Texas A&M University-Central Texas
English 320-110: Advanced Grammars
Syllabus Fall 2014 TR 9:30-10:45 a.m.
pwheeler1@ct.tamus.edu
INSTRUCTOR AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Instructor Information
Phyllis Wheeler
Phone: 254-526-6455
Email: pwheeler1@ct.tamus.edu or through Blackboard
Office hours: By appointment before or after class
UNILERT
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UNILERT is an emergency notification service that gives Texas A&M University-Central Texas the
ability to communicate health and safety emergency information quickly via email and text message.
By enrolling in UNILERT, the university officials can quickly pass on safety-related information,
regardless of your location. Please enroll today at TAMUCT.org/UNILERT.
Course Prerequisite
Freshman composition I and II and six hours sophomore literature
COURSE INFORMATION
1.0
Course Description
This course introduces students to the grammatical structure of modern English at the level of word,
clause, and discourse presented through the application of the principles of descriptive grammars,
accompanied by a review of current prescriptive grammars.
2.0
Course Objectives
Course Objectives:
The student will
 Provide grammatical analysis of words and phrases
 Evaluate words and phrases at the functional level
 Demonstrate the influence of context on grammaticality
 Distinguish the difference between revision and editing
 Analyze the tension between prescriptive grammar and style
 Apply the writing process to written compositions
 Integrate grammatical instruction in written format
 Integrate grammar knowledge into writing instruction
 Analyze the grammatical structure of sentences, paragraphs, and longer compositions
 Apply cumulative grammar knowledge to a teaching situation
English 320-110: Advanced Grammars
Fall 2014
P.hyllis Wheeler
Page 1
Unit Objectives:
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3.0
Discuss the place for grammar in the study of language arts
Incorporate grammar knowledge into writing instruction
Prewrite for a narrative composition
Revise his/her narrative composition for active verbs and omission of tense shifts
Prewrite for a comparison/contrast composition
Revise his/her composition for appropriate organization for a comparison/contrast composition
Revise his/her composition for a variety of sentence beginnings, pronoun-antecedent agreement,
thesis statement, and transitions
Prewrite for a descriptive composition
Revise his/her composition for a more effective lead/introduction
Revise his/her composition for more descriptive details
Revise his/her composition for appropriate organization for a descriptive paper
Revise his/her composition for a variety of subject-verb agreement and correct use of adverbs
Revise his/her composition for content, organization, and clarity
Edit his/her writing for grammatical errors
Peer review the writing of others in a constructive environment
Demonstrate correct formation of simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences
Demonstrate correct usage of nouns and noun phrases
Demonstrate correct usage of verbs and predicates
Demonstrate correct usage of adverbials, adjectivals, and nominals
Use compounding in and with sentences correctly
Teach a grammar lesson to peers in the classroom
Required-Textbooks and Supplies
Calderonello, Alice et al, Grammar for Language Arts Teachers, Longman Publishers, 2003 ISBN:
0205325270
Composition Book
Flash Drive
Scissors, Markers, Glue
3x3 Post-it Notes
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
4.0
Course Requirements
Non-Gradable Requirements
Regular Attendance
Regular attendance is essential for students to be able to complete assignments with the rigor or insight
expected. Students should, therefore, attend (in every sense of the word) every class. An absence does
not excuse one from any aspect of the course.
Regular Reading
The assigned reading directly impacts one’s ability to master the material of this course or complete the
assignments. Students should read (in every sense of the word) every page of every chapter assigned.
Failure to read an assigned portion of the text does not excuse one from adopting the concepts introduced
in that section.
English 320-110: Advanced Grammars
Fall 2014
P.hyllis Wheeler
Page 2
Regular Participation
Faithful participation in class discussions and work directly affects one’s ability to master the material or
complete assignments satisfactorily. Students should enter discussions and in-class work sessions fully
committed to the critical thinking and careful scrutiny this class demands.
Gradable Requirements
Chapter handouts are worth three points each and are based on the exercises in the textbook. Exercises
illustrate the principles introduced in the chapter under discussion.
Writing Assignment (worth thirteen points). This writing assignment will provide students the occasion to
apply what is currently being studied in the course. A rubric for grading this writing assignment is
included in the section, “Grading Criteria for Writing Assignment.”
Interactive Notebook (worth 6 points). You will complete an interactive notebook for this class in which
you will keep foldables and notes you take during the course. This is an educational tool that many
teachers use with their students as a learning and comprehension tool. It will be due on the indicated
dates on your daily calendar.
Final Exam (worth ten points of the final grade). The final exam will test the last three chapters studied in
our textbook. It will also include a written evaluation of the course.
Grading Criteria
Final Grades will adhere to the following grading rubric:
Handout, chapter #2
3 points
____
Handout, chapter #3
3 points
____
Exam #1, chapters 1-3
10 points
____
Handout, chapter #4
3 points
____
Handout, chapter #6
3 points
____
Handout, chapter #7
3 points
____
Exam #2, chapters 4-7
10 points
____
Handout, chapter #8
3 points
____
Handout, chapter #10
3 points
____
Writing Assignment
13 points
___
Teaching Assignment #1
10 points
____
Teaching Assignment #2
10 points
____
Teaching Assignment #3
10 points
____
Interactive Notebook
6 points
____
Final Exam, chapters 8-10
10 points
____
TOTAL
____/100 points
These assignments plus the final exam combine to offer a point total from which final grades are assigned. The
distribution of final grades is as follows:
90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
60-69 = D
0-59 = F
A point system of this sort does not yield “borderline” grades. By taking every reading and assignment seriously,
students assure themselves of getting the highest grade possible and avoiding the frustration of “just missing” a
desired grade.
