Home

Home : 1120-01 meets MWF 9-9:50 BC301

Here’s the link to the practice test for the test-out exam for this course

Course objectives:

The current catalog describes ENGL 1120 this way:

“An introduction to descriptive and prescriptive approaches to studying English grammar, this course functions as a prerequisite to ENGL 2030.”

More specifically, this course will help you gain factual knowledge by helping you recognize parts of speech and the most common syntactical patterns—the varied shapes that sentences can take. As you learn to understand the principles of analysis connected to taking a descriptive approach to grammar, you will also learn to make sense of the usage standards that govern academic writing. Finally, you will learn to apply your knowledge as a teacher and a writer as you learn to collaborate to teach and learn. As an alternative to fulfilling this prerequisite, you may take an exam over the material that the course covers. See the professor for details. You are encouraged to enroll in 1120 and 2030 during the same semester.

Text Box: From the National Council of Teachers of English, 1985: “. . . 50 years of research has shown the teaching of grammar in isolation does not lead to improvement in students' speaking and writing, and that in fact, it hinders development of students' oral and written language. Be it therefore resolved, that the National Council of Teachers of English affirm the position that the use of isolated grammar and usage exercises not supported by theory and research is a deterrent to the improvement of students' speaking and writing and that, in order to improve both of these, class time at all levels must be devoted to opportunities for meaningful listening, speaking, reading, and writing; and that NCTE urge the discontinuance of testing practices that encourage the teaching of grammar rather than English language arts instruction.”

Text Box: Requirement One—Pass/Fail quizzes (200 points): Frequent pass/fail quizzes will aid your learning by giving you the opportunity to self-assess your understanding of the material covered. Twenty-four quizzes will be given during the course of a semester, but four will be dropped when your final grade is tallied. These quizzes may not be made up unless (1) you need to qualify for a retest (see below); OR (2) you have exceeded your allowable drop numbers for the semester AND (3) you submit documentation justifying the need for excused absence(s). Occasionally quizzes will consist of discussions on Canvas. NOTE: Quizzes will not be listed on the syllabus. Bring your i-clicker remote with you every day. You will be allowed to substitute a paper quiz for an iclicker quiz only once during the semester. Be on time, because often quizzes will be given immediately as class begins. During some class periods, more than one quiz may be given. Requirement Two—Graded Mini-Tests (200 points): In addition to the pass/fail quizzes, five 40-point in-class or take-home “mini-tests” will be counted. A sixth test will be dropped. These tests may not be made up unless have used up your allowable drop in this category AND (2) you submit acceptable documentation justifying the need for your excused absence. NOTE: Unlike the pass/fail quizzes, the mini-tests will be listed on the class schedule. Note: Mini-tests will take place in the Testing Center. Requirement Three—Four Major Exams (500 points): All major exams will be announced in advance and will take place in the ELC Testing Center. All students may retake Major Exam 1. You may also have the option of retaking Major Exams 2 and 3 IF you have missed no more than two quizzes during an exam unit OR IF you can document the need for an excused absence for a miss beyond the two allowable quiz misses. Exam Four cannot be retaken. Exam ONE (200 points); Exam Two (100 points); Exam Three (100 points); Exam Four (comprehensive 100 points). Requirement Four—Collaborative Presentation Project (100 points). Small groups will present lessons throughout the semester on questions connected to academic editing standards. Please note: Your quiz, test, and presentation scores will be posted on Canvas.