ENGL 350.001                           SYLLABUS                  Benner

Spring 2003                                                                                   Linthicum 201B, Ext.42857

                                                                                                          Office hours: TR, 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

                                                                                                                                    M-F by appointment                                                                                  

Course Objective:  Through an examination of three major approaches to English grammar, students will broaden their understanding of the English language as an organic working, consistent system. whose parts function smoothly to create and sustain an organic lively whole.

Course Outline:

Week 1 – Week  8

Course overview / Diagnostic test

Traditional Grammar

Usage  (Writing Support Modules, Chapters 1-6)

Tests 1 and 2

Usage Quizzes 1 – 6

Week 10 – Week 16

Structural Grammar  (Readings TBA)

Transformational Grammar (Readings TBA)

Usage (Writing Support Modules, Chapters 7-10)

Tests 3 and 4

Usage Quizzes 7-10)

Required texts  

     Benner, Margaret.  A Survey of Comparative Grammar.  Towson University, 2003.               

     Benner, Margaret.  Modules for Writing Support.   Towson University, 2003.                              

Attendance Policy

To gain full benefit from this course, students should attend class regularly. Missing more than one week's classes  (2) without a valid written excuse accepted by the instructor will result in the lowering of a student's final grade by ½ letter grade (e.g. C+ to C,  A- to B+) per missed class, possibly to failure.  See English Department Guidelines.

**************Please come to class on time**********************

Course Requirements

1.  Ten classes will begin with a short quiz on an assigned module covering a usage  topic.  Module quizzes will be cumulative. *Module quizzes may be made up ONLY when an emergency has caused you to be late for class.

2.  After each class, you will be assigned readings and exercises from your text and, at times, from other sources.  Please come to class prepared to discuss assignments.

3.      Class participation is expected in this course.  It indicates that you have done the assignment and that

 you have some  interest in the material.  Quality of participation counts as heavily as quantity.  If you fail to

 participate in class discussions, your grade will suffer.

4.   Cell phones must be turned off during class.

5.   If you miss class, you are expected to get class notes from a colleague and to complete any assignments made.

Tutorial Resources

Throughout the semester, a tutor will be available in my office during to help you.  This service is free, and the tutor is very competent.  I strongly recommend that anyone experiencing difficulty with any part of the course make an appointment with Katie Maneely  EARLY in the semester.  I will provide her hours and information for contacting her within the first two weeks of the semester.

Evaluation Criteria            

            Module quiz average                      30%

            Test average                                    50%

            Exam grade                                      20%