Open to: Grades 7 - 12
Format: Web-based
Challenge Level: College undergraduate
Prerequisites: Qualifying verbal score 
Materials Purchase Required:  Visit our textbook web page
Session Based: Session Dates and Application Deadlines
Length: 10 weeks (Fall, Early Spring, Mid Spring, 12 weeks (Early Summer) or 5 weeks (Intensive Midsummer)

A deep understanding of grammatical structure allows students to make informed choices about style. This course examines the rules of Standard Written English and suggests ways that students can adapt these rules to develop a personal style.

Reading their textbook and working in an on-line collaborative community (asynchronous discussion board), students write analytically by developing theories of grammatical use, for example, deducing when the passive voice is most appropriate. Next, they apply the analysis to their own creative writing. Finally, students write reflectively, explaining the rationale behind their creative choices.

Experimentation with writing is an important part of the course. Students learn to manipulate grammatical forms to add variety, show emphasis, enhance coherence, and strengthen unity. Grammatical structures covered may include sentence boundaries, consistent verb tense, pronoun reference and case, subject/verb agreement, appropriate use of passive voice, and parallelism. Attention will also be given to students' grammatical errors. Students emerge from this short course understanding how their grammatical choices can affect the quality of their prose style.

sample assignment (a Word .doc file 75KB)

Time Required:

• 3 hours weekly for 10 week or 12 week sessions (Fall, Early Spring, Mid Spring, Early Summer)

• 2 hours Monday - Friday during 5 week session (Intensive Midsummer)

Learn more about the summer sessions.

Get more information from Frequently Asked Questions.

Detailed Course Information

System Requirements

Course code: rul1