English

Taking an English class your first semester is a great way to start at City College! We have several options for you to choose from based on your individual needs and preferences.

• Is English your second language? Check out our ESL program, or English Language Acquisition (ELAC), for non-native speakers of English
• Ready for transfer-level English? Take English 101 or English 105 
• Ready for transfer-level English with extra support? Take English 101X or English 105X

English 101, 101X  and 105, 105X fulfill general education requirements. Check with a counselor to see which option is best for you based on your goals. You may also need to take English 205. 

We also offer classes in creative writing, literature, and linguistics. To see which classes are offered now, see our current class schedule. If you are a new student, you must register through CCC Apply before beginning classes at City College. Visit the City College website for additional information on how to apply or City's Help page for other general support.

 

Our Classes

The English program provides a breadth of course work designed to improve reading, writing, listening, speaking, and critical thinking skills. English classes range from developmental writing to transfer-level courses in reading and composition, composition and literature, and intermediate composition and critical thinking, as well as a series of sequential creative writing courses. Literature offerings include an introductory course and specialized courses such as British and American Literature and women in literature. Humanities courses explore cultural achievements of world civilizations. English department courses meet English Composition requirements for the associate degree and for University of California, and California State University, Communications in the English Language and Critical Thinking requirements. Literature courses may also meet general education, humanities, multicultural studies requirements, and preparation for transfer.

The English major at the lower-division level emphasizes learning to read more critically and to write more effectively using strategies of narration, exposition and argument. The English major primarily serves students transferring to colleges and universities where the focus is on academic writing, research, and criticism.

LIST OF COURSES

Non-Native English Speakers (ESL) (Click here for full course descriptions)
English Language Acquisition (ELAC) Program
ELAC 5A & B, 7, 15, 16, 26, 23, 25, 33, 35, 145

Composition (Click here for full course descriptions)

(General Education - Area 1A & 1B)
  English 101 and 101X Reading and Composition
  English 105 and 105X Composition and Literature
  English 205 Critical Thinking and Intermediate Composition

Creative Writing (Click here for full course descriptions)

  English 245A Writing Creative Non-Fiction
  English 245B Advanced Creative Non-Fiction
  English 247A Writing Seminar - Poetry
  English 247B Advanced Writing Seminar - Poetry
  English 249A Introduction to Creative Writing I
  English 249B Introduction to Creative Writing II
  English 252A Fundamentals of Fiction Writing
  English 252B Intermediate Fiction Writing

Literature (Click here for full course descriptions)

  English 208 Introduction to Literature
  English 209 Literary Approaches to Film  English 210 American Literature I
  English 211 American Literature II
  English 215 English Literature I: 800-1799
  English 216 English Literature II: 1800-Present
  English 220 Masterpieces of World Literature I: 1500BCE-1600CE
  English 221 Masterpieces of World Literature II: 1600-Present
  English 237 Women in Literature
  English 238 Evaluating Children's Literature
  English 240 Shakespeare

Linguistics (Click here for full course descriptions)

  English 202 Introduction to Linguistics

 

In this section, you will find answers to frequently asked questions about taking classes in our program. If you have additional questions not addressed below, you can contact one of our level coordinators listed in the previous section (click on the course descriptions to view the contacts), or email one of our department chairs: Nadia Mandilawi (nmandilaw@sdccd.edu) or Trissy McGhee (pmcghee@sdccd.edu).

What does my milestone mean (R30/W30, R40/W40, or R50/W50)?

When you applied to City College (or Mesa or Miramar), you were given an R/W score or directed to Placement Assistant or the ELAC Guided Self-Placement. Your milestone score indicates which classes you have access to.

• R30/W30: You can take ENGL101X or 105X (transfer-level English with support)
• R40/W40: We recommend you take ENGL101X or 105X, but you can ENGL101 or 105 (transfer-level English without support)
• R50/W50: You can take ENGL101 or 105

If you took the ELAC Guided Self-Placement, you are given an L-level (L19, L20, L30, L40). Please see the ELAC webpage for more information.

Do you have English classes online or in-person?

Both! Covid-19 vaccine requirements will no longer be necessary for students beginning fall 2022. We will continue to offer fun and exciting classes in a variety of modalities, including: 

• In-person, on campus during the days/times indicated on the class schedule;
• Online, required live online sessions during the days/times indicated on the class schedule (Remote); and/or
• Online, may have optional live online sessions (Web) 

The required class times - in-person and/or online - will be during the days and times listed in the class schedule. Please refer to the class schedule for a more detailed list of offerings.

What if I am not a native speaker of English? What classes should I take?

If English is not your first language, we recommend you take the online ELAC Guided Self-Placement to know which ELAC classes to take, if any,  to prepare you for transfer-level English. You will still have the option to go directly into an English class based on your R/W milestone, if you prefer. For more information about our ELAC Program, please visit our ELAC webpage.

When should I take my English classes?

It's generally best to take an English class your first semester since most other classes require college-level reading and writing skills. Please check with a counselor to make sure that is what's best for you based on your academic goals.

What is the difference between ENGL101 and ENGL101X?

English 101X (5 units) fulfills the same requirements as English 101 (3 units), but with additional support.  In English 101X, you'll have more class time to discuss the readings and have a deeper understanding and more class time to work on revising your writing. Similarly English 105X is the same as English 105 but with additional support.

Does ENGL101X fulfill my transfer-level English requirement?

Yes! English 101X fulfills the same transfer-level English requirement as English 101.

What is the difference between ENGL101 and ENGL105?

English 105 focuses on reading and analyzing  literature. It fulfills the same requirements as English 101. In general, you should take either English 101 or 105. Please check with a counselor to know which class is best for your academic goals. 

What do I take after ENGL101?

After you complete English 101 or 101X, you may need to take English 205. Please check with a counselor to know what the best option is for your academic goals.

How do I contact an instructor?

Email is often the best way to contact instructors. Most City College English Instructor email addresses are available in the "Faculty" section below. You can also find instructor email links in the online schedule.

If you are having trouble connecting with a City College English instructor, email one of our department chairs for assistance.

Nadia Mandilawi (nmandilaw@sdccd.edu)
Trissy McGhee (pmcghee@sdccd.edu)

Where can I get help with my reading and writing?

