English 311
Dr. H. Napierkowski Office hours: Grammar
Websites |
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Course Description: This course provides a theoretical, historical, and practical
study of grammar and the rules governing language usage. The emphasis is on the standard
conventions of grammar, usage, mechanics, and syntax within a rhetorical framework.
Required texts:
Rhetorical Grammar, 2nd ed., Kolln,
Allyn & Bacon
English
3200, 4th ed., Blumenthal, Harcourt Brace
Recommended: A grammar handbook, for example, A Writer's Reference, 4th ed. Hacker, St.
Martin’s
Course Objectives:
Acquire a command of the standard conventions of grammar, usage, mechanics, and
syntax.
Understand the theoretical and historical basis for rules governing language usage.
Use multiple resources for self-improvement in grammar skills, including the Internet.
Reach consensus on grammar-related problems in technical and administrative writing.
Course Requirements:
1.
English 3200—a programmed text in
grammar and usage. Provide a “summary” of
2.
Quizzes, mid-term, and final exam. No
make-ups on quizzes
3.
Language journey biography (2 typed pages,
double-spaced—include in your language journal), explaining your personal history as
a user of English. This can include your memories/experiences of learning to speak, read,
and write English, regionalisms/expressions used in/unique to your family, other languages
you know and ways this knowledge has informed your understanding of English grammar,
school experiences with learning to read and write, and any other thoughts/observations
you wish to make about your personal language journey as speakers/readers/writers of
English. This is intended as a personal narrative, primarily to help you reflect on your
experiences with language and to inform me as to your linguistic background.
4.
Readings and exercises assigned from Rhetorical Grammar.
5.
Participation in workshops and class
discussions, including a grammatical "mini-analysis" presented to the class of a
favorite passage of prose (student's choice) and on-going grammar analyses of an assigned
text.
6.
An analytical paper on a thorny and/or
intriguing grammatical issue, with an annotated bibliography (5-6 pages). Information also
delivered in an oral presentation (preferably using PowerPoint).
7. Language journal. 10-12 items of interest, clipped or photocopied from newspapers, magazines, or other sources related to issues of language use, with your commentary as appropriate. Please attach clippings to 8 ½ x 11 sheets of paper. For class discussion on an ongoing basis. Turn in at end of semester.
Grades:
| Weekly Quizzes | 100 pts each |
| Mid-term & Final | 400 pts (200 pts each |
| Exercises/workshops/discussion | 200 pts |
| Oral presentation | 100 pts |
| Research project | 200 pts |
| Language journal | 100 pts |
Attendance: This class is conducted as a workshop, where much of the learning takes place through the activities and interactions in the class. We will also have frequent quizzes. Consequently, it is more than usually important for you to be in class on a regular basis.
English 311-001 Advanced
Grammar
Syllabus
Fall 2001
Notes:
Unless otherwise assigned , RG exercises will be completed in class.
Unit 3200 summaries, as assigned, are due on Tuesdays. Bring 24 copies.
| xxx | Tuesday | Thursday |
| Week 1 Aug. 21/23 |
Course Introduction | RG, pp 1-10 3200 Pre-test |
| Week 2 Aug. 28/30 |
RG, ch 1 Sentence structure | 3200 Preface & Unit 1 The simple sentence |
| Week 3 Sept. 4/6 |
No Class (Labor Day) | 3200 Unit 2 The compound sentence |
| Week 4 Sept. 11/13 |
RG, ch 2 Sentence rhythm | 3200 Unit 3 The complex sentence |
| Week 5 Sept. 18/20 |
RG, ch 2 Sentence rhythm | 3200 Unit 4 Phrases |
| Week 6 Sept. 25/Sept. 27 |
RG, ch 3 Cohesion | 3200 Unit 5 Sentence variety |
| Week 7 Oct. 2/4 |
RG, ch 4, Voice | 3200 Unit 6 Sentence boundaries/T-units |
| Week 8 Oct. 9/11 |
RG, ch 5, Sentence style | Mid-term |
| Week 9 Oct. 16/18 |
RG, ch 5, Sentence style | 3200 Unit 7 Sentence structure problems |
| Oct. 23/25 |
RG, ch 6, Verbs | 3200 Unit. 8 Subject/verb agreement |
| Week 11 Oct. 30/Nov.1 |
RG, ch 7, Adverbials | 3200 Unit 9 Verb problems |
| Week 12 Nov. 6/8 |
RG, chs 8 &11, Adjectivals/Pronouns | 3200 Unit 10/11 Adverb, adjective, & pronoun problems |
| Week 13 Nov. 14/15 |
RG, ch 12, Punct (& punct glossary) | 3200 Unit 12 Punctuation |
| Week 14 Nov. 20/22 |
RG, ch 10, Word classes | No Class (Thanksgiving) |
| Week 15 Nov. 27/29 |
RG, ch 9, Stylistic choices | Review for final/Language journals due |
| Week 16 Dec. 4/6 |
Review for final | Final projects due/Course wrap-up/FCQ’s |
| Week 17 Dec. 11 |
Final (4:30-7:05 Turn in 3200 quizzes/midterm |
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