English Composition & Literature

English composition & literature at Whatcom

Here's what English classes do for you:

Composition classes at WCC introduce you to "college writing" in all its richness and complexity. You become more aware of yourself as a student-writer and student-scholar. You use writing as a process of inquiry and communication, and learn about writing for an academic audience.

Creative writing classes encourage you to try out your imagination and talent in the craft of fiction and poetry writing.

Literature classes open windows into other lives and other times. Thinking and writing about those other experiences can leave you wiser and more compassionate. Literature gives you a chance to explore what it means to be human.

Classes with variable topics

Some English classes have different themes depending on the instructors. Click below to see what's happening in upcoming quarters.

ENGL 111 Intro to Literature

ENGL 136 Science Fiction and Fantasy

ENGL 161 Intro to American Literature

Winter 2025

ENGL 161 OL1: Intro to American Literature
Instructor: Jeremy Voigt

Study classic and contemporary American literature in a survey class that focuses both on literary elements of a text and the ways American literary work reflects the diverse social, political, and cultural contexts of the period in which it was written.

ENGL 161 A: Intro to American Literature
Instructor: Jessica Steele

Nicholas O'Conner wrote that, "the landscape and circumstances of the American continent...should determine the shape and content of the nation's literature." In this course, we'll consider the extent to which this belief is manifested in stories and poems from our corner of the northwest and across the states.

ENGL 201 Advanced Composition

Winter 2025

ENGL 201A & C: Advanced Composition
Instructor: Brian Cope

Reflect upon the problems of mass consumerism, be mindful of ecological issues, and promote a mindset of action and resilience.

ENGL 201 B & D: Advanced Composition
Instructor: Sam Roper

Explore how persuasive language has inspired social and environmental movements. Learn how to use communication and research to make a difference on issues important to you.

ENGL 201 OL2 & OL3: Advanced Composition
Instructor: Gretchen Coulter

This course focuses on the influence of photographic images within our daily lives as well as their utility in scholarship. You will explore and create original photo and multi-modal essays.

ENGL 201 OL4: Advanced Composition
Instructor: Jeffrey Klausman

You’re already a good writer, now make it matter. Write with authenticity and authority in all kinds of settings. Learn to manage the workflow to reduce stress. Leave feeling confident to succeed in your academic and professional life.

ENGL 225/226 Children's Literature

ENGL 238 Gender and Literature

Earn a transfer degree and prepare for a university major in English.

Click here to see the quarter-by-quarter sequence of classes and other recommendations.