The English Center provides free tutoring services and workshops to help you in any class that requires reading and writing. Please visit the English Center webpage for more information.

In this section, you will find information on what classes to take for the following:

• Associate of Arts degree in English
• Associate in Arts degree for Transfer in English
• Certificate of Performance: Creative Writing
• Certificate of Performance: English Language Acquisition

You can also find this information in the City College catalog.

To apply for an Associate of Arts degree, see the instructions here and visit your mySDCCD portal.  To apply for a Certificate of Performance, see the instructions here and the fillable form here.

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Associate of Arts Degree: English

Courses Required for the Major: 

• ENGL 101 Reading and Composition (3 units) or ENGL 105 Composition and Literature (3 units)
• *ENGL 205 Critical Thinking and Intermediate Composition (3 units)
• **ENGL 215 English Literature I: 800-1799 (3 units)
• **ENGL 216 English Literature II: 1800-Present (3 units)

Select 3 units from the following (recommended sequence for UC Transfer):

• ENGL 208 Introduction to Literature (3 units)
• ENGL 220 Masterpieces of World Literature I: 1500 BCE-1600 CE (3 units)
• ENGL 221 Masterpieces of World Literature II: 1600-Present (3 units)

Select 3 units from the following (recommended sequence for UC Transfer):

• **ENGL 210 American Literature I (3 units)
• **ENGL 211 American Literature II (3 units)
• ENGL 245A Writing Creative Nonfiction (3 units)
• ENGL 247A Writing Seminar-Poetry (3 units)
• ENGL 249A Introduction to Creative Writing I (3 units)
• ENGL 252B Intermediate Fiction Writing (3 units)

Total Units = 18

*Meets SDSU/CSU critical thinking requirement.
**Recommended sequences for UC transfer.

Note: English 205 meets SDSU/CSU critical thinking requirement.

Note: English 215 and 216 are required by SDSU and UCSD. 

Electives as needed to meet the minimum of 60 units required for the degree. 
Recommended Electives: English 202, 209, 238, 240, 245A, 247, 249, 252A, 252B; Humanities 101, 102, 201, 202; Journalism 200, 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D. 

Courses designed to support this and other majors: ELAC 15, 25, 23, 35, 33, 145. 

Transferable Units as Prep for the Major at SDSU SDSU will accept a total of 12 units of literature and creative writing as preparation for the English Major. This includes any combination of lower division literature courses and up to six units of creative writing courses.

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Associate in Arts for Transfer Degree: English

The Associate in Arts in English for Transfer Degree is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor's degree in English or a related major in the California State University (CSU) system. It is accepted by some but not all CSU campuses. Students who complete this degree and transfer to a participating CSU campus will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor's degree. It may not be appropriate preparation for students transferring to a CSU campus that does not accept the degree. Students who plan to complete this degree should consult a counselor for additional information about participating CSU campuses as well as university admission, degree, and transfer requirements. 

NOTE: Students intending to transfer into this major at a CSU should consult with a counselor and visit www.assist.org for guidance on appropriate transfer coursework.

It is strongly recommended that students consult with a counselor to determine which general education option is most appropriate for their individual educational goals.

Courses Required for the Major:

• ENGL 205 Critical Thinking and Intermediate Composition (3 units)
• ENGL 208 Introduction to Literature (3 units)

Select four courses (12 units) from the following:

• ENGL 210 American Literature I (3 units)
• ENGL 211 American Literature II (3 units)
• ENGL 215 English Literature I: 800–1799 (3 units)
• ENGL 216 English Literature II: 1800 – Present (3 units)
• ENGL 220 Masterpieces of World Literature I: 1500 BCE – 1600 CE (3 units)
• ENGL 221 Masterpieces of World Literature II: 1600 – Present (3 units)
• ENGL 249A Introduction to Creative Writing I (3 units)

Total Units = 18

Note: It is recommended that students select courses that meet lower division major preparation requirements for their transfer university. 

Transfer Information 

Common university majors related to the field of English include: Creative Writing, Comparative Literature, English, Humanities, Language Studies, Linguistics, Literature. Course Requirements for Transfer Students Students who plan to transfer to a four year college or university and earn a bachelor's degree in this discipline should consult with a counselor or visit the Transfer/Career Center to determine the appropriate major preparation courses for their specific transfer institution and major. Transfer students may also earn an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences with an emphasis. This degree may be individually tailored to each student's specific transfer requirements in order to provide the most efficient path to transfer. More information on transfer programs and procedures is available in the Transfer Programs section of the catalog.

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Certificate of Performance: Creative Writing

Courses: 

• ENGL 249A Introduction to Creative Writing I (3 units)

Select two courses from the following:

• ENGL 249B Introduction to Creative Writing II (3 units)
• ENGL 245A Writing Creative Nonfiction (3 units)
• ENGL 245B Advanced Creative Nonfiction (3 units)
• ENGL 247A Writing Seminar-Poetry (3 units)
• ENGL 252A Fundamentals of Fiction Writing (3 units)
• ENGL 252B Intermediate Fiction Writing (3 units)
• DRAM 108 Playwriting (3 units)
• RTVF 110 Introduction to Scriptwriting (3 units)

Select two courses from the following:

• ENGL 208 Introduction to Literature (3 units)
• ENGL 210 American Literature I (3 units)
• ENGL 211 American Literature II (3 units)
• ENGL 215 English Literature I: 800-1799 (3 units)
• ENGL 216 English Literature II: 1800-Present (3 units)
• ENGL 220 Masterpieces of World Literature I: 1500 BCE-1600 CE (3 units)
• ENGL 221 Masterpieces of World Literature II: 1600-Present (3 units)
• ENGL 240 Shakespeare (3 units)
• BLAS 155 African American Literature (3 units)
• CHIC 135 Chicana/o Literature (3 units)

Total Units = 15

Recommended Electives: English 36.

A Certificate of Performance is a departmental award that does not appear on the student's transcript. All courses must be completed within the San Diego Community College District.

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Certificate of Performance: English Language Acquisition 

The English Language Acquisition (ELAC) Certificate of Performance recognizes an advanced level of English language achievement for students whose first language is not English. Students who earn this certificate have successfully completed advanced ELAC coursework in grammar, writing conventions, reading skills, and critical thinking.

