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  • Berkeley Global

Grammar, Mechanics and Usage for Editors

ENGLISH X445

41085
Delivery Options Online

Editors must have a strong command of English grammar, syntax and mechanics to edit the work of others clearly, confidently and correctly. Gain a practical understanding of grammar and the logic governing syntax and punctuation use. Learn to analyze grammar and syntax, understand sentence structure, transition from one idea to another and choose the right words to convey meaning, among other topics. Homework exercises, frequent quizzes and multi-draft editing assignments help build your expertise and prepare you for the beginning copyediting course that follows next in the sequence. Enrollment is limited.

Prerequisites: You must be proficient in English and have a solid grasp of English grammar. You also need Microsoft Word.

Course Outline

Expand or collapse section

Course Objectives

  • Describe the function of any word, phrase or clause in a grammatical sentence, using the names of the eight parts of speech and other nomenclature from classical grammar
  • Correct instances of bad grammar
  • Distinguish between phrases and clauses, discuss their various functions in a sentence and use them in grammatical ways Identify sentence functions and types
  • Correct faulty sentences to improve clarity
  • Produce sentences that vary in structure, length and formality
  • Make sound decisions about the use of punctuation
  • Use resources such as style manuals to make sound editorial decisions about mechanical issues that are not strictly within the realm of grammar
  • Produce a variety of acceptable solutions to sexist language
  • Eliminate or minimize your own spelling errors
  • Write queries to clients
  • Clearly explain to another person your reasons, based on grammar, mechanics and usage, for making changes in the categories above

What You Learn

  • Parts of speech: nouns and verbs
  • The sentence, including classifications, subject and the predicate, fragments, run-on sentences, parallelism, problems with modifiers, and shifting syntax
  • Pronouns
  • Adjectives and adverbs
  • Mixed constructions, variety, wordiness
  • Passive vs. active voice
  • Dynamic verbs
  • Usage and mechanics, including language, punctuation, spelling and conventions

How You Learn

  • Reading assignments
  • Instructor's notes
  • Practice exercises
  • Discussion participation
  • Written assignments
  • Midterm exam
  • Final exam

Is This Course for Me?

This course is designed for those beginning the Professional Sequence in Editing, those who wish to work as editors, as well as anyone with an interest in the subject.

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Sections

Section 136

Jan 31 to Apr 25

Type: Online, Fixed Date

Instructor:

  • Rita Kasperek

Cost: $850.00

See section 136 Details

Type Online, Fixed Date

Dates

Jan 31, 2023 to Apr 25, 2023

Instructional Hours

30.00

Delivery Options

Online

Available for Credit

2 semester units

Section Notes

This is an Online, Fixed Date course that starts on January 31 and ends on April 25.

Fixed-Date online courses have specific start and end dates. Your access to the course content begins on the course start date. You will complete assignments within the specific dates posted in your online classroom, and as set by your instructor in the course syllabus.

TEXTBOOK NOTES: The 10th edition of A Writer's Reference can be bundled with a service called Achieve. Buying access to Achieve comes with access to the e-book version of the textbook for a limited time (1-2 terms) and instructions on how to purchase access will be available in the course. Achieve is recommended as it offers further practice exercises but is not required for this course. If students would like to purchase a physical copy of this text bundled with Achieve ahead of time, they can do so directly from the publisher at Macmillan Learning Student Store under the "Packages" tab. Students who choose this option should contact the department so we can provide them with the necessary Course ID.

Section Materials

  • Textbook

    (Mandatory)

    Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary

    © 2003 Merriam-Webster, Inc. 11th edition ISBN 0877798095 Textbook ISBN: 9780877798095
  • Textbook

    (Mandatory)

    The Chicago Manual of Style

    © 2017 University of Chicago Press 17th edition ISBN 022628705X Textbook ISBN: 978-0226287058
  • Textbook

    (Mandatory)

    Woe Is I: The Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English in Plain English by Patricia T. O'Connor

    © 2019 Riverhead Books 4th edition ISBN 0525533052 Textbook ISBN: 9780525533054
  • Textbook

    (Mandatory)

    A Writer's Reference by Diana Hacker and Nancy Sommers

    © 2020 Bedford/St Martin's 10th edition Textbook ISBN: 9781319400873

Section 137

Jan 31 to Apr 25

Type: Online, Fixed Date

Instructor:

  • Elizabeth Asborno

Cost: $850.00

See section 137 Details

Type Online, Fixed Date

Dates

Jan 31, 2023 to Apr 25, 2023

Instructional Hours

30.00

Delivery Options

Online

Available for Credit

2 semester units

Section Notes

This is an Online, Fixed Date course that starts on January 31 and ends on April 25.

