Composition I

This class focuses on the fundamentals of
writing argumentative papers using academic and scholarly sources.  A micro approach is used; that is,
students will be engaged with the various parts of a research paper through
small assignments covering areas such as introductions, conclusions, citation,
plagiarism, organization, revision. 
Writing assignments include informal blogs covering the college culture
and three academic research papers of varying length: two individual research
papers and one team-written project. The academic papers emphasize the process
of writing (rough draft, peer review, final product).  The team-written project is problem-based; that is students
will choose a local problem and move from research about the problem to moving
toward solving the problem through proposals, legislative bills, or service
including accumulating qualitative data and writing a report on the
findings.  In-class assignments
will cover the discussion of articles (popular and academic sources) with an
emphasis on decoding messages found in those articles.  A final (optional) portfolio enables
students to re-submit two papers or blogs for higher grades. This class seeks to be “green”
(paperless) as much as possible. Papers are submitted electronically through a course management
system. All texts can be purchased
at Revolution Books, behind Puck’s Alley.

Each component is mandatory:

  • CompClass, a web-based course management
    system
  • The textbook Practical Argument,
    the graphic novel adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s The Martian Chronicles
  • Research and Documentation in the Electronic Age,
    5th Edition.

For questions, please contact the instructor at:  dahlman@hawaii.edu