Note: Upon successful completion of the Certificate of Performance, students should be able to: 

• Analyze and synthesize the written works of others and compose an organized, multi-paragraph piece in response.
• Revise and reflect on own written work that demonstrates an advanced level of reading, writing, and critical thinking. 

Courses Required for the certificate: 

• ELAC 145 Integrated Reading, Writing, and Grammar III (6 units) 

Select three units from the following: 

• ELAC 5B English Language Grammar - High-Intermediate/Advanced (1-2 units)
• ELAC 7 English Pronunciation (1-2 units)
• ELAC 33 Academic Listening and Speaking II (3 units)

Total Units = 9 

A Certificate of Performance is a departmental award that does not appear on the student's transcript. All courses must be completed within the San Diego Community College District. 

Note: This program is not eligible for federal financial aid in accordance with Federal regulations.

 
Interested in transferring to a four-year university?  This section features information on the transfer process and requirements, how to prepare for transfer, and transfer and career resources at City.
 

Need an introduction to the transfer process?

Check out the San Diego Community College Transfer Guide from the San Diego City College catalog. This guide also includes information on the requirements for students following the IGETC or CSUGE-Breadth Patterns.

Need help planning which classes to take to transfer as an English major?

We recommend that you meet with an Academic Counselor to complete an Education Plan. Visit the City Counseling and Personal Growth website to schedule an appointment today. Appointments book up fast, so don't delay!

Want information on transfer timelines, requirements, or how to meet with university representatives?

Visit the San Diego City College Transfer and Career Center website to make your transfer process smooth and easy. Information on the website includes:

• Admissions deadlines and time frames
• Links to transfer applications
• Meetings with admissions counselors and advisors from UCs, CSUs, and other colleges
• Transfer events such as campus visits and university fairs
• Transfer workshops
• Transfer Counseling
  
  

Want to learn more about studying English at some of our local universities after you finish at City?

Check out their department websites below:

• San Diego State University Department of English and Comparative Literature 
• California State University, San Marcos Literature and Writing Department
• University of California, San Diego Literature Department
• University of San Diego Department of English
• National University Bachelor of Arts in English
• Point Loma Nazarene University Department of Literature, Journalism, Writing, and Languages

 

Interested in getting published or performing your work before a live audience? Want to graduate with Honors or see how the work you do in class relates to the "real world?" Taking an English class at City connects you not only with remarkable instructors and other amazing students, but also to programs and events happening on our campus at large. Click on the titles or contact the coordinators listed below for more information on how you can get involved!

  

English Center

We provide a community-based learning
environment to help City College students become more effective, confident and independent readers, writers and critical thinkers.  In support of this mission, the English Center offers assistance for all disciplines through one-on-one peer tutoring sessions, workshops, the opportunity for qualified students to gain experience as peer tutors and mentors, and more!

Contact: 
Chris Baron, Coordinator (cbaron@sdccd.edu)

 

Honors

Each year over 500 students participate in City College's Honors Program. Honors classes are stimulating, engaging, and offer a greater level of depth while emphasizing student involvement, participation and performance. For more information or if you are interested in applying, visit our website or contact one of our coordinators.

Contact:
Hector Martinez, Coordinator (hmartine@sdccd.edu)
Dr. Kelly Mayhew, Coordinator (kmayhew@sdccd.edu)
Dr. Sarah Pitcher, Coordinator (spitcher@sdccd.edu) 

VAMP 

VAMP, which stands for Visual Audio Monologue Performance, is a student storytelling showcase performed in front of a live audience. Eight students are selected for each show, and they work with writing and performance coaches over a period of 5 weeks. VAMP performers have gone on to be published in local anthologies, be accepted to MFA programs, and take part in other community writing projects. Read the City Times coverage of our 2021 showcase here and see some of our past performances here. 

Contact:
Trissy McGhee, Coordinator (pmcghee@sdccd.edu)
 

Social Justice Conference

The Social Justice Conference addresses a broad range of discussion topics that offer meaningful, community dialogue about the challenges facing our nation. Speakers and presenters have included activists, poets, artists, musicians, community organizers, and more.

Contact:
Paul Lopez, Coordinator (mplopez@sdccd.edu)

City Works Literary Journal

Since 1994, City Works has been publishing the poetry, fiction, prose, and artwork of City College Students along with the work of local, national, and international writers and artists. Our intention is to create a journal that reflects the identity and character of San Diego City College, provide a venue for emerging local artists, broaden our reach nationally, and encourage interaction between the college and the community at large.

Contact: 
sdcityworks@gmail.com 

City Works Press 

The San Diego Writers Collective is a group of San Diego writers, poets, artists, and patrons dedicated to the publication and promotion of the work of San Diego area artists of all sorts. Our specific interests include local, ethnic, and border writing as well as formal innovation and progressive politics.

Contact:
info@cityworkspress.org 

PATH: Preparing Accomplished Transfers to the Humanities 

PATH is a collaborative program between the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) and UC San Diego to help provide guidance to transfer students studying arts and humanities. Transfer students apply for the PATH program after receiving their acceptance to UC San Diego. Students accepted into the PATH program receive benefits not otherwise available to them at two time periods: during the summer before starting at UC San Diego, and during the school year while at UC San Diego.

Contact:
Kelly Mayhew, Coordinator (kmayhew@sdccd.edu)
 

League for Innovation Literary Contest

Each year, the League for Innovation invites its board member colleges to participate in the annual Student Art Award and Student Literary Award competitions. These two competitions enable community college students to compete with their peers across North America. Notably, the competition provides a means to showcase a selection of the best works being created by today's community college students. 

Contact:
Christy Ball, Coordinator (cball@sdccd.edu)

Puente

The Puente Project is an academic preparation program that, for more than 25 years, has
improved the college-going rate of tens of thousands of California's educationally disadvantaged students. The project's mission is to increase the number of educationally disadvantaged students who enroll in four-year colleges and universities, earn college degrees, and return to the community as mentors and leaders of future generations.

Contact: 
citypuente@gmail.com

Umoja

The Umoja Community at San Diego City College is a program designed to assist African American and other historically underrepresented students who desire to transfer to four-year colleges and universities, and earn their degrees. Course materials, discussions, and activities focus on African-American culture, literature, and experiences. Through Umoja, students can prepare for transfer while taking culturally relevant coursework and participate in enriching activities with students who share similar goals.

