English 325 Theory of Language--
Grammar and Usage
Theory of Language is a required sophomore/junior level course for all English majors and minors. This class assumes students already know the English language because they are native speakers and are comfortable with language arts. Therefore the focus of the class is to help students understand and feel more comfortable with the terminology, principles, issues, and applications of language in their everyday lives.
Kip Hartvigsen and I originally restructured the course, and in 2009, I created the online version of English 325. The great challenge in creating an online course is getting students involved with the subject and with each other.
Theory of Language consists of five principal components.
Kip Hartvigsen and I originally restructured the course, and in 2009, I created the online version of English 325. The great challenge in creating an online course is getting students involved with the subject and with each other.
Theory of Language consists of five principal components.
English 325 Theory of Language Syllabus
Grammar. We focus on traditional and structural grammar (diagramming). Grammar allows us to identify sentence structures, their individual parts, and their relationships. Cindy Vitto's Grammar by Design is our grammar text. Diagramming Presentations |
Mechanics. We review traditional mechanics and punctuation rules such as subject/verb agreement.
Personal Grammar Workbook. Each student creates a personal grammar workbook with rules/explanations, exercises, and answers. Sample student personal grammar workbooks: |
Editing Portfolio. We apply principles of grammar and mechanics through editing exercises to demonstrate Edited American English.
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