What did you learn from Garner's Modern English Usage?

For fun, click here to hear what Garner has to say about "Tense Present," the essay that "changed his life."

Approaches to Grammar, Fall 2017

Syllabus

Office: Faust 155

Phone: 580-559-5877

Office Hours: 2-2:50 MTWR and by appointment

Over the course of this semester, we will discuss lexical categories, verb forms, sentence types, descriptive and prescriptive accounts of language use, and the differences between grammar rules and usage norms. Along the way, you will make progress toward developing a linguistic super power that will allow you to exchange an unspoken mental handshake with others who have developed the same skills you have.

Required Materials

Garner’s Modern English Usage, Fourth Edition. (Oxford UP, 2016)

Course Plan: Reading and writing assignments (and modifications to these assignments) will be announced over the course of the semester.  Students who miss class are responsible for learning what changes have been made in the syllabus.  Make sure you have the e-mail address and/or phone number of at least two of your classmates, so you can get the information you need about assignments in a timely manner. You may also check the course website:  www.ecugrammar.blogspot.com for new assignments.

The class will not hold its regularly scheduled meeting on Friday, October 26^th.

Evaluation:

60% Daily assignments (reading responses, quizzes, etc.)
20% Grammar book review plus in-class presentation (4-5 pages on an approved text plus a 10-15 minute in-class presentation to be given during the second half of the semester; each student must meet with the instructor to rehearse presentation at least one week prior to assigned presentation day; paper is due one week after in-class presentation).

10% Midterm Exam

10% Final Exam

Attendance: To get an “A” or a “B” in this class, you must have an attendance score of 80% or better; to get a “C” in this class, you must have an attendance score of 70% or better; to pass this class, you must have an attendance score of 60% or better.

Absences: I always appreciate it when students let me know in advance if they will not be able to attend class or turn in an assignment on time. Do not ask me for permission to miss a class or turn an assignment in late. It’s not that I don’t think some absences or delays are unavoidable; I just don’t want to have to make isolated, on-the-spot judgments throughout the semester about which absences (other than the excused absences mentioned below) and extensions are justifiable. I would rather make that judgment at the end of the term with the big picture in view. So at the end of the course, if your absences or the number of assignments you turned in late will negatively your grade, and you feel that some of those delays were unavoidable, send me an e-mail explaining your case and I will consider granting you whatever retroactive extensions and excused absences I judge to be fair at the time.

Excused Absences include required field trips, participation in activities formally sponsored by the university, documented illness or injury, and illness or death of a family member. Situations leading to multiple absences must be documented with the Office of Academic Affairs.

ECU Catalog Description:

Examines grammar and syntax. Includes emphasis on the theories of and strategies for grammar instruction in the English classroom.

Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement:

According to University policy, plagiarism is “presenting the words, visual images or ideas of another as one’s own. Except for what is called ‘common knowledge,’ any information taken from another source must be documented in the student’s work. When a student interprets another’s ideas, credit must be given by an in-text reference. When a student uses an exact copy of another’s work, it must be delineated by use of quotation marks or indentation and referenced with the source” (East Central University Policy on Academic Integrity). Plagiarism can result in a failing grade for the course or expulsion from the university.

ADA Statement:

East Central University is committed to providing equal access to university programs and services for all students. Under university policy and federal and state laws, students with documented disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations to ensure the student has an equal opportunity to perform in class. If any member of the class has such a disability and needs special academic accommodations, please report to Student Support Services, Room 155 Administration Building, as soon as possible. Reasonable accommodations may be arranged after Student Support Services has verified your situation. Do not hesitate to contact me if any assistance is needed in this process.

Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) Statement:

In keeping with the university’s emphasis on writing proficiency, all student produced writing will be expected to reflect clear content, coherent and organized structure, and adherence to the stylistic and mechanical standards articulated by the professor.