Fixed-Date online courses have specific start and end dates. Your access to the course content begins on the course start date. You will complete assignments within the specific dates posted in your online classroom, and as set by your instructor in the course syllabus.

 

TEXTBOOK NOTES: The 10th edition of A Writer's Reference can be bundled with a service called Achieve. Buying access to Achieve comes with access to the e-book version of the textbook for a limited time (1-2 terms) and instructions on how to purchase access will be available in the course. Achieve is recommended as it offers further practice exercises but is not required for this course. If students would like to purchase a physical copy of this text bundled with Achieve ahead of time, they can do so directly from the publisher at Macmillan Learning Student Store under the "Packages" tab. Students who choose this option should contact the department so we can provide them with the necessary Course ID.

Section Materials

  • Textbook

    (Mandatory)

    Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary

    © 2003 Merriam-Webster, Inc. 11th edition ISBN 0877798095 Textbook ISBN: 9780877798095
  • Textbook

    (Mandatory)

    The Chicago Manual of Style

    © 2017 University of Chicago Press 17th edition ISBN 022628705X Textbook ISBN: 978-0226287058
  • Textbook

    (Mandatory)

    Woe Is I: The Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English in Plain English by Patricia T. O'Connor

    © 2019 Riverhead Books 4th edition ISBN 0525533052 Textbook ISBN: 9780525533054
  • Textbook

    (Mandatory)

    A Writer's Reference by Diana Hacker and Nancy Sommers

    © 2020 Bedford/St Martin's 10th edition Textbook ISBN: 9781319400873

Section 134

Feb 07 to May 02

Type: Online, Fixed Date

Instructor:

  • Barbara Magalnick

Cost: $850.00

See section 134 Details

Type Online, Fixed Date

Dates

Feb 07, 2023 to May 02, 2023

Instructional Hours

30.00

Delivery Options

Online

Available for Credit

2 semester units

Section Notes

This is an Online, Fixed Date course that starts on February 07 and ends on May 02.

Fixed-Date online courses have specific start and end dates. Your access to the course content begins on the course start date. You will complete assignments within the specific dates posted in your online classroom, and as set by your instructor in the course syllabus.

 

TEXTBOOK NOTES: The 10th edition of A Writer's Reference can be bundled with a service called Achieve. Buying access to Achieve comes with access to the e-book version of the textbook for a limited time (1-2 terms) and instructions on how to purchase access will be available in the course. Achieve is recommended as it offers further practice exercises but is not required for this course. If students would like to purchase a physical copy of this text bundled with Achieve ahead of time, they can do so directly from the publisher at Macmillan Learning Student Store under the "Packages" tab. Students who choose this option should contact the department so we can provide them with the necessary Course ID.

Section Materials

  • Textbook

    (Mandatory)

    Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary

    © 2003 Merriam-Webster, Inc. 11th edition ISBN 0877798095 Textbook ISBN: 9780877798095
  • Textbook

    (Mandatory)

    The Chicago Manual of Style

    © 2017 University of Chicago Press 17th edition ISBN 022628705X Textbook ISBN: 978-0226287058
  • Textbook

    (Mandatory)

    Woe Is I: The Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English in Plain English by Patricia T. O'Connor

    © 2019 Riverhead Books 4th edition ISBN 0525533052 Textbook ISBN: 9780525533054
  • Textbook

    (Mandatory)

    A Writer's Reference by Diana Hacker and Nancy Sommers

    © 2020 Bedford/St Martin's 10th edition Textbook ISBN: 9781319400873

Section 138

Feb 28 to May 23

Type: Online, Fixed Date

Instructor:

  • Anne Hill

Cost: $850.00

See section 138 Details

Type Online, Fixed Date

Dates

Feb 28, 2023 to May 23, 2023

Instructional Hours

30.00

Delivery Options

Online

Available for Credit

2 semester units

Section Notes

This is an Online, Fixed Date course that starts on February 28 and ends on May 23.

