Grammar and Writing

Catalog description

If you are a native speaker of English, you have already internalized the rules of grammar-in fact, we know more grammar rules than any textbook could ever tell us. However, we don’t always have conscious knowledge of theories of English language; we know something looks right or wrong, but we can’t explain why. This course is meant to help us learn the “why,” to formally study (and challenge) the rules of English language constructions, using a rhetorical approach. In this class, you will learn the rules of Standard English grammar and modern linguistic theories, and apply their use in pedagogical and rhetorical situations. Grammar is more useful if we apply it to writing situations, so you will get practice in not only learning the rules but especially being able to apply those rules to your writing. Prerequisite: ENGL 17000 with a C or better.