Contact:
Erin Charlens, Coordinator (echarlens@sdccd.edu)
Ebony Tyree, Student Leadership and Club Advisor (etyree@sdccd.edu)

New Play Festival

Contact:  
Katie Rodda (krodda@sdccd.edu)
Katie Stone (kstone@sdccd.edu)

World Cultures

Experience global culture through film, drama, literature, expert speakers, and the arts. World Cultures events encourage understanding, appreciation, and celebration of human diversity on our campus and in the world. 

Contact:
Mike Espar, Coordinator (mespar@sdccd.edu)

Hermanos Unidos Brothers United (HUBU)

Hermanos Unidos/Brothers United is a movement and brotherhood that embraces and validates who you are as great men and leaders in your communities. The HUBU mission is to increase faculty and student interaction; promote community, cultural, and gender identity development, and encourage peer-to-peer interaction between students. 

Contact:
Rasheed Aden, Counselor & Coordinator (aaden@sdccd.edu)

Attention students who've completed classes in our program: Are you transferring to a university? Did you perform at VAMP or a spoken word event? Were you awarded a scholarship? Are you working in your dream job?  Let us know by filling out this form here so that we can feature you on this website.

 

Joanie Lopez
Joanie Lopez is a disabled Chicana and the first person to attend college in her Mexican family. While at City, she took honors courses, earned a writing certificate, and published her stories in several publications, including the textbook, A Community of Readers, and the Sunshine Noir II and Reclaiming Our Stories anthologies. She also performed her stories at the VAMP storytelling showcase. Joanie was the chair of MEChA and worked closely with the Chicano Studies department. She earned two AA degrees, one in the English transfer program and one in Chicano Studies in 2017. Upon transfer to UC San Diego, Joanie received the Mellon Grant and the Chancellor's Scholarship. While at UC San Diego, she obtained a BA in US Latin American Literatures with a minor in Chicano Studies. Currently, Joanie is navigating through social media to showcase a bit of her life as a disabled Chicana. She wishes to educate people with everything she knows including cooking!

 

JC Ortega Esquinca 
JC Ortega Esquinca worked as a tutor in the English Center and SI instructor in classes for several semesters while attending City College. They graduated from the Honors program in 2015. After transfer, they completed two years at The University of Puget Sound where they majored in Religion and minored in Gender Queer Studies. Post-grad, they have worked in HIV prevention and education at Pierce County AIDS Foundation and were also part of the nonprofit, The Rainbow Center, where they worked as a bilingual advocate for community members within the Washington State LGBTQIA+ community seeking connection to a wide range of advocacy services. Currently, JC is working at The Tacoma Public Library as an Associate, helping with their mission to bring forward an equity lens to the programming and services the library offers to the community of the South Sound. JC's most formative and empowering years came from being a student at San Diego City College, something they can't say about any other higher learning institution! 

Asma Abdi
Asma Abdi graduated from City College in 2018. While at City, she was a Chancellor's Associate Scholar and published her writing in Reclaiming Our Stories 2 and A Community of Readers, 8th edition. She earned an Associates degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences. In the summer of 2019, Asma participated in the PATH program and was an intern at the UC San Diego Center on Global Justice. She was a UC San Diego Gilman Scholar and earned her BA in Literature with a minor in Ethnic Studies from the university. Asma now works as a Human Rights Organizer for Alliance San Diego.

 

Caleb Mertz-Vega
Caleb Mertz-Vega was the first in his family to earn a college degree. While at City College, Caleb took honors classes and joined Phi Theta Kappa and eventually became Vice President of the Beta Iota Kappa chapter. He graduated in 2018 with Associate degrees in English and Spanish, and certificates for Peace Studies and Radio and T.V. Performance. He also won multiple scholarships, including the Leora Dumlao Honors Scholarship, Peace Studies Scholarship, and the Judith Keller Marx Krumholz Scholarship.  In 2018, he transferred to UC Berkeley where he double majored in English and Spanish, joined the Latin American Leadership Society and wrote for their newsletter, Voces. Now Caleb is in the Comparative Literature PhD Program at UC San Diego and has an essay in review at Celestinesca, a Spanish literary journal. He hopes to teach literature and continue to be a voice for peace. Throughout his journey, Caleb says City College had the biggest impact on changing his life, and he will always remember the professors and administrators that helped guide him along the way.

 

Lora Mathis
Lora Mathis was a returning student who had to balance work and school. While at City, Lora took honors classes and got involved in labor organizing as an intern at AFT 1931 for three semesters. Lora is a poet and visual artist who has shared her work in San Diego and beyond for the last six years. Her first book of poetry, The Women Widowed to Themselves, was republished in 2021. Upon graduation from City in 2020, Lora transferred to UC Berkeley where she is currently double majoring in English and Art Practice. 

 

Chelsea Coon
Chelsea Coon graduated from City College in 2017. While at City, she participated in the PATH program and later graduated cum laude from UC San Diego with a Bachelor's degree in Literatures in English. Right now, Chelsea is collaborating and helping write content for podcasters and has plans to start her own podcast show.

 

More student features coming soon!

 

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Meet City English professors who are also former City College students!

• Paul Alexander
• Christy Ball
• Paul Manuel Lopez
• Norell Martinez
• Carrie Gordh
• Andrew Powers

Aside from teaching, many of our English faculty are involved in creative pursuits and social activism outside the classroom.  From passion projects and performances to publications and community events, you can find our instructors working tirelessly to make San Diego a more just and beautiful place for everyone. Have a look at some of their accomplishments below.

 

Professor Manuel Paul Lopez is the author of Death of a Mexican and Other Poems (2006) and These Days of Candy (2017).  He is also the co-editor of the Reclaiming Our Stories series. Check out Professor Lopez's interview with the Library of Congress Hispanic Division here.

Professor Chris Baron is the author of the poetry collection, Lantern Tree, which was published as part of a poetry anthology, Under the Broom Tree, winner of the San Diego Book Award. His first novel, All of Me (2019), was selected Bank Street College Best Book of the Year. Learn more about Professor Baron and his work at https://www.chris-baron.com.

