Tuesday, May 5, 2009
14: Reflecting on What You Learned
Of the many things I learned in this class this semester, those that will be most useful to me in my professional and personal life will be the ones regarding the internet. Coming in to this class, I considered myself pretty knowledgeable about the web; this course showed me quite the contrary. As the saying goes, you don't know what you don't know, and looking back, I can't believe how much I didn't know. For years I had gotten by doing research with basic search tools like Google, never delving in to the "deep web." I found some of the meta crawlers and other tools to be extremely useful and yield much more accurate results than Google. As a teacher-in-training, I am very happy to have learned how much more helpful the internet can be when you know how to use it. Certainly, I will always use the web to try to find new assignments, lessons, facts, and other supplemental learning aids for my classroom, and I feel like I am much better prepared to do so because of this class. Thus, while I learned a great deal about research in general, I think the knowledge I have gained with regards to the internet will prove to be invaluable to me in the years to come.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
13: Reporting on the Application Project
For my application project, I will be writing a series of letters from Klansmen to other Klansmen, local businessmen, local newspapers, etc. The letters vary in subject – some will be from Grand Dragon Locke updating Simmons on the Colorado Klan’s progress; others will detail Locke’s orders to his kleagles; others will be threats or warnings to Klan-backed politicians; and others will be basic informational letters to Klansmen. These should, I think, give readers a good idea of the Klan’s doings and aims in 1920s Colorado.
So far, I have written two letters: one from Locke to Simmons, the other from Locke to Stapleton. I have decided on the format that I will use for all the letters, and I think I have selected a fitting style for the time. Right now, I have written about 300 words total.
I still have approximately 900 words to write, which will likely be about 5 or 6 more letters. I also have to work on the accompanying essay; I’m not quite sure what we’re doing with that, however, so I need to get some clarification before I begin. I should have all of my letters finished by Friday, and depending on when I find out what we’re doing for the accompanying essay, I hope to have that done by the weekend, too.
So far, I have written two letters: one from Locke to Simmons, the other from Locke to Stapleton. I have decided on the format that I will use for all the letters, and I think I have selected a fitting style for the time. Right now, I have written about 300 words total.
I still have approximately 900 words to write, which will likely be about 5 or 6 more letters. I also have to work on the accompanying essay; I’m not quite sure what we’re doing with that, however, so I need to get some clarification before I begin. I should have all of my letters finished by Friday, and depending on when I find out what we’re doing for the accompanying essay, I hope to have that done by the weekend, too.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
11b: Planning Your Application Project
As of right now, I think I am leaning towards a set of personal letters between Klansmen, such as those between John Locke and William Simmons. These will detail the doings and progress of the Klan, recruitment plans, campaign strategies, and the like. These, I think, are fitting because they are a good way to communicate the Klan agenda from the Klan perspective.
11a: Reporting on Your Progress
I am happy to report that I have the first draft of my research completed and ready for review. After I gathered all of my information, writing the paper was easy. I organized all of my information, sat down, and punched the thing out in about seven hours. I am satisfied with it for now, but I'm still tweaking it and making improvements here and there. I still need to decide which pictures I will use, but other than that, I think I'm about finished. Again, I am very satisfied with the progress I have made!
Friday, April 10, 2009
10a: Reporting on Your Field Research
1. How widespread would you the Klan's influence was? More specifically, how did the Klan influence religion, politics, and business affairs in Denver?
The KKK was very big in Denver in the '20s. There were all kinds of Klansmen who were politicians or authority figures, and many big businessmen, too. As far as religion goes, their biggest role was intimidating Catholics, you know, and keeping them in the shadows.
2. Despite the Klan's stigma of being a radical racist group, it had many goals to reform and clean up criminal activity in Denver. To what extent do you think the Klan actually had a positive impact on Denver?
The Klan vowed to clean up crime, and it seriously tried to do that -- it didn't go about it in the most lawful way, but it made an effort. I think the fact that Klan was out there and willing to police the city deterred a fair amount of criminals.
3. Can you describe any specific instances of Klan violence, corruption, or bigotry?
I remember a few businessmen getting roughed up for refusing to join the Klan, and the same for a policeman. That's about all I recall, though.
4. Can you describe any specific instances of Klan benevolence or altruism?
A police officer was gunned down -- by some bootleggers, I think -- and some Klansmen showed up and his funeral and said his wife and children would never have to worry about not being able to pay their bills. From then on, I think the Klan took monthly donations to support this family.
5. How difficult was it for you and your family to go about your daily affairs being non-Klanmembers? Did you ever feel threatened?
No, my family never had much interaction with the Klan. It affected everyone indirectly, see, but I'm not sure I ever even met a Klansman. That's me, though. I know plenty of others who spent a lot of time looking over their shoulder.
6. Were you or anyone you know ever pressured or threatened into joining the Klan?
Like I said, I wasn't, and neither was my family. Some guys I worked with were pushed into it, and you always heard stories about this type of thing. The Klan had its hand just about everywhere, so it was hard to miss. I guess I stayed under the radar some how.
