Syllabus

CLASS HOURS: MWF 1:00-1:50 PM, JR303, Ticket #16927
OFFICE: 803 Sierra Tower
TELEPHONE: 677-0901
E-MAIL: scott.kleinman@csun.edu
OFFICE HOURS: To be designated

TEXTBOOK

• Bernard T. O'Dwyer, Modern English Structures: Form, Function, and Position (Broadview, 2000).
• Bernard T. O'Dwyer, Modern English Structures: Form, Function, and Position. Workbook (Broadview, 2000).
• Class Handouts

TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE

COURSEWORK

Your final grade will be based on the following work:

Note: Grammar is a cumulative subject; each new test will require you to display knowledge from the beginning of the semester.

Preparation and Participation

"Preparation and participation" is defined as contribution to and non-disruption of the collaborative learning environment of the class. In order to get full marks for preparation and participation, you must

• Bring your textbook to class and bring your workbook to class when exercises have been assigned;
• Complete assigned exercises in advance;
• Contribute to workgroup discussions;
• Turn off your cell phone (vibrate mode does not count);
• Remain the classroom for the duration of the class period.

I will record grades for preparation and participation at the end of weeks 5, 10, and 15. I reserve the right to increase the proportion of your final grade allotted to preparation and participation as I feel appropriate.

GRADING PROCEDURES

Grades are not assigned on a strict mathematical basis; that is, your grade is not based solely on the number of questions you get wrong. Instead, I make a judgement about how well you know and understand the material based on how many mistakes you make and the nature of those mistakes. One thing I look for in particular is whether you have memorised and can use grammatical terminology. Note that if you misspell a technical term I will assume that you have failed on both these counts. All grades are given using the plus/minus system.

There is no automatic credit for participation or attendance. However, I will take these factors into account in the case of borderline grades. I regret that I am unable to handle extra credit assignments.

OFFICE CONSULTATIONS AND HOURS

Office hours ensure that there is a time when you can always find me, but I encourage you to come and see me at any time. Either make an appointment or just drop by to see if I am in.

ATTENDANCE AND ACADEMIC HONESTY

Regular attendance is essential for success in this course. Frequent absences will be noted and may be reflected in your final grade. It is also extremely important that all aspects of your work are come by honorably. Efforts to gain an advantage not given to all students are dishonest and regarded as an extremely serious matter by the academic community. Consequences range from probation to expulsion.

POLICIES

To receive a grade other than a U, you must have completed more than half the coursework (no exceptions). See also my Policy on Incompletes. Students should make sure that they follow the university's add/drop deadlines, outlined in the Schedule of Classes or on my add/drop policy page. According to university policy, drops are only allowed after the date therein when "a) there is a serious and compelling reason--specifically the student’s emotional or physical health or financial condition is clearly in jeopardy, and b) there is no viable alternative--including repeating the class". Students will need to provide documentation on official letterhead--a letter, on official stationery, from a doctor or an employer--to support their reasons. No adds will be allowed unless a student can provide documented proof--e.g., a clerical error--for the reason for the tardiness.