As an alternative to the traditional freshman composition course, a one-credit research skills module has been organized to help students develop competency in reference work and organization for research papers. Designed as part of a three-credit composition course, the eight week module concentrates on developing competency in the following skills: selecting and abstracting information from library books, periodicals, and general reference works; planning a research paper on a specific topic and resourcefully using library research sources to find appropriate written material; writing up the findings of library research, using quotations and other references appropriately; and using standard documentation in footnotes and bibliography. (This paper includes a course outline for the eight week module and appendixes consisting of student guide sheets on the library, term papers, references and sources, and note cards.) (MAI)