English Associate of Arts (AA)
About the Program
The Associate of Arts in English degree (AA) provides major preparation in English through an introduction to English composition, critical thinking, literature, and creative writing. Please note that the English AA does not guarantee admission to CSU as the English AA-T does. However, like the Associate in Arts in English for Transfer (AA-T), the coursework will prepare students for the critical reading and writing necessary in a variety of fields. The intent of the Associate in Arts in English (AA) is additionally to provide students with an enriched background in a broader, interdisciplinary range of courses that provides more general preparation in reading, writing, critical thinking, humanities, and creative expression. Students may take elective courses in fields as varied as English as a Second Language, French, Humanities, Mass Communications, Spanish, Speech, and Theater Arts. If the student prefers this broader range of preparation to that of the Associate in Arts in English for Transfer (AA-T) but also hopes to enter the English major at the transfer university of his or her choice, it is essential that the student also refer to the catalog of the prospective transfer institution and consult a counselor. If a student plans to attend the University of California, the AA in English may meet the student's needs just as well. Students should speak to a counselor about their options.
Career Opportunities
The coursework in English prepares students for the critical reading and writing necessary in a variety of fields, including law, education, publishing, business, government, information architecture, writing, nonprofit development and fundraising, and many more. Research and feedback from San Francisco Bay Area employers show that employees who can write well and think clearly are a valued commodity in the workforce.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students are able to:
- Analyze an author's use of literary techniques to develop a theme.
- Identify and evaluate implied arguments in college-level literary texts.
- Recognize, appreciate, and compare the similarities and differences between authors, characters and self that stem from historical era and cultural tradition.
- Use grammar, vocabulary and style appropriate for academic essays.
- Write a research paper using credible sources and correct documentation.
- Write an academic essay synthesizing multiple texts and using logic to support a thesis.
Learning and Career Pathway Maps
Required Core: (15 Units)
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 4 | Critical Thinking and Writing about Literature | 3 |
| ENG 35 | Modern American Literature | 3 |
| ENG 41 | Modern World Literature | 3 |
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing | 3 |
| ENGL C1001 | Critical Thinking and Writing | 3 |
List A: Select Two (6-12 Units)
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 11 | Introduction to Creative Writing | 3 |
| ENG 12A | Craft of Writing Fiction | 3 |
| ENG 12B | Craft of Writing Fiction: Intermediate | 3 |
| ENG 12C | Craft of Writing Fiction: Advanced | 3 |
| ENG 13A | The Craft of Writing Poetry: Beginning | 3 |
| ENG 13B | The Craft of Writing Poetry: Intermediate | 3 |
| ENG 19A | Journal of Arts, Literature, and Academic Writing A | 3 |
| OR | ||
| JAMS 19A | Journal of Arts, Literature, and Academic Writing A | 3 |
| ENG 19B | Journal of Arts, Literature, and Academic Writing B | 3 |
| OR | ||
| JAMS 19B | Journal of Arts, Literature, and Academic Writing B | 3 |
| ENG 20 | Studies in Shakespeare | 3 |
| ENG 32 | U.S. Women's Literature | 3 |
| ENG 42 | Literature of the African Diaspora in America | 3 |
| ENG 44 | Literature of the American West | 3 |
| ENG 45 | Studies in Fiction | 3 |
| ESL 24 | Advanced Reading and Composition I | 6 |
| ESL 25 | Advanced Reading and Composition II | 6 |
| ESL 26 | Advanced Editing | 3 |
| HUMN 28 | World Mythology | 3 |
| JAMS 11 | Introduction to Reporting and Newswriting | 3 |
| THEA 4 | Modern American Theater | 3 |
| THEA 11 | Stage to Screen | 3 |
Total Units for the Major: 21 - 27
The Associate Degree is conferred upon those students who complete the required 60 or more semester units of the degree pattern with a grade-point average of 2.0 or better, of which 12 units must be earned at Las Positas College. In addition, students must complete a General Education pattern in order to earn a degree: see the Las Positas College Associate Degree General Education Pattern or the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) patterns for a listing of areas and courses. Double counting courses in GE and the major is permissible. The number of units that may be double counted will depend on the entry point to the degree program, the optional course(s) taken, and the GE pattern selected. Elective units must be degree applicable. Consult with an adviser or a counselor to plan the courses necessary to achieve your academic goal.