Prerequisite: Placement by matriculation assessment process or completion of ENGL 802 with grade of "Pass"
Hours: 72 lecture
Emphasis on the development and integration of thinking, reading, organizing, and writing skills, as required for successful execution of college level composition. Prepares students for ENGL 1A. Students enrolling in ENGL N after having taken ENGL A and/or ENGL 50 will lose credit for ENGL A and/or ENGL 50. (not transferable)

ENGL 0000S. English 1A Support

Units: 2
Corequisite: Concurrent enrollment in English 1A
Hours: 36 lecture
This class supports students who are concurrently enrolled in English 1A, emphasizing the development and integration of critical thinking, reading, organizing, and writing skills as required for successful execution of college level composition. (not transferable) (pass/no pass grading)

ENGL 0001A. College Reading, Writing and Research

Units: 4
Prerequisite: Placement by matriculation assessment process or completion of ENGL N with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 72 lecture
Develops and refines students' writing, reading, and critical thinking skills by introducing the conventions of academic conversations and arguments in an academic community. Students read and discuss a variety of works from different literary genres, focusing on non-fiction and expository texts, reading 20 or more pages per week. The course also emphasizes research skills, including accessing college library databases, evaluating and documenting sources, using MLA style, and practicing academic integrity. Students write essays in expository and argumentative prose, including at least one research paper, in response to class reading and outside research, for a total of at least 6500 words. (C-ID ENGL 100) (CSU, UC)

ENGL 0001B. Critical Thinking and Writing about Literature

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of ENGL 1A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 54 lecture
Develops critical thinking, reading, and writing skills applicable to the analysis of prose, poetry, drama, and criticism from diverse cultural sources and perspectives. Emphasis on the techniques and principles of effective written argument. 6,500 words of formal writing and some research required. (C-ID ENGL 120) (CSU, UC)

ENGL 0001C. Critical Thinking and Writing across the Curriculum

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of ENGL 1A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 54 lecture
Develops critical thinking, reading, and writing skills as they apply to textual analysis of primary and secondary sources, essays, articles, and book-length works from a range of academic and cultural contexts. Emphasis on the techniques and principles of effective written argument in research-based writing across the curriculum. Requires 6,500 words of formal writing. (C-ID ENGL 105) (CSU, UC)

ENGL 0002. Structure of English

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of ENGL 1A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 54 lecture
Study of structure of English grammar, both descriptive and prescriptive. Introduction to terminology and structure of traditional grammar; analysis of standard rules for agreement, punctuation, pronoun reference, etc.; introduction to varied methods of language acquisition among culturally diverse populations. For students who plan to teach or who are particularly interested in grammar as it relates to writing. Intended to meet CSU requirement for Liberal Studies major. (CSU, UC)

ENGL 0011. Analytical and Critical Thinking in Reading

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Placement by matriculation assessment process OR completion of ENGL N with grade of "C" or better
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Designed to teach critical thinking and critical examination of texts and other printed material. Emphasizes principles of critical thinking, logic and fallacies, reasoning strategies, author's purpose and bias, research evaluation, propaganda, advertising, and reading for academic purpose. Includes instruction in analyzing digital texts. (CSU)

ENGL 0012. Writing in the Workplace

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Principles and practices of workplace writing. Includes organizing, writing, and revising clear, readable documents for the workplace, such as letters, memos, emails, summaries, reports, job application documents, instructions, proposals, and business graphics. (CSU)

ENGL 0016. Introduction to LGBTIQ Literature

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Survey course consisting of an introduction to and critical analysis of selected LGBTIQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer) texts over a range of historical periods and genres, including essay, poetry, autobiography, short fiction, novel, and drama. Significant coverage of and emphasis on the cultural and historical contexts that shaped the production of LGBTIQ literature. (CSU, UC)

ENGL 0017. Introduction to Shakespeare and Popular Culture

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Presents Shakespeare’s plays as works of popular culture that have been and continue to be reinvented in a range of artistic forms. This course will involve reading, viewing, discussing, and writing about selected plays of Shakespeare in correlation with contemporary texts. Includes discussion and analysis of the original historical context, contemporary critical views and interpretations, and adaptations of Shakespeare’s original texts. (CSU, UC)

ENGL 0018. Creative Writing (Non-Fiction)

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Composition of non-fiction prose, with non-fiction reading and analysis assignments drawn from the following genres: autobiography and memoir, philosophical/contemplative reflections, travel writing, nature writing and political/social commentary. Includes discussion and criticism, in workshop mode, of original student writing. (CSU, UC)

ENGL 0019. Introduction to Creative Writing

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Composition of imaginative writing, with reading assignments of literary models in poetry, fiction, and drama. Includes analysis of the models as well as discussion and criticism, in a workshop mode, of original student poems, fiction, and plays. (C-ID ENGL 200) (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

