English Department

English Department

Introduction

The study of English at COS builds capabilities needed for success in most fields. Employers are interested not only in the skills implied by the degree -- creating, drafting, rewriting, editing, classifying, explaining, and interpreting -- but also in the professional potential possessed by an applicant who brings such skills to an organization. Students with a Bachelor's Degree in English can pursue careers in any profession that requires strong communication skills. In addition, Students with a Bachelor's Degree in English can pursue a teaching credential for either elementary or secondary schools; they can also specialize in English as a Second Language, Reading, or Special Education. Teaching at the community college level requires a Master's Degree, while Universities prefer the Ph. D degree. For those who seek adventure, opportunities to teach English in foreign countries abound.

The COS English Department is committed to providing students with exceptional learning experiences, learning experiences that will stay with them the rest of their lives. Courses are designed to provide majors and non-majors with solid foundations in grammar, composition, literature, creative writing, and communication. Dedication, innovation, and creativity are just some of the words that describe the faculty and the courses they teach. If you have an interest in earning a degree in English, please contact one of the following: Steve Reynolds, Maria Fernandez, Mike Tischler, and Michelle Van Aalst. To learn more about individual faculty members and the courses they teach, we invite you to explore the links that follow.

The English Program

The English program at College of the Siskiyous provides training in analytical, communicative, and writing skills necessary for a number of professions. English majors have a good background for careers in teaching, journalism, technical writing, free lance writing, telecommunications, editing, magazine or book publishing, book marketing and distribution, advertising, law, business, and corporate communication. The English major prepares students for careers requiring strong communication skills, organizational abilities, and critical thinking skills. The English curriculum also academically prepares the student to transfer to a 4-year university to complete a Baccalaureate degree in a related discipline.

Major requirements are the same for the Associate of Arts and Associate of Arts-Transfer

English (AA and AA-T)
Students must complete the following requirements with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0:

  • The English major requirements below.
  • The California State University General Education – Breath (CSUGE) (39 units) or the       Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) (36 units) requirements.
  • Any needed transferable electives to reach a total of 60 CSU transferable units.

Complete the following courses: (6)

ENGL 1501 (1B) – Advanced Composition – Literature (3*)
ENGL 1502 (1C) – Advanced Composition – Critical Thinking (3*)
List A. Complete two of the following: (6)
ENGL 2042 (42) – World Literature (3*)
ENGL 2044 (44A) – American Literature I (3*)
ENGL 2544 (44B) – American Literature II (3*)
ENGL 2046 (46A) – British Literature I (3*)
ENGL 2546 (46B) – British Literature II (3*)
List B. Complete one of the following: (3)
Any course from List A not used above
ENGL 1019 (18/18A) – Introduction to Creative Writing (3*)
List C. Complete one of the following: (3)
Any course from Lists A or B not used above
ENGL 1033 (33) – Introduction to Shakespeare (3)
ENGL 2036 (36) – Children’s Literature (3)
Total Major Units: 18
CSUGE (39 units) or IGETC (36 units)
CSU  or UC transferable electives: 3-6 units
Total Degree units: 60


Double counting courses in GE and the major is permissible (9 units from the major requirements can be double counted in GE). Students should consult with an advisor or a counselor to plan the courses necessary to achieve their academic goal.

Certificate of Achievement
Creative Writing

Program Description
This program is intended to give a focused course of study for students interested in pursuing creative writing.  Students will be allowed to experience writing for a variety of genres, although the capstone project is intended to focus on the creating of a specific manuscript. From exploring and practicing the craft of writing to navigating the business of publishing, students who complete the Creative Writing Certificate will possess skills and experience that will propel them into the world of professional writing. Students will begin their journey into this certificate program in an introductory course that will prepare them for specialized courses in the genre(s) of their choosing: fiction, poetry, drama, and creative nonfiction.

Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to:

  • Define his or her individual genre/literary niche
  • Understand the history and current trends of chosen the genre
  • Establish personal style and voice
  • Navigate the business of writing/publishing

Career Options
Many career paths may open up for students who complete the certificate, including abstract writer, poet, proof reader, editor, journalist/reporter, feature writer, screen/television script writer, and speech writer. (Some career options could require advanced study).

Requirements for the Certificate:
Complete the following:

ENGL 1001 – College Composition (3)
ENGL 1019 –  Introduction to Creative Writing (3)
ENGL 1501 – Advanced Composition –Literature (3)
ENGL 2021 – Writing for Publication (3)
ENGL 1023 – Creative Writing Workshop (1)
Complete six units of the following:
ENGL 1020 – Advanced Creative Writing – Fiction (3)
ENGL 1021 – Advanced Creative Writing – Poetry (3)
ENGL 1022 – Advanced Creative Writing -- Creative Non Fiction (3)
MCOM 1005 – Film and Television Writing (3)
Total Certificate Units: 19
All courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.

Your Instructors

Name Contact Office
Marlys Jenks marlys.jenks@siskiyous.edu
Phone: 938-5884 		LRC 1
Maria Fernandez fernandez@siskiyous.edu
Phone: 938-5268 		McCloud Hall 108
Steve Reynolds reynolds@siskiyous.edu
Phone: 938-5554 		McCloud Hall 101C
Mike Tischler tischler@siskiyous.edu
Phone: 938-5322 		Life Science 4
Michelle Van Aalst vanaalst@siskiyous.edu
Phone: 938-5264 		McCloud Hall 107
Tina Fredette fredette@siskiyous.edu  
Carly Furry furry@siskiyous.edu Writing Lab
Judd Hanna hanna@siskiyous.edu Yreka Lab
Jaclyn McNamara mcnamara@siskiyous.edu Writing Lab
Victoria Sansome sansome@siskiyous.edu Online
Riba Taylor taylor@siskiyous.edu Online
Charlie Unkefer unkefer@siskiyous.edu
  

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