Join in the Study and Practice of the Literary Arts

The Monterey Peninsula College English Department offers transfer-level instruction in composition and reading. Our Literature courses provide students with opportunities to study a wide variety of  literary works written in English. Our Creative Writing courses give students the chance to create and develop their own poetry, short fiction, novels, and memoirs. The department also offers a nationally recognized Great Books Program.

MPC Faculty are accomplished educators, scholars, and artists, ready to support students as they develop their reading, writing, and critical thinking skills as well as their appreciation for the written word.

Use the links at left for information about course offerings, degrees and certificates, and faculty contact information. You will also find links to the  Great Books Program, Creative Writing Program, The Guest Author Series, The Reading and Writing Center, and more.

See the Catalog and Schedule of Classes for course descriptions, scheduling and registration information.

Degree Programs:

• English: Associate in Arts for Transfer
• English: Creative Writing Associate in Arts

Certificate Programs:

• Creative Writing Certificate of Achievement
• Great Books Certificate of Achievement

Wondering what you can do after completing a course of study in English? Here are:

10 Life Changing Skills You Will Acquire as an English Major

English Department News

English Instructor wins Excellence in Teaching Award

Creative Writing Instructor Henry Marchand received the Allen Griffin Teaching Award from the Community Foundation of Monterey County to outstanding educators at the county's secondary and post-secondary institutions.

The award recognizes sustained excellence in classroom teaching and positive impact beyond the classroom in the recipient's school, profession, and community.

Mr. Marchand created and teaches the MPC English Department's creative writing curriculum along with Brandi Kary. He directs the MPC Guest Authors Series and advises the Creative Writing Club, along with Scheherazade, the college literary magazine. A writer of fiction and nonfiction, with stories, essays, and articles published in anthologies and magazines nationwide and online, he recently served as Associate Editor for Fiction at The Flexible Persona, a magazine published in print and online.

 

Published Works By English Department Faculty

A sampling of original works by current instructors:

Henry Marchand's short story, "A Hunger Artist," in Cleaver Magazine.

Brandi Kary's poem, "This is How Things End," in The Voices Project.

Ayaz Pirani's poem, "African Masks" in Tipton Poetry Journal. The poem was also included in the compilation of poetry for "Poem in Your Pocket Day," an annual event during National Poetry Month (April).