Course Finder

This course helps older adult students understand areas of law that affect older adults. Older adults learn how the American justice system works and how to use the system or its alternatives when conflicts arise. Specific topics vary from semester to semester and may include: information on dealing with health professionals, landlords, or sales representatives; information about small claims court, mediation, negotiation, arbitration, and/or other methods of resolving conflicts; basic estate planning; wills and trusts; tax law; powers of attorney; elder abuse; and advanced care directives.

This course helps older adults explore a variety of Spanish literature in the language in which it was written and stimulates their appreciation of the vast literary output of Spain, Latin America, and other Spanish speaking countries. Students may also explore the history and culture of the country in which a literary work was produced, and participate in class discussions in Spanish.

This course helps older adults understand and appreciate the vast literary output of France and other French speaking countries, and introduces them to French culture and people. Older adults explore a variety of French literature in the language in which it was written and engage in stimulating discussions with their peers.

This course helps older adults experience and appreciate the vast literary output from non-English speaking countries and discuss that literature with peers in the language in which it was written. Course sections may focus on literature from any non-English speaking country, as long as there are sufficient numbers of interested students and faculty who can teach in that language are available.

This course, which examines the world’s greatest literary works (such as James Joyce’s Ulysses) is designed to help older adults learn about trends in writing in different societies. Older adults learn about the uniqueness of each age of literature and each author under scrutiny. Various literary themes and the concerns of authors in different historical periods serve as a basis for discussion so that older adults may compare and contrast these topics with current events, modern cultures and sub-cultures, and societal structures and mores. Older adults will also discuss with their peers how these works relate to their own life experiences and accumulated knowledge.

This course is designed for older adults who want to explore literature, such as the works of Milton, Austen, Hawthorne, and T.S. Eliot, as well as short stories from Latin America, America, Europe, and Africa, and discuss it with their peers. This course allows older adults to experience a wide range of classic and contemporary literature in a social setting and relate that content and emotion to their own personal life experiences.

This course allows older adults to study and discuss selected plays by William Shakespeare and his contemporaries with their peers. Older adults will experience or re-experience the emotional and dramatic content in Shakespeare’s classic works in light of their current life situations, and discuss the concerns of the human heart from the height of passion to the depths of despair.

This course introduces older adults to a wide variety of interpretations of biblical literature, encouraging students to offer interpretations based on their own knowledge and life experiences.

This course assists older adults in analyzing American novels, discussing them with their peers, and renewing their appreciation for this unique form of literature. Older adults learn background and trends in writing in different time periods and regions of America, and discuss how these works relate to their own life experiences and accumulated knowledge.

Discover the world of drama. Study theater from a literary viewpoint and learn about plots, characters and the many interpretations through comparative analysis.

This course introduces older adults to the world of ancient Greek drama and fosters discussion among peers. Older adults will study Greek theater from a literary viewpoint and learn about plots, characters, and different interpretations through comparative analysis. Older adults will learn how ancient Greek drama is interpreted in modern media and will relate it to their own lives and experiences.

This course stimulates older adults — many of whom are in residential or convalescent homes — to rediscover their life experiences, interact with peers, and renew their involvement with music in order to promote mental, emotional, and physical health. Older adult students will discuss and listen to music, focusing on different themes or exploring a particular composer or musical era each week.

This course provides older adults with a telescopic look at the development of music in western culture. Older adults learn how musical experiences can continue to enhance and stimulate their lives, and explore the origins and development of western music from major historical periods. Older adults listen to and discuss western music with their peers, learn about musical style, form, and composers, and share ways in which western music has influenced their lives.

This seminar provides a supportive atmosphere for discussions about a variety of topics of interest to older adults. Topics may include philosophy, music, laughter as good medicine, legislation that affects older adults, and others. For example, in a seminar focused on philosophy, older adults might explore philosophical sources and connections between ideas, values, and concepts that are relevant to older adults’ life experiences. In a seminar focused on musical performance, older adults might be exposed to different performers, composers, and musicians and engage in stimulating discussions about music, performers’ lives, the ways in which music and art can enrich one’s life, and so forth. Regardless of the specific topic, this seminar provides a space for older adults to socialize with their peers and validate their life experiences while gaining exposure to mentally stimulating content.