Fixed-Date online courses have specific start and end dates. Your access to the course content begins on the course start date. You will complete assignments within the specific dates posted in your online classroom, and as set by your instructor in the course syllabus.

 

TEXTBOOK NOTES: The 10th edition of A Writer's Reference can be bundled with a service called Achieve. Buying access to Achieve comes with access to the e-book version of the textbook for a limited time (1-2 terms) and instructions on how to purchase access will be available in the course. Achieve is recommended as it offers further practice exercises but is not required for this course. If students would like to purchase a physical copy of this text bundled with Achieve ahead of time, they can do so directly from the publisher at Macmillan Learning Student Store under the "Packages" tab. Students who choose this option should contact the department so we can provide them with the necessary Course ID.

Section Materials

  • Textbook

    (Mandatory)

    Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary

    © 2003 Merriam-Webster, Inc. 11th edition ISBN 0877798095 Textbook ISBN: 9780877798095
  • Textbook

    (Mandatory)

    The Chicago Manual of Style

    © 2017 University of Chicago Press 17th edition ISBN 022628705X Textbook ISBN: 978-0226287058
  • Textbook

    (Mandatory)

    Woe Is I: The Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English in Plain English by Patricia T. O'Connor

    © 2019 Riverhead Books 4th edition ISBN 0525533052 Textbook ISBN: 9780525533054
  • Textbook

    (Mandatory)

    A Writer's Reference by Diana Hacker and Nancy Sommers

    © 2020 Bedford/St Martin's 10th edition Textbook ISBN: 9781319400873

Section 135

Mar 21 to Jun 13

Type: Online, Fixed Date

Instructor:

  • Jess Romaine

Cost: $850.00

See section 135 Details

Type Online, Fixed Date

Dates

Mar 21, 2023 to Jun 13, 2023

Instructional Hours

30.00

Delivery Options

Online

Available for Credit

2 semester units

Section Notes

This is an Online, Fixed Date course that starts on March 21 and ends on June 13.

Fixed-Date online courses have specific start and end dates. Your access to the course content begins on the course start date. You will complete assignments within the specific dates posted in your online classroom, and as set by your instructor in the course syllabus.

 

TEXTBOOK NOTES: The 10th edition of A Writer's Reference can be bundled with a service called Achieve. Buying access to Achieve comes with access to the e-book version of the textbook for a limited time (1-2 terms) and instructions on how to purchase access will be available in the course. Achieve is recommended as it offers further practice exercises but is not required for this course. If students would like to purchase a physical copy of this text bundled with Achieve ahead of time, they can do so directly from the publisher at Macmillan Learning Student Store under the "Packages" tab. Students who choose this option should contact the department so we can provide them with the necessary Course ID.

Section Materials

  • Textbook

    (Mandatory)

    Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary

    © 2003 Merriam-Webster, Inc. 11th edition ISBN 0877798095 Textbook ISBN: 9780877798095
  • Textbook

    (Mandatory)

    The Chicago Manual of Style

    © 2017 University of Chicago Press 17th edition ISBN 022628705X Textbook ISBN: 978-0226287058
  • Textbook

    (Mandatory)

    Woe Is I: The Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English in Plain English by Patricia T. O'Connor

    © 2019 Riverhead Books 4th edition ISBN 0525533052 Textbook ISBN: 9780525533054
  • Textbook

    (Mandatory)

    A Writer's Reference by Diana Hacker and Nancy Sommers

    © 2020 Bedford/St Martin's 10th edition Textbook ISBN: 9781319400873

Spring enrollment opens on October 17!

