This paper discusses the shift in recent years from a focus on product and method in teaching college composition to a philosophy that values the individual human experience as popularized by Sartrean existentialism. Such a philosophical orientation is viewed as both inappropriate and potentially dangerous because it values the individual as an isolated entity. It is argued, based on Martin Buber's existentialism, that education is a process whereby the person discovers and refines his unique and essential humanity in the dialogue between the teacher and student. Therefore, using a method of instruction which values self expression as an end in itself could only prepare the individual for further isolation from his unique and essential humanity. (RB)