Professor Paul Alexander is founder and president of Pillars of the Community, a non-profit organization committed to embracing and celebrating the historic, rich, and diverse culture of Southeast San Diego. Watch Professor Alexander talk about Pillars here.

Professor Karla Cordero is the editor of SpitJournal, an online literary review for poetry and social justice, and founder of Voice 4 Change, a reading and writing workshop series promoting diversity and cultural competency. Professor Cordero is also the CFO and Social Justice Equity Coordinator for the non-profit Glassless Minds, an open mic venue in Oceanside, CA, serving historically underserved youth.

Professor Kevin Gossett is a local DJ and filmmaker. He has produced videos for campus and community projects, such as Reclaiming the Community, CCAP, and the City English Department "CityLOVE" welcome video.  Outside of campus, Professor Gossett has produced music videos, such as for the band Flat Worms and Marie Haddad. As a DJ, he has performed at the City College Block Party and local venues around San Diego. 

Chairs

Nadia Mandilawi, Co-Chair
English Department
nmandila@sdccd.edu 

Trissy McGhee, Co-Chair
English Department
pmcghee@sdccd.edu

Jennifer Boots, Co-Chair
English Language Acquisition (ELAC)
jboots@sdccd.edu  

English Department Faculty Directory

Paul Alexander palexand@sdccd.edu  Professor Paul Alexander comes from a long line of Americans who despite the odds have always worked for social justice and a better world. He pursued an M.A. in comparative literature at San Diego State University and  became a Fulbright scholar in Damascus, Syria. In addition to being a full-time English professor, he spearheaded the annual Social Justice and Education Conference at San Diego City College. He is the president and founder of Pillars of the Community, a nonprofit community organization that works with those targeted by law enforcement for meaningful systemic change.. He founded the “Reclaiming Our Stories” collective in 2015 which recently published a special edition of narrative essays written by individuals from impacted communities titled “In the Time of Covid and Uprising.” Currently, he is focused on challenging racist gang laws that target Black and Brown residents across California. Above all else, he is a proud resident of Southeast San Diego where he is raising his 3 sons with his wife Raquel.

Mona Alsoraimi-Espiritu malsorai@sdccd.edu | 619-388-4336 | AH-515G Hi City College students! My name is Mona Alsoraimi-Espiritu. I have a B.A. in English and M.A. in Applied Linguistics. My course themes shift based on what's going on in the world around us so that we are always reading and writing on a relevant theme. My current English 205 theme is "conspiracy theories" and before this semester my theme was hip-hop music and culture. Feel free to email me for information about our course theme for the coming semester!

Christy Ball cball@sdccd.edu | AH-515B Greetings, students! My name is Christy Ball (she/her/hers). As a caring-centered, social justice educator, I believe curriculum should cultivate the civic-mindedness, agency, creativity, skills, and talents students can use to solve real world problems. I also believe that we learn more by doing and when the work matters to us. For these reasons and more, in my courses you can expect to engage in what PBL Works calls Gold Standard Project-Based Learning. By the end of my courses, I hope you have a deeper understanding of what issues are fueling our current civil rights movements, the power you have to shape the world you want to live in, and what revolutionary civil rights leader Dr. Angela Davis means when she says, "I am no longer accepting the things I can not change. I am changing the things I can not accept."

Chris Baron cbaron@sdccd.edu | L-209 I love all the genres of writing: Poetry, Fiction, Comics, Graphic Novels, Spoken Word, ALL OF IT! I am a kid lit author--my Middle-Grade novel in verse, All of Me came out in 2019, and my next book, The Magical Imperfect comes out in 2021, both from Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan. I've been a Professor of English at San Diego City College and the director of the Writing Center for loongggg time. I consider myself so lucky to be a part of our community.  I grew up in New York City, but I completed my MFA in Poetry in 1998 at SDSU. My first book of poetry, Under the Broom Tree, was released in 2012 on CityWorks Press as part of Lantern Tree: Four Books of Poems which won the San Diego Book Award for best poetry anthology.

Audrey Breay abreay@sdccd.edu | AH-515E Hello Students! I'm Professor Audrey Breay (she/her/hers) and I love teaching at City College. I have a B.A. in English from Rhodes College in Memphis, TN and an M.A. in Literature from the University of Washington in Seattle. My recent English 101 courses have focused on Attention, Distraction, and Activism, while my English 205 has centered around anti-racist reading. My classes, whether online or face to face, are student-centered and discussion oriented. I love helping students develop their reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.

Aja Booker abooker@sdccd.edu Hello! My name is Professor Aja Aguirre-Booker. I have a B.A. in liberal arts and an M.A. in education curriculum development and a Reading Specialist Credential. In my ENGL 101/31 course we explore various social justice issues that affect us in a variety of ways. We study stories in text and film, with an emphasis on writing. Being able to articulate oneself in writing is a very important skill set. Participants will learn how to use mentor texts to craft any type of writing. We read a variety of articles and texts in class like The Price of Blackness, Willing to be Disturbed, Whistling Vivaldi, and The Condemnation of Blackness.

Jennifer Boots jboots@sdccd.edu | 619-388-3264 | AH-517C Hi! I am Jen (she/her/hers). I have a BA in Linguistics and a minor in Sociology and an MA in Applied Linguistics from SDSU. I am currently completing a Doctorate of Arts in English Pedagogy. I have been teaching ELAC and English at City College since 2006. I enjoy working with my classes on projects that raise awareness and affect change in our communities. Similar to many of my colleagues, I have lived abroad teaching English - for me, in Japan - and have a passion for traveling to new places. I also enjoy camping, hiking, and trying out new restaurants. I look forward to working with you! Welcome to City College!

Serena Collier scollier@sdccd.edu  Hi there! My name is Serena Collier and I have a master's in reading education and a master's in English and comparative literature. In the courses I facilitate, we focus on social issues that impact our society on a micro and macro level through project-based learning, diverse readings, peer discussions, and a variety of writing styles. I utilize a labor-based contact grading approach in my courses which, I have found, sets my students up for a high success rate. I look forward to meeting you in my courses!

