English 091  Basic Grammar and Sentence Patterns

Instructor:  Nancy Eichner

Spring 2008

Item # 0998 A     5 Credits   M-F 10:30 am - 11:20 pm        Room C140

Office:  R230   E-mail:  neichner@bcc.ctc.edu    Phone:  (425) 564-4185 

Office Hours:  By appointment  (best 2:40 pm Tuesday and Wednesday)

Writing Lab (D204) Class Reservation:  Every Thursday

 

 

 

Course Goals

To learn the basic elements of English grammar

To use correct grammar and punctuation

 

Books and Materials (Do not buy books until I tell you which ones.)

FOR NON-NATIVE SPEAKERS:

·         Understanding and Using English Grammar WORKBOOK, 3rd edition, by Betty Azar (Be sure the Workbook has the answers at the back.  If it does not, also buy the Answer Book separately.)

·         Understanding and Using English Grammar CHARTBOOK, 3rd edition, by Betty Azar

FOR NATIVE SPEAKERS:

·         Sentence Skills:  A Workbook for Writers, 7th edition, Form A, by John Langan

FOR ALL:

The Worst Hard Time, by Timothy Egan

Collegiate dictionary (English/English)

Foreign language/English dictionary (if English is not your native language)

 

Grades

This is a pass/fail class.  To pass, you must attend class regularly and do all the required work. 

 

Required Work

1.       Do one chapter each week (minimum) in your grammar book.  I will collect your work every Thursday at Lab.  Do not skip any exercises, unless I tell you to.

2.       Write and edit an in-class assignment every week at the Writing Lab (D 204).  If you have a writing assignment for another class, I may give you permission to work on the grammar for it during Lab.

3.       Correct the in-class assignment using my editing feedback--to be handed in the following Thursday in Lab.

4.       Read The Worst Hard Time.  This is the BCC Reads! book this year--the entire campus is encouraged to read it.  On Thursdays, I will sometimes ask you a question about the assigned chapters to write about at the Lab.  The author of this book, Tim Egan, will speak at BCC on April 23, 7:30 pm, at the BCC Carlson Theater.  It is a requirement of this class to hear him speak and write about your impressions.

 

Course Description

English 091 is a grammar class.  Learning to edit writing for grammar mistakes is the main goal of the course. 

 

The learning is self-paced.  The textbooks are self-teaching books with exercises and answers to most of the exercises.  I will give you additional explanations whenever needed.  Be sure to ask me for help.  In addition, peer support is an essential part of the design of this course.

 

            If you expect a class in which the instructor lectures to the entire class, this is NOT it. 

I will lecture to students on an individual basis most of the time. Only occasionally will I give an all-class lecture.

 

Students will be in different books and chapters, depending on their needs.  In a setting like this, an all-class lecture is usually impossible.  Instruction is individualized, meaning you teach yourself, work with peers to check your progress,  and ask me for help with what you do not understand.    

 

 

Welcome to English 091!