The English curriculum offers basic skills courses as well as courses for students interested in general studies or who plan to transfer to a four-year institution. This program, which reflects the goals of the college's Mission Statement, provides students with an opportunity to read widely in American, British and world literature. Students are trained in writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills that will prepare them for various academic and business-related pursuits. Students enroll in English classes to meet requirements for an A.A. degree, to meet transfer requirements, for personal enrichment, for retraining or upgrading job skills, and to meet requirements for graduation or for a certificate. Several factors have affected class offerings in recent years, including changes in population, student interests and students' basic skill levels, the college's budget conditions and facility needs, and changes in technology as well as the increasing use of technology in the classroom.

Degrees and Certificates - An Associate in Arts degree is offered.

Personnel - At this time 12 full-time and approximately 21 part-time instructors teach in the department, with one full-time classified employee and two student workers.

Teaching Methodologies - Lecture is the primary teaching methodology used in teaching English at this time, although several other methods are employed as well, including lecture/lab, lecture/demonstration, large lecture/study groups, lab and computerized instruction.

Technology - Department faculty are in the process of designing online classes as an alternative delivery mode for established classes.

Equipment - Six new printers are needed in classrooms and in the Writing Center, and computers require Internet connections in rooms K203, F244, F246 and F248. Computers in Rooms F244, F246 and F248 need to be replaced, as does a drum in the copier in Room F244 and the toner for printers in department offices and the copier in the Writing Center. An LCD Projector and screen are needed. In the Writing Center, seven computers need to be installed, software needs to be installed to scan student attendance, and a server needs to be installed.

Facilities -The "F" Building is too small to accommodate classes and offices, and it is not fitted to handle new technologies such as Internet access in all classrooms.

Future Program

Degrees and Certificates - The department will continue to offer an A. A. degree in English.

Personnel - See Projected Faculty and Staff Needs.

Teaching Methodologies - It is expected that technology and electronic classrooms such as the Writing Center and the newly equipped "Smart Classroom" will have an effect on the teaching methodologies now in use.

Technology - Alternative instructional delivery methods, including online courses and interactive video, will be very useful in working with independent, self-motivated skilled learners. However, many students who enter college English classes still require more traditional one-on-one methods and so a combination of technologies and teaching methodologies must continue to be used.

Equipment - Printers and computers need to be installed in department offices and classrooms as detailed above.

Facilities - Computer tables are needed for 12 computers in the Writing Center. Electronic classroom with Internet access and computer projection equipment are needed. The "A" Building needs to be renovated and remodeled with new equipment and furniture for offices, classrooms and labs. Classrooms are needed that are conducive to writing and reading for individuals, small groups, large groups and lecture/demonstrations.

Staff Development - Release time to create and be innovative may be recommended. Many members of the English faculty have participated in the Learning Communities and are serving as models for other faculty members.