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English

About the Program

Welcome to the Department of English at 17³Ô¹Ï, where we read, write, and think critically about a variety of local, regional, national, and global texts and contexts. Through carefully designed courses of study, students are invited to engage with texts that reflect a range of cultural perspectives.

The English Department empowers students by facilitating their understanding and use of language and other media as we support their academic, career-related, and personal endeavors.

"Reading and writing mean being aware of the writer's notions of risk and safety, the serene achievement of, or sweaty fight for, meaning and response-ability." Toni Morrision

 

What you can do with a degree in English

  • Writing & Editing
  • Communications
  • Education
  • Content Strategy & Development
  • Law
  • Journalism
  • Nonprofits
  • Business Development
  • And so much more!

Why Study English?

The English Major prepares students for a range of careers and disciplines. An English degree enhances students' critical reading, writing, and thinking skills and offers a breadth of cultural and historical knowledge through the study and creation of diverse texts.

Degree & Program Types

View list below for programs offered at 17³Ô¹Ï. Then select program map for a possible schedule that fulfills program and college requirements.

17³Ô¹Ï offers two English degrees. The ADT prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions. Students who complete the ADT in English are ensured preferential transfer status to any California State University (CSU) as an English major. 

For program requirements and full course listings, view .

Associate in Arts for Transfer

Associate in Arts

Winter 2025 Featured Courses in  Literature and Creative Writing

In addition to our core English 1A, English 1B, and English 1C courses in a range of modalities, we are offering a selection of compelling literature courses, all offered entirely online asynchronous, and creative writing courses, usually offered online with a hybrid, asynchronous one weekly meeting in Zoom.

Please check current schedule of classes for days and times and any changes or cancellations. 

LITERATURE

ENGL 7: Native American Literature

This course is an introduction to the history, development, and diversity of Native American literatures, from pre-contact civilizations to present-day tribal cultures. Readings include traditional creation myths, songs, and stories from a variety of tribal cultures; nineteenth and twentieth century autobiographical narratives; and significant works of fiction, poetry, and non-fiction prose by contemporary Native American authors. Emphasis on the specific religious, linguistic, historical, political and cultural context of Native American literary achievements. 

ENGL 10A: Literature & the Environment

This course explores literature from an environmental perspective, including analysis of texts across time, place, and space to explore the relationship between nature and culture, the human and non-human; examination of how literature reflects, shapes, and constructs perceptions of built and natural environments; and emphasis on intersections between literature, activism, and environmental justice from the perspectives of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, dis/ability, citizenship, geography, and species.

ENGL 12A: All Power To The People: Literature Of The Black Panther Party

An exploration and close examination of varied forms of literature related to, and inspired by, the Black Panther Party for Self Defense, founded in 1966 in Oakland, California, by Elbert Howard, Huey P. Newton, and Bobby Seale. Exploration and examination will span the organization’s inception to present-day, including mission statement, biographies, novels, interviews, documentaries, government and court documents relative to allegations of criminal violations, as well as Constitutional references, and online dialogue. Exploration and examination also includes subsequent resulting literature related to past and current social concerns, such as racial discourse, Black Lives Matter, 1st and 2nd Amendment rights, as well as film productions and documentaries, and evaluation of the Black Panther Party's continuing and present-day impact on society and popular culture.

ENGL 45B and 45BH: Survey of American Literature II: 1865 To The Present

This course introduces students to multicultural American literature from the end of the Civil War in 1865 to the present, focusing on the evolution of literary traditions, genres, cultural voices, and ecological landscapes within historical, philosophical, social, political, and aesthetic contexts. Special emphasis on the role of diverse writers in redefining the nature of American literature from the late 19th century through the 21st century.  This course includes an Honor options as ENGL 45BH.

CREATIVE WRITING

CRWR 39A: Introduction to Short Fiction

This course includes explicit instruction and practice in writing a variety of short fiction forms, including short narratives, flash fiction and traditional short stories. Assignments include reading, analyzing and responding to published works and student work, as well as writing original work. Analysis of public readings and/or interviews with writers.

CRWR 39B Advanced Poetry Writing

This course includes explicit instruction and practice in writing a variety of short fiction forms, including short narratives, flash fiction and traditional short stories. Assignments include reading, analyzing and responding to published works and student work, as well as writing original work. Class presentations and workshop leadership. Analysis of public readings and/or interviews with writers.

APPLY for Admission

Take a Creative Writing Course

The 17³Ô¹Ï Script

Want to write for The 17³Ô¹Ï Script? Take a Journalism course or join the Journalism Club. Learn more here!

 

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Questions?
Please Contact Me!

Amber La Piana and Ben Armerding, English Department Co-Chairs

lapianaamber@fhda.edu

armerdingbenjamin@fhda.edu


Division Office Contacts

LANGUAGE ARTS DIVISION
Valerie Fong, Division Dean
Phone: 650.949.7135
Email: fongvalerie@fhda.edu
Language Arts Division

 

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