EL509:  English Grammar II  (0 credits)

Chiyeko Kristin Takayoshi, Adjunct Instructor in ESL
Fall 2004  Pasadena

 

 

DESCRIPTION;

Writing effectively to fulfill seminary assignments assumes a solid foundation in English grammar. However, students with limited English language proficiency may struggle with basic sentence skills. Thus, this course targets common grammatical errors that interfere with students' proficiency to write clearly, accurately, and communicatively. By first recognizing specific language problems in their own writing, students learn strategies to correct these mistakes. Practicing grammar in the context of writing develops students' ability not only to form a grammatical structure but also to demonstrate its meaning and appropriate use. This 10-week course prepares students with the skills and confidence to become independent self-editors who can write competent English for graduate work.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Build self-awareness of problems in one's own grammar
• Learn the correct form, meaning, and use of grammar
• Apply grammar in writing that shows greater variety and clarity
• Write sentences that are relatively free of mistakes in grammar, mechanics and syntax
• Become an independent self-editor with greater written fluency

 

COURSE FORMAT:

This class uses a communicative, problem-solution approach to grammar. Students learn through error analysis, lectures, class discussion, small group activities, individual exercises, and feedback conferences. Students apply grammar lessons in regular written practice. In a Grammar Lab, students independently refine their grammar skills with grammar software or workbooks. Finally, regular quizzes reinforce grammar skills.

 

REQUIRED READING:

Azar, Betty S., Understanding and Using English Grammar with Answer Key, 3rd edition. White Plains, NY: Addison, Wesley, Longman, Inc. (Pearson Education), 2000.
Lane, Janet and Ellen Lange, Writing Clearly: An Editing Guide, 2nd edition. Boston, MA: Heinle & Heinle Publishers, 1999.
Langan, John, Sentence Skills: A Workbook for Writers, 6th Edition, Form B. Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill College, 1999.

 

RECOMMENDED READING:

Azar, Betty S., Understanding and Using English Grammar Workbook, 3rd edition. White Plains, NY: Addison, Wesley, Longman, Inc. (Pearson Education), 2000.
Byrd, Patricia and Beverly Benson, Problem/Solution: A Reference for ESL Writers. Boston, MA: Heinle & Heinle Publishers, 1994.
Claire, Elizabeth, Three Little Words A, An, and The: A Foreign Student's Guide to English Articles. McHenry, IL: Delta Systems Co., 1988.
Yates, Jean, The Ins and Outs of Prepositions: A Guidebook for ESL Students. Hauppauge, NY: Barron's, 1999.

 

ASSIGNMENTS:

This noncredit course is “Satisfactory” or “Not Satisfactory.” Students sharpen their grammar skills in exercises, academic writing tasks, quizzes, and a required Grammar Lab that supplements class lessons.

 

PREREQUISITES: None.

 

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets partial requirements to advance within the ESL Program.

 

FINAL EXAMINATION: ESL Exit Exam.

 

Last Date Edited: June 21, 2004