300 Grammar
Course Policies & Description

Grammar is not a series of formulas like calculus; it is a description of the structure that underlies all language use.  When you learn grammar, you are learning the basic structures that you need in order to communicate in English.

Because grammar is the central structure of language communication, it is not enough for you to learn grammar structures in the same way you might memorize a mathematical formula.  Instead you need to know when and how to use grammar in order to communicate meaning.  Grammar is the basis for all the language skills, so you need to recognize grammar and be able to use it in writing, speaking, reading and listening.  Because I believe that students need to know how to use grammar correctly rather than knowing only how to recognize grammar, my class focuses on the accuracy of grammar use.

Course Description:  This lower-intermediate grammar course develops students’ understanding and usage of specific grammatical structures at the word and sentence level. Focus will be put on progressive and perfect tenses, phrasal verbs, modals, passives, gerunds, infinitives, count and non-count nouns, pronouns, articles and comparisons. Emphasis is placed on using the structures learned in oral and written communication.

Homework:  Homework is especially important in a grammar class because it is important for you to work on the grammar outside of class.  I will try to limit the amount of homework that I assign, but as a result, the assigned homework is very important.  I will occasionally check homework to ensure that everyone is completing the assignments.

 Tests and Evaluation:  In this class, I will base your grade on your ability to use grammar correctly with all the basic language skills – writing, reading, speaking and listening.  For this reason, we will use a range of exams with approximately half of your grade on written tests and half of it on oral exams since it is important to use correct grammar in both contexts.  We will have several tests and quizzes in this class, and it is very important for you not to miss them.  I do not give make-up tests or quizzes.

 If you miss one of the tests, I will calculate your grade using only the other quiz scores.  If you miss more than one quiz, I will assign a grade of zero to the other missed test(s).

 Final Grade: At the end of this course, you will receive a course grade. This final course grade will be based on

• Attendance: see Attendance Policy below

• Tests: 80%

• Homework, Quizzes and Projects: 20%  

Language Institute Attendance Policy:  Attendance is very important: You must attend 80% of classes to receive a certificate. If you miss more than 5 classes, your course grade will be lowered one grade. Students who miss more than 9 classes will fail the course.      

 I, however, expect every student to attend every class.  If you do have to miss a class, you are still responsible for any material covered in the class and any assignments that are made.  I suggest you get a reliable classmate’s phone number and call that classmate to find out what you missed in class. 

 I expect students to attend every class of 300 Grammar.  At this level, class time is spent as much in explanation of grammar points as it is in practicing use of the grammar.  You cannot get such practice outside of class time, so it is important for you to be in class.

Class Etiquette: In this class you will be expected to

• turn your cell phone to off or silent during class.

• bring your textbooks to class everyday.

• speak English during class.

• complete all assignments on time.

• participate in class

• respect the efforts of your classmates

Daily Syllabus