Karla Cordero kcordero@sdccd.edu  Hello City College writers and scholars, my name is Professor Karla Cordero (pronouns she/her/hers). I am the first in my family to go to college and received my B.A. in Liberal Studies with a minor in Literature and Writing and M.F.A. in Creative Writing and Poetry. From composition, to literature, and creative writing I love using comic books, graphic novels, spoken word, children's literature, poetry, novels and music, as ways to get us to collaboratively think about social justice, equity, community outreach and embracing our voices as the fiercest tools we own. I'm also an organic backyard Chicana farmer, so don't be surprised if I show up to class with a bag full of oranges! Ask me about Voice 4 Change, a spoken word showcase and open mic, inviting nationally award winning writers to share their stories on survival, celebration of diversity and cultural competency. I look forward to meeting you!

John (Jack) Flynn jflynn@sdccd.edu | AH-509D Hello, everyone. Although I am officially John Flynn, I go by Jack Flynn. I am an adjunct professor with City College's English department. I also teach at Southwestern College and Grossmont College because I love the diversity of students and faculty on all three campuses. I have a bachelor's degree with honors from Yale University and a master's degree from Columbia University, where I edited the literary review. I have also published a novel with E.P. Dutton and sold a screenplay to 20th Century Fox. I love to teach writing. I don't believe someone is born with writing talent. Writing can be learned, and I can help anyone willing to work hard to become a better writer.

Alexander Gardella agardella@sdccd.edu | AH-507B Hi City College students! My name is Al Gardella (he/him/his). I studied at San Diego State University and earned both my BA and MA in English. I teach ENGL 101 and ENGL 205, and if you take my class, you'll learn to become a critical reader, writer, and thinker. We explore different aspects of identity over the course of the semester, and you'll even have a chance to reflect on your own identity by writing a short personal narrative! Some authors we've read include Gloria Anzaldua, Audre Lorde, and bell hooks. We also often read works of children's literature and develop projects that are both critical and creative.

Marty Gardella mgardell@sdccd.edu | 619-388-3400 Hi, City College students. My name is Marty Gardella. I have a B.A. in Sociology and an M.A. in English Literature. In my English 101 class, we explore a variety of topics including interviewing classmates, friends, and family members; writing childhood/teenage stories; and exploring myths of family, education and empowerment, the tech frontier, money and individual opportunity, and gender. I like to use the eleventh edition of Rereading America as a textbook.

Carrie Gordh kgordh@sdccd.edu

Kevin Gossett kgossett@sdccd.edu | AH-507B Hi, I'm Kevin Gossett (he/him/his) and I live in Golden Hill where I enjoy a great view of City College. I have an M.A. in English with an emphasis in British Literature and have spent my 30s teaching writing and literature courses at City College and Grossmont College. My writing courses from the last few years revolve around relevant and relatable themes such as the future of Gen Z (ENGL47), the idea of home, especially among immigrants and marginalized communities (ENGL101x), and our complicated relationship with digital technologies (ENGL205). We explore current books, articles, stories, music, films, etc., and practice critical thinking, conversation, collaboration and creativity. Who's in?

Tucker Grimshaw tgrimshaw@sdccd.edu  Hi, everyone! My name is Tucker Grimshaw (he/him/his). I am a native San Diegan and have lived in Hawaii and Boise, Idaho. Along with my love for literature, I enjoy to surf, sing, and dance. I have an M.A. in English Literature, and my interests include disability studies, queer studies, and first-year writing. In my ENGL101X, we focus on the personal to the global, uncovering people, places, and ideas that have helped us succeed as students and writers. In fall 2021, we read Trevor Noah's Born a Crime as a way to talk about and research social issues. In my ENGL205, we focus on language and identity and read selections by Amy Tan, Sandra Cisneros, Gloria Anzaldua, and Vershawn Ashanti Young. I'm committed to accessibility in my own classes and helping other faculty members with ensuring their classes are accessible to all students, as well.

Aileen Gum  agum@sdccd.edu | 619-388-3610 | AH-515C or AH-206 Welcome to City College! My name is Aileen Gum (she/her/hers). I have a B.A. in English, M.A in French Linguistics, & an M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). I believe language should be a "bridge," not a "barrier." I know it's not easy to learn a new language or to master academic English, so I hope our classes can be safe spaces where you can take risks to learn how to communicate better in English and to connect with others. When I'm not working, I like to get out in nature... even if it's in the middle of the city! I hope you can take time to explore some of the beautiful places in San Diego such as Tuna Harbor Park (pictured), just a few minutes from City College.

Alexandra Heath aheath@sdccd.edu  Hi everyone! My name is Alexandra Heath (she/her/hers) and I have a B.A. in English from UCLA and an M.A. in Education from LMU. I love teaching English and enjoy using our classes to better understand the world around us! In my 101 class, we read both fiction and non-fiction accounts of the HIV/AIDS crisis to guide our lessons in literary analysis; in my 205 class, we learn how to critically analyze what we read by researching and analyzing conspiracy theories. My classes emphasize the writing process through continual options for revision and guidance throughout the process. I'm here to help you learn and succeed!

Virgina "Gina" Jackson  vjackson@sdccd.edu | AH-511A Hello! My name is Professor Virgina (Gina) M. Jackson, and I have been an Adjunct English Professor for almost 10 years and an overall Educator for 23+ years. I am the Founder and Executive Artistic Director of Cultural Noire Performing Arts Company and am an Arts Commissioner for the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture. My credentials include a B.A. in Speech Communication/English and Theatre Performance minors from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville; an M.A. in African-American Studies/Literature-Theatre from Clark Atlanta University; and an M.Ed. and Preliminary Administrative Services Credential from National University. I have also completed the Museum Studies Professional Studies Program at Northwestern University as well as Global Humanities programs at the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of California Berkeley. Within all of my taught classes, we explore societal themes through cultural lens. Our chosen literature reflects those themes and lens, and voices are given to those who are systematically voiceless.

Charles Kovach ckovach@sdccd.edu | L-209 Hi, City College students!  My name is Charles Kovach (he/him/his).  I have been teaching English at City College for over 26.5 years.  In my English 101 classes, we will work on writing that you may encounter in your academic and professional lives.

