English
28 courses · Napa Valley College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
ENGL-C1000 Academic Reading and Writing
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 72 hours lecture; 72 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Placement as determined by the college's multiple measures assessment process.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. Formerly known as ENGL 120.
ENGL-C1001 Critical Thinking and Writing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of college-level composition (ENGL-C1000/C-ID ENGL 100) or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
In this course, students receive instruction in critical thinking for purposes of constructing, evaluating, and composing arguments in a variety of rhetorical forms, using primarily non-fiction texts, refining writing skills and research strategies developed in ENGL-C1000 Academic Reading and Writing (C-ID ENGL 100) or similar first-year college writing course. Formerly known as ENGL 125.
ENGL-C1002 Advanced Composition and Literary Analysis
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of college-level composition (ENGL-C1000/ENGL-C1000H/ENGL-C1000E/C-ID ENGL 100) or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
In this course, students are introduced to works by diverse authors and major literary genres, developing close reading and analytical writing skills. Students also develop appreciation for and critical understanding of the cultural, historical, and aesthetic qualities of literature. Formerly known as ENGL 121.
ENGL-C1003 Critical Thinking and Writing Through Literature
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 72 hours lecture; 72 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of college-level composition (ENGL-C1000/ENGL-C1000H/ENGL-C1000E/C-ID ENGL 100) or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
In this course, students receive instruction in analytical, critical, and argumentative writing. Students develop critical thinking, close reading and literary analysis skills, research strategies, information literacy, and knowledge of accurate documentation through the study of diverse literary works from a variety of literary genres, developing an appreciation for literature. Formerly known as ENGL 123.
ENGL-90 Preparing for College Composition and Research
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 72 hours lecture; 72 hours total
English 90 is a class designed to build the students' skill level and confidence in academic reading and writing and prepare them for college level work, including research. The course emphasizes the relationship of reading, thinking, and writing, providing instruction in college-level critical reading skills, including the application of advanced reading comprehension skills, critical analysis, evaluation of college-level texts, as well as instruction in college-level essay development, including the concepts of coherence, clarity, and unity, and the correct use of grammar. A minimum of 5,000-6,000 words of writing is required.
ENGL-95 Composition Support
- Units
- 0.5-2
- Hours
- 36 hours lecture; 36 hours total
- Corequisite
- Concurrent enrollment in ENGL-C1000, ENGL-120A or ENGL-120B.
English 95 is a support course designed to build students' skill level and confidence in academic reading and writing. The course emphasizes the relationship between reading, thinking, and writing, providing instruction in critical reading skills and essay development to promote success in a concurrent transfer-level English course.
ENGL-96 Accelerated English
- Units
- 0.5-2
- Hours
- 27-108 hours lab; 27-108 hours total
- Corequisite
- Concurrent enrollment in ENGL-C1000, ENGL-120A, or ENGL-120B.
English 96 is a support lab designed to build students' skill level and confidence in academic reading and writing. The course emphasizes the relationship of reading, thinking, and writing, providing instruction in critical reading skills and essay development to promote success in a concurrent transfer-level English 120 course.
ENGL-115 Introduction to Media Writing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course teaches theory and practice of writing news and feature stories using accepted journalistic practices, including common story structures, interview strategies, legal and ethical issues, grammar, and style.
ENGL-116 Publications Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 hours lab; 54 hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students in this laboratory course will produce a newsletter, news website, or literary magazine. This course covers critical evaluation, review and selection of material for content as well as media ethics, writing, editing, design, multimedia, social media and other skills.
ENGL-120A Reading and Composition Stretch 1
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Eligibility for ENGL-C1000 or appropriate placement.
- Transfers to
- CSU
English 120A is the first semester of a two-semester sequence developing expository, narrative, and argumentative writing based on reading and analysis of essays and other college-level texts. This course emphasizes critical reading and thinking skills along with instruction in writing academic essays, including the concepts of coherence, clarity, and unity. 5,000 to 6,000 words of writing are required.
ENGL-120B Reading and Composition Stretch 2
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of ENGL-120A with a minimum grade of C.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
English 120B is the second semester of a two-semester sequence developing expository, narrative, argumentative, and researched writing based on reading and analysis of essays and other college-level texts. This course emphasizes critical reading and thinking skills along with instruction in research strategies and writing academic essays, including the concepts of coherence, clarity, and unity. A minimum of 6,000-8,000 words of writing is required.
ENGL-158 Dramatic Literature: The Stage on the Page
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 18-54 hours lecture; 18-54 hours total
- Advisory
- Completion of ENGL-C1000 or ENGL-120B with a minimum grade of C or appropriate placement.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
This course explores plays and other dramatic works with an emphasis on how the written word becomes embodied on the stage. Figurative language, character development, and cultural contexts will be examined for how they inform performances and theatrical production. This class is frequently taught in tandem with Theater Arts 158, but it is a separate course.
ENGL-200 Introduction to Creative Writing 1
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Eligibility for or completion of ENGL-C1000 or ENGL-120B with a minimum grade of C or appropriate placement.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
An introductory course in the practice of creative writing, including work in creative nonfiction, short fiction, and poetry. Emphasis is placed on learning and practicing the basic elements of craft and closely examining the work of published writers and students. There will be some use of workshop format to critique student work.
ENGL-201 Introduction to Creative Writing 2
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of ENGL-200 or equivalent with a minimum grade of C.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
An intermediate course in the practice of creative writing, including work in creative nonfiction, short fiction, and poetry. Emphasis is placed on learning and practicing elements of craft and closely examining the work of published writers and students. There will be some use of workshop format to critique student work.
