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ENGL 105 Composition with Support

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English Course Placement 

High school transcripts are now being used to help determine proper placement of students into English courses. Students transferring to College of San Mateo with credit in college English can use their transcripts to assist with placement. Students who feel that their high school or college transcripts do not reflect their current abilities should inquire about alternative placement measures. Regardless of placement, students who would prefer to receive extra support in reading and writing skills in their first semester of college composition should enroll in English 105.

The English Program

The English program consists of transfer and non-transfer courses in composition, creative writing, literaturefilm, modern language, and communication. Entering students should enroll first in one of the following courses in composition:

Transfer Courses

English 100 or 105
ESL 400

Non-Transfer Courses

ESL 826, 827 or 828

The English requirement for the A.A./A.S. degree may be completed with additional units chosen from the following:

Transfer Courses

English 110, 165
English 161, 162, 163
Literature 100-level, 200-level, 430
Communication 110, 130, 140, 170, 171
See also: Chinese, Film, and Spanish courses

Non-Transfer Courses

English 875

Note that English 100 or 105 with a grade of C or higher is the prerequisite for English 110, English 165.

English/Literature transfer courses are those numbered below 800; English/Literature Non-Transfer courses are those numbered 800 or above.

The following English courses are credit-bearing but not degree-applicable, which means that the units count for the purpose of financial aid but not toward the A.A./A.S. degree: 850, 875.

Minimum Grade for Prerequisites

Unless otherwise indicated, a grade of C or higher is required for all prerequisite courses.

Course Description

ENGL 105, the first-semester reading and composition course, teaches students the principles, methods, and habits of mind that will enable them to succeed in courses in many fields. Students will read diverse texts in various genres, and they will connect their reading to their exploration of their own experience and critical perspectives. On the basis of these connections, they will design and write essays with a distinct purpose and audience in mind. English 105 is the same as English 100 but includes two extra units of supplemental instruction and support.

Units: 5
Degree Credit
Letter Grade Only
  • Lecture hours/semester: 80-90
  • TBA hours/semester: 16-18
  • Homework hours/semester: 144-162
Prerequisites: Appropriate skill level as indicated by high school GPA, completion of ESL 400, or other measures as applicable. Students eligible for ENGL 100 who would prefer to receive extra support in reading and writing skills may enroll in ENGL 105.
Corequisites: None
AA/AS Degree Requirements: Area C2, C3; Area E2a
Transfer Credit: CSU (CSU GE Area A2), UC (IGETC Area 1A)
C-ID: ENGL 100 (ENGL 110)