EL523/ 528: English
Grammar 2a/ b (4 units, 0 credits)
Shana Wright, Adjunct
Instructor in ESL
Fall 2007 Pasadena
COURSE 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 1) targets common grammatical errors that interfere with students'
proficiency to write clearly, accurately, and communicatively, 2) helps
students create effective complex constructions appropriate for graduate level
writing and speech, and 3) applies grammar lessons to writing and speaking
contexts similar to seminary study.
By first recognizing specific
language problems in their own writing, students learn strategies to correct
these mistakes. Practicing grammar in
the context of writing and speech 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 and
speak 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 and speech
that shows greater variety and clarity
4. Create complex sentences that are
relatively free of mistakes in grammar, mechanics and syntax
5. Become an independent self-editor
with greater written and spoken fluency
6. Preparation for Level 3 (Advanced
ESL).
COURSE FORMAT:
This class meets twice weekly 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. Regular
quizzes and written practice reinforce grammar skills.
REQUIRED
READING:
1. Azar, Betty S., Understanding and Using English Grammar with Answer Key, 3rd
edition.
2. White Plains, NY: Addison, Wesley,
Longman, Inc. (Pearson Education), 2000
3. Lane, Janet and Ellen Lange, Writing Clearly: An Editing Guide, 2nd
edition. Boston, MA: Heinle & Heinle
Publishers, 1999.
4. Langan, John, Sentence Skills: A Workbook for Writers, Form A, 8th
edition. Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill, 2008.
5. Peace, Richard, Spiritual Autobiography: Discovering and Sharing Your Spiritual
Journey, Colorado Springs, CO: Navpress, 1998.
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.