This course reinforces older adults’ love of performing music in public and provides a structure for them to express themselves and participate in a performance group during their later years. Older adults also experience the physical benefits of deep breathing and head, eye, and ear coordination that result from playing a musical instrument. The course mentally stimulates older adults to concentrate on a wide variety of musical score, memorize parts, and problem solve in front of an audience.

This course re-stimulates older adults’ interest in and knowledge of music played on the guitar and enhances their self-expression through music. Older adults learn basic and some advanced guitar chords, strumming patterns, and finger picks while playing songs from the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, as well as traditional folk songs.

This course provides older adults with an opportunity to express themselves musically, perform in community events, gain a sense of belonging to a creative peer group, and continue their life experiences in music. The course also helps older adults improve their vocal performance skills, rehearsal techniques, and general knowledge of music.

This course provides a venue for older adults to discover or strengthen their musical creativity, personal vocal skill, performance standards, and self-confidence. Vocal exercises and solo singing. Advanced memorization is stressed.

This course introduces older adults to gospel music, literature, and singing techniques with the goal of performing throughout the community. The course provides a venue for older adult students to express themselves through gospel music, gain knowledge of the history of gospel music, build or rebuild their self-confidence as soloists or group performers, and interact with a group of creative peers.

This course provides older adults (primarily those with a working knowledge of the Spanish language) with an opportunity to practice and perform music in Spanish from around the world. Older adult students are introduced to Spanish music, literature, and singing techniques from their own and other cultures, and encouraged to express themselves through Spanish folk songs.

This course helps older adults understand and appreciate opera as a music form and provides opportunities for socialization through shared interests. Older adults learn about the creative aspects, history, and development of opera. The course includes operatic experiences, live productions, and other opportunities for mental stimulation and peer group socialization.

This course helps older adults understand how music can enhance their life experiences by learning more about music styles, composition, performance, and historical periods. Older adults listen to and discuss musical selections and composers’ biographies; expand their musical knowledge and understanding of different types of music, including orchestral, jazz, indigenous, and film music; and explore different aspects of musical performance by comparing different performers’ recordings of the same piece.

This course provides older adults with a musical growth experience, opportunities to enhance their self-esteem and sense of belonging, and a way to express their creativity and interact with peers. Older adults rehearse and perform three-part arrangements of classics, Broadway hits, and ragtime music, and learn to be positive contributors to the sound, appearance, and artistic personality of a performing chorus while keeping their concentration and lung capacity at a peak.

This course is intended to enhance the enjoyment of creating music among older adults and enhance their ability to express themselves through music. Older adults learn to play piano music at their own level and pace, and participate in group discussions with peers. Older adults also learn musical skills and concepts and develop their ability to play piano music.

This course furthers older adults — consumer knowledge about home gardening techniques; older adults learn what to buy, what to avoid, and how to get the most pleasure out of home gardening. Older adults also discuss gardening choices and techniques to compensate for difficulties brought on by aging, living in an apartment, or being on a fixed income. In addition, older adults study a wide variety of plants used in homes and gardens around them and learn about plant selection, care, and maintenance. This course emphasizes hands-on instruction in ornamental and edible gardening techniques, native plants, and water conservation.

This course helps older adults select and maintain a small garden or group of plants in an indoor environment. The course is designed especially for older adults in residential or daycare facilities, and helps older adults get the most pleasure out of gardening while socializing with others and using as many life skills as possible.

This course increases older adults’ understanding of local, national, and international current affairs and how it affects their lives as well as the world around them. Older adults consider the political, economic, and social movements that determine domestic and foreign policies in the United States and around the world.

This course helps Emeritus students understand how music and culture influences and is influenced by political movements. Emphasis will be placed on listening to the music of various eras in American history and discussing how the music shaped and was shaped by those historical events, and what the impacts of those events are on current American life and politics.

This seminar provides a supportive environment for older adults to discuss with their peers a variety of topics of interest to seniors, including the study of aging, public policy related to older adults, philosophy, literature, music and musicals, or religion. The course is designed to allow older adults to relate any of these topics to their life experiences and socialize with others in similar stages of life. Specific topics may vary from semester to semester and may include the history of comedy, the great American songbook, etc.

This course allows older adults to explore the human condition in historical and contemporary dramatic literature, fairy tales, myths, and legends, satire, and parody. By learning how to analyze and interpret these texts, older adults will be able to craft the characters that inhabit these stories. Through the transformative process of creativity, older adults improve their acting skills and participate in a public performance, which builds self-confidence and self esteem.

