Applied Grammar Syllabus

Applied Grammar Syllabus
Mr. Roark
Sparta High School

What is grammar? It is the system of rules for speaking/writing a given language.

General Information
Textbook: English Grammar Book, Writer’s Choice Grammar and Composition (grades 11, and prior grades as need be) Sparta planner, other assigned readings.

The purpose of this course is to better equip students to handle the rigorous demands of college level writing. College Grammar and the key concepts therein are expected to be mastered to a satisfactory level before exiting the class. The course also covers each of the MME/A.C.T. key English and Writing test concepts and provides a statistical breakdown of each topic as it relates to the test(s)..

Course Procedure: Participants in this course will be expected to be self-directed and to become significantly involved in group projects, presentations, discussions and other group related activities. Panels, special reports and lectures will be utilized when appropriate.

Standards and Topics Per the MME/A.C.T.:
1. Usage/Mechanics (punctuation, grammar and usage, sentence structure)

2. Rhetorical Skills (writing strategy, organization, style)

Topics- commas, apostrophes, colons, semi colons, dashes, periods, question marks, exclamation points, subject/verb agreement, pronoun/antecedent agreement, adjectives, adverbs, verb forms, pronouns, comparative/superlative modifiers, idioms.

3. College Writing

4. Research and Attribution

Course Purposes
This course is designed to foster growth in the areas of language arts pertinent to applied grammar, the MME, and research and attribution, literature, grammar and usage, speech, discussion, writing, critiquing, writing processes, group work and like subjects all will be addressed during the semester class. College Grammar has systematic standards based on the MME/A.C.T. for minimum competency that must be met before a student can exit the course. Each student must demonstrate competency in every standard. The grading scale is per the Sparta Handbook.


Points Possible
There will be 2000 points possible during the semester. The following is a breakdown of how each student will earn his or her grade:

1. Weekly Quizzes (which may also be presentations or group related activities): 40 percent of grade

2. Six week Exams: 2 per semester – 20 percent of grade

3. Semester Exam: 1 per semester – 20 percent of grade.

4. Special Writing Projects: 1 per six weeks – 20 percent of grade

5. Class Participation/ Negative Impact Points: Points may be deducted by the instructor (for anything that inhibits the ability of the class to function smoothly because of the student). Talking during quizzes, tests, constant tardies, excessive insubordination are examples.

6. Speeches: TBA (encorporated into quiz grade(s))

Course Requirements
1. Complete writing assignments
2. Complete 2 six week exams and 1 final exam
3. Complete weekly vocabulary quizzes
4. Complete speeches
5. Prepare for class by completing assigned daily work
6. Participate in class discussions, speeches, presentations and group related activities

- Absent Policy per the SHS handbook
- Late Work Policy per the SHS handbook

Classroom Procedures and Rules
*observe the golden rule: “Treat others how you would like to be treated.”
Rules will be set forth by the instructor the first week of the semester. All are in compliance with the Sparta handbook.

1. No talking during quizzes, exams or presentations (from the crowd not the presenter/s). Talking will result in N.I. points being awarded.

2. Bathroom Pass Rule: Ask the teacher. If he allows, carry a pass.

3. Tardies are earned if the student is not in his/her seat when the bell rings.

4. Swearing will result in N.I. points and possibly a grade reduction at the discretion of the instructor.


5. NO cel phones, laptops, ipods, headphones, or any other electronic device is permitted without permission of the instructor. Devices will be confiscated.