Course Guidelines

 

500 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 Descriptionclass, you will
  • learn the rules for using nouns and pronouns
  • review verb tenses and learn new rules for the use of modals
  • review and learn to use passive voice correctly and accurately
  • learn more rules for the use of adjective and noun clauses
  • work with conditionals
  • review and learn new rules for using gerunds and infinitive

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 Grading
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, quizzes and other activities 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).

Language Institute Attendance Policy
According to Language Institute policy, you must attend 80% of these 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 8 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. 

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

 Here is the day-to-day plan of what we will be doing in class. I will let you know any changes to the plan.

 

 

Objective(s)

Required Material

Week 1

8-20

Registration & Testing

No Classes

8-21

Placement & Orientation

No Classes

8-22

Nouns: Irregular, Possessive Form, as Modifiers

Chapter 7 pp. 99-107

8-23

Nouns: Count and Noncount Nouns, Articles

Chapter 7 pp. 107-118

8-24

Nouns and Expressing Quantity/Diagnostic Quiz

Chapter 7 pp. 119-124,

Week 2

8-27

Nouns and Expressing Quantity

Chapter 7 pp. 125-130

8-28

Pronouns

Chapter 8 pp. 132-139

8-29

Pronouns

Chapter 8 pp. 140-149

8-30

Verb Tense Review

Chapter 5 pp. 80 – 82, Ex. 16

8-31

Exam 1 (Nouns, Pronouns, and Tenses)

 

Week 3

9-3

Labor Day Holiday – No Classes

9-4

Modals (deductive, present time)

Chapter 10 pp. 174-180

9-5

Modals (deductive, past time)

Chapter 10 pp. 181-184

0-6

Modals (predictive and progressive)

Chapter 10 pp. 184-192

9-7

Modals (general review)

Chapter 10 pp. 193-201

Week 4

9-10

Modals (general review)

Chapter 10 pp. 202-207

9-11

Modal Quiz, Passive Review

Chapter 11 pp. 208-212

0-12

Passive Voice: Review

Chapter 11 pp. 213 - 218

9-13

Passive Voice: Modals

Chapter 11 pp. 218-225

9-14

Passive Voice in Writing

Chapter 11 p 225 Ex 17 in class and hw

Week 5

9-17

Passive Voice in Writing

Students exchange Ex 17 and discuss

9-18

Passive Voice: Adjectives

Chapter 11 pp  225-231

9-19

Passive Voice: Adjectives

Chapter 11 pp  232-238

9-20

Passive Quiz,

Conditionals: “If” clauses Past time

 Chapter 20 pp. 413; 418-422

9-21

Conditionals : “If clauses” Implied meanings

Chapter 20 pp. 423-431

Week 6

9-24

Conditionals : “Wish” clauses

Chapter 20 pp. 432-437

9-25

Subjunctive Conditionals

Handout (server)

9-26

Review for exam

 

9-27

Exam 2 (Modals, Passive, Conditionals)

 

9-28

Adjective Clauses

Chapter 13 pp 277-289

Week 7

10-1

Adjective Clauses

Chapter 13 pp. 290-294

10-2

Adjective Clauses

Chapter 13 p. 295-296, Ex 40-41

10-3

Noun Clauses

Chapter 12 pp. 251-260

10-4

Noun Clauses

Chapter 12 pp. 261-266 & Ex 31 or 33

10-5

Gerunds and Infinitives

Review of Chapter 14, Chapter 15 pp. 326 - 333

Week 8

10-8

Gerunds and Infinitives

Chapter 15, pp. 334-340

10-9

Gerunds and Infinitives

Chapter 15 pp. 341 - 346

10-10

Review for exam

 

10-11

FINAL EXAM

 

10-12

Grading / Evaluation Sessions – Students do not attend