7. Were you ever tempted or at least intrigued by the idea of joining the Klan?
I wasn't. Kids at school would talk about it. . . how it was the cool thing to do. I just never went for it. I was raised differently than to hate. And I didn't like their tactics -- beatings and threats and all that crap. It wasn't for me. I joined the Marines instead.
8. How common was it for ordinary people to lead the double life of buisnessman by day and Klansman by night? That is, what was the likelihood of finding Klansmen in your or any other average neighborhood?
Very common. A guy in a suit during the day could very well be a guy in a robe by night. That's the thing, you never knew who was or wasn't a member. I mean, of course there were some who announced it proudly, but there were many who went about their daily lives, and then completely changed when the cross started burning. I think you could find members in most neighborhoods.
9. Many people were very fearful of standing up to the Klan. How much open resistance to the Klan was there? To your knowledge, was it common for people to oppose the organization but be too scared to act against it?
For a long time, there was very little. A few newspapers, some priests, that was about it. People were scared for the families, their business. . . it just wasn't smart to resist. The ones who did, boy, they were brave. Some of 'em nearly lost their lives for it, but they didn't stop.
10. What would you say is the Klan's most enduring legacy from its reign over Colorado politics?
They didn't get a lot done in politics. Don't get me wrong, they did a lot, but as far as legislation and that stuff goes, most of their stuff flopped. I think the most enduring legacy on Colorado was just the shear size of the organization, and the way it scared so many people into giving it so much power.
The KKK was very big in Denver in the '20s. There were all kinds of Klansmen who were politicians or authority figures, and many big businessmen, too. As far as religion goes, their biggest role was intimidating Catholics, you know, and keeping them in the shadows.
2. Despite the Klan's stigma of being a radical racist group, it had many goals to reform and clean up criminal activity in Denver. To what extent do you think the Klan actually had a positive impact on Denver?
The Klan vowed to clean up crime, and it seriously tried to do that -- it didn't go about it in the most lawful way, but it made an effort. I think the fact that Klan was out there and willing to police the city deterred a fair amount of criminals.
3. Can you describe any specific instances of Klan violence, corruption, or bigotry?
I remember a few businessmen getting roughed up for refusing to join the Klan, and the same for a policeman. That's about all I recall, though.
4. Can you describe any specific instances of Klan benevolence or altruism?
A police officer was gunned down -- by some bootleggers, I think -- and some Klansmen showed up and his funeral and said his wife and children would never have to worry about not being able to pay their bills. From then on, I think the Klan took monthly donations to support this family.
5. How difficult was it for you and your family to go about your daily affairs being non-Klanmembers? Did you ever feel threatened?
No, my family never had much interaction with the Klan. It affected everyone indirectly, see, but I'm not sure I ever even met a Klansman. That's me, though. I know plenty of others who spent a lot of time looking over their shoulder.
6. Were you or anyone you know ever pressured or threatened into joining the Klan?
Like I said, I wasn't, and neither was my family. Some guys I worked with were pushed into it, and you always heard stories about this type of thing. The Klan had its hand just about everywhere, so it was hard to miss. I guess I stayed under the radar some how.
7. Were you ever tempted or at least intrigued by the idea of joining the Klan?
I wasn't. Kids at school would talk about it. . . how it was the cool thing to do. I just never went for it. I was raised differently than to hate. And I didn't like their tactics -- beatings and threats and all that crap. It wasn't for me. I joined the Marines instead.
8. How common was it for ordinary people to lead the double life of buisnessman by day and Klansman by night? That is, what was the likelihood of finding Klansmen in your or any other average neighborhood?
Very common. A guy in a suit during the day could very well be a guy in a robe by night. That's the thing, you never knew who was or wasn't a member. I mean, of course there were some who announced it proudly, but there were many who went about their daily lives, and then completely changed when the cross started burning. I think you could find members in most neighborhoods.
9. Many people were very fearful of standing up to the Klan. How much open resistance to the Klan was there? To your knowledge, was it common for people to oppose the organization but be too scared to act against it?
For a long time, there was very little. A few newspapers, some priests, that was about it. People were scared for the families, their business. . . it just wasn't smart to resist. The ones who did, boy, they were brave. Some of 'em nearly lost their lives for it, but they didn't stop.
10. What would you say is the Klan's most enduring legacy from its reign over Colorado politics?
They didn't get a lot done in politics. Don't get me wrong, they did a lot, but as far as legislation and that stuff goes, most of their stuff flopped. I think the most enduring legacy on Colorado was just the shear size of the organization, and the way it scared so many people into giving it so much power.
10b: Brainstorming Ideas for the Application Project
1. Journal entry -- write a journal entry as though I was Grand Dragon Locke. Comment on the progress of the Klan, the Klan agenda and aims, possible problems, and the like.
2. Short story -- write a short story detailing the Klan's march down 16th St and demand for the firing of all non-Klan employees. Told from the perspective of either a participating Klansman or one of the local business owners. Detail the Klan's efforts and non-Klan resistance.
