ENGLISH 110J
TRADITIONAL GRAMMAR AND STANDARD USAGE
Instructor:
Prof. Ronald Tanaka
English 163
Messages: 278-6586
e-mail: tanakarp@csus.edu
Course Description:
110J is an upper-division course designed
to introduce the student to the basic concepts and operations of 'traditional
grammatical analysis' in addition to the principal elements of 'standard usage.'
Since there are so many approaches to both subjects, we will be using two
different texts, both of which are recognized as being standards in their
respective areas. Through lectures and class discussion, we will present a
theoretical overview which will hopefully put notions like 'traditional grammar'
and 'standard usage' in a broader academic and cultural perspective.
110J will be taught as a standard academic
course in our English 110 linguistics offerings. Although our subject area is
often seen as another way to teach composition and editing skills, our focus
will be on: 1) understanding notions like 'traditional grammar,' 'correct
grammar' and 'good English' and, 2) how our understanding of these concepts
affects our ability to communicate effectively.
Our primary texts will be The Princeton
Review’s Grammar Smart <GS> and Erhlich and Murphy's English
Grammar <E/M>. However, after the first five weeks, each
student will be able to select one of three ways to completing the course,
depending upon his or her interests.
The STANDARD track will give equal weight
to both grammar and usage. All examinations will be multiple choice. There will
be no analysis and no critical essay required. Students will be tested on the
exercises in both GS and E/M.
The USAGE track will help the student who
is primarily interested in improving his or her writing. Objective examinations
will be given based upon the usage sections of GS and E/M as well as special
editing handouts. Students will be required to submit one or two papers for
practice in proof-reading.
The CRITICAL THINKING track will help the
student critique traditional definitions and rules in addition to learning those
same definitions and rules. This track will require the student to analyze and
evaluate the basic elements of both GS and E/M for logical consistency. Students
will have the option of taking an in class final examination or an analytical
paper. This track is recommended for those who wish to go on to a linguistics
course after 110J.
Even though the CT track requires the most
work, students will be able to receive an A following any of the three course
preferences.
Format:
At the beginning, class time will be
primarily devoted to lectures. However, the remainder of the time will be spent
in discussions and workshops.
Requirements:
There will be an objective midterm covering
the exercises in GS for all students.
Other requirements are noted above.
Students will be required to attend class
regularly, take all quizzes and participate in class in order to receive full
credit for the course. There will be no exceptions.
Attendance:
110J is not a correspondence class.
Students will be allowed four (4) unexcused absences. Those with five absences
will not be permitted to take the final.
A roll sheet will be passed out at the
beginning of each class period. Students are responsible to see that their
attendance is recorded. Any corrections must be made by the instructor no more
than one class period after an error has occurred. Any student ten or more
minutes late by a corrected classroom clock will be counted absent for the day.
Students must remain in the classroom after signing in to receive credit for the
day.
Grading:
Grading will be based on an objective 100
point system with point deductions for missing quizzes and failing to be
prepared when required. Students are responsible for making up quizzes before
returning to class. The make up policy will be discussed in more detail in
another notice.
Midterm:
30 points
Final/Final Paper:
50 points
Class Participation:
10 points
Homework:
10 points
Although assignments and other class
matters will be put in writing and posted on our web site, students will be
expected to listen in class and try to have their questions addressed before
problems arise. Listening and following instructions will be graded as part of
your class participation requirement.
Texts:
The Princeton Review, Grammar Smart
Ehrlich and Murphy, English Grammar
Recommended:
Tanaka, An Introduction to Traditional
Grammar (on web site)
Office Hours
Students can make office appointments on
the sign-up sheet on the door of English 163. Please call 278-6586 to cancel.
Telephone calls will not be returned, but students can send e-mail to: tanakarp@csus.edu.
NB: All discussions relating to class affairs must be conducted via
e-mail or during a formal appointment, not before or after class.
A FINAL WORD:
Students may contact me at any time of the day or night seven days a week at:
tanakarp@csus.edu
Locortina@aol.com