This course expands older adults’ knowledge of play production methods and the history of the theater as it relates to current society and the life experiences of older adults. Older adults will learn about theater production from the viewpoint of the director, actor, critic, and viewer.

This course increases older adults’ knowledge of how to present dramatic literature and allows them to express themselves by reading scenes, poetry, illuminating literature, or speeches in front of an audience. Older adults also interpret plays and practice acting skills with their peers. This course expands older adults’ experience with dramatic literature without requiring perfect recall from memory.

This course encourages older adults to awaken their childhood by introducing them to the fundamentals of theatre improvisation. Students will joyfully explore essential improvisation performance techniques like spontaneity, creating an environment, character development, and structuring a scene. Build community with classmates through exercises, games, and group activities while having fun developing transferable life skills like quick-thinking, playfulness, imagination, and self-discovery. No improv experience necessary.

In this performance-based class, students will be expected to learn and perform Close-up and Stage Magic. From card tricks to dinner table gags, the illusions covered in this class are practical, easy, and fun to do. Students will focus on entertaining friends and family while mastering the physical and mental concentration needed to create a successful trick. We will also discuss performance skills and presence on stage.

This course helps older adults explore the art, technology, language and appreciation of film from the point of view of the older adult. Older adult students analyze the fundamentals of film production as a means of encouraging mental stimulation and peer socialization. Film examples are shown in class for comparison and discussion.

This course will present basic energy concepts, lighting fundamentals and identification of opportunities for efficiency changes in buildings. Topics include scientific principles of energy, light and heat, energy codes and standards, metering and monitoring. Students will examine the economic, regulatory, and infrastructure issues affecting implementation of energy efficiency measures as well as their potential for solving energy and environmental problems.

This course will develop an intermediate level of understanding of energy efficiency concepts especially as they apply to reductions in residential energy consumption and the practice of Building Performance Analysis. This course will cover energy and power concepts, rate options, load profile understanding, an introduction to smart grid technology, deeper understanding of the principles of heat, air, and moisture movement in residential homes. Students will be introduced to the operation of energy audit equipment such as the blower door test, the duct blaster, and the combustion analyzer. Student will learn to identify CAZ zones (combustion air zones) and to structure the placement of the blower door and duct blaster and develop the procedure for measuring air leakage rates of a typical residential home.

• Advisory: ENERGY 1 and ENERGY 2.

This course examines energy efficiency concepts as they apply to reductions in energy consumption for commercial buildings. Assessment of building performance related to design, construction, and operation will be analyzed. Students will examine various gas and electric rate options, HVAC systems and types of high-intensity lighting. Load profiles, calculating return on investment, and life-cycle cost of commercial building energy retrofit measures are explored.

This course is an introduction to the methods and tools of engineering problem solving and design, including the interface of the engineer with society and engineering ethics. While addressing the branches of engineering, the functions of an engineer, and the industries in which engineers work, this course examines the engineering education pathways and explores effective academic strategies. Communication skills pertinent to the engineering profession are also addressed.

• Prerequisite: MATH 2 or (MATH 3 and MATH 4).

This course covers the principles of engineering drawings to visually communicate engineering designs. The course also serves as an introduction to computer-aided design (CAD). Topics include the development of visualization skills, orthographic projections, dimensioning and tolerancing practices, and an introduction to the engineering design process. Sketching, engineering drawings, and 3D CAD solid modeling skills are developed. The use of CAD software is an integral part of the course.

• Prerequisite: PHYSCS 21 and MATH 7.

This course covers basic principles of static equilibrium in two and three dimensions utilizing vector analysis and Newton’s laws. Various structures are considered which include trusses, frames, machines, and beams.

• Prerequisite: ENGR 12.

This course addresses the kinematics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies in two and three dimensions. Topics considered include universal gravitation, conservation laws, work-energy and impulse-momentum relations, and mechanical vibration.

• Prerequisite: PHYSCS 22.

This course serves as an introduction to the analysis of electrical circuits through the use of analytical techniques based on the application of circuit laws and network theorems. The course covers DC and AC circuits containing resistors, capacitors, inductors, dependent sources, operational amplifiers, and/or switches. The analysis of these circuits include natural and forced responses of first and second order RLC circuits, the use of phasors, AC power calculations, power transfer, and energy concepts.

