Admission requirements
A pass for Language Acquisition 1 or a similar academic-writing course. Preferably, you have also taken an introductory syntax course.
Description
Language Acquisition 3: Functional Grammar is a follow-up to Language Acquisition 1: From Scratch to Print. But whereas the first-year course focused on academic writing as a process, on writing the different component parts of an essay (e.g. introduction, conclusion and paragraphs), this second-year course focuses on accuracy, providing in-depth knowledge and understanding of how grammar, but also punctuation, spelling and lexicogrammar and collocation are used as register and stylistic tools to create meaning in writing.
The weekly web clips cover topics from the traditional pedagogical and functional grammar (for instance tense and aspect or word order). In the Q&A sessions, you are encouraged to ask questions about the reading and the web clips, and we discuss mock test assignments. In the seminars, you apply what you have learnt to usage exercises and short writing assignments that you have prepared at home. Through self-study, you increase your knowledge of lexicogrammar and collocation.
Course objectives
By the end of this course, you will have acquired a sound knowledge and understanding of English grammar, grammatical terminology, and collocations, all of which help you to become an accurate writer in English. This is important if you are considering a career in editing, teaching or translation.
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
Seminar
Lecture (Q&A)
Self-study, writing and editing assignments
Assessment method
Assessment
Weekly take-home analysis, writing and editing assignments (coursework). Two of the assignments handed in will be marked, to be submitted before the relevant seminar.
Two-hour written examination with closed questions (e.g., multiple choice) and short open questions on the reading and web clips.
Weighing
Weekly take-home analysis, writing and editing assignments (coursework): 30%. For a pass-mark for the course, the average mark for the homework assignments should be a 6.0 pass.
Written examination: 70%. For a pass-mark for the course, the mark for the written examination should be a 6.0 pass.
The final mark for the course is established by determination of the weighted average combined with additional requirements. The additional requirements are a minimum of a 6.0 for the coursework and written examination.
Resit
If the overall result of the course is below 6.0, students can take a resit. The resit is a written examination that will constitute 100% of the final mark, replacing all previously earned marks.
Inspection and feedback
How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.
Reading list
Carter, R. & McCarthy, M. (2006). Cambridge grammar of English: A comprehensive guide. Spoken and written English grammar and usage. Cambridge University Press. [Recommended for international students]
Foster, T., Lemmen, M. Smakman, D., Dorst, A. G. & Dol, P. (2018). English grammar through Dutch eyes. Coutinho. [Contrastive Dutch/English grammar, recommended for Dutch students]
O'Dell, F. & McCarthy, M. (2017). English collocations in use. Advanced. Cambridge University Press.
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Arsenaal
Remarks
Not applicable.