Manuel Paul Lopez mplopez@sdccd.edu | AH-517F Welcome to San Diego City College! My name is Manuel Paul Lopez, and I was born and raised in El Centro, Califas. I am a Chicano writer, educator, and wannabe musician. In addition to teaching in the City College English department, I co-coordinate our campus' Puente program with Dr. Luis Perez. My passions are music, art, literature, food, and travel. My academic and writing interests include Chicanx/Latinx poetics and literature, BIPOC literature, hybrid literature, 20th-21st century world literature, translation, social movements, critical mentoring, sentipensante, project-based learning, and sound and pedagogy. My books include Nerve Curriculum, These Days of Candy, The Yearning Feed, Death of a Mexican and Other Poems, and 1984. My poetry, fiction, plays, and essays have been published in magazines and journals, both nationally and internationally. I've also co-edited three volumes of the Reclaiming Our Stories series, counternarratives published by City Works Press. In my classes, we read, write, watch, listen, and discuss content, and then synthesize and transform it into engaging projects. Examples include photo essays, plays, podcasts, visual art, publications, and others. I'm so excited that you're joining the San Diego City College familia!

Nadia Mandilawi nmandila@sdccd.edu | (619) 388-3420 | AH-515D Hi! My name is Nadia and I have been teaching English at City College since 2006. Before that, I worked as a tutor in the English Center. I have a BA from NYU and an MFA in creative writing/fiction from SDSU. I love teaching reading and writing at City and in my most recent English 101 and English 205 courses, we focused on personal narrative and taking a close look at systems in place and how they effect us. In the last creative nonfiction class I taught, we worked on chapbooks, teeny books, centered on various themes. I love cats and spend too much time knitting. I also help with our VAMP storytelling showcase and am here to answer any questions about it! Welcome to City!

Hector Martinez hmartine@sdccd.edu | (619) 388-3585 | AH-517A Hi, I'm Professor Hector Martinez. I earned a B.A. in English from USC and an M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing from SDSU, and I've been a full-time faculty member at City College since 2002. I teach a wide array of classes; however, all my classes share the ultimate goal of empowering my students while encouraging them to take control of their education. What you learn in school belongs to you, and once you acquire this knowledge no one can take it away. The texts in my classes often deal with race, class, gender, and education.

Norell Martinez nmartinez@sdccd.edu | 619-388-3086 | AH-517B My name is Dr. Norell Martinez (she/her/ella). I am a bilingual, bicultural Chicana from the San Diego/Tijuana border region. I have a PhD in Literature/Cultural Studies from UC San Diego where I did research on Chicana/Latina, Indigenous, and Afro-Caribbean feminism, spiritual activism, healers and healing. I teach my English and Literature courses from a social justice perspective. The focus of my classes explore themes in the areas of Chicana/o Studies, Gender Studies, Hip Hop, Education and Social Movements, amongst other topics. I especially like students to take a critical look at capitalism as a system that creates inequality, thus we learn from the perspectives of oppressed people of the world.

Kelly Mayhew kmayhew@sdccd.edu | 619-388-3136 | AH-517D Howdy dear students! I'm Kelly Mayhew (she/her) and I want to welcome you to my courses. My BA in English is from UC Santa Barbara, my MA in English is from San Diego State University, and my Ph.D. in American Culture Studies is from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. I teach many different classes every year, but central to all of them--what I want you to get from them--is a sense of community and belonging, a love of the process of learning, and the knowledge that I'm there for you every step or our academic journey together. We explore all sorts of chewy subjects in my classes: the history of Ethnic Studies in Honors English 101, the politics of food in English 205, or intersecting issues of gender and sexuality in Shakespeare in English 215. In all of my classes, I strive to make you feel like you're home, that you can be successful, and that you're heard.

Patricia "Trissy" Mcghee pmcghee@sdccd.edu | 619-388-3876 | AH-513E Hi! My name is Trissy McGhee (she/her) and I have a BA in English from Cal Poly and MFA in creative writing from SDSU. I love teaching writing and reading and I really focus on the writing process and revision. In my 101 classes we focus on personal narrative, we examine and critique systems of education, and we read longer texts such as Tattoos on the Heart, Girls Like Us, Maus and The Best We Could Do. I also like to include work on self care and mental health, as I believe education should be about the whole person, including emotions. Creative writing is my passion. Please ask me about our creative writing program and VAMP storytelling showcase.

Jim Miller jmiller@sdccd.edu | 619-388-3554 | AH-517G Welcome, I'm Jim Miller. I have a BA in English from San Diego State University, an MFA in Creative Writing from San Diego State University, and a Ph.D. in American Culture Studies from Bowling Green State University. In the wide variety of classes I teach--from American Literature and Humanities to Composition and Labor Studies--we approach the material through cultural studies and social justice lenses. In so doing, we focus on how to do deep and meaningful scholarship and engage in lively discussions all in the context of a supportive and enjoyable learning environment. I'm also a writer and am the author of the novels Last Days in Ocean Beach (City Works Press), Flash (AK Press), and Drift (University of Oklahoma Press) and the co-author of Under the Perfect Sun: The San Diego Tourists Never See (The New Press) and Better to Reign in Hell: Inside the Raiders Fan Empire (The New Press). I was also the editor on Sunshine/Noir: Writing from San Diego and Tijuana (City Works Press), Sunshine/Noir II: Writing from San Diego and Tijuana (City Works Press), and Democracy in Education; Education for Democracy: An Oral History of the American Federation of Teachers, Local 1931. I'm a founding editor of San Diego City Works Press as well. I've published in a wide variety of other media sources and had a weekly column in the San Diego Free Press and the OB Rag for many years before moving my column to Words and Deeds.

Ashley Nguyen anguyen002@sdccd.edu  Hi, City students! My name is Ashley Nguyen. I recently earned my M.A. in English from San Diego State University with a specialization in Asian American children's and young adult literature and media. When not reading or grading, I delight in exploring local boba and dessert shops, serving at my local Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement (TNTT) chapter, and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Looking forward to getting to know you and supporting your success!

Rachel Oriol roriol@sdccd.edu  Hi! My name is Dr. Rachel Oriol. I have been teaching composition and literature classes for more than a decade at the community college level. My classes often focus on rhetorical approaches, visual literacy, and memoir/reflective writing. The theme of my classes often follow along my research interests, which include dance, Latina memoir, and history of rhetoric. My teaching style is as a "warm demander" supporting students while encouraging them to grow in new ways.

