Class Wednesday, Nov. 5

We'll spend some of Wednesday's class working on the first draft of the Researched Discovery Essay.

Bring to class Wednesday your jump drive, assignments you've completed for class (source essays, prompts, etc.), sources you've collected, etc. -- whatever you'll need to work on and develop your first draft, due Monday. You may bring your laptop if you'd prefer to use that instead of the computers in our classroom.

You might also use the time to do some Internet-based research and discuss your ideas and share your writing with your classmates and/or with me.

Journal #10, due Monday, Nov. 3

There is NO reading assignment connected with Journal #10.

For Journal 10, I want you to look over the research logs, source essays, annotated bibliography, and dialogue you've handed in.

Pick out 5 of your most useful sources. For each source, complete the following:

1. Do a bit of research on the authors of those sources. Who is this person? What has he/she studied? written? accomplished? Write up what you find.

2. If the article comes from journal or magazine, research the publication. What is the publication's focus? Who else writes for the publication? Who is the publication's intended audience?

3. If the text comes from a book, research the book publisher. Does the publisher have a focus? Who else / what else does the publisher publish? Does the publisher have an intended audience?

4. Has the author written anything else that might be of use to you? Has the publication (periodical) published any other content that might be of use to you? Has the publisher published other titles that might be of use to you?

Adapt these as best you can to non-text sources.

For example, if you're using a music album as a source, what label produced the album? A label is most comparable to a publisher.

If you're writing up an interview you conducted, who is that person's employer? That company/institution would also be most comparable to a publisher.

If you have questions about how to research specific sources, please let me know.

Meet at Library on Monday

Hi all,

Meet on the second floor of the library (624 S. Michigan Ave.) for class on Monday, October 27. Be prepared to conduct research on your topic.

Contact me with questions.

MLA Works Cited

Thanks to Emily Krieger for this information!

Visit easybib.org if you'd like a little extra help getting together your MLA Works Cited page.

Journal #9 due Wednesday, October 29

Please note that the due date for Journal #9 is different than that listed in the syllabus (originally due Mon., Oct. 27).

Read one of the remaining biographies from On the Job, between pages 115-196. Please include in your posting which biography you've read and its page numbers.

Answer the following:

What and/or who is Smith representing here that hasn't shown up in the first half of the book?

Now that you've heard Smith speak about his book, how does that impact the way you read the passage you've selected?

(If you weren't present for Smith's class visit, read your classmates' responses to Journal #8, think about the follow-up conversation we had in class last Wednesday, and talk with your classmates about what you missed.)

UPDATED Journal #8, due Wednesday, Oct. 22

• As you know, the Annotated Bibliography is due on Wednesday.

• For Journal #8, read "The Falling Man" by Tom Junod, the article you received today in class. Extra copies are in my mailbox. It's available as a PDF on Oasis as well.

• Answer the following questions and post them here, on the blog:
  

1. With what line of inquiry (or question) does Junod begin his research? How do you know?
   
2. As a reader (not a writer), how do you respond to the article's conclusion?
3. As a writer (not a reader), how do you respond to the article's conclusion?

• In a fourth section of your blog posting, write up a response to Danny Smith's visit. What did you find interesting? What surprised you? How does meeting and listening to the author speak impact how you read the text?

As always, contact me with questions.

Open Office, free software that works with MS

OpenOffice.org

OpenOffice.org (OO.o or OOo) is an office application suite available for a number of different computer operating systems. It supports the OpenDocument standard for data interchange as its default file format, as well as Microsoft Office '97-2003 formats - among many others.

OpenOffice.org is based on StarOffice, an office suite developed by StarDivision acquired by Sun Microsystems in August 1999. The source code of the suite was released in July 2000 with the aim of reducing the dominant market share of Microsoft Office by providing a free, open and high-quality alternative to users. OpenOffice.org is a free software, available under the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL).

The project and software are informally referred to as OpenOffice, but this term is a trademark held by another party requiring the project to adopt OpenOffice.org as its formal name.

Components

OpenOffice.org is a collection of applications that closely work together to provide the features expected from a modern office suite. Many of the components are designed to mirror those available in Microsoft Office. The components available include:

A word processor similar in look and feel to Microsoft Word that offers a comparable range of functions and tools. It also includes the ability to export Portable Document Format (PDF) files with no additional software and can also function as a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editor for creating and editing web pages.

Learn more at Image: OOoWriter.svg.

Sending Assignments Via E-Mail

We'll go over specifics in class on Wednesday. For Wednesday's assignment, the subject heading of your e-mail AND the title of your document should read:

wrii_lastname_firstname_assignmentname_fall08

Please let me know if you have questions.

Journal #7, due Monday, October 13

We're going to break away from what the syllabus outlines for Journal #7. Please note that I've included an UPDATED SYLLABUS on Oasis. 

Instead of OTJ, read "The Cosmic Significance of Britney Spears" by Tom Perrotta. Extra copies are in my mailbox in suite 300. The essay is also saved on Oasis.