This course applies to the following programs:

Interdisciplinary Writing Program

Expand or collapse section

Individualized Study Plan

  • Effective Writing in the Workplace
  • Writing for Social Media
  • Grammar, Mechanics and Usage for Editors
  • Journalism Workshop
  • Science Writing
  • Writing the Feature Story
  • Introduction to Public Relations Writing
  • Writing and Editing Internship Program
  • Editorial Workshop I: Introduction to Copyediting
  • Writing Skills Workshop
  • Writing Creative Nonfiction
  • Creative Nonfiction Workshop
  • Developing the Memoir
  • Developing the Memoir II
  • The Craft of Reading
  • The Craft of Writing
  • Exploring Creative Writing
  • Introduction to Writing Fiction
  • Intermediate Fiction Writing
  • Advanced Fiction Writing
  • Developing the Novel
  • Screenwriting: The Art of Visual Storytelling
  • Poetry Workshop
  • Poets Studied and in Conversation
  • American Fiction
  • Great Novels You Always Meant to Read
  • Mystery Fiction
  • Shakespeare
  • Editorial Workshop II: Intermediate Copyediting
  • Advanced Editorial Workshop
  • Indexing: Theory and Application
  • Technical Communication I
  • Technical Communication II
  • Technical Communication III: Information Design

Learn More About this Program

Professional Sequence in Editing

Expand or collapse section

Required Courses

  • Grammar, Mechanics and Usage for Editors
  • Editorial Workshop I: Introduction to Copyediting
  • Editorial Workshop II: Intermediate Copyediting
  • Advanced Editorial Workshop

Learn More About this Program

Professional Sequence in Technical Communication

Expand or collapse section

Required Courses

  • Grammar, Mechanics and Usage for Editors
  • Technical Communication I
  • Technical Communication II
  • Technical Communication III: Information Design

Learn More About this Program

Notes

Departmental contact: extension-letters@berkeley.edu | (510) 643-1110

Instructional Types

Live Online
Live Online courses provide an interactive learning experience with scheduled synchronous online sessions held via Zoom video conferencing (Pacific Time). Learn more about the Live Online format.
Online, Start Anytime
Continuous enrollment course begins when you enroll. You have a minimum of 90 days and a maximum of 180 days to complete the course.
Online, Fixed Date
Enroll in this course by its start date and complete it by its specified end date. There are no live sessions, but plenty of opportunities to collaborate with your classmates and instructor.
Classroom
Take classes in-person at one of our buildings or partner locations.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

All of our courses are taught in English. If English is not your first language, please use the following test scores as guides in order to be successful:

  • TOEFL: 90
  • IELTS Academic Format: 7
  • DAAD: C1
  • TEM-4 or TEM-8: Level 70
  • Duolingo: 115

Note: You do not need to submit test scores.

Extension

1995 University Ave., Suite 130

Berkeley, CA 94704-7000

extension@berkeley.edu

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Course Fee

Rita Kasperek

Rita Kasperek, M.F.A., has worked for more than 20 years as a writer and editor for a variety of industries, including high-tech, academia, art and business. A fiction writer, she has led several writing workshops. Kasperek is currently working on a novel.

Online

Course Fee

Elizabeth Asborno

Elizabeth (Liz) Asborno has worked in publishing for more than thirty years as a copyeditor, proofreader, layout artist, graphic designer, typographer, production manager, art director, and print buyer. She copyedits in many genres, including fiction and nonfiction books, scholarly papers, magazine articles, and educational materials. Liz also volunteers with the San Jose Public Library's Partners in Reading program, tutoring adult learners in reading and writing.

Course Fee

Barbara Magalnick

Barbara Magalnick, M.S., is the author of English Reader (McGraw-Hill, 1979) and Safe Conduct (Lipstick, 2005). She has taught English and English as a second language in the United States and abroad. After working as an editor at several major publishing houses, she became a freelancer.

Course Fee

Anne Hill

Anne Hill, M.A., PG Dip, is an editor and writer who specializes in copyediting and developmental editing, particularly in the academic sector. Her clients include faculty at Stanford University; the University of California, Berkeley; the University of Chicago; Kings College London; and the University of Oxford. She taught English and journalism at the Ohio State University and at Stanford. Before launching a career as a freelance editor, she worked as a newspaper copyeditor and reporter, a corporate communications specialist at IBM, a project manager at Apple, and executive communications manager at Hitachi Data Systems. She relishes her work with indie authors, helping them craft and polish works of fiction and narrative non-fiction. 

 

Course Fee

Jess Romaine

Jess Romaine has worked as a freelance copy editor since 2010. She specializes in academic and other nonfiction writing; her clients include graduate students, scholars, book authors, science writers, and nonprofit organizations. She appreciates the opportunity to help authors produce their best writing and to apply that experience to guiding new editors in the intricacies of their craft.
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