University of Hawaii at Hilo Catalog 2011-2012

English

Home » Undergraduate Education » College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) » English

Department Chair: Mark Panek (mpanek@hawaii.edu)

Humanities Division Office:
 Kanakaʻole Hall 214, (808) 974–7479

Web: hilo.hawaii.edu/academics/english/ and hilo.hawaii.edu/depts/english/

Professors:

  • April Komenaka, Ph.D.
  • David R. Miller, Ph.D.
  • Kenith L. Simmons, Ph.D.

Associate Professors:

  • Seri Luangphinith, Ph.D.
  • Mark Panek, Ph.D.
  • Jennifer Wheat, Ph.D.

Assistant Professors:

  • Matthew Haslam, Ph.D.
  • Kirsten Mollegaard, Ph.D.

Instructors:

  • Conley-Ramsey, Marianne B., M.A.
  • Karla Hayashi, M.A.
  • Lauri Sagle, M.A.
  • Susan Wackerbarth, M.A.

Mission Statement

The English Department at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo offers a well-rounded and balanced approach to the study of English through introductory and specialized courses in composition and literature. UH Hilo provides multicultural studies to reflect the diversity of our environment. The size of the English department makes for intimate class settings. The program allows for hands-on learning, close student-teacher relationships, and student-designed curriculum.

In addition to a foundation of traditional English topics, such as British and American literature, the UH Hilo program offers a range of alternative and global literary works: Pacific Island literature, folklore, film, gender studies, and ethnic studies.

English is an all encompassing major. Upon completion of the English degree, students will be able to decode literature with critical understanding, while still maintaining a love of the written word. They will be able to form clear, effective bodies of work, while preserving their unique voice. Many of our graduates have gone on to such professions as Administration, Law, Primary and Secondary Education, Telecommunications, and Creative Writing.

Note: ENG 100/100T/100H or ESL 100/100T is required for all other English courses. Any additional prerequisites for courses are indicated as needed.

Student Learning Outcomes

English 100/100T/100H

Students who successfully complete the course will:

  1. Compose a thesis-driven essay using a process approach including,
    • Generating ideas (e.g. mapping, brainstorming, outlines, etc.)
    • Multiple drafts
    • Incorporating feedback at all stages in writing
    • Rewriting
    • Proofreading
  2. Identify and compose writing for different purposes and audiences;
  3. Analyze and evaluate their own writing;
  4. Identify appropriate information needed for their writing assignments;
  5. Evaluate sources and information for reliability, accuracy, and bias;
  6. Recognize the difference between APA and MLA conventions of documentation;
  7. Incorporate multiple sources within an original essay using an appropriate academic convention of documentation;
  8. Demonstrate control over syntax and mechanics in their writing.

200-Level Literature Courses

Upon the completion of any 200-level literature course, students will be able to:

  1. Identify and explain key terms regarding poetic or literary form, genre, and technique;
  2. Analyze and incorporate fundamental concepts of literary theory;
  3. Distinguish and explain differences among various genres, techniques, and styles;
  4. Generalize and summarize key canonical texts;
  5. Generalize and summarize key concepts of literary theory;
  6. Apply secondary information (from anthologies and readers) in their own interpretations of texts;
  7. Compose and construct independent and original literary interpretations;
  8. Demonstrate proper usage of most current MLA conventions for documentation and citation;
  9. Incorporate primary and secondary texts into a thesis-driven paper;
  10. Engage in and contribute to collegial classroom discussions.

For a more comprehensive list of Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs), please visit the English Department’s website: hilo.hawaii.edu/depts/english/

Curricula