• Prerequisite/Corequisite: ENGR 21.

This course serves as an introduction to the construction, measurement, and design of elementary electrical circuits and basic operational amplifier circuits. Students gain familiarity with the basic use of electrical test and measurement instruments, including multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and function generators. Using principles of circuit analysis for DC, transient, and sinusoidal steady-state (AC) conditions, students develop data interpretation skills by using circuit simulation software and by direct measurements of circuits. Practical considerations such as component value tolerance and non-ideal aspects of laboratory instruments are also introduced.

Please see “Independent Studies” section.

Please see “Independent Studies” section.

Please see “Independent Studies” section.

IGETC AREA 1A (English Composition)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 21B or ENGL 22, ESL 21B or Group A on the Placement Test.

This introductory course in rhetoric emphasizes clear, effective written communication and preparation of the research paper.

IGETC Area 1A (English Composition)

• Prerequisite: ESL 19B or Group A Placement.

This introductory course in rhetoric emphasizes clear, effective written communication and preparation of the research paper using texts that showcase issues of diversity and systems of difference. Students will learn of at least 2 different groups of people and begin to understand, through multiple perspectives and contexts, how political and social structures impact these groups. Examples of topics that may be discussed in class include the environment, violence, education, and the media.

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

This advanced writing course is intended especially for English majors and other students desiring to develop rhetorical skills beyond those practiced in English 1. It stresses critical analysis and argument, and focuses on style in effectively communicating with various audiences.

• Advisory: Eligibility for English 1.

This course is designed for college-level readers who wish to develop reading versatility, effectiveness and efficiency in reading and studying. It includes rapid reading applied to general materials, skimming, study-reading of college texts, an introduction to critical reading, and general vocabulary building.

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of technical communication, the process of creating, designing, and transmitting technical information to help people use it effectively. The course examines the essential rhetorical structure of scientific and professional texts. Using some of the latest technology, students will prepare specific types of documents commonly used in the academic and professional worlds, especially in the sciences, high technology, and environmental studies.

Please see “Internships” section.

Please see “Internships” section.

• Prerequisite: ENGL 2 and admission to the SMC baccalaureate program.

Written and oral communications vary greatly between disciplines and fields. Building on the critical thinking and writing skills developed at the lower division level, this course further prepares students in the application of logical reasoning, analysis, and strategies of argumentation in both written and oral communication of content specific information. Students examine scholarly and professional readings and apply theoretical perspectives in a variety of modalities (genres and media) in a way that is targeted to specific audiences. Through critical analysis and review of appropriate literature, as well as complex writing assignments, students develop writing as a core aspect of academic and professional practice. This course is open only to students who have been admitted to SMC’s Bachelor of Science program in Interaction Design. See )ixd.smc.edu for more information.

• Advisory: ENGL 1.

This course is designed to introduce students to the craft and technique involved in writing short fiction and/or poetry.

• Prerequisite: ENGL 30A.

This course continues the student’s training in the craft and technique of writing short fiction or poetry, and introduces creative non-fiction.

This course is designed to help students improve intermediate reading and writing skills necessary for college success. Students will increase their reading comprehension and vocabulary; they will build their understanding of patterns of organization used in academic writing, as well as their inferential reading techniques. Through the integrated study of reading and writing, students will develop an efficient writing process appropriate to audience and purpose. The course requires classroom work, and homework. In English 20, students will also review grammar and usage and develop skill in writing essays.

• Prerequisite: Group B on the Placement Test.

This course is the first semester of a two-semester course, English 21A/B. It consists of instruction in composition and the comprehension and analysis of readings, focusing on rhetorical strategies appropriate to audience and purposes in academic disciplines and the workplace. It also consists of a review of English grammar and usage.

• Prerequisite: ENGL 20.

This course is the second semester of a two-semester course, English 21AB. It continues the study of composition, the fundamentals of English grammar and usage, and analysis of readings. Students will explore research techniques, as they write essays with multiple sources.

ENGL 21B and ENGL 22: maximum of 3 units applied toward the SMC Associate degree.

• Prerequisite: ENGL 21A or ENGL 20.

This course provides extensive practice in composition, from pre-writing activities through rough drafts to final drafts, from single paragraphs to themes of several pages. Review of the fundamentals is assigned where needed.

ENGL 21B and ENGL 22: maximum of 3 units applied toward the SMC Associate degree.

