EDIT250
Grammar
A command of grammar is one of the best tools for making you a more confident writer or editor. Strong grammar skills allow you to express your ideas clearly, experiment with style and improve the writing of others—without changing an author's voice.
In this course, you will focus on the basics of English grammar, with particular emphasis on common errors. Topics will include the key parts of a sentence, sentence structure, punctuation, consistency, and more.
You should have a strong command of spoken and written English. This is not an EAL course.
The final assignment for this course is due one week after the course ends.
Instructional hours: 18
Overview
Location: Online
Format: Self-paced within deadlines set by instructor
Duration: 6 weeks
Tuition: $668
Can be applied to:
Editing Certificate
Upcoming Offerings
Register for a course at any time, with the option to apply to a program later.
- Wed, May 29 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jun 5 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jun 12 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jun 19 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jun 26 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jul 3 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Sep 11 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Sep 18 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Sep 25 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Oct 2 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Oct 9 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Oct 16 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Oct 9 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Oct 16 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Oct 23 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Oct 30 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Nov 6 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Nov 13 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Nov 6 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Nov 13 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Nov 20 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Nov 27 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Dec 4 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Dec 11 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jan 15 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jan 22 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jan 29 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Feb 5 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Feb 12 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Feb 19 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Mar 12 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Mar 19 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Mar 26 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Apr 2 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Apr 9 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Apr 16 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, May 21 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, May 28 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jun 4 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jun 11 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jun 18 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jun 25 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jul 9 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jul 16 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jul 23 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jul 30 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Aug 6 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Aug 13 (self-paced all week)
What you will learn
At the end of the course, you will be able to do the following:
- Identify and correct common errors in sentence structure
- Improve writing by identifying and correcting common grammatical errors
- Apply the rules of punctuation
- Assess a piece of problematic writing and determine the most effective editing approach
How you will learn and be evaluated
Prepare to spend 6–10 hours per week on coursework, including:
- Readings
- Discussions
- Exercises
You will be evaluated on:
- Participation in discussions
- Assignments
- Final exam (due 1 week after course ends)
Learning Materials
No textbook is required. We will provide all course materials online.
Recommended reading:
The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition. University of Chicago Press, 2017. ISBN 978-0226287058
Note: Courses use the author-date style from the Chicago/Turabian (17th ed.) citation guide.
Once you begin the course you’ll be sent SFU library access information for this text. Alternatively, you may wish to access a 30-day free trial of the online version of Chicago Manual of Style.
Technical Requirements
For online courses, you will need a computer with audio and microphone that is connected to the internet. Canvas is the online system that will be used for the course. For more information and online support, visit Online Learning.
You will need access to the following:
- Microsoft Word (2010 or newer) and being comfortable with Track Changes function
- A printer
- A scanner or camera to create a digital copy of editing examples to be submitted for one of the assignments
- High-speed internet access
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
English language requirements
To succeed in this course, you will need an advanced level of written and spoken English. If you are unsure whether your English language skills are sufficient, we recommend you complete the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with the following minimums:
- Overall band score minimum 6.5
- No band below 6.0
- Writing band score minimum 8.0
Please note we can’t refund your registration fees after the course start date if you find your English language skills are not adequate.
If you have questions or concerns about your English language proficiency, we encourage you to contact your local IELTS Test Centre.