We're still actively developing this site. If you encounter any issues, please report them! - Report an issue

BAD GRAMMAR AND METALINGUISTIC AWARENESS

ENGL 412
Course Description

Explores the relationship between descriptive and prescriptive grammar. Examines the role of prescriptivism in linguistics from a disciplinary view (why are linguists against it when the public is so clearly interested in singling out some constructions as 'bad grammar'). Provides a historical view (the tradition of grammar writing -- who gets to decide what is 'correct') and a variationist view (corpus-based studies on phenomena like preposition stranding, split infinitives, the distinction of who/whom etc.) of grammar writing. Covers the historical and cultural roots of beliefs about what constitutes 'good' and 'bad' grammar. Introduces linguistic tools and methods to check claims about grammar.

Prerequisties

Sophomore standing

Satisfies

This course does not satisfy any prerequisites.

Credits

3

Offered

Not Applicable

Grade Point Average
3.69

No change from Historical

Completion Rate
100%

No change from Historical

A Rate
55.56%

No change from Historical

Class Size
18

No change from Historical

Instructors (2025 Fall)

Sorted by ratings from Rate My Professors

Similar Courses

GRAMMAR FOR ACADEMIC USE

ESL 115

A review of English grammar through intensive written and oral practice to promote accurate and appropriate language use for students who have already studied grammar extensively and need to refine the ability to produce acceptable academic English. Not open to auditors

LINGUISTIC THEORY AND CHILD LANGUAGE

ENGL 320

An introduction to the linguistic study of child language within the generative theory. According to this theory, humans are born with genetically determined linguistic knowledge called Universal Grammar, which guides children in learning language. Learn the basic concepts of the generative theory and learn to apply them to the study of child language. Topics include universal linguistic principles that govern children's acquisition of syntax and semantics and cross-linguistic influence in children acquiring more than one language from birth or early childhood. Discuss empirical research studies testing the Universal Grammar theory of language acquisition.

TESOL: PEDAGOGICAL GRAMMAR I

ENGL 613

A focus on understanding English grammar from a pedagogical perspective for the purpose of teaching English as a second or foreign language.

STRUCTURE OF ENGLISH

ENGL 314

Linguistic methods of analysis and description of English syntax and morphology.

ENGLISH GRAMMAR IN USE

ENGL 516

Functions of English grammar, covering use in a variety of contexts and text types. Involves analysis of spoken and written English across genres and settings.