EL504: English Grammar (0 credits)
Chiyeko Kristin
Takayoshi, Adjunct Instructor in ESL
Winter 2006 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 will meet for 2-hour sessions twice weekly for 10 weeks. 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 a grammar lesson 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
Byrd, Patricia and Beverly Benson, Problem/Solution:
A Reference for ESL Writers. Boston, MA: Heinle & Heinle Publishers,
1994
Lane, Janet and Ellen Lange, Writing
Clearly: An Editing Guide, 2nd edition. Boston, MA: Heinle &
Heinle Publishers, 1999
RECOMMENDED READING:
Azar,
Betty S., Understanding and Using English
Grammar Chartbook: A Reference Grammar, 3rd edition. White
Plains, NY: Addison, Wesley, Longman, Inc. (Pearson Education), 2000
Azar, Betty S., Understanding and Using
English Grammar Workbook, 3rd edition. White Plains, NY:
Addison, Wesley, Longman, Inc. (Pearson Education), 2000
Claire, Elizabeth, Three Little Words A,
An, and The: A Foreign Student's Guide to English Articles. McHenry, IL:
Delta Systems Co., 1988
Langan, John, Sentence Skills: A Workbook
for Writers, 6th Edition, Form B. Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill
College, 1999
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.
1. Class participation and preparation (weekly assignments)
2. A minimum of 20 English grammar activities and assignments
PREREQUISITES:
None.
RELATIONSHIP
TO CURRICULUM: Meets partial requirements to advance from the ESL program.
FINAL
EXAM: ESL Exit Exam.