EL504: ESL: English
Grammar (4 units, 0 credits)
Chiyeko Kristin Takayoshi, Adjunct Instructor in ESL
Fall 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 twice each week for two-hour sessions. 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 within the ESL Program.
FINAL EXAM: ESL Exit Exam.