English

Why English?

Studying English at Heartland Community College will expand your critical thinking skills and teach you how to support your ideas through strong reading and writing. In this program, you can create poetry, fiction, drama, or creative nonfiction. Literature courses explore both classic and contemporary works. By developing effective reading and writing skills, you will be prepared to engage in a connected, global society.

Upon completion of the program, you can apply your knowledge in fields such as advertising and marketing, journalism, publishing, teaching, research, and public relations.

Program Details

Associate in Arts

Format
On Campus, Online, Hybrid
In-District Tuition
$169/credit hour
Out-of-District Tuition
$337/credit hour
Degree
View Degree
Average Time to Complete
2 years
Financial Options
Financial Aid is available.

Program Highlights

Learn to develop a clear purpose and connection with your audience, expand your critical thinking, and support your ideas with strong writing skills. In this program, you can create poetry, short fiction, drama, or creative nonfiction. HCC literature courses explore works ranging from contemporary authors to the classics. By studying how literature has been used historically and how it impacts society today, you will become part of a connected, global community.

In addition to standard composition classes, HCC offers developmental courses to prepare you for college-level writing. As an author, you may be interested in the College's annual student essay contest or contributing to HCC's literary magazine, Muse. Special literature courses, including those focused on graphic novels, are also available.

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Courses

  • ENGL 099: Composition I Companion: Writing, Reading, and Reasoning
  • ENGL 101: Critical Reading & Writing
    IAI Course Code: C1 900
  • ENGL 102: Multimodal Composition
    IAI Course Code: C1 901R
  • ENGL 105: Writing for Industry
  • ENGL 107: Technical and Professional Writing
  • ENGL 108: Creating Graphic Novels
  • ENGL 206: Creative Writing
  • ENGL 207: Beginning Narrative Fiction Writing
  • ENGL 209: Intro to Creative Writing—Poetry
  • ENGL 210: Advanced Creative Writing
  • LITR 111: Introduction to Literature
    IAI Course Code: H3 900
  • LITR 112: Graphic Novels
  • LITR 113: Literature and Film
    IAI Course Code: HF 908
  • LITR 114: Storytelling: Oral Folklore and Myth
    IAI Course Code: H9 901
  • LITR 116: Dystopian Literature: The Struggle for Freedom
    IAI Course Code: H3 901
  • LITR 118: Children's Literature
    IAI Course Code: H3 918
  • LITR 121: Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature
    IAI Course Code: H3 901
  • LITR 122: Introduction to Poetry
    IAI Course Code: H3 903
  • LITR 123: Sports Literature
  • LITR 124: Murder and Crime: Stories of Death and Identity
    IAI Course Code: H3 901
  • LITR 125: Working-Class Literature
    IAI Course Code: H3 900
  • LITR 133: Burned and Banned Literature
    IAI Course Code: H3 900
  • LITR 296: Special Topics in English Studies

IAI courses have been approved for transfer to an Illinois public university.

Degree - Associates in Arts

Within our Associate in Arts degree, there may be specific courses that are recommended for your major at your chosen transfer school. It’s important to meet with an academic advisor each semester to ensure that the correct coursework is taken, while earning your degree.

Even if your specific concentration or major is not listed on our application or program pages, academic advisors can help ensure you are taking the right coursework for your chosen major.

Learn more about the general education requirements for an Associate in Arts. 

Transfer Guide

Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) 

Heartland Community College is a participant in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), a statewide transfer agreement among more than 100 colleges and universities in Illinois. IAI courses have been approved for transfer to an Illinois public university. For more information about the Illinois Articulation Initiative, please visit the IAI website. 

General Education Core Curriculum Requirement

For completion of the Associate in Arts degree, you will need to complete a minimum of 37 general education core curriculum (GECC) hours, within 7 categories, as part of the 60-credit hour degree. Please click on the category to view what courses Heartland has to offer within each of the required categories.

View what courses Heartland has to offer within each of the required categories:
Communications 
Fine Arts 
Humanities 
Life Sciences 
Mathematics 
Physical Sciences 
Social & Behavioral Sciences

Careers

Those with strong written communication skills are always in demand. As a skilled writer with technical expertise, you might pursue a career in:

  • Advertising/Marketing
  • Copywriting
  • Editing/Publishing
  • Journalism
  • Public Relations
  • Speechwriting
  • Teaching/Consulting
  • Technical Communications

The U.S. Department of Education's gainful employment regulations require disclosure of certain program information to students and prospective students.

Please review the employment information pertaining to your degree or certificate by selecting your intended program at the Heartland Community College Career Coach.

For more information about graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-enrollment earnings about this institution and other postsecondary institutions visit the U.S Department of Education College Scorecard site.

Contact Information

Liberal Arts & Social Sciences Division Office

ICB 2000 & 2100
1500 W Raab Road
Normal, IL 61761

Phone: 309-268-8620

Email: LASS Office