Literature

Great literature is meant to be provocative. It shocks us with its language and images and its distortion of our concept of the world. The author's intention is to carry us from the mundane world of struggles with work, deadlines, and traffic, into a world of the fantastic or sometimes tragic. At its best, great literature forces us to question or examine our ideals, or to aim for transcendence beyond set ambitions. Literature is not only one of the most creative outlets in academics, but also it is a mirror of culture and all of its wonderful weirdness.

The Literature program at Long Beach City College is designed for both English majors and minors, as well as students interested in fulfilling basic GE or transfer requirements and students who wish to broaden their knowledge of the written word. Any student--whether pursuing an AA degree, planning on transfer to a four-year school, or taking courses for personal enrichment -- is welcome in the English Department's Literature classes. Students will find many opportunities to explore ideas, examine the culture from which these ideas sprang, and engage with the rich varieties of language. Literature courses are frequently offered in the evening to accommodate diverse schedules. We offer a full breadth of classes intended as an introduction to the study of literature, from Introduction to Literature/Composition (English 2) to specialty courses, focused around a particular genre, period, or region. Students can expect a full and proper introduction to the theories of literary study from a distinguished faculty.

Most of our courses are offered on a yearly basis, during either fall or spring semester.
Below is a full list of courses:

UC/CSU transferable
Engl. 32, Masterpieces of Asian Literature (in English)
Engl. 33, Mythology
Engl. 35, Interpreting the Short Story
Engl. 36, The Novel
Engl. 37, Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror
Engl. 38, The Bible as Literature: The Old Testament
Engl. 39, The Bible as Literature: Apocrypha/ New Testament
Engl. 41, American Literature I
Engl. 42, American Literature II
Engl. 43A and 43B, the Introduction to Shakespeare, I & II
Engl. 46, Survey of British Literature I
Engl. 47, Survey of British Literature II
Engl. 48/48H, Modern and Contemporary Literature
Engl. 79, Literature of Diversity.

Literature courses that are transferable to CSU only are:
Engl. 18, Detective and Crime Fiction
Engl. 30, Horror and Terror Fiction

Prerequisites:
While the above courses require students to be qualified for English 1, students are encouraged to complete English 2 first. English 2 is an ideal primer course for further study of literature. Because of the reading and writing required in any literature course, students are also strongly encouraged to complete English 1 with a passing grade prior to enrolling in any of the above courses.