After reading the essay, answer the following for Journal #7:

1. Why do you believe Tom Perrotta decided to insert himself and us, the readers (speaking as "I" and "we"), into the essay?

2. How do you respond to that decision? What about it is effective, and what is ineffective?

Wednesday's class, Location TBA

You may have noticed that in the course syllabus, it says we'll meet in a computer lab on Wednesday, October 8, location TBA. Well, since our classroom is a computer lab, that's where we'll be meeting.

On Wednesday I'll also be handing out your grades as they currently stand. There's a grade breakdown sheet saved to Oasis. 

See you then.

Journal #6, due Wed., Oct. 8

Read pages 87-114 in OTJ. Then, complete the following:

1. Write up what you believe is the overarching goal of the entire text. If you need to scan through the pages that follow what you've read so far, that's fine. 

2. After writing up the goal of OTJ, list five questions you have about this goal -- questions you might direct to the author.

3. Additionally, list five questions you have about the writer's research he completed before and while writing OTJ. You might visit "Endnotes" at the end of the book if you're stumped. 

4. Finally, list five (total, not five for a and b each) questions you might direct to the author about a) the biographies of Joe DeLopez and/or William Calabrese and b) the beginning of "Part 3: Who Are We? Organization and Culture of the Chicago Police Department."

Completing the Journal Assignments

I've noticed that some of you who've posted journals on the blog haven't been handing in hard copies of the assignments to me as well. You don't receive full credit for completing the journal unless you both post on the blog and bring me a hard copy.

Let me know if you have questions.

The CPD online

YouTube Video: The history of the CPD

 

YouTube Video: CPD caught on tape

Follow this link to an article about the incident published in the Chicago Reader on April 20, 2007.

Chicago Police Officer killed this week: NBC 5 article and video.

Journal #5, due Monday, 9/29

First, read "The Members of the Assembly" by Jean Genet, the handout you received in class on Wednesday. (All extra handouts will be in a folder in my mailbox in suite 300.)

Second, read p. 69-77 from OTJ, "Evolution: Retired Officer John O'Shea."

1. Compare how each text discusses the 1968 Democratic National Convention -- particularly, how each text engages the other.

Finally, read p. 79-86 from OTJ, "Walkin' Pete: Retired Sergeant Bill Jaconetti."

2. Include in your journal 3 paragraphs from this chapter. Reproduce them exactly as they appear in the text, and include the page number on which they appear.

Revise these 3 paragraphs; improve them. Include your revised paragraphs below the original. 

JOURNAL #4, due Monday, 9/22

Read OTJ p. 51-68 and complete the following:

1. While you're reading, write down all the words, phrases, and names with which you're not completely familiar. (Remember Haymarket Affair example mentioned in class.) Include your complete list here.

2. (200-word minimum, please include word count) Why did Smith decide to include this history of the CPD here, at the beginning of Part 2? (Why not in Part 1? Why not later, in Parts 3 or 4?)

3. Write down while you're reading and/or after you've read at least ten questions you have about the information included in this history and/or about the CPD's history in general? (Could something have been explained in greater depth? Do you know of something that wasn't addressed at all?) Include your list of questions here. 

JOURNAL #3, due Wednesday, 9/17

Once again, post your journal assignment as a COMMENT to this posting. 

Bring in a hard copy on Wednesday as well. 

Your journal should be at least 400 words. Please include the word count on the assignment.

Journal #3 in response to OTJ p. 29-50

Answer the following:

1. Smith often describes the officers as he observes them during their interviews. (Think back to Officer Spreng and the milkshake.) Focusing on either Rios's, Rojas's, or Hannus's profile, explain how Smith uses this tactic. Why did Smith decide to include this information? How is it effective? How might it be improved?

2. What have you learned about the CPD from reading the biographies in Part 1? What information was new to you? Were you surprised by anything?

3. Write five questions you have about the CPD. 

Why is it so hard to fire a policeman?

"Why is it so hard to fire a policeman?"

This article is about the conflicts between the police superintendent and the Chicago Police Board over whose right it is to fire a police officer and how not firing officers who are in the wrong can damage the department's reputation.

Chicago Police Department

The article talks about how the police are increasing the amount of patrols they have out due to a large surge of crime/ murders in the recent months.

cpd article 2

www.nbc5.com/news/17249011/detail.html

47th drug market shut down my CPD police. Crack cocaine dealers linked with gang and brought violence into the community

CPD Article

CPD Website http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalEntityHomeAction.do?entityName=Police&entityNameEnumValue=33
This article is about the importance of keeping children and adolescents safe by using curfew and truancy laws.

