ENG310: Modern Grammar (secs. 1 and 2, class # 12538 and 15958, meeting times MW 14:30-15:45 and 17:00-18:15, Keez G-9)

Description: In this course, we will examine the structure of the English language from a modern, linguistic perspective. We will discover what it means to be a native speaker of a language and will develop a conscious awareness of particular subconscious grammatical principles and rules that shape our everyday use of English. More generally, students should come away from this course with a better understanding of what grammar rules are, of where they come from, of how they can be determined, and of the extent to which they are or are not fixed and comprehensive.

Required Text: Kaplan, Jeffrey P. (1995). English Grammar: Principles and Facts, 2nd Edition.

Work and Grading: assignments (16%), Midterm (32%), Final (32%), Tests (20%). Attendance (except at tests/exams or as otherwise noted) is not mandatory but regular attendance is crucial for keeping up with the class. If you miss a class, you are responsible for the material and for checking for an assignment link and doing any assignment due the next class period. All work must be turned in on time and in class except with advance permission, but you may skip one "ungraded" assignment without affecting your grade. Assignments, depending on their size, will be announced at least one class period before they are due and posted as links at the bottom of this webpage no later than the evening of that same day. (Links are named and ordered by the date they are due.) "Ungraded" assignments are graded only as an acceptable effort (full credit) or an unacceptable effort (no credit). In other words, you won't be penalized for incorrect information, although you must (of course!) make an honest attempt at all parts of the assignment to get credit. The tentative dates for tests and exams is provided in the schedule below. Any date changes due to weather or other special circumstances will be posted in this syllabus and announced in class. Please read my course policies for additional details about grading and other issues. Note: As in all your courses, your work for this course is subject to the JMU Honor Code.

Daily Schedule: (Note: This is a tentative schedule of what will be discussed in each class period.) You should have readings done before the first class date on which they will be discussed.

Look here for homework assignments:

• Due 1/11/12
• Due 1/18/12
• Due 1/23/12
• Due 1/25/12
• Due 1/30/12
• Due 2/1/12
• Due 2/6/12
• Due 2/15/12
• Due 2/20/12
• Due 2/22/12
• Due 2/27/12
• Due 3/19/12
• Due 3/21/12
• Due 3/26/12
• Due 3/28/12 (not required)
• Due 4/2/12
• Due 4/11/12
• Due 4/16/12
• Due 4/18/12
• Due 4/23/12