Your Professor
Professor Brian Ó Broin is a dynamic and passionate linguist whose work has made a significant impact on the study of language and linguistics. With a Ph.D. in Medieval Literature and Languages, and several languages at his fingertips, he seamlessly blends his love of the word with his love of the language.
At William Paterson University, he teaches with infectious enthusiasm, engaging students in the complexities of grammar, syntax, and style. His research and publications delve into sociolinguistics, exploring how languages evolve and adapt, particularly within Irish communities. Professor Ó Broin's dedication to his field is evident not only in his academic contributions but also in his active involvement in promoting the Irish language globally. His work is a testament to the power of language in shaping cultural identity, and he continues to inspire a new generation of linguists and language enthusiasts.
The Course
This course offers students a thorough knowledge of classic and contemporary English style, with particular emphasis on Standard and "Prescriptivist" language. We also look at the stylistics of formal modern English prose. Grammar analysis revolves mostly around Standard American and British English, particularly looking at phrase categories, and most particularly at multiclausal sentences. Students will understand how grammar and stylistics can combine to generate sophisticated sentences.
Students will be expected to become conversant with the grammar(s) of modern English, (particularly the prescriptivist rules of Standard Educated English) and apply these to all of the categories and situations described in the course objectives.
A Sample Syllabus
(note that this is a sample and may differ greatly from the actual syllabus that you follow)
RG: Rhetorical Grammar, by Martha Kolln
MGHH: McGrah Hill Handbook for Writers and Readers
Module 1: (Bb ->) Preliminary Material
Week 1
Monday 29th January
FIRST DAY OF CLASS
Title of Class "Introduction"
Do/read for today n/a
In-class activities Opening Pleasantries / Course Orientation / Introductions.
In-class writing assignment (see Bb-> Preliminary Material)
Read for next class MGHH 30 & MGHH 31 (available on Bb)
Note: Feb 1st is the last day for a 100% refund when dropping a class.
Week 2
Monday 5th February
Title of Class Parts of Speech
Do/read for today MGHH Chapter 30: Parts of Speech; do all exercises for class
MGHH Chapter 31: Sentence Basics: Do all exercises for class.
Print out MGHH 30 & 31 and bring them to class.
In-class activities Discussion of Above.
In-class grammar test on MGHH 30 (5%).
Read for next class RG 1 "A Review of Words and Phrases."
WFS 5.1 "Word Order."
Attempt all exercises.
Module 2: (Bb ->) Words, Phrases, Sentence Types, Verb Types
Week 3
Monday 12th February
Title of Class Words and Phrases
Do/read for today RG 1 "A Review of Words and Phrases"
WFS 5.1 "Word Order"
In-class activities Grammar Test on MGHH 31 - 5%.
Discussion of above
Read for Next Class RG 2 "Sentence Patterns"
WFS 5.2 "Negative Statements" & 5.3 "Count & Noncount Nouns and Articles"
Expect a pop quiz, and expect to be called on in class.
Week 4
Monday 19th February
PRESIDENTS' DAY - NO CLASS
Week 5
Monday 26th February
Title of Class Types of Sentence
Do/read for today RG 2 "Sentence Patterns"
WFS 5.2 "Negative Statements" & 5.3 "Count & Noncount Nouns and Articles"
In-class activities discussion of above matter
Read for Next Class RG 3 "Our Versatile Verbs"
WFS 5.4 "Pronouns"
Expect a pop quiz, and expect to be called on in class.
Week 6
Monday 4th March
Title of Class Verbs and . . . Pronouns?
Do/read for today RG 3 "Our Versatile Verbs"
WFS 5.4 "Pronouns"
In-class activities discussion of above matter
Read for Next Class (note next class is after midterm and spring break) RG 4 "Coordination and Subordination"
WFS 5.5 "Verb Tenses"
Mar 9th is the last day for a 50% refund on withdrawal from a class.
Week 7
Monday 11th March
Midterm examination
Please note - midterm results may not be available for several weeks. Please be patient.
Read for the Next Class RG 4 "Coordination and Subordination"
WFS 5.5 "Verb Tenses"
Week 8
SPRING BREAK - NO CLASS
Module 3a: (Bb ->) Combining Sentences
Week 9
Monday 25th March
Please note: this class will be held ASYNCHRONOUSLY. There will be no meeting on Monday night. You can view the lectures for this week at any time by going to Bb-> Online Lecture/Discussion for Week 9. You are welcome to put observations and questions up in the discussion board there too.
Title of Class Connecting Clauses
Do/read for today RG 4 "Coordination and Subordination"
WFS 5.5 "Verb Tenses"
In-class activities discussion of above matter
Read for Next Class RG 5 "Choosing Adverbials"
WFS 5.6 & 5.7
Week 10
Monday 1st April
Title of Class "Sophistication and Adverbials"
Readings this Week RG 5 "Choosing Adverbials"
WFS 5.6 & 5.7: “Modal Auxiliaries” & “Prepositions”
In-Class Activities discussion of above
Read for Next Class RG 6 "Choosing Adjectivals"
RG 7 "Choosing Nominals"
WFS 5.8 & 5.9
Module 3b: (Bb ->) Form and Function
Week 11
Monday 8th April
Title of Class "Building Clauses"
Readings this Week RG 6 "Choosing Adjectivals"
RG 7 "Choosing Nominals"
WFS 5.8 & 5.9: “Slang and Idioms” & “English Language Learners.”
In-Class Activities discussion of above
Read for Next Class RG 8 "Other Stylistic Variations"
WFS 2.1
Note: April 12th is the last day for academic withdrawal from a course (no refund).
Week 12
Monday 15th April
Title of Class "Sweetening Sentences"
Readings this Week RG 8 "Other Stylistic Variations"
WFS 2.1 “Sentence Writing”
In-Class Activities discussion of above
Read for Next Class RG 9 "Cohesion"
Module 4: (Bb ->) Cohesion and Rhythm
Week 13
Monday 22nd April
Title of Class "Flow and Structure"
Readings this Week RG 9 "Cohesion"
In-Class Activities discussion of above
Read for Next Class RG 10 "Sentence Rhythm"
Week 14
Monday 29th April
Title of Class "Sentence Focus"
Readings this Week RG 10 - "Sentence Rhythm"
In-Class Activities discussion of above
Read for Next Class WFS 2.3, 2.4
RG 11 "The Writer's Voice"
Module 5: (Bb ->) Your Words - Your Voice
Week 15
Monday 6th May
LAST DAY OF CLASS
Title of Class "Your Words - Your Voice"
Readings this Week WFS 2.3 & 2.4: “Verb Tense” & “Capitalization”
RG 11 "The Writer's Voice"
In-Class Activities discussion of above
Read for Next Class n/a
Do before Sunday 1159pm n/a
End of Semester
Week 16
Monday 13th May
Final Examination.