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Grammar, Punctuation, and Meaning

Write better. Period.

Course is closed.
Grammar, Punctuation, and Meaning

WHEN 4 weeks, May 19 - June 16
Chats Mondays, 9-10 pm ET

WHERE Online. Click here for more information.

LEVEL Intro

PRICE
$350 ($325 for )
more info

Course Details

Should a preposition be something you never end a sentence with? Which rules that were drilled into your head by your sixth-grade English teacher are essential to good grammar, and which can you discard? This course will help you navigate safely through the overgrown thicket that is grammar as practiced in the 21st century, concentrating on both the philosophy and the practice of successful usage. This course is structured to illustrate that using English successfully is more of an art than a science.

In this class, you will learn:

  • A refresher on the various parts of speech
  • How to make sure your subjects, verbs and objects agree
  • How to ensure that punctuation serves the sentence
  • How to avoid creating undercooked as well as overblown sentences
  • A definition of exactly what style is, and why it differs from style guide to style guide

Admission Requirements:
Please submit a letter of interest (including a brief work history).

The online classroom has several interactive components:

  • Instructors post lectures once a week. You can read them online, print them, or download them at your convenience.
  • Students post completed assignments for feedback and discussion by the instructor and class.
  • Weekly chats allow your class to get together via instant message. Transcripts are available for review if you can't attend.
  • Technical support is available from mediabistro staff.

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Instructor Bio

Gaylord Fields's Courses

Grammar, Punctuation, and Meaning – (Class starts July 28)

Gaylord Fields
Gaylord Fields is currently a senior editor at AOL Music, and before his recent relocation to the web he spent most of the past 20 years as a copy editor or copy chief at Rolling Stone, This Old House Magazine, Spin, Spy, and Back Stage/Shoot. In addition, he has worked freelance at several other magazines. He is also a longtime writer of articles and reviews on music and popular culture. And while Gaylord has a definite opinion on use of the serial comma, he saves such discussions for parties.

Testimonials


I would highly reccomend his course for anyone who is in dire need of a refresher. I found that remembering where I started from gives me motivation to go forward on the path that I'm heading. -Iris Lyons

"Everyone needs a grammar refresher. If you're looking for a quick, painless class to remind you of the basic and very important rules, this class is for you." - Lauren Szczerba

"Gaylord Fields's class achieved that rare balance of rigor and fun. I learned a lot."
- Jeremy Greenberg

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