Course Objectives

v Develop a thorough understanding of the major grammatical terms and constructions of the English language and exhibit this understanding (exams and oral class work).

v Identify the strengths and weaknesses of traditional grammar (papers and exams).

v Recognize the patterns of structural and transformational grammar (papers and exams).

v Exhibit a familiarity with linguistic methodology and grammatical problem-solving techniques (papers).

Text: Martha Kolln & Robert Funk – Understanding English Grammar (7^th ed.)

Grading

3 examinations (25% each),

1 problem paper(15%),

Class participation and daily quizzes (10%).

Conference Requirements for Problem Paper

Present evidence of thorough library search, including all standard reference works.

Bring all notes.

Bring working outline or draft with a clear statement of the paper’s thesis.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

You are expected to attend class. The maximum number of absences FOR ANY REASON is four. STUDENTS WHO MISS MORE THAN 4 CLASSES WILL NOT PASS THIS COURSE. Two tardies will count as one absence.
You must be attentive and alert. If you doze off, I will count you absent for the class. To be present, you must be conscious.
You will be called upon, at random, to put sentences on the board and explain them.
You must be prepared when you come to class with questions about the issues you did not understand. If there are no questions, I will assume complete understanding and will call upon you with enthusiasm to explain the issues. If it becomes obvious that the class has not done the required reading, I will give quizzes until class preparation becomes obvious.
Your paper is due on the date indicated on the syllabus. I WILL NOT ACCEPT A PAPER FROM A STUDENT WHO HAS NOT CONFERRED WITH ME ABOUT HIS/HER TOPIC, RESEARCH, ETC. Papers must be word processed in MLA format.
Any late paper will be penalized by a letter grade reduction for every day late. I WILL NOT ACCEPT ANY PAPER OVER 2 WEEKS LATE.
FAILURE TO COMPLETE ANY ASSIGNMENT—PAPER OR TEST—WILL RESULT IN FAILURE OF THIS COURSE.

GRADING SCALE

As you know, the university initiates the +/- grading option this semester. I will use this grading scale. On individual assignments, as I average your final grades, I will use the following equivalencies: A = 95, A- = 90, B+ = 89, B = 85, B- = 80 and so forth. F will be figured in as a 55 numerically. When I record your FINAL grades, the following will be my scale: 93-100 = A, 90-92 = A-, 88-89 = B+, 83-87 = B, 80-82 = B- and so forth.

PLAGIARISM POLICY

Plagiarism, whether intentional or unintentional, will not be tolerated. If you do not understand how to incorporate borrowed material (ideas, summaries, paraphrases, or quotes), please ask for an explanation. You may refer to the section on The Correct Use of Borrowed Information on the English Department Web Page at http://www.winthrop.edu/english If you plagiarize, you will fail the course.

EMAIL POLICY

I will read my emails every morning before 8 and every afternoon before I leave and try to respond at those times. I may read emails during the day, but I may not be able to respond immediately. I will allow you to email me the draft of a paper, but I will not correct your paper and email it back to you. If you wish to confer with me about a draft, we will have that conference in person.

Technology

We will examine and learn how to evaluate internet resources addressing grammatical issues.

Cell Phones

Cell phones must be turned off or set on vibrate during class.

Students with Disabilities

Winthrop University is dedicated to providing access to education. If you have a disability and need classroom accommodations, please contact Gena Smith, Coordinator, Services for Students with Disabilities, at 323-3290, as soon as possible. Once you have your Professor Notification Form, please tell me so that I am aware of your accommodations well before the first test/paper/assignment.

If you have question about accessibility statements or other accommodation issues, please contact Gena Smith at 323-3290.