• Prerequisite: Group B on the Placement Test.

This course is an intermediate course designed to improve the reading skills necessary for college success and is strongly recommended for all students who score at the B level on the English Placement Test. It concentrates on techniques of comprehension, such as finding the main idea, recognizing details and patterns of organization, as well as inference and critical reading skills. It also focuses on vocabulary development, study reading techniques and reading rate and flexibility.

• Prerequisite: Group A or B on the Placement Test.

This course is an intensive review of the principles of grammar for students who want to increase their understanding of the fundamentals of English. The course is open to all students at the A or B level. Students may wish to take the course prior to or concurrently with an English composition or a Business English course.

• Prerequisite: Group B on the Placement Test.

This course emphasizes clear, effective written communication and preparation of the research paper to prepare students for success in college-level composition and reading. It consists of instruction in composition, comprehension and analysis of college-level readings, and basic research skills.

C-ID: ENGL 105.

IGETC AREA 1B (English Composition- Critical Thinking) or 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

This course helps students to develop their critical thinking and writing skills beyond the level achieved in Reading and Composition 1. The course emphasizes the application of logical reasoning, analysis, and strategies of argumentation in critical thinking and writing, using literature (both fiction and non-fiction) and literary criticism as subject matter.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

A comparative study of selected literature originating in the Americas, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East from antiquity through the 16th Century.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

The course is a comparative study of selected works of fiction, poetry, and drama, in translation and in English, of literature from around the world from the mid-seventeenth century to the present. In addition, the course examines the social, intellectual, and historical foundations that have shaped the literatures of this period.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.
• Advisory: ENGL 2.

This course surveys literature written in English in countries around the world, including but not limited to the British Isles and the American colonies, from the pre-Norman period in England to the late 18th century.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

A continuation of English 5, this course covers English literature from the late 18th Century to the 20th Century.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

This course surveys American literature from its beginnings to 1865.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

This course introduces students to a wide range of American authors and their relationship to major literary and intellectual movements from 1865 to the present.

IGETC AREA 3B (Arts and Humanities)

Satisfies Global Citizenship

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

This course provides a survey of the literary works of California, exploring prominent themes and motifs expressed by native and immigrant groups from the time of the Spanish conquest to the 1980s. It defines California literature and its influences on the American literary canon. Students will study and compare issues related to identity and geography, assimilation, family, class, and gender as they are reflected in the works by writers from at least four ethnic groups in the state, including but not limited to indigenous peoples, Chicanos/Latinos, European Americans, Asian Americans, and African Americans.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

Satisfies Global Citizenship

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.
• Advisory: ENGL 2.

This course focuses on the literature written by and about the primary four United States’ racial groups: African Americans, Asian Americans, Latina/o/x Americans, and Native Americans. Students will analyze representative works from major genres and explore both the commonalities and differences among the works, with a focus on confusion and conflict around race and ethnicity specific to American history and culture. The course will also examine the influence of these writers and themes on American literature and the rethinking of the American literary canon.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

This course surveys contemporary American literature since World War II, with special emphasis on the novel. The selected texts include some of the essential and recurring themes in the history of American literature reflecting a diverse and evolving landscape of gender, ethnic and race relationships. The course content also aims to closely examine current literary criticism and cultural studies in order to familiarize students with different approaches to the interpretation of texts.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

In this course, students read and analyze seven or eight of Shakespeare’s most popular plays, as well as study his life, times, and theatre.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

This course introduces the students to the variety and wealth of British literature since 1945. The course will focus on novels, short stories, plays, and poetry from among such authors as Angela Carter, Salman Rushdie, Seamus Heaney, and Jeanette Winterson. The course will cover topics such as gender, race, sexuality, and class as well as explore changes in style, genre, and literary experimentation. Discussion of relevant British music, films, fashion, and art will also be introduced.

C-ID: ENGL 120.

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

This course focuses specifically on Children’s Literature, including the value of children’s books to child psychology and development, and the historical construction of childhood. It introduces representative works from major genres, develops students’ close reading and analytical writing skills, and promotes appreciation and critical understanding of the cultural, historical, and aesthetic qualities of literature.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

In this introduction to the humanities students will survey literature in conjunction with great works of art through the ages (painting, sculpture, music, architecture, dance) exploring how, at widely separated points in time, artists and writers have expressed and responded to cultural, political, and intellectual concerns of their day. In doing so, they will see literature in the context of other art forms.

