Literature
“Without literature, life is hell.”—Charles Bukowski
Literature invites you to embrace the familiar, engage with the strange, make friends for a lifetime, lose yourself, find yourself, and inhabit other realities as you make sense of your own.
We offer three literature course each semester and one during the summer session. We've structured our offerings around a rotation of the core courses for the English major, American Lit I & II and British Literature I & II in alternating years. Beyond the surveys, you may, depending on the semester, take courses like Introduction to Shakespeare, LGBTQ Literature, Crime and Detective Fiction, the Novel, and Comics and the Graphic Novel.
It might not be hell, as Bukowski claims, but without literature, life is far less meaningful.
FAQS
Are literature classes different from other English classes you've taken?
Yes, very much so. While our courses do require writing, you’ll focus primarily on reading and responding rather than practice in composition skills. All of our classes, provide both lecture and opportunities for lively discussion.
Do Literature classes transfer?
Yes, literature classes are an engaging way to fulfill the Humanities requirement in IGETC and all other transfer programs. Our literature classes are also corequisites toward th completion of our Creative Writing Certificate program.
Can I major in English?
Yes, indeed. If you thrive on reading and conversing about good books, you should consider it. Our courses satisfy requirements for the English AA degree and our two-year Literature program will articulate directly with most core English major requirements at UC and CSU.
I need a book club that challenges me, but I don’t want to be graded. What are my options?
Our Literature classes can be taken as 2-unit, credit/no-credit classes if you enroll in our 800-level series. Here, you can read and engage with a professor and other students without having to worry about grades or write papers.
What courses are you planning to offer next semester and beyond?
Take a look our up-to-date schedule of Literature and Creative Writing courses:
Visit Webschedule to view current classes.
