Language Arts & Developmental Studies

The Language Arts and Developmental Studies (LADS) Division is one of the largest divisions on campus. Our division teaches performance-based subject matter in areas central to student success. The LADS Division is unique in the size, scope, and complexity of its responsibilities.  The composition and mission of the LADS Division is as follows:

English: The English Department provides high-quality lower-division general education and major requirements courses for transfer students to the four-year universities.  Courses such as English 120 (Reading and Composition), English 121 (Literature and Composition), English 123 (Critical Thinking about Literature), and English 125 (Critical Thinking) are equivalent in depth and quality to the curricula of the CSU and UC systems. The English Department also offers basic and preparatory reading and writing courses to prepare students for English 120.

English as a Second Language (ESL): The ESL Department prepares non-native English speakers for college-level courses, making the college as a whole more accessible to the immigrant and international student population. The department offers five levels of academic classes including reading, writing, grammar, listening, speaking, and pronunciation.  Students in the ESL program improve their comprehension, fluency, and comfort levels in English, gain college success skills, and prepare for more advanced courses.