LIT 4348-501 (M/W).

Mechanics, Syntax, and Sentence Structure

Spring 2006

Nancy Coffman Van Home Phone: 972-289-5454

Office: 972-883-4408

Office Hours:
Monday 3:00-5:00 P.M.
Thursday 3:30-6:00 P.M.
Teacher Ed. Office

Alternative appointment times are available. Please make

an appointment in advance to insure a meeting or call for a
phone conference.

Abstract of Course:

The purpose of this course is to empower future English

teachers with the ability to understand, use, and teach
standard American English grammar rules. We will also study
and practice writing efficacious sentences, paragraphs, and
essays. By becoming proficient in these areas, future English
teachers will know how to score student essays.

Required Text:
No required text. A good grammar handbook of your choice

Supplies:
Wide-ruled notebook paper
No frayed edges if you use spiral paper

Attendance:
You are required to be on time to each class. Two
tardies (or leaving class early) are considered an unexcused
absence. No absences (excused or unexcused) are accepted.
If you have extenuating circumstances, please call as soon as
possible. It is your responsibility to schedule make-up
assignments, copy notes, and receive information from a peer
before the next class. Homework due on a day you are absent
is still due that day.

Participation:
I want all students to participate. However, I will not
allow one or a small group of students to dominate class
discussions. This is considered disrespectful to your peers and
will not be tolerated.
ADA Statement:
The University of Texas at Dallas, Office of Teacher
Education, does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the
recruitment and admission of students, the employment of faculty
and staff, and the operation of any of its programs and
activities, as specified by federal laws and regulations. The
student has the responsibility of informing the course instructor
of any disabling condition, which will require modification to
avoid discrimination.

Homework Assignments:

Homework is due the following class meeting or you will be

assessed a 50 point reduction for late work.

Classwork is usually handwritten. Please use wide rule notebook

paper; if you use spiral paper, I expect the edges to be trimmed.

For the editing exercises, please type them in 12 point courier

new font.

You may re-do up to 3 assignments for a higher grade (full

credit). However, if you opt to re-do an assignment, you must
turn in that amended assignment with graded original one within
2 class meeting. If assignments are turned in 3 or more class
periods from original date, I will assess a 50 point deduction.
I do NOT accept assignments on the last day of class.

GRADING SCALE

To receive credit for this course you must

1. Attend class.
2. Participate in class.
3. Pass the mid-term and final exams with 75 or better.
4. Complete and turn in assignments.

Attendance (absences, tardies, leaving early) }

Class Participation } 50%
In-Class Activities }
Written Assignments }

Mid-term and Final Exam } 50%

97-100 A+ 89-87 B+
96-94 A 86-84 B
93-90 A- 83-80 B-
In this class, you will receive numerous handouts from various
texts that I have used, so you may want to acquire a 2” or
larger binder in order to keep track of the handouts. The
majority of the time you will turn in the worksheets for grading
purposes even if they are assigned for homework. The typed
homework requirement refers to assignments late in the semester.

Syllabus
Monday-Wednesday Class

Classes 1 and 2 Parts of Speech

Classes 3-7 Sentences,

Dependent Clauses
Kinds of Sentences
Diagramming

Classes 8-12 Phrases, Verbals,

Parallel Structure,
Misplaced Modifiers
Diagramming

Classes 13-14 Verbs

Classes 15(March 1) Mid-term

Classes 16-19 Plurals and pronouns

Classes 20-23 Punctuation

Classes 24-25 Sentence variety

Class 26-27 Editing

Class 28 Review

The instructor reserves the right to amend this syllabus at any

time.
 Syllabus
Wednesday Class

Classes 1,2,3,4 Parts of speech

Kinds of Sentences
Dependent Clauses
Diagramming

Classes 5,6 Phrases

Verbals
Parallel Structure,
Misplaced modifiers
Diagramming

Classes 7,8 Verbs

Class 9 Mid-term

Classes 10,11 Plurals and Pronouns

Classes 12, 13 Punctuation

Class 14 Sentence Variety

Editing

Class 15 Final Exam

The instructor reserves the right to amend this syllabus at any

time.