Papers and presentations

     Each student will use one or (maximum) two chapters from the text to analyze situations and events described in an assigned Police Issues blog post. Their project has three distinct aspects which are covered in turn:

1. Blog post summary: detailed summary of interesting themes and events in the blog post
    
2. Chapter summary: detailed summary of aspects of the chapter that seem most applicable to the above themes and events in the blog post (don't make the connections yet!)
    
3. Analysis: analysis of how the above aspects of the chapter help explain or clarify the selected themes and events in the blog post

     Students will do the following:

• Prepare a formal paper that sets out each of the above in sequence.
   
• Condense this paper into a series of concise bullet points and place them on three Power Point slides, using one slide for each element of the assignment (see example below.)
   
• Use the slides to help deliver 5-minute classroom presentations.

     NOTE: It is not necessary to cover everything in the assigned blog post. Some may be quite long and discuss several events. Focus on one or two key themes or events in the blog post, and analyze these themes and events using relevant aspects of the chapter.

Paper (15 points)

     For the CSUF reference on academic integrity and plagiarism, click here.

     Students will complete an academically acceptable, four to five page paper that conveys the substance of their assignment in detail. A separate section must be used for each of the three aspects of the assignment listed above.

     Page 0 is the title page. Pages 1-3 or 1-4 are for the three sections. Page 4 or 5 is for endnotes.

     Text chapters and page numbers must be referenced and listed as "endnotes" on the last page.

     Academically trustworthy reports can be used as background materials to supplement what is known about the events. If used, they must be cited and identified in the endnotes. NOTE: these reports must not become the primary source for analysis. That is for the chapter(s).

    Students should use twelve-point type, one-inch margins and double-space.

     Students must use completely original sentences and paragraphs. They MAY NOT mimic paragraphs or sentences in the blog post or text chapters, for example, by rearranging or substituting words. Information must be conveyed in a clear, well-organized manner and make perfect sense to ordinary, non-academic readers. NO technical terms. NO quotations, even if declared. Strict plagiarism rules apply. To receive credit, a full printout of the blog post MUST be attached to the paper.

     Papers will be graded on originality, coverage, clarity of expression, organization, and spelling and grammar.

     Papers with attached blog post printouts will be turned in immediately after the presentation. Papers and blog post printouts must be turned in to receive credit for the course.

PowerPoint slides (5 points)

     Students will reduce their paper to four PowerPoint slides (one title slide and three content slides.) Slides will be used as prompts during the presentation and to help the audience follow along. Each slide should be broken down into bullet points that concisely convey key aspects of the paper. Detailed information should be saved for oral delivery.

      Slides should be black lettering on a white background. NO pictures or graphics. They should closely follow this example:

Oral delivery (five points)

     Each student will orally deliver a concise, factual summary of their paper. Five minutes is allotted, plus time for responding to questions from the audience and instructor.

     Presentations should be rehearsed. Slides and papers must not be read from. That will lead to a loss of points.

Grading

     Thirty points can be earned: Up to twenty points for the paper, up to five points for the slides, and up to five points for the oral presentation.

     Making a presentation on the scheduled date and turning in all required materials are required components of the course. Failure to fulfill these requirements will result in a term grade of "F".