| History 288W: Pacific Islands History |
FALL 2005 |
| Instructor: Colette Higgins |
|
WRITING PROJECT
(Comparing Hawai‘i to the Pacific)
Understanding Self & Community
Written Communication
Critical Thinking
Overview
How unique is Hawai‘i's history when compared to other Pacific islands? Have other Pacific islanders had similar experiences to the Hawaiians? This writing project will help you appreciate Hawai‘i's history in the context of the larger Pacific experience.
Your Task
Look over the topics listed below; you will be signing-up for topics in class during the second week of instruction (two students per topic). Once you have your topic, you can begin your research.
I want to know more about . . .
- how Hawai‘i's myths and legends compare to those in Samoa or Aotearoa.
- how Pomare II of Tahiti or Taufa'ahau of Tonga compares to Kamehameha I.
- how missionary John Williams (LMS) or John Thomas (WMS) compares to Hiram Bingham (ABCFM).
- the history of Indian contract laborers in Fiji compared to Chinese or Japanese immigrants in Hawai‘i.
- how Guam's history compares to Hawai‘i's (U.S. territorial status or World War II experience).
- Hawai‘i's experience with Pacific islander immigrants compared to Guam's or New Zealand's experience.
Be sure to keep track of all your sources. For Part III, you must submit an annotated bibliography, which means, in addition to the typical bibliographical data, you will need to provide a brief explanation of how each source helped you. I am interested in all the sources that you’ve consulted for your information. Strive for a variety of resources (a mix of books, articles, videos, internet sites, etc.). At least three sources are required.
Three Part Writing Process (worth 150 points total)
- Part I (25 points) This will be an exploratory
paper where you will explain why you chose this topic and what you've
learned so far. You must show evidence of having done the preliminary research
on both areas being compared. This first paper is like a journal entry where
you're "talking to self." I'm looking for insight into your thought
process. Don't worry about grammar, spelling, and organization for this part.
Format: one side of a sheet of paper, single spaced, one inch margins,
250-500 words.* Late papers will not be accepted. Due:
September 15th
- Part II (50 points) This will be a letter to the teacher explaining how you're planning to organize Part III. You should discuss both content and structure. Talk to me through your letter. Ask for feedback and solicit advice. Share your revelations and your struggles. How has this research altered your understanding of Hawai‘i's history? Since this is a letter, you may use first person references (i.e. I, me, my). You will be graded on organization, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Format: double spaced, one inch margins, 500-700 words.* Late papers will not be accepted. Due: October 18th
- Part III (75 points) This will be a comparative
essay. You will compare and contrast an episode in Hawai‘i's history
with a similar situation in another Pacific island. Do not use first person
references (i.e. I, me, my). Instead, you should start with a thesis statement,
then systematically support that statement in the body of your essay (see
"How to Write a Comparative Essay").
Organization, grammar, spelling and punctuation will be graded in this part.
You must also resubmit your graded Parts I & II, and provide an annotated
bibliography. Format: double spaced, one inch margins, 800-1000 words.*
Late papers will be accepted, but there will be a five-point penalty
for each class day that a paper is late. Due: November 22nd
*Please identify the font & provide a word count at the end
of each part.
(e.g. Helvetica 601 words)