ENGL 0020. Creative Writing (Poetry)

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Writing poetry, with reading assignments of literary models in classical, modern, and contemporary poetry. Includes analysis of the models as well as discussion and criticism, in a workshop mode, of original student poems. (CSU, UC)

ENGL 0021. Creative Writing (Fiction)

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Writing fiction, with reading assignments of literary models in short story and/or novel. Includes analysis of the models as well as discussion and criticism, in a workshop mode, of original student prose. (CSU, UC)

ENGL 0024. Introduction to Literary Criticism and Critical Concepts

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduction to the issues, concepts, and contexts central to literary interpretation, with particular concentration on the relationships of aesthetics, culture, history, politics, issues of race, gender, and class, to conceptions of literary meaning and developments in literary form. Includes surveys and history of major approaches to literary criticism and applications of these approaches to literary analysis. (CSU, UC)

ENGL 0027. Literature by Women

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Survey of women’s literature, including novels/novellas, the short story, poetry, drama, and essays. Within the literature, which spans time, culture, and genre, we will explore patterns and themes involving women’s personal, psychological, political, economic, intellectual, social, and cultural lives. (CSU, UC)

ENGL 0028. Independent Study

Units: 1-3
Designed for students interested in furthering their knowledge at an independent study level in an area where no specific curriculum offering is currently available. Independent study might include, but is not limited to, research papers, special subject area projects, and research projects. See Independent Study page in catalog. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

ENGL 0029. Introduction to Drama as Literature

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduction to drama as literature emphasizing the critical analysis of individual plays; the analysis and exploration of the social, historical, and critical contexts of the writing and performance of dramatic literature; and exploration and analysis of the changing nature of its performance and reception. Class explores significant works of drama from a variety of cultures and historical periods. Intended for both English and Drama majors and non-majors. (CSU, UC)

ENGL 0030A. American Literature - Beginnings through Civil War

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Survey of major authors, themes and genres of American literature from its beginnings through the Civil War. Students may begin with either 30A or 30B. (C-ID ENGL 130) (CSU, UC)

ENGL 0030B. American Literature - Civil War to the Present

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Survey of major authors, themes and genres of American literature from the Civil War to the present. Students may begin with either 30A or 30B. (C-ID ENGL 135) (CSU, UC)

ENGL 0032. Introduction to Poetry

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Develops a critical appreciation of poetry as genre through study of selected poets and historical periods; examines poetic structures, styles, themes, and contexts. Students read representative works in English as well as selected works in translation. (CSU, UC)

ENGL 0033. Introduction to Shakespeare (The Drama)

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Reading and discussion of selected plays of Shakespeare; includes discussion of the historical context and contemporary critical views. (CSU, UC)

ENGL 0034. Introduction to the Novel

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Reading, discussion, and critical analysis of selected novels from the eighteenth century to present. Includes discussion of the historical context and contemporary critical views. (CSU, UC)

ENGL 0035. Introduction to the Short Story

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Critical appreciation of the short story. Intensive reading of a representative selection of American, British, and translated short stories. (CSU, UC)

ENGL 0037. American Film Masterpieces

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Development of a critical appreciation of the motion picture as art and literature. Emphasis on American films. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

ENGL 0038. International Film Masterpieces

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Development of a critical appreciation of the motion picture as art and literature. Emphasis on International films. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

ENGL 0040. The Filmed Novel

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Intended to increase students' knowledge of and appreciation for the genres of the novel and the film while developing an understanding of the challenges of adapting one art form into another. Serves as an introduction to the history and terminology of these art forms and provides the basic knowledge necessary to analyze them. Covers the choices made by the screenwriters and directors as they sought to overcome the problems posed by transforming the novel into a movie. (CSU, UC)

ENGL 0042. The Documentary Film

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Development of a critical appreciation of modern documentary film across a variety of subject matter: sports, advertising, politics, music, art, biography, foreign affairs, business, science, and history. (CSU, UC)

ENGL 0044. Children's Literature

Units: 3
Also known as HDEV 44
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Examination of high quality children's literature, both classic and contemporary, including criteria for selection, uses in child development and education, and practices in presentation and analysis. It includes the discussion of the history of children's literature and current issues such as censorship, literacy, multiculturalism, and diversity. This course is intended for prospective and current teachers, preschool aides, early child education (ECE) majors, librarians, parents, and students interested in the field of literature for children ages 0-13. (C-ID ENGL 180) (CSU, UC)

