230509 Grammar (S) (SoSe 2008)

This course will provide you with an essential foundation for all of your other work in Language Practice. Without a good grasp of grammar, you cannot speak or write English effectively. Of course, you also need vocabulary, but adding new words to your stock can be a lifelong process. Getting basic grammar under control can (and should) happen in one semester.

You will learn how English sentences are constructed and how to apply the rules you already know from school with a deeper understanding. You will also learn the limitations of rules memorized without regard to communicative purpose and context.

Regular exercises will help you to discover how good your grasp of grammar is now and where you still need to do more work to achieve mastery. You will also learn how to explain what is wrong with saying, for example, "I am waiting here impatient since half an hour. I think it is not politely if he will come so late." And how do commas work in English, anyway?

Grammar will give you the power to dominate your sentences and make them work for you. It's now or never! There will be several short quizzes and a final assessment of your progress.