ENGL-202 Introduction to Creative Writing 3
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of ENGL-201 or equivalent with a minimum grade of C.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
An advanced course in the practice of creative writing, including work in creative nonfiction, short fiction and poetry. Emphasis is placed on learning and practicing elements of craft and closely examining the work of published writers and students. There will be some use of workshop format to critique student work.
ENGL-203 Poetry Workshop 1
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of or eligibility for ENGL-C1000 or completion of ENGL-200 or equivalent with a minimum grade of C.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
A course designed to teach the craft of reading and writing poetry. Poets will meet in a workshop environment where they will complete weekly reading assignments and write poems based on assignments that facilitate knowledge of the craft of poetry. Students will also learn creative writing workshop techniques as they exchange suggestions on their work in progress as part of workshops. Written critiques of poems and instruction in poetic technique will be provided by the instructor.
ENGL-205 Fiction Workshop
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Eligibility for ENGL-C1000 or completion of ENGL-C1000, ENGL-120B or ENGL-200 with a minimum grade of C or appropriate placement.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
English 205 focuses on the craft and practice of fiction, including the study of various fictional forms such as short stories, short-short stories (or sudden fiction), and novels, as well as a variety of genres and narrative purposes. In addition to studying strategies and techniques of fiction, students will also focus on author point-of-view and subject position, and the historical and social contexts of writing. Students will create their own works of fiction, and they will read, discuss, and write extensively about contemporary works which reflect canonical, marginalized, and underrepresented voices. A major focus of the course is practice and participation in creative writing workshops in which students will share their work and provide constructive criticism on the work of their fellow writers. Written critiques of works-in-progress and instruction in the craft and practice of fiction will also be provided by the instructor.
ENGL-213 Survey of British Literature 1
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of ENGL-C1000 or ENGL-120B with a minimum grade of C or appropriate placement.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
This course focuses on reading and analyzing major works of British literature from the Anglo Saxon and Medieval periods through the eighteenth century. Literature will be reviewed in relation to its historical, political, social, and artistic contexts and its relevance to our times. Written exams and critical papers are required.
ENGL-214 Survey British Literature 2
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of ENGL-C1000 or ENGL-120B with a minimum grade of C or appropriate placement.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
Reading and discussion of major works of British literature from the nineteenth century through the present. Review of the literature in relation to its historical, political, religious, social, and literary contexts and its influence upon and pertinence to our times.
ENGL-215 Survey of American Literature 1
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of ENGL-C1000 or ENGL-120B with a minimum grade of C or appropriate placement.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
This course introduces students to America's literary traditions from their beginnings to the second half of the 19th century. Literature will be examined alongside its historical, philosophical, social, political, regional, and aesthetic contexts.
ENGL-216 Survey of American Literature 2
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of ENGL-C1000 or ENGL-120B with a minimum grade of C or appropriate placement.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
This course introduces students to a wide range of American authors and their relationship to major literary and intellectual movements from the second half of the nineteenth century to the present. Literature will be considered alongside the historical, social, and aesthetic contexts of the United States.
ENGL-220 Shakespeare: Introduction
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of ENGL-C1000 or ENGL-120B with a minimum grade of C or appropriate placement.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
The course offers reading and discussion of representative Shakespearean comedies, tragedies, and histories, as well as other selected plays and poems. The class examines changing texts and performances of Shakespeare's plays from the sixteenth century through the present. Students review the literature in relation to its diverse social, historical, political, religious, cultural, artistic, and literary contexts as well as in relation to its contemporary influence.
ENGL-224 Survey of Native American Literature
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of ENGL-C1000 or ENGL-120B with a minimum grade of C or appropriate placement.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
This course examines the unique literary contributions of Native American writers. Emphasis is placed on the living experience as expressed through Native works of nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and film, from pre-contact civilization to present day tribal cultures.
ENGL-226 Survey of African American Literature
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of ENGL-C1000 or ENGL-120B with a minimum grade of C or appropriate placement.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
This course surveys African American prose, poetry, fiction, and non-fiction from its roots in the vernacular tradition to the present. It examines the evolution of African American artistic expressions and literary movements with particular attention to the historical, political and cultural contexts surrounding them. Emphasis is placed on the multiplicity of voices that comprise African American communities in the U.S.
ENGL-228 Chicano and Latinx Literature
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of ENGL-C1000 or ENGL-120B with a minimum grade of C or appropriate placement.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
This course surveys Mexican American and Latino/a influences in American Literature, introducing major authors, movements and themes. Coursework emphasizes Hispanic cultural perspectives and the diversity of Latinx communities and voices in the United States.
ENGL-230 The Graphic Novel
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of ENGL-C1000 or ENGL-120B with a minimum grade of C or appropriate placement.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
This course is a survey of graphic literature as literary and artistic form. The course will examine conventions of form and genre so students can explore the types of stories being told through this unique, vital medium and the effects they have on the reader. The course will also review the literary and artistic techniques used in composing graphic narratives, and use formal analysis and critical approaches to analyze the ways historical, social, economic, psychological, and aesthetic forces shape graphic literature. Focus will be on graphic novels, but will also explore other graphic narratives such as comics and digital comics.
ENGL-231 Literature and Sexuality
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of ENGL-C1000 or ENGL-120B with a minimum grade of C or appropriate placement.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
This course explores literary representations of sexuality and the erotic. Students will read and analyze texts that both reflect and challenge queer and normative identities, with attention to cultural and political issues surrounding sex, gender, and orientation.
ENGL-232 Dystopian Literature
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of ENGL-C1000 or ENGL-120B with a minimum grade of C or appropriate placement.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
This course surveys the genre of dystopian literature: works set in a speculative bad-place (dys-topos). Study will include classic and contemporary works; major writers and themes of dystopian literature and an exploration of why dystopian literature has captured the contemporary cultural imagination.