Anyone have a BA in English?- Page 2

[nmartin]

Posted: 12/1/08 at 5:34pm

I have taught high school English for twenty-two years. In my dim memory of attending university, I do not recall a course where any of that was taught. Of course I have taught it.
George is quite correct about technical terms coming back easily.
I have learned more about English language and literature by teaching it than I ever did on the other side of the desk.

[jasonf]

Posted: 12/1/08 at 5:41pm

I agree completely -- I know this stuff COLD now because I teach it, but when I was a student I doubt I could have told you what a compound-complex sentence is. Fortunately, I think my students actually COULD tell you at this point (or at least some of them could!). George, the term itself doesn't matter when you're writing, but when you're talking ABOUT writing it helps to have a reference point to say you have too many compound sentences etc.

Elphaba, I honestly don't even know how to respond...

I do find it hard to believe that anyone who studied Shakespeare or any poetry in depth never came across the term "feet." All it is is a measure of emphsais and de-emphasis.