How you structure your language directs the thoughts and conceptualizations of your audience. This course will explore the ways in which writers use specific features of language, such as sound patterns, sentence length and complexity, metaphors, pronouns, verb tenses, etc. to build a world for the interpreter. The course will be conducted as a seminar . That means significant student participation is expected at each class meeting. Students will be expected to be observant of language in literature they are reading for other courses or for pleasure, bringing in and discussing examples that are relevant to course topics.
Attendance is mandatory.
See my Attendance Policy page for the impact of absences on your grade. Small problems will be regularly assigned as the basis for work at the next class meeting. These will not be collected or graded, but being prepared will assure a good participation grade. See rationale below. This material will be tested via quizzes and a grammar test near the end of the quarter.