Wondering Which English Course to Take First?
At DVC, we encourage you to take transfer-level English your first year. There are lots of ways to achieve this. Once you've completed the placement process, explore course options based on your academic needs and goals.
First-Term Course Options
Based on the level of support you need, we offer three unique options for your first year English course:
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In ENGL-122, you'll focus on the reading and writing process, including strategies for analyzing college-level readings and composing college-level essays. You'll learn how to integrate research and utilize rhetorical strategies that make your writing clear and well-developed.
Course details:
- 3 units
- IGETC 1A; CSU GE: A2; DVC GE: IA
- C-ID ENGL 100, CSU, UC
- 85 minute class periods
- About 4-5 essays
- Available on campus, online, or hybrid
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ENGL-122L is a great option for students who place into ENG-122 with the requirement or recommendation of additional support. Like ENGL-122, it focuses on the reading and writing process, including strategies for analyzing college-level readings and composing college-level essays. This course includes additional instructional time and more opportunities to practice building your research skills and rhetorical strategies.
Course details:
- 5 units (3 units are UC transferable. Talk to your counselor to learn more.)
- IGETC 1A; CSU GE: A2; DVC GE: IA
- C-ID ENGL 100, CSU, UC (credit limits may apply; see counselor)
- 150 minute class periods, allowing more time to practice skills with guidance from your instructor
- About 4-5 essays, written with additional scaffolding and feedback from your instructor
- Extra support with student skills and connection to support services
- Available on campus, online, or hybrid
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ENGL-122AL is our transfer-level, first-year college English course specifically designed for multilingual students. Like ENGL-122, it focuses on the reading and writing process, including strategies for analyzing college-level readings and composing college-level essays. This course includes additional instructional time and more practice with reading and grammar concepts specific to the needs of multilingual students.
Course details:
- 5 units (3 units are UC transferable. Talk to your counselor to learn more.)
- IGETC 1A; CSU GE: A2; DVC GE: IA
- C-ID ENGL 100, CSU, UC (Credit limits may apply; see counselor)
- 150 minute class periods, allowing more time to practice skills with guidance from your instructor
- About 4-5 essays, written with additional scaffolding and grammar support from your instructor
- Extra support with grammar, American college norms, and connection to student services
- Available on campus, online, or hybrid
Second-Term Course Options
We offer two choices for critical thinking courses to further develop your reasoning, reading, and writing skills:
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In this advanced composition course, you'll explore diverse literary genres. You'll learn how to analyze texts, develop your logical reasoning skills, and improve your ability to write compelling arguments. This course is designed to take your critical thinking, reading, and writing skills to the next level, going beyond what you learned in ENGL-122, 122L, or 122AL.
Course details:
- 3 units
- IGETC 1B; CSU GE: A3; DVC GE: IB
- C-ID ENGL 120, CSU, UC
- 54 lecture hours per term
- Prerequisite: English-122, 122L, 122AL or equivalent
- Available on campus, online, or hybrid
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This advanced composition course is designed for students who speak English as a second language. Similar to English 123, it explores various literary texts like stories, poems, and plays. You'll learn how to analyze texts, enhance your logical reasoning, and become better at writing compelling arguments. The course will elevate your critical thinking, reading, and writing abilities. Additionally, you'll receive extra assistance as you work on improving your academic language and editing skills in English.
Course details:
- 4 units (3 units are UC transferable. Talk to your counselor to learn more.)
- IGETC 1B; CSU GE: A3; DVC GE: IB
- C-ID ENGL 120, CSU, UC
- 54 lecture hours per term
- Prerequisite: English-122, 122L, 122AL or equivalent
- Available on campus, online, or hybrid
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In this advanced composition course, you'll explore diverse non-fiction sources. You'll learn how to analyze texts, develop your logical reasoning skills, and improve your ability to write compelling arguments. This course is designed to take your critical thinking, reading, and writing skills to the next level, going beyond what you learned in ENGL-122, 122L, or 122AL.
Course details:
- 3 units
- IGETC 1B; CSU GE: A3; DVC GE: IB
- C-ID ENGL 105, CSU, UC
- 54 lecture hours per term
- Prerequisite: English-122, 122L, 122AL or equivalent
- Available on campus, online, or hybrid
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This advanced composition course is designed for students who speak English as a second language. Similar to English 126, it looks at different types of non-fiction texts like articles and persuasive essays. You'll learn how to analyze texts, improve your logical reasoning, and become better at writing compelling arguments. The course will enhance your critical thinking, reading, and writing abilities. Plus, you'll receive additional support to enhance your academic language and editing skills in English.
Course details:
- 4 units (3 units are UC transferable. Talk to your counselor to learn more.)
- IGETC 1B; CSU GE: A3; DVC GE: IB
- C-ID ENGL 120, CSU, UC
- 54 lecture hours per term
- Prerequisite: English-122, 122L, 122AL or equivalent
- Available on campus, online, or hybrid
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Learn more!
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English 122, 122L, and 122AL are similar in these ways:
- Fulfill IGETC 1A; CSU GE: A2; DVC GE: IA
- C-ID 100, CSU, UC
- Meet English 122 student learning outcomes
- Are available on campus, online, or hybrid
- Include 4-5 essays (generally) that total 6,000 words over the course of the term
- Include class discussion and practice
- Include instruction in:
- College-level reading/analysis
- Evaluating arguments
- Writing process
- Essay structure
- Thesis development
- Topic sentences
- Paragraph development
- Finding & integrating evidence from outside sources
- Research
- MLA format
English 122, 122L, and 122AL are unique in these ways:
ENGL-122: First-Year College Composition and Reading
- 3 units
- 85 minute class periods
- Quick pace
ENGL-122L: First-Year College Composition and Reading with Additional Support
- 5 units
- 150 minute class periods, allowing more time to practice skills with instructor guidance
- Includes instruction on student skills and connection to student services
ENGL-122AL: First-Year College English Intensive for Multilingual Students
- 5 units
- 150 minute class periods, allowing more time to practice skills with instructor guidance
- Includes cultural, academic, grammar, and social support for multilingual students
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The difference is what you read!
English 123 is our critical thinking course that focuses on literature. Students read novels, plays, short stories, and poetry. Topics may include historical context, literary devices, and literary analysis.
English 126, is our critical thinking course that focuses on non-fiction. Students often read about current events through essays, editorials, and academic journals. Topics may include social media, social justice, political debate, and rhetorical analysis.
Both courses:
- Fulfill IGETC 1B; CSU GE: A3; DVC GE: IB
- Build on essay development and research skills learned in English 122/122L/122AL
- Teach critical thinking strategies
- Have the same writing standards
- Require the same amount of essays
Meet with a counselor to go over requirements for your specific major or transfer.
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The English department also offers courses in creative writing and literature, which you can take to fulfill general ed requirements or as part of an English degree. Learn more about our English program.