Dr. Johanna Rubba
English Department (Linguistics)
Cal Poly State University San Luis Obispo
Last updated 3/25/11
© 2011  Johanna Rubba

ENGL 390:
THE LINGUISTIC STRUCTURE OF MODERN ENGLISH
SPRING 2011

Contents of this web site - Click on each title to go to the page
Course information Syllabus (course plan)
Schedule of Homework Assignments Self-correct instructions for homework
Course objectives/study guide Informational Web documents
My current schedule Course Project
Plagiarism Warning & The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (Univ. academic honesty rules)

NOTE: This document is a contract. If you remain enrolled in this course, I will assume that you have carefully read the document and all linked documents (Attendance Policy, Plagiarism, etc.) and are committed to performing in accordance with them. I will assume that you will ask for clarification on points that are not clear to you. In return, I commit myself to adhering to the policies outlined here and on associated web pages. If changes are made, I will inform you in a timely manner.

Course Information
Schedule: MTWR3:10-4 pm  Bldg. 10 (Ag) Rm. 111 Instructor's office: 47-35B ~ Office phone: 756-2184  
Instructor: Dr. Johanna Rubba English Department phone: 756-2596  
Instructor Office Hours: M 11:10 am -Noon and 4:10-5 pm; W 11:10 am-noon; Thurs. 4:10-5 pm
**To make an appointment, go to my schedule, find a few times that are open for both of us, and send me an e-mail with those times. I will respond within minimum 24 hours (during the week) and confirm one of those times.
Prerequisites: ENGL 145 or equivalent (composition course in argument or critical thinking)
The best way to contact me outside of class is through office hour visits or e-mail. I generally respond to student phone messages only in urgent situations. (Apologies for any inconvenience.) Please allow for up to 24 hours response time to e-mails during the week.
Course Description

This course will cover the basics of English pronunciation and word structure, and will focus extensively on English grammar, from parts of speech to sentence structure. We will also consider variation within English and judicious approaches to such variation in teaching. The course is designed to benefit anyone who will be teaching English, either to native speakers of English or to English learners, and will also aid anyone who has an interest in English grammar in support of their own writing skills.

Course Learning Objectives:

Specific to this course:

  • Master the basic components of English grammar, so as to be able to continue learning more-advanced information, and apply knowledge gained in the course to teaching, writing, etc.Master the basic components of English grammar, so as to be able to continue learning more-advanced information, and apply knowledge gained in the course to teaching, writing, etc.
  • Unlearn harmful "common wisdom" about language; develop an understanding of language in society that leads to life-long scientifically-informed thinking about the language issues we all face in everyday life.

Drawn from Cal Poly's University Learning Objectives:

  • Think critically and creatively
  • Use knowledge and skills to make a positive contribution to society
  • Make reasoned decisions based on an understanding of ethics and a respect for diversity
  • Engage in lifelong learning

Required Texts
  • Barry, Anita K. English Grammar: Language as Human Behavior. SECOND EDITION. Prentice Hall/Pearson, publishers, 2002.
  • Any further readings will be made available on the Blackboard site for the course.
     
Course Requirements

Attendance: More than 1 week's worth of absences (4 50-min. hrs.) will harm your final grade. Please visit my Attendance Policy web page for details and for instructions on how to handle absences.
Tests: There will be a midterm and a comprehensive final exam.
Homework assignments: These will be collected and marked pass/no pass.
Course Project:  A book report.
Grading standards: Visit my Grading Standards web page to read my grading policy. 


Course Point Distribution
Homework:
Midterm Exam:
Final Exam:
Book Report
Total:                    
 15 points
 60 points
 75 points
 50 points
200 points
=     7.5%
=   30%
=   37.5% 
=   25%
= 100%
 Grade conversion guide:
A+ = 98-100%  A = 94-97% A- = 90-93%
B+ = 87-89% B = 84-86% B- = 80-83%
C+ = 77-79%  C = 74-76%  C- = 70-73%
D+ = 67-69%  D = 64-66%   D- = 60-63%
F+ = 57-59% F = 54-56% F- = 0-53%
                                           
Class etiquette/policies:

Teaching (as many of you will soon discover) is a demanding profession, requiring concentration and cooperation between teacher and audience. Behaviors that seem innocent can be very disruptive to your instructor. Please follow these rules of etiquette to help me deliver clear lectures and attend to your needs, not your quirks: (a) Do not be late to class.** If you come into class after roll has been taken, you will be counted absent unless you check with me to be sure you are marked present. (b) When you arrive in the classroom, prepare for class immediately: Take out your assigned reading (which you should bring to every class meeting), notebook and pens, and set other materials aside. Rather than reading the Mustang Daily or chatting with classmates, review your notes from the previous class meeting, or review the reading assignment. Prepare your mind for the subject matter. (c) Please do not develop the habit of chatting with classmates during class. This is extremely distracting. If you have a question, please raise your hand and ask me.  (d) I do not mind drinks in the classroom, but please do not eat or chew gum. (e) Turn off all cell phones and beepers before you enter the classroom. IF YOU TEXT DURING CLASS, I WILL ASK YOU TO LEAVE. (Discuss with me before class any emergency situation which requires you to keep such a device active.) (e) Academic honesty: NOTE: ALL FORMS OF CHEATING WILL RESULT IN LOWERING OF THE COURSE GRADE (INCLUDING A POSSIBLEGRADE OF 'F' FOR THE COURSE) AND A REPORT TO THE OFFICE OF STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES. VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AND STUDY ALL OF ITS PAGES CAREFULLY. SERIOUS CHEATING CAN RESULT IN EXPULSION FROM CAL POLY. READ ALSO MY PLAGIARISM WARNING.

**If you have a special circumstance which causes persistent lateness, please discuss it with me. Trouble finding a parking space does not constitute a special circumstance.

 

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