THE CADRE. 'I’OCTOBER 29', 1974, PAGE 14‘ "

Compulsory Composition

\ There is a movement afoot in the Arts Faculty to require

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and passing a multiple-choice test of grammar and diction

freShmen to Pass a "compatency would be accepted as proof

test" in English composition. Those who failed would have to take a compulsory course, Remedial Composition. Later the test —— and if necessary the course -- would be mand—

atory for all U.P.E.I. students.

An "experimental test",pro— posed by the English Depart— ment for administration to this year's freshmen, includes essays on such intellectually stimulating topics as "Living Without a Car", "How I Fight Inflation", and "Some Pleasures of Living on the Island".

Writing a "competent". essay on a topic such as theSe

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in +25%. person whose.

‘ manfi "fi'ut Inl’CrfShRq Adventure into peace

There's going to be a little we are simply looking for pea-

surprise at U.P.E.I. nest Fri- day night at 7:30. The Duffy Amphitheatre is going to lift off the ground.

We're going to drop off those

bundles of worries in our headsing of life is sure to evolve.

and settle down to finding the real peace in our lives.

Peace lives in our hearts. So first we'll have a love song by Lynne Colucci and Alex Perlman. And then the action

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that the student is able to "follow the contemporary con— ventions of standard written English". one of the objects of this exercise would be to enable U.P.E.I. graduates to "draft effective memoranda." (Quotes from committee report)

I object to this proposal, for two reasons. First, it is one more step, among a grow— ing number, toward uniformity, conformity, and compulsion at this university. Second, it offers a 19th century solution to a 20th century problem.

Mygfirst ob ection needs

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& satisfaction

cc and no one knows what may happen. But one thing is for certain. If we get together with a real desire in our hearts, a greater understand—

Next, the simple rhythm and flow of nature will be por— trayed in a short dance by Lynne Colucci.

Father Kelly of the Catholic

Church and professor of the

will start. Freddy von Draege;,classics and latin department

professor of political science, with his keen insight into the life and values of man, will examine the basic understand- ing that is.needed to bring humans into real harmony on earth. As Freddy put it, man— kind seems to be on a sinking ship. But we're not going down without trying.

Next, Mrs. Donnelly, a well known Baha'i of Charlottetown will introduce another per—

spective on bringing peace into tation. Also from his involve-'

the world on a practical level. Then Min Chiang, professor

f humanistic psychology, will

onset with not oniv the res—

psycnology. but also

Buddhistic viewpoint,

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which he is well aquainted with powerful song, the "Storm Was' 'Coming" by Allan Cardiff, the I um is a rare and valuable event speakers will be open to quest—

is Min pointed out, this for—

because actually, the speak— ers have no limitations on what they are going to say.

will then address.the forum.

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little elaboration. Education, if it is to be effective, must be individualized, it must be selfdirected, and it must be rewarding, A compul- sory composition course would simply make writing and the written word hateful and re- pugnant to those subjected

to it. '

The 20th century problem, to which this scheme is an inept, outdated solution, is the decline — almost the dis- appearance - of recreational reading.

Without discoursing on the arguments McLuhan and others that our culture is no longer "linear" and "print mediated", it is enough to say that most

r people born after about 1950

(some would suggest a much earlier date) have not been encouraged to read, or been exposed to good writing. Unless they have a‘mental disability, people who from an early age read many well- written books with significant themes almost invariably express themselves forcefully and effettively, in writing as well as speech. "Effective" expression does not, of course,

'always Conform to "convent-

ionally correct" expression.

It used to be believed _ 4 : that weaknesses in the grammar7 and diction of "unschooled"

comed to speak. This may be the time when real spontaneous

discovery can take place. With the first talks as a groundd work for interaction, we can proceed to share the underst— anding we've each come to in life. We'tend to hold in our deepest feelings from day to day, because we don't seem to

But this is a chance to share our experience, and that's where the love comes from. The more we share, the more

He is a sensitive man and will beautifU1 the experience-‘

express his experience on how a Christian may find peace in his life.

Afterwards, Ron Wagner and'

.Lionel SteVenson will fill the lhall with another song of love.

Then Michael Panella of the Divine Light Centre in Char— lottetown will speak. He will

express his experiences of how

peace may be gainde be medi—

ment in the Divine United Or—

ganization on a practical level

may form the framework for a

world of people who may peace—

fully live and work together. After anOther gentle, yet

ions from all. Also, anyone

in the theatre with deep feel-

ings to express will be wel-

g‘Af ergindividuals are fin:

people could be eliminated by composition or rhetdric

‘ courses. Often these courses ;

induced bland mediocrity, but_at leaSt there'was a foundation — widespread book

.readership — for this kind

of instruction. Today, for most persons of university age, there is none.

In my judgement, there is Only one satisfactory.way‘ to transform student non- writers into proficient writers, and that is to persuade (not force) them to read bOOks and period— icals of quality. Some of these students then may want to improve their writ— ing style 4 perhaps to ‘ ' imitate an admired author - and will enroll in elective composition and creative writing courses.

Any other method, espec— ially the one proposed, will merely produce "disfunctional literates", to coin a phrase, the kind of "educated" un— iversity graduates who dictate

\the fatuous inter—office

memos and draft the turbid committee reports with which all business and profess- ional people are bombarded these days. ’

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ished speaking to the group

as a whole, we'll break up

into a general~discussion

with herbal tea, hot chocolate, and home baked natural foods for a refreshment. If anyone 'has music or any real express— ion to give from your heart, and you want to be planned

into the program, call Alex

get the chance to express thenbat 892 — 8143. Call also if

you want to bring any publi— cations, pictures, records etc., that you feel would be valuable to people in finding“ peace. '

love, Aiex~