Course Descriptions

English 108/109: First-Year Composition: Stretch 1 and 2 

English 108/109 is CSUDH’s year-long version of First-Year Composition. We call it the “stretch” program because we stretch course expectations and learning goals over a full year rather than a single semester. It is designed for students who believe that having additional time to improve their writing will help them succeed in the class and in future classes that require writing. Students will not only have more time on task, they will have more personal attention from the instructor. Students who complete the stretch course earn 6 units of credit (3 units each semester), all of which count toward the 120 units needed to graduate. Once students successfully complete English 108/109, they have met the University’s First-Year Composition requirement.

Students who choose this year-long “stretch” option enroll in English 108 in fall and English 109 in spring during their first year at CSUDH. Since English 108/109 is a year-long course, students will have the same instructor and group of classmates in the spring semester as they had in the fall semester. The class will also meet at the same day and time during both semesters. This will help when it comes time to plan the rest of their class schedule.

Why Choose Stretch?

There are at least three benefits to taking Stretch English 108/109 compared to English 110:

• The stretch program allows more time (a full academic year) to improve your writing and prepare you for future classes that require writing. Because of this extra time, there are more opportunities to practice, to receive and offer feedback, to revise and re-read, before turning in assignments.
• Being part of a cohorted class and having the same instructor and peers over two terms will foster collaborative relationships and a strong sense of community.
• Completion of this course sequence satisfies the Written Communication requirement for lower-division General Education (Area A).

English 110: First-Year Composition

English 110 is a 3-credit, single semester version of First-Year Composition. Once students successfully complete ENG 110, they have completed CSUDH’s First-Year Written Composition requirement and have earned 3 credits toward the 120 needed for graduation. Because students complete English 110 in a single semester, the pace is quicker than in the English 108/109 stretch course. If you find you need some additional support in the class, you have access to tutoring through the Writing Center.

Why Choose English 110?

There are at least three benefits to choosing English 110 compared to Stretch English 108/109:

• English 110 is a good choice if you are confident about your reading and writing ability and don’t think the extra time offered by the year-long stretch course is necessary or beneficial.
• In our experience teaching these courses, we find that some students actually need a faster pace to be challenged and motivated.
• Completion of this course satisfies the Written Communication requirement for lower-division General Education (Area A).