ENGL 26 is the same course as HUM 26. Students may earn credit for one, but not both.

Formerly same course as HIST 30.

This course examines the works of African writers of the essay, the novel and shorter fiction, drama and poetry, with emphasis on the interpersonal, cultural, and political tensions of modern and post-modern Africa as expressed in its literature and history. It explores the universality of this literature while at the same time recognizing its sources in the conflicts of modern history and society.

C-ID: ENGL 120.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

This course explores the works of Afro-American writers of the essay, novel, short fiction, drama, and poetry. The course develops students’ close reading, analytical writing skills, and promotes an appreciation and a critical understanding of the cultural, historical, and aesthetic qualities of this portion of the American literary tradition.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

This course is an examination of the novel, short fiction, and drama which may be categorized as “absurd.” These writings portray humans as bewildered beings in an incomprehensible or meaningless universe.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

This course analyzes the images of women presented in fiction, poetry and drama in various historical periods. Special attention is given to the way women writers transform women’s psychological, sociological and political experience into literature, but course readings may also include male writers.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

Major works of Asian literature will provide a window to the rich cultures of a fascinating part of the world. Students will study literature of at least four Asian countries. The course is designed to introduce students to the important values of the society, the major beliefs and traditions of the culture, and prominent motifs of the arts of these countries.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

This course will study the major literary works of Asian American writers of the essay, novel, short fiction, drama, and poetry. Through close reading and analytical writing, students will gain an appreciation and a critical understanding of the cultural, historical, and aesthetic qualities of the rich mosaic of Asian American communities. The course will explore the varied and complex nature of the Asian American experience and locate the literature of these communities in the broader context of contemporary American literature.

IGETC Area 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

This introductory course will study contemporary Asian literature and film as reflections of the cultural values and important social and political movements in some Asian countries. Students will study selected films and literature from at least three Asian countries each semester in order to highlight and explore the relationship between images and words, between the verbal text and the visual text.

IGETC Area 3B (Humanities)

Satisfies Global Citizenship

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

This course studies the major characters and tales from the mythologies of several Asian societies. A sort of ur-knowledge or ur-science, mythology in Asian societies is both an attempt to understand the nature of the cosmos and a human being’s place in it as well as a means of organizing relationships among people to form a cohesive, functioning society. The course takes a thematic approach to myths and legends from a variety of sources, especially literature and the visual arts, to examine humanity’s attempt to explain the unknown and the meaning of life: the beginning of the world, creation of living creatures, explanation of natural phenomena, relationships between gods and mortals, deeds of super heroes, duties of an individual in a society, death, and afterlife. The resonance of these mythological motifs and characters in modern Asian cultures will also be studied.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

This course studies the major characters and tales from Greek and Roman mythology. It takes a thematic approach to myths and legends from a variety of sources, examining humanity’s attempt to explain the unknown: the beginning of the world, creation of living creatures, explanation of natural phenomena, relationships between gods and mortals, deeds of super heroes, testing, death, and afterlife. The emphasis is primarily on Western culture — Greek and Roman myths which have influenced literature and allied arts from earliest time.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

This course provides an analytical and critical study of the Old Testament of the Bible, focusing on its component genres and literary qualities. Attention is given to how Biblical literature has been and can be interpreted, studied, and used. Representative types of Biblical literature are examined.

ENGL 51 is the same course as REL ST 51. Students may receive credit for one, but not both.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

This course introduces the students to the variety and wealth of literature contained in the New Testament. Attention is given to the ways in which Biblical literature has been and can be interpreted, studied, and used. The various types of literature in the Bible are set forth and representative pages of each of these types are presented and examined.

ENGL 52 is the same course as REL ST 52. Students may receive credit for one but not both.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

This course explores works by Latino-American writers living in the United States. Through critical engagement with works of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama, and film, students will develop close reading and analytical writing skills that promote appreciation and critical understanding of the cultural, historical, and aesthetic qualities of this portion of the American literary tradition.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

Selected poems, short stories, novels, tribal tales, speeches, and memoirs of Native Americans will be examined to deepen the student’s understanding of the experiences and perspectives of native peoples and cultures in what is now called North America.

IGETC AREA 3A (Arts) or 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

Formerly same course as TH ART 7.

