Description
Instructor: Denise Loock
Format: This is the Group Course format, which includes an online email discussion group and instructor feedback. This course will be conducted via Groups.io.
Prerequisite: None
Level: Beginner
Course Length: This course is eight lessons; it runs from January 19 to March 9, 2026.
Deadline to Register: January 23, 2026
Base Price: $320 (members of The Christian PEN receive discounts)
Course Outline: Click to download
Certificate of Completion: Upon completion of this course, students will earn a course certificate.
(Note: Refunds will not be given for this Group Course after January 16, 2026.)
What people have said about this course:
Not only did I learn to diagram sentences, I was also able to revisit very important rules of grammar and parts of speech. The diagramming was harder than I imagined, but it helped me more than I expected. I liked the interaction from the students’ questions and Denise’s gracious responses to answer what we think we should already know but don’t. —Jenne A.
This is a great class for all editors and writers. It also serves as a great grammar refresher. It definitely covered what I was expecting based on the course name and description. —Mary Anne B.
Thank you for explaining the rough spots on my homework. I’m thankful for a teacher to clarify things for me! —Kristen H.
Jenne A. –
Not only did I learn to diagram sentences, I was also able to revisit very important rules of grammar and parts of speech. The diagramming was harder than I imagined, but it helped me more than I expected. I liked the interaction from the students’ questions and Denise’s gracious responses to answer what we think we should already know but don’t.
Genevieve Smith –
The instruction for this course is a PDF that is emailed weekly to students (a format that gives the class the feel of an independent study rather than a group course). While I did learn how to diagram, it was difficult to really learn using the course materials alone, and I relied on YouTube videos to understand/apply the lessons. I would not recommend the class to students who are visual learners, as the learning is based on reading how to diagram vs. being shown.
Linda H. –
This is one of the hardest classes I’ve taken from The PEN Institute. I was finishing up one week’s homework while attending a major league baseball game! But it help me cement in my mind the parts of sentences, including implied words.