This class will explore the theory and principles behind various approaches to using grammar to improve writing, including sentence combining and error analysis. We will also discuss the various social, political, and professional issues which revolve around grammar. Over the course of the session, we will encounter and review the most basic forms and functions of the grammar of Standard American English. We cannot, however, undertake a systematic, thorough review of traditional grammar, although I will be happy to meet with you before or after class regarding whatever grammatical questions you might have. Finally, you will research a particular aspect of grammar--pedagogical, theoretical, sociological, etc.--and write a position paper based on your research. You will also give a 20-minute oral presentation based on your research and paper.

The Writer's Options, by Donald Daiker

Teaching Grammar in Context, by Constance Weaver

Errors and Expectations, by Mina P. Shaughnessy

By working through selected sections of Daiker's The Writer's Options, we will begin to explore how specific grammatical forms--relative clauses, verbals, appositives--can be used to help writers improve their command of the English language.

Test 1: The class will be expected to combine groups of sentences by using a few of the specific grammatical forms presented by Daiker.

Teaching Grammar in Context:

By reading and discussing selected chapters of Weaver's work, we will gain the historical, theoretical, and research background necessary for developing an effective grammar pedagogy.

Test 2: The class wil be expected to identify and correct run-together, comma-splice, and fragment sentences. The class will also be exptected to perform active-passive voice transformations.

Error Analysis:

With the help of Mina Shaughnessy's Errors and Expectations, the class will explore the types and causes of grammatical error.

Test 3: The class will be required to identify the various types and causes of errors as represented by sentences drawn from Errors and Expectations.

Research Paper:

The research paper should present your position on a grammatical topic of your choice. You must cite at least three outside sources to explain and support your argument. You'll present your paper in class, and turn in a copy to me. Please bring copies of your bibliography for the entire class. You must submit your paper topic to me by June 20th (MW) or June 19th (TTH).

Possible areas of grammar research: primary, secondary, college education; other types of grammar and their pedagogical implications; social class; orality/literacy; regionalism; Ebonics; Hispanic English; other dialects; ESL; foreign language acquisition; history of grammar and/or reform movements; the "back to basics" movement; the "standards" movement; grammar handbooks or workbooks; computer-aided learning; grammar website critique.

Grades: 60% tests; 40% paper

Schedule:

T/TH session

May 29: Introduction June 1: Writer's Options (Warm Ups)

May 31:Writer's Options (Relative Clauses and Participles)

June 5: Writer's Options (Appositives and Coordination)

June 7: Review; Exam

June 12: Grammar in Context (Chapters 1 - 3)

June 14: Grammar in Contex (Chapter 5 & Afterword)t; Exam

June 19: Errors and Expectations: Introduction and Common Errors; Paper Topics Due

June 21:Errors and Expectations: Syntax Errors; Exam

June 26 : Presentations

June 28: Presentations; Papers Due

M/W

May 30: Introduction and Writer's Options (Warm Ups)

June 4: Writer's Options (Relative Clauses and Participles)

June 6: Writer's Options (Appositives and Coordination)

June 11: Review; Exam

June 13: Grammar in Context (Chapters 1 - 3)

June 18: Grammar in Context (Chapter 5 and Afterword)t; Exam

June 20: Errors and Expectations: Introduction and Common

June 25: Errors and Expectations: Syntax Errors;Exam

June 27: Presentations

July 2: Presentations; Papers Due