This course surveys the work of the great modern dramatists, from Henrik Ibsen (“The Father of Modern Drama”) through Edward Albee.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

As a study of the 20th Century novel, this course includes the English novel and the European novel in translation.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

This course surveys 20th Century Latin-American literature. The poetry section begins with Dario and modernismo (1888-1910), postmodernismo (1910-1918) and vanguardismo (1918-1938): Neruda, Vallejo, Huidobro, Mistral, and Paz, among others, and concludes with postvanguardismo: Afro-Caribbean and other post-war poetic currents. Prose fiction will begin with realismo or criollismo (1880s-1930s), but will focus on the post-1940s, when Latin-American prose begins to enjoy international renown: Borges, Carpentier and Asturias, precursors to the “boom,” then Fuentes, Sabato, Vargas Llosa, Donoso, Cortazar, and Garcia Marquez, whose works popularized “magic realism.” The course will conclude with contemporary writers, such as Cabrera Infante, Allende, and Puig.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

This course surveys Mexican literature. It deals with pre-Columbian Aztec and Mayan writing, poetry from the colonial and independence periods, and nineteenth century romanticism, but will emphasize twentieth century literature as it evolves through Modernismo (1888-1912), Postmodernismo (1912-1918), Vanguardismo (1918-1938), and Postvanguardismo (1940s-1970s): Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz, Nervo, Velarde, Reyes, Pellicer, Paz, Castellanos, Sabines, and Pacheco, among other poets. The prose fiction section will begin with Azuela’s 1915 novel of the revolution, but will focus on post-1940s writers: Rulfo, Arreola, Fuentes, and Paz. Contemporary poets and writers (1970s-present) will complete the course.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

This course explores the works of Lesbian and Gay writers of the essay, novel, short fiction, drama, and poetry. The course develops students’ close reading, analytical writing skills, and promotes an appreciation and a critical understanding of the sociohistorical, cultural, and aesthetic contexts that shape representations of Lesbian and Gay experiences in literature.

• Prerequisite: ENGL 2.

This course allows students to study intensively, areas covered cursorily, if at all, in standard literature or composition classes. Students will explore primary works, source materials, and criticism in a seminar topic, giving oral presentations and writing critical analysis. Although the course is of particular importance for English majors, non-majors are also encouraged to take the course.

*UC transfer credit is contingent upon evaluation after transfer of the course by a UC campus. This course should not be used toward calculation of the minimum 60 units needed for admission to UC.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

This course is a survey of the history, scholarship, and transformations of the fairy tale. The course includes a thematic approach to the first fairy tale collections, examination of notable criticism, and a review of modern reinventions in literature, film, and new media.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

Satisfies Global Citizenship

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

This course surveys modern crime fiction (both short stories and novels) from around the world published after World War II. The novels and stories in this genre are both works of literature and cultural artifacts that provide a significant insight into the ethical, social, and political ethos of the country. The course, therefore, will study the dual identity of these novels and short stories: as literary works and cultural artifacts. Works from three of the following countries will be studied (in English translation): Japan, Sweden, the United States, and Nigeria. Students will compare adaptations of the crime fiction genre and the ways in which crime and social justice resonate in these cultures.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

Science fiction raises the central existential question of what it means to be human in an evolving and incomprehensible world and cosmos. Works in this genre are compelling critiques of the status quo that inspire us to work towards a more humane world. The course will examine Post World War II works in short story, novel, poetry, drama, and film from around the world and how these tales provide an astonishing diversity of thought to the enduring themes of social justice, environmentalism, gender identity, and dreams and nightmares of utopia.

IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities)

• Prerequisite: ENGL 1.

Graphic literature, also referred to as sequential art or graphic fiction, is one of the world’s great storytelling media. Students will explore its rich history, and consider its evolution from its comic book origins into a multi-faceted international genre. Graphic literature is — in the words of author and artist Eddie Campbell — “an emerging new literature of our times in which word, picture, and typography interact meaningfully and which is in tune with the complexity of modern life.” Students will learn how to read graphic literature, talk about what makes it powerful or effective, and explore a variety of critical approaches to visual storytelling as both a medium of communication and a unique form of literary art.

This course is designed for students to enhance and improve their skills to promote success in college-level composition and reading. It consists of instruction in composition and the comprehension and analysis of readings. It also includes discussion, in-class writing, and a review of English grammar and usage.