ENGL 0045. Young Adult Literature

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
An examination of high quality literary works written for for young adults, including discussion of literary form, the criteria for selection, practice in presentation and analysis, and aesthetic appreciation in young readers.Includes the discussion of the history of young adult literature and current issues such as censorship, literacy, multiculturalism, and diversity. May include representative writers such as Shakespeare, Dickens, Twain, and Tolkien as well as contemporary, diverse writers such as Angelou, Lowry, Rowling, Salinger, and Zusak. (CSU, UC)

ENGL 0046A. English Literature

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Survey of English literature from the Anglo-Saxon period through the mid 18th century. Study of selected major authors and texts of each period as well as significant or representative minor authors and texts. Incorporates analysis of the development of literary forms, developments and transformations of central themes, and developments in the historical, socioeconomic, and cultural contexts of the literature. Students may begin with either 46A or 46B. (C-ID ENGL 160) (CSU, UC)

ENGL 0046B. English Literature

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Survey of British, British Empire, and Commonwealth authors from the Romantic Movement through the late 20th to early 21st century. Includes works of principal Romantic, Victorian, and 20th century poets, novelists, playwrights, and/or essayists, as well as selected works of significant and representative minor authors. Incorporates analysis of the development of literary forms, developments and transformations of central themes, and developments in the historical, socioeconomic, and cultural contexts of the literature. Students may begin with either 46A or 46B. (C-ID ENGL 165) (CSU, UC)

ENGL 0047A. World Literature

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Survey of world literature in translation from the ancient world through the 16th Century. Includes representative works from major world literary cultures and eras; explores traditions where appropriate. Incorporates analysis of the development of literary forms, developments and transformations of central themes, and developments in the historical, and cultural contexts of the literature. Includes cross-cultural analysis and exploration of cross-cultural influences in literary culture. Students may begin with either 47A or 47B. (C-ID ENGL 140) (CSU, UC)

ENGL 0047B. World Literature

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Survey of world literature in translation from the seventeenth through twenty-first centuries. Includes representative works from major world literary cultures and eras, including post-colonial developments; explores literary traditions in defined cultural contexts. Incorporates analysis of the development of literary forms, developments and transformations of central themes, and developments in the historical, and cultural contexts of the literature. Includes cross-cultural analysis and exploration of cross-cultural influences in literary culture. Students may begin with either 47A or 47B. (C-ID ENGL 145) (CSU, UC)

ENGL 0048. Literature of Science Fiction

Units: 3
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Major themes and types of science fiction literature, its primary artists, and its literary and historical relevance. (CSU, UC)

ENGL 0050L. Mastering College Academic Literacy Laboratory

Unit: 1
Prerequisite: Completion of ENGL 570 and 570L with grades of "C" or better or placement by matriculation assessment process; AND completion with grade of "C" or better, or concurrent enrollment in, ENGL 50
Hours: 54 laboratory
Application of inferential comprehension and research strategies to a variety of college level texts. (not transferable)

ENGL 0802. Foundations of Academic Literacy

Units: 0
Prerequisite: Placement by matriculation assessment process
Hours: 80 activity
Course prepares students to begin English N, an integrated developmental college composition and reading course. Reading comprehension, composition, grammar, and sentence development skills are addressed. (pass/no pass grading) (noncredit)

ENGL 0812. Poetry Writing and Experiment

Units: 0
Hours: 8 to 18 lecture as scheduled
Designed for older adults interested in exploring the writing of poetry. Exercises and experiments with language in writing poetry. Uses primarily American poets (from Walt Whitman to Susan Howe and from George Oppen to Emily Dickinson) to determine how writers use image, form, sound and rhythm effectively. Develops a language with which to speak about the craft of poetry. May be repeated. (noncredit)

ENGL 0814. Selected Topics in Creative Writing

Units: 0
Hours: 8 to 54 lecture as scheduled
Course for older adults interested in exploring creative writing. Exercises in creative writing, drawing ideas from personal observation and experience. Overcome obstacles of how and where to begin writing, what to write about, and how to shape ideas into a variety of formats - creative paragraphs, short stories, nonfiction and fiction. Experiment with various styles, structures and forms of writing. Focus and topics will vary with each offering. May be repeated. (noncredit)

ENGL 0815. Selected Topics in Literature

Units: 0
Hours: 8 to 54 lecture as scheduled
Course for older adults interested in exploring literature. Study of selected styles of work and/or authors in literature. Examination of theme and impact of work on society. Includes discussion of the influences of the geographic, economic, cultural, and physical setting at the time of writing. May be repeated. (noncredit)

Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)

  • Use standard rules of grammar, punctuation, diction and syntax.
  • Write well organized, developed, edited, logically sound analyses and arguments.
  • Apply MLA documentation style in researched writing.
  • Apply reading strategies in order to critically analyze texts.
  • Interpret and analyze literary works.
  • Compose, evaluate, and revise original creative works and practice conventions of various genres.