ED 4348-001 (W)

Mechanics, Syntax, and Sentence Structure

Fall 2005

Nancy Coffman Van Home Phone: 972-289-5454

Office: 972-883-4408
Office Hours:
Monday 3:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M.
Tuesday 10:30 A.M.-12:00 P.M.
Wednesday 10:30 A.M.-11:30 A.M.
Thursday 3:00 P.M.-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 assignments are to be typed and professional in
appearance
unless other directions are given in class. Homework is due
the following class meeting or you will be assessed a 25
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.

“Window closes” means that is the final day that the assignment is
accepted unless stated otherwise in class. You may re-do up to 3
assignments for a higher grad (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
25 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 a score of 75 or
better.
4. Complete and turn in assignments.

Attendance (absences and tardies) }

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

Wednesday Class

Classes 1,2,3,4 Parts of Speech, Kinds of

Sentences,
Dependent Clauses, Diagramming

Classes 5 and 6 Phrases, Verbals, Parallelism,

Structure,
Misplace modifiers, Diagramming

Classes 7 and 8 Verbs

Class 9 Mid-term

Classes 10 and 11 Plurals and Pronouns

Classes 12 and 13 Punctuation

Class 14 Sentence Variety/Editing

Class 15 Final Exam

The instructor reserves the right to amend this syllabus at any time.