English 106 - Summer Sessions I, 2015

English Grammar

Class Information

Instructor: Moglen, Daniel
CRN: 53876
Time: MTW 12:10-1:50
Location: 1132 Bainer

Description

Cross listed: ENL/LIN/UWP 106

Description and Purpose of the Course: This course deals with the
grammatical structure of the English language, focusing on the major
syntactical structures of sentences. We will use modern language
analysis techniques and the premise that it is necessary to understand
how sentences are put together in order to be able to diagnose the
problems sentences may have. This has obvious implications for
editing, for writing, and for writing instruction, but a knowledge of
language structure can also enhance an appreciation of literature.
After this course, you should be able to explain to yourself and to
others what is wrong with a questionable sentence and what can be done
to improve the sentence.

In addition to writers and editors, people who would like to teach
English or language arts in the public schools are the natural
audience of this course. It is an irony of teacher training that
English teachers are trained primarily in literature, but, in
professional practice, they spend most of their time dealing with
their students’ language problems. As Carol Numrich has said (in a
study of the diaries of beginning teachers) many teachers feel
unprepared in their knowledge of language:

Lack of knowledge in grammar was probably one of the biggest concerns
of the teachers in this study. Their diary entries consistently
reflected a lack of security in their teaching of grammar. Novice
teachers who have received no formal instruction in English grammar
may feel particularly unequipped to deal with the kinds of questions
posed by students. Whether teachers choose to teach grammar explicitly
or use a more inductive approach to teaching grammar, they can be sure
that students’ questions will abound. If novice teachers were to take
a grammar course prior to or in conjunction with their first teaching
practicum, they might have more security facing their students’
questions.

The advent of high-stakes testing in the public schools has only
increased both the unease of teachers and the need for grammatical
instruction.

Regular attendance is required; to receive a passing grade in the
course, you must attend class and discussion (more than two unexcused
absences will result in a lower grade; a pattern of absences may
result in failure in the class), turn in all homework assignments;
take both mini quizzes, and take and pass the final examination. Late
homework assignments will be penalized unless you have a really good
excuse. With so many assignments, turning in homework late can put you
seriously behind.

Attendance at the discussion section is required. The discussions will
be used for working on problems, answering questions, and catching up
with lectures.

Grading

Grading will be based on the following items:

5 homework assignments @ 10% each, 50%

2 mini quizzes @ 5% each, 10%

1 final project, 20%

1 final examination, 25%

Texts

Language as Human Behavior, Anita Barry