Ember Pepper epepper@sdccd.edu | AH-515A My name is Ember Pepper. I was born and raised here in San Diego; I grew up in southeast San Diego (near Chicano Park, basically barrio Logan). I attended San Diego City College before transferring to SDSU and earning first my Bachelor's in Literature and then a Master's of Fine Art in Creative Writing. I've been teaching for 8 years. I'm an adjunct, so I teach at multiple colleges. I'm currently teaching here at City and also at Southwestern College. In my 101 course, I often teach essay topics on anti-blackness and colorism, our role as humans in the environment, the American Dream, and the path to happiness. In my 205, we review rhetorical strategies and usually research about the effects of media representation. I favor group work and in-class activities and I believe in the writing process and how to tackle an essay piece by piece and step by step.

Andrew Powers apowers001@sdccd.edu  A New Hampshire native, I moved to San Diego over a decade ago. During those years, I acquired a History and an English Associate's Degree at San Diego City College, a Literature and Writing Bachelor's Degree at UC  San Diego, and a Master's of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Writing at San Diego State University. Overall, I am fixated with the overlapping elements of horror pop culture and American politics, and I enjoy utilizing such discussions in both his short story publications and teaching pedagogies. With a respect and advocacy towards the ideals of community building, diversity, and open-communication, I hope to prepare students and future readers to think both creatively and critically when engaging with the world around them.

Oscar Preciado opreciad@sdccd.edu | 619-823-8529 | AH-513D Hola! My name is Oscar Preciado (he/him/el). I am a bilingual Chicano and the son of Mexican immigrants. I have a BA in Philosophy from UCSD and an MA in American Literature from SDSU. In my English 101 classes, we read works in which students can see themselves and their history, while exploring patterns of protest and affirmation, resistance and resilience, deconstruction and creative reconstruction. In my English 205 classes, we cover the intersectionality of race, gender and class, and how they influence human agency. We explore a wide range of writers from different periods and cultural groups while also studying feminist, new historicist, Marxist, and postmodern theories of literature, language, and culture. As a former community college student, I'm proud to be at San Diego City College working with community college students.

Monica Crystal V. Rodriguez mrodriguez002@sdccd.edu | AH-505 Hello Knights! My name is Monica Rodriguez (she/her/hers). I have a BA and MA in Literature and Writing studies. In my ENG 101 course, we focus on writing and our education. We reflect on how we as writers have been shaped by our past experiences and through systems like public education. We look at how writing is used in our lives and communities, and we problem solve how to become stronger in our writing. Some texts in our classes include: Reclaiming Our Stories, excerpt from Bootstraps: From an Academe of Color, The House We Live In, Dangerous Minds, and Writing for Something.

Anna Rogers arogers@sdccd.edu | 619-388-3695 | AH-511E Hello! My name is Professor Anna Rogers (she/her/hers). I have a B.A. in Art History and M.A. in American Literature. In my ENGL101 and 205 classes we focus on health, inequality, and environmental injustice. Some of the texts you might encounter include Tales of Two Planets: Stories of Climate Change and Inequality in a Divided World, A Terrible Thing to Waste: Environmental Racism and Its Assault on the American Mind, and The Broken Ladder: How Inequality Affects the Way We Think, Live, and Die. I also teach ENGL208 Introduction to Literature and ENGL 237 Women in Literature. You will find that there is a lot of group activity and discussion in my classes. We read and prepare before class and then use our time in class together to share ideas and support each other as we develop our reading, writing, and critical analysis skills.

Renee St. Louis rstlouis@sdccd.edu | AH-511A Hi, everybody. I'm Renee St. Louis (she/her), your friendly neighborhood word nerd. I studied English, biology, and interdisciplinary cultural studies and have had a wide and strange variety of jobs in addition to teaching. In my classes, we examine documentaries on subjects that students choose and use those films as the basis for our discussions about persuasion, evidence, argument, and how to make change in the world. We have addressed subjects like body modification, food scarcity and ethics, racial profiling, sexuality and stereotypes, ethnic cleansing, humanitarian intervention, and white supremacy. Every section of every class is unique, because only that class will have that particular set of conversations. I hope to hear from you soon.

Ebony Tyree etyree@sdccd.edu Hi, everyone. I'm Professor Ebony Tyree, and I teach in the Umoja Program and also serve as the program's Student Leadership Coordinator and Umoja Club Faculty Advisor. I'm active in communal projects throughout San Diego working with the non-profit organization, Pillars of the Community, where I have taught Political Education classes and help coordinate a monthly community event called First Saturdays in the heart of South East San Diego. In addition to my work with Dr. Buul and Professor Turner on Curriculum Trauma, I am a published editor of a book titled Reclaiming Our Stories 2 and currently working on editing a 3rd and Special Edition of Reclaiming Our Stories in the wake of recent social uprisings and the pandemic.

David Walsh dwalsh@sdccd.edu Hi everyone. My name is Professor David Walsh, and I am originally from the Boston area; however, San Diego has been my home for the past 35 years.  San Diego City College is also home because I have been teaching here since 2010.  I am a proud graduate of San Diego City College and San Diego State University with a B.A. in English and a M.A. in Applied Linguistics for teaching college-level English courses for non-native speakers. I teach all levels of English and ESL (ELAC) courses on our campus. Some of the topics we have explored in my courses include immigrant and refugee experience, literacy in the digital age, education, identity, mental health in the Western world, success, The American Dream, technology, free-speech, and so much more. I always do my best to select topics and texts that are relevant to current events and our specific classroom community. I am also a member of the English Center support staff, providing workshops for our students and tutors, so please stop by to say hello. Some of my likes are books, kindness, generosity, and humor. My dislikes are borders (of any kind), cruelty, and inequality. I look forward to meeting and working with you.

Kori Zunic  kzunic@sdccd.edu | 619-388-4370 | AH-513B Hello, students! My name is Professor Kori Zunic (she/her/hers). I have a B.A. in International Studies and M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. In my ENG 101 class we tackle various current issues from a reader America Now; we also delve into complex themes of social justice through Bryan Stevenson's seminal non-fiction book Just Mercy.