The instructor will use a variety of methods (whole class, small group, individual, and learner directed learning).
Students will receive instruction concerning the following:
- standard written English grammar
- punctuation and capitalization
- sentence/syntactic patterns (compound, complex, noun phrases, appositives, etc.)
- resources such as spell checks, grammar checks, dictionaries, thesauruses
- strategies such as use of personal spelling and vocabulary dictionaries
It is expected the student will
- demonstrate the ability to use clear, logical expressions at the sentence level by, among other things,
- providing sufficient clarification and elaboration of key words in analysis (e.g., defining terms and providing examples)
- providing coherent transitions between components of a sentence (avoiding faulty predication)
- demonstrate a variety of sentence/syntactic structures (subordination, co-ordination, use of phrases, reducing clauses, etc.)
- use the conventions of punctuation and capitalization
- demonstrate appropriate vocabulary usage for clarity and conciseness, avoiding redundancy
- avoid word level errors (misspellings, diction errors, word form errors)
- demonstrate an appropriate level of formality in writing at the sentence level
- demonstrate strategies for self-checking (revising, editing, proofreading)
- use peer and instructor feedback effectively
Student achievement will be assessed using the Mastery system, in accordance with College policy. The following is one example of assessment components and weighting:
Class attendance and participation 10%
Homework assignments 20%
Five (5) Quizzes 50%
Final exam 20%
Students will be assigned a textbook such as one of the following:
Langan, J. & Winstanley, S. (1997). Sentence skills: A workbook for writers. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson.
Lipschutz, G., Scarry, S., & Scarry, J. (2013). Canadian writer's workplace. Toronto: Nelson Education.
Lester, M., & Beason, L. (2005). McGraw Hill handbook of English grammar and usage. New York: McGraw-Hill.