Advanced Grammar

Course Details

Course Number: 3513  Section Number: 101

Fall 2011

Location: Prothro-Yeager Hall

Classroom Number: 205

Days & Times:

MWF 9:00-9:50 a.m.

Course Attachments

Class Schedule  Grammar Calendar-20120403-153245.doc

Textbooks

Understanding English Grammar (8th edition)  ISBN: 13: 978-0-205-62689-2
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. David Rankin   
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Course Objectives

1. Ability to recognize and explain all major grammatical terms and constructions.

2. Ability to identify the pedagogical strengths and weaknesses of the traditional approach to grammar.

3. Ability to explain the bases and usefulness of structural and transformational approaches to grammar.

4. Ability to use standard reference works and research tools to solve grammatical problems of considerable depth and complexity.


Course Expectations

Three examinations (20% each)

Two research-based grammatical problem papers (20%) each

A conference is required for each of the two papers.


Grading Standards

A = 90-100%

B = 80-89%

C = 70-79%

D = 60-69%

F = 59% or lower


Submission Format Policy

Both papers must be submitted in the style and format prescribed by the Modern Language Association.



Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

The two papers are due at the beginning of class, 9:00 a.m., on the dates specified on the course calendar (copy attached).  Late papers will be penalized one letter grade;  papers more than 24 hours late will not be accepted.


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Success in this course depends very much on good attendance.  Students should miss class only when absolutely necessary, and students who miss are fully responsible for all material covered in the missed class.


Other Policies

Draft Policy:  I will read and comment on as many drafts of each paper as students are willing to write.

Plagiarism Policy: If any part of a paper is plagiarized, the paper will receive at best a grade of F and at worst a grade of zero.


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.