EL504/ 509: English Grammar 1a/ b (4 units, 0 credits)

Dave Cooke, Adjunct Instructor in ESL
Winter 2008Pasadena

 

 

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.

 

Note:  This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design, but is subject to modification.                              Last Date Edited: 10 October 2007