Lazy cops dont want to be tracked

my article was about an unamed source that would have police be asked to give up there DNA at crime scenes as well as have GPS units put into there vehicles.
http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_product=NewsBank&p_theme=aggregated5&p_action=doc&p_docid=12303C0C2D992C08&p_docnum=5&p_queryname=1
a qoute from the article really summed up the police
"But rank-and-file cops feel the GPS devices are a way for the department to watch their every move and discipline them for not being where they're supposed to be. "

CPD keeps infants safe

CPD Keeps Infants Safe

This is a column about a police officer who went above and beyond expectations to teach a couple to correctly install a car seat.

Police Union rips moves to tighten reins on cops - Changes 'going to drive morale into toilet

The FOB is in distress over recent requests for police officers to give samples of their DNA at crime scenes and put GPS tracking devices in their squad cars. Ofiicers are said to not want to be tracked and think that it is unnecessary to give their DNA. Ofiicials, however, feel that this move will boost public safety and be a move for the better.


My article

Glen Hoefler - CPD Article

http://www.myfoxchicago.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=7608EEE7F387D6625E43E7D21C0A7C67?contentId=7375327&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1

An elderly couple was killed when their home exploded. The Police, State Fire Marshall, Local Fire Department, and local utility company are investigating.

Article

So I was not here last week this project was assigned, however, I feel the story that I am a part of will work. In my first week of living of chicago, a little more than a year ago now, I was traveling the city on the "L". I am also an avid smoker, and more than occasionally smoke a ciggerate. So not knowing that it was illegal, me and my two friends decided since we were on an outside platform there should be no reason why we can't have a nice ciggerate. However, about five minutes later, we were all handcuffed to one another and than to a bench. Instead of explaining to us what we had done, the officers dressed in outfits that made them look like they were bad undercover cops from the 90's gave us a court date and an 80 dollar ticket.

Mother tells suspect in fatal plot to give up

Mother tells suspect in fatal plot to give up

Delanie Jones urges her son Terrel to turn himself into police following his involvment in a foiled kidnapping plot. Tameka Newson and Martha Jean were arrested after another accomplice was killed in a shootout with a Norfolk Railway police officer and an off duty Chicago police officer.

Why is it so hard to fire a policeman?

My Article!!!

As the title suggests this article addresses the current problems faced by the Police Superintendent when trying to fire officers with demerits. Actions such as beating civilians with their weapons, accidental shootings, etc. are responded to with nothing more than a slap on the hand. This is due mainly to the fact that a board of nine civilians are making the decisions and not the superintendent. I feel that, yes it is a job, and no they are not doing it correctly. Being fired is the natural progression in not doing your job correctly.

Also, I think that it is highly hypocritical for an organization that seemingly prides themselves on protecting people and holding people accountable for their actions, fails to do so in their own establishment.

NO EASY JOB TO BE DRUNK OFFICIALLY

NO EASY JOB TO BE DRUNK OFFICIALLY - Chicago Daily Tribune Jul 6, 1902 pg. 44
This article is about how in the early 1900s the Chicago Police Department was very relaxed on arresting "drunkards" who were on the streets. This news article talks about how police officers of that time were considerate of the drunk population of Chicago. This news article is both funny and interesting and writing in a light tone.

Police union rips moves to tighten reins on cops

Article which discusses the Chicago police union's protests to new rules involving DNA testing and GPS tracking in their cars.

Journal 1

Father ' a little offended' by Police Tactics.

His little girl was shot in an alley outside his southside home and he was offended because the police wanted to take him in for questioning. Yes, thinking a father would kill his own daughter is disturbing and no one wants to think that, but also, police need to know whats happened that day and have to suspect everyone at first. He should be thankful that the police are taking the matter delicatly. Unless of course, he's guilty.

www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-mya-lyons_web_27jul27,0,923499.story

cpd article

www.nbc5.com/new/17249011/detail.html

"Why is it so Hard to Fire a Policeman?"

Chicago Sun-Times, "Why is it so Hard to Fire a Policeman?"

This article detailed many instances of misconduct by officers in the Chicago Police Department, and the way in which they are given consequences. It described the Chicago Police Board, which is made up of Chicago civilians, and their authority over matters such as assigning suspensions, dismissals, and releases of the 80 police officers that were caught behaving poorly on the job. The majority of those 80 police officers were given less than appropriate consequences in the eyes of some Police Superintendents.

JOURNAL #2, due Wednesday, 9/10

Post your completed journal assignment here on the blog as a comment to this posting. Also bring one hard (printed) copy of your journal to class on Wednesday.

Please send me an e-mail at katedoc@gmail.com if you have any questions about Journal #2 or how to post your journal as a comment to the blog. 

Journal #2, in response to OTJ pages 1-28

Answer the following questions:

Why do you think the author opens On the Job with "Roll Call"? What information provided in this introduction do you find most useful? Why?

What information provided in "The Chicago Way: Police Work in the Urban Landscape" better helps you understand and/or appreciate the stories of Officers Brian Spreng and Dave Kumiega?

Why do you suppose the author starts off with the Officer Spreng's story?

JOURNAL #1, due Mon., 9/8

Create a New Post that briefly summarizes and includes a link to the article you found for Journal 1.