EL504/ 509: English
Grammar 1a/ b (4 units, 0 credits)
Dave Cooke, Adjunct
Instructor in ESL
Fall 2007 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:
1. Build self-awareness of problems in one's own
grammar
2. Learn the correct form, meaning, and
use of grammar
3. Apply grammar in writing that shows
greater variety and clarity
4. Write sentences that are relatively
free of mistakes in grammar, mechanics and syntax
5. Become an independent self-editor
with greater written fluency
COURSE FORMAT:
This class meets 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. Finally, regular quizzes reinforce grammar skills.
REQUIRED
READING:
1. Azar, Betty S., Understanding and Using English Grammar with Answer Key, 3rd
edition. White Plains, NY: Addison,
Wesley, Longman, Inc. (Pearson Education), 2000
2. Lane, Janet and Ellen Lange, Writing Clearly: An Editing Guide, 2nd
edition. Boston, MA: Heinle & Heinle
Publishers, 1999.
3. Langan, John, Sentence Skills: A Workbook for Writers, Form A, 8th edition. Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill, 2008.
RECOMMENDED READING:
1. Azar, Betty S., Understanding and Using English Grammar Chartbook: A Reference Grammar,
3rd edition.
White Plains, NY: Addison, Wesley, Longman, Inc. (Pearson Education), 2000.
2. Azar, Betty S., Understanding and Using English Grammar Workbook, 3rd
edition.
White Plains, NY: Addison, Wesley, Longman, Inc. (Pearson Education), 2000.
3. Byrd, Patricia and Beverly Benson, Problem/Solution: A Reference for ESL Writers.
Boston, MA: Heinle & Heinle Publishers, 1994.
4. Claire, Elizabeth, Three Little Words A, An, and The: A Foreign
Student's Guide to English Articles.
McHenry, IL: Delta Systems Co., 1988.
5. 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, and quizzes.
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.