Thursday, October 4, 2012

Writing in College: A Short Guide to College Writing

Writing in College: A Short Guide to College Writing http://writing-program.uchicago.edu/resources/collegewriting/ The Little Red Schoolhouse writing course for graduate students and advanced undergraduates has been a staple offering at the University of Chicago for decades. Over the years, Lawrence McEnerney (Director of the University of Chicago Writing Program) and the late Professor Joseph M. Williams worked together to craft this fine guide to college writing. The guide was created with first and second year students at the University of Chicago in mind, but it can be used effectively with a wide range of students who wish to write clearly and concisely. The guide is divided into five sections, including "Some crucial differences between high school and college writing," "Preparing to write and drafting the paper," and "Revising the introduction and conclusion." An important section here is: "But what if you get stuck? A good solution and terrible solution," which discusses, among other things, how to avoid plagiarism. Throughout this work, the advice is sage, lucid, and well-intentioned. It is an indispensable resource for any and all persons who wish to succeed in becoming better writers in college.

Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering

Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/wmpd/ This timely report from the National Science Foundation (NSF) provides "statistical information about the participation of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities in science and engineering education and employment." This most recent iteration of the report was released in July 2012, and it includes data sets, technical notes, citations, and several interactive features. First-time visitors should take a look at the "Digest 2011" for up-to-date statistical visualizations of themes that include Employment Status, Occupation, Academic Employment, and Field of Degree. The How Do I? will help visitors learn how to view data by grouping, contact the author, and also sign up to be notified about new data sets.

Foreign Policy: The Cuban Missile Crises

Foreign Policy: The Cuban Missile Crises http://www.foreignpolicy.com/cubanmissilecrisis Foreign Policy has distinguished itself for decades by offering up thoughtful and critical analyses of a broad range of pressing policy issues, including international affairs, intergovernmental relations, and public policy on a global scale. This website presents a 50th anniversary review of the Cuban missile crisis of October 1962. On the site, visitors can experience the events of the crisis via a unique and fascinating Twitter feed that recounts those fateful days in "real time." Also, noted foreign correspondent, author, and Cuban missile crisis expert Michael Dobbs adds a thoughtful perspective on those events through a site blog. The site also includes slideshows that t ell the story of the crisis, along with a helpful section titled What Was At Stake in 1962?. Overall the site offers a great blend of social media and traditional reporting and commentary. [From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout 1994-2012. http://www.scout.wisc.edu/]