PURPOSE
This is a grammar course stressing the most common writing problems and some stylistic issues. Its focus is on traditional school grammar and it takes a prescriptive approach, but it makes some attempt to take note of current linguistic approaches in the Chomskyan tradition. The rationale for the course is that while most people can use the English language without understanding how it works, those who hope to write need to understand the tools of their trade, and those who will be helping others improve their English need to know what they are talking about.

TEXT
The basic text material for this course will be a series of handouts. For those who would like a permanent reference book on the topic, Sidney Greenbaum's Oxford English Grammar is recommended but not required. There is an on-line glossary of terms which I try to keep consistent the handouts. For those of you whose home telnet programs are frustrating, you might try downloading the moo client SimpleMU, which works well with most Windows programs, though it can be cranky when faced with Windows Vista.

GRADING
Your grade will be based primarily on regular examinations--every couple of weeks or so. These will be cumulative and of increasing importance. Your level of class participation can raise or lower this grade--that will include use of the moo and other required internet work. To make the course even more fun and popular, I am introducing homework this semester, which will also count toward class participation.

READINGS

The Fall 2008 handouts are coming. For those of you interested in reading ahead, you might look at last spring's edition: