Purpose

Each module unit takes the task of writing a good essay and breaks it down into smaller steps. In this discussion, we will share our thoughts on our readings for this unit by relating the contents to our experiences and prior knowledge. By sharing our interpretations on the readings, we will generate ideas for a good Essay thesis. Doing so will be the first step in drafting a good essay final draft since a strong thesis tells the reader what the essay’s main argument will be. In our discussion, you will also asked to support your thesis ideas with evidence from our assigned texts for this module. That evidence will also serve to help you put together a comprehensive outline for your essay in the next assignment.

Research Paper Readings

Barbarian Daysby William Finnegan

For the Research Paper, you’ll readChapters 1, 4, 5, and 9ofBarbarian Daysby William Finnegan whose Pulitzer prize winning autobiography chronicles his life as a surfer from boyhood on.

Readings on Duke Kahanamoku

• David Davis’s Inertiaarticle“The Life and Times of Duke Kahanamoku”describes Duke’s biography and his greatest achievements as a waterman and surfer.
• Steve Hawk’s Surflinearticle“Duke’s Ulcers: How Surfing’s Central Icon Dealt with White Supremacy”on the constant racism Duke had to endure and his admirable manner of copying.
• Cindy Luis and Pat Bigold’s obituary for Nadine Kahanamoku, Duke’s wife:“Nadine Kahanamoku A ‘Very Special Person'”
• Review aTimeline of Duke Kahanamoku’s Remarkable Lifefor a detailed chronology of his key life experiences.

Paragraph 1

Select one of the two Research paper prompts below. Begin your paragraph with a one sentence thesis that fully answers the question:

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• Compare and / or contrast the ways in which surfing was more than just a sport for William Finnegan and Duke Kahanamoku.
• Compare and / or contrast the degree and kinds of racial prejudice William Finnegan and Duke Kahanamoku faced and how they coped with it.

Then support your thesis with a discussion of quotations from The World in the Curl and Barbarian Days. You are also welcome to bring up information from research sources you have found on your own.

Paragraph 2

Select one of the two Research paper prompts below. Begin your paragraph with a one sentence thesis that fully answers the question:

•  
• Compare and / or contrast William Finnegan and Duke Kahanamoku’s relationships with women in their surfing travels.
• Compare and / or contrast William Finnegan and Duke Kahanamoku’s attitudes towards and role in the popularization of surfing in their lifetimes as it becomes more accessible to people of all ages and levels worldwide.

Then support your thesis with a discussion of quotations from The World in the Curl and Barbarian Days. You are also welcome to bring up information from research sources you have found on your own.

End your main post with an interesting question for the class that stems from the ideas in your post.

Reply Posts (2 required, 50+ words each)

1. What parts of the other student’s main post could you identify with? What parts did you like? Explain why you liked those ideas.
2. Suggest improvements by referring to additional supporting examples from The World in the Curl. Or point out parts of the other student’s main post that you would like to see discussed in more detail, either with more explanation, clarification, or support.
3. End your reply post with an interesting question that is relevant to your discussion.

Grading

Requirements

• 1 main post (200+ words) that fully responds to Dr. Kwa’s prompt
• 2 replies (50+ words each) to others’ main posts
• Very Important: You are required to end all of your main posts and replies with a question that is related to your thoughts in your post.

Originality

Please make sure to give credit to other students by name should you discuss their ideas. If your discussion forum plagiarizes ideas or wording from another student’s post or an outside source, your post will not be accepted for credit.

Main Post 

Both William Finnegan and Duke Kahanamoku experienced racism