English 320-110: Advanced Grammars
Fall 2014
P.hyllis Wheeler
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5.0
Grading Rubric for Writing Assignment (13 points)
Content of Paper:
____Organization is apparent:
 By character(s)
 By characteristic(s)
____Fully developed support for major points
____Contains effective transitions
____/3
Introduction:
____3-5 sentences
____Communicates purpose of paper clearly
____Thesis statement is last sentence in introduction
____ /3
Drafting Process: (In this order, with name, date, and number)
____Editing sheet
____Final copy (stapled)
____Rough draft 2 (color coded/stapled)
____Rough draft 1 (stapled)
____Prewriting
____ /1
Format:
____Title page (Title, Name of Author, Date)
____No title on page 1 of paper
____Double spaced
____ /1
“To be” verbs:
____Replaced half with action verbs
____ /2
Proofreading/Editing:
____Punctuation
____Spelling
____Capitalization
____No tense shifts
____Sentence structure
____ /3
TOTAL____/13
Comments:
6.0
Course Calendar (See attached calendar)
7.0
Late Work/Make-up Work
Assignments are due at the assigned time. In the event that you will not be able to meet the due dates, please see
me and discuss alternatives. Chapter quizzes will not be made up, and your grades will be adjusted accordingly.
8.0
Drop Policy
If you discover that you need to drop this class, you must go to the RECORDS OFFICE and ask for the necessary
paperwork. Professors cannot drop students; this is always the responsibility of the student. The records office
will give a deadline for which the form must be returned, completely signed. Once you return the signed form to
English 320-110: Advanced Grammars
Fall 2014
P.hyllis Wheeler
Page 4
the records office and wait 24 hours, you must go into Duck Trax and confirm that you are no longer enrolled. If
you are still enrolled, FOLLOW-UP with the records office immediately. You are to attend class until the
procedure is complete to avoid penalty for absence. Should you miss the deadline or fail to follow the procedure,
you will receive an F in the course.
9.0
Academic Integrity
Texas A&M University - Central Texas expects all students to maintain high standards of honor in
personal and scholarly conduct. Any deviation from this expectation may result in a minimum of a failing
grade for the assignment and potentially a failing grade for the course. All academic dishonesty
concerns will be reported to the university's Office of Student Conduct. Academic dishonesty includes,
but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work, plagiarism and improper
citation of sources, using another student's work, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials. When
in doubt on collaboration, citation, or any issue, please contact me before taking a course of action.
More information can be found at
http://www.tamuct.edu/departments/studentconduct/academicintegrity.php
10.0 Disability Support Services
If you have or believe you have a disability and wish to self-identify, you can do so by providing
documentation to the Disability Support Coordinator. Students are encouraged to seek information
about accommodations to help assure success in their courses. Please call (254) 501-5831 or visit
Founder's Hall 114, Suite 114. Additional information can be found at
http://www.tamuct.edu/departments/disabilitysupport/index.php.
11.0 Tutoring
Tutoring is available to all TAMUCT students, both on-campus and online. Subjects tutored include
Accounting, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, and Writing. Tutors are available at the Tutoring Center
in Warrior Hall, Room 111. Visit www.ct.tamus.edu/AcademicSupport and click "Tutoring Support" for
tutor schedules and contact info. If you have questions, need to schedule a tutoring session, or if you're
interested in becoming a tutor, contact Academic Support Programs at 254-501-5830 or by emailing
tutoring@ct.tamus.edu.
Chat live with a tutor 24/7 for almost any subject on your computer! Tutor.com is an online tutoring
platform that enables TAMU-CT students to log-in and receive FREE online tutoring and writing
support. This tool provides tutoring in Mathematics, Writing, Career Writing, Chemistry, Physics,
Biology, Spanish, Calculus, and Statistics. To access Tutor.com, log into your Blackboard account and
click "Online Tutoring."
12.0 Library Services
INFORMATION LITERACY focuses on research skills that prepare individuals to live and work in an
information-centered society. Librarians will work with students in the development of critical reasoning, ethical
use of information, and the appropriate use of secondary research techniques. Help may include, yet is not limited
to, exploration of information resources such as library collections and services, identification of subject
databases and scholarly journals, and execution of effective search strategies. We are now switching to a new A-Z
database list, research guides, and logins. These resources can be accessed by anyone on campus, and you will use
your university email username and password to access them from off campus.
We invite you to explore these resources. If you have any concerns, questions, or comments, please let us know.
We strive to continuously improve our library, and will work to correct any errors you encounter in timely
manner. We welcome input. Our new A-Z list is located at the following address:
English 320-110: Advanced Grammars
Fall 2014
P.hyllis Wheeler
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http://ct.tamus.libguides.com/content.php?pid=491875. To read more about the digital library transition, you can
go to this informational webpage: http://ct.tamus.libguides.com/content.php?pid=496013.
13.0 What You Can Expect from Me
I try to return graded assignments within two class periods. I check e-mail several times a day, even on weekends.
If you have questions, please e-mail me either on Blackboard or the regular Texas A & M-Central Texas e-mail.
I expect you to come to class prepared to work and work hard. Expectations are high, the class is fast paced, and I
will give you the opportunity to learn the communications that the world of work expects. I want you to be
successful and will work with you to ensure that you are.
14.0 Graduation Deadlines
Graduation Application deadline for Fall 2014 (Commencement Participation): June 27, 2014
English 320-110: Advanced Grammars
Fall 2014
P.hyllis Wheeler
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