3. News article -- create a news article detailing night when the Klan broke up an anti-Klan political rally. Detail the hysteria, the excitement, and the Klan success.
4. Editorial -- write an editorial as an angry, anonymous Denverite. Decry the Klan's intimidation and violent tactics, call for a rallying of Klan opposition.
5. Personal letter -- create a personal letter between Grand Dragon Locke and Imperial Wizard Simmons. Have Locke brief Simmons on the Klan's doings in Colorado, and elucidate the plan for the KKK in Colorado.
2. Short story -- write a short story detailing the Klan's march down 16th St and demand for the firing of all non-Klan employees. Told from the perspective of either a participating Klansman or one of the local business owners. Detail the Klan's efforts and non-Klan resistance.
3. News article -- create a news article detailing night when the Klan broke up an anti-Klan political rally. Detail the hysteria, the excitement, and the Klan success.
4. Editorial -- write an editorial as an angry, anonymous Denverite. Decry the Klan's intimidation and violent tactics, call for a rallying of Klan opposition.
5. Personal letter -- create a personal letter between Grand Dragon Locke and Imperial Wizard Simmons. Have Locke brief Simmons on the Klan's doings in Colorado, and elucidate the plan for the KKK in Colorado.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
9c: Checking Quotations, Paraphrases, and Summaries
The blogs I posted on:
http://brianpeterman.blogspot.com/
http://kellymhaddon.wordpress.com./
http://brianpeterman.blogspot.com/
http://kellymhaddon.wordpress.com./
9b: Brainstorming Visual Aids
5 possible visual aids:
1. Picture of Klansmen burning cross
2. Picture of Clarence Morley
3. Picture of John Locke
4. Picture of a KKK meeting (i.e. at Lakeside, on South Table Mountain, etc)
5. Picture of knights marching down 16th Street
1. Picture of Klansmen burning cross
2. Picture of Clarence Morley
3. Picture of John Locke
4. Picture of a KKK meeting (i.e. at Lakeside, on South Table Mountain, etc)
5. Picture of knights marching down 16th Street
9a: Writing Thesis Statements
1. The Ku Klux Klan amassed an enormous following in Colorado, and it was able to exert a profound influence in state politics, business, and religion.
2. The reform that the Klan promised gave it the platform it needed to establish a foundation in Colorado, and once it became entrenched, it had only to infiltrate the political realm.
3. Insomuch as it held great sway in state politics, business, and religion, the Ku Klux Klan was the most influential institutition in Colorado during the 1920s.
2. The reform that the Klan promised gave it the platform it needed to establish a foundation in Colorado, and once it became entrenched, it had only to infiltrate the political realm.
3. Insomuch as it held great sway in state politics, business, and religion, the Ku Klux Klan was the most influential institutition in Colorado during the 1920s.
Friday, March 27, 2009
8a: Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing
ORIGINAL PASSAGE: During the 1920s, Colorado had the largest and most influential Knights of the Ku Klux Klan following of any other state west of the Mississippi River. In the 1924 elections, the Klan gained control not only of state government with the election of Governor Morley, but also of many local governments. Fremont County was one of those local governments with a dominating Klan presence, having a particularly large following of Klansmen and Klanswomen in Cañon City and Florence. These two local Klaverns claimed that they organized to improve the schools, end the liquor problem, stop crime, and promote the state and national Klan agenda.
LINK: KKK essay
1. Write a paragraph incorporating a short quotation from the passage. Modify the quotation using an ellipsis and brackets.
In Colorado, the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) was able to build a massive following and exert profound influence on state politics; indeed, “during the 1920s, [it] had the largest and most influential. . . Ku Klux Klan following west of the Mississippi” (Gunn). The source of the Klan’s authority came straight from Colorado citizens, who looked to the Klan to cure society’s many ailments. The reform that the Klan promised gave it the platform it needed to establish a foundation in Colorado, and once it became entrenched, it had only to infiltrate the political realm.
2. Paraphrase the passage. Check your paraphrase carefully to make sure that it is accurate and appropriate.
In the 1920s, the Ku Klux Klan amassed an extremely powerful population in Colorado. By the middle of the decade, the Klan had members filling many local government offices, and even had a knight, Clarence Morley, elected governor. Two of the largest Klan followings resided in Canyon City and Florence, where the Hooded Empire vowed to alleviate the many social problems plaguing these communities, and also to push the Klan initiative.
3. Summarize the passage. Check your summary carefully to make sure that it is accurate and appropriate.
Colorado had a massive Ku Klux Klan population in the 1920s. Its members held enormous influence in state and local politics, particularly in Florence and Canyon City; here, its members struggled to purify and improve society, as well as to advance the Klan agenda.
LINK: KKK essay
1. Write a paragraph incorporating a short quotation from the passage. Modify the quotation using an ellipsis and brackets.
In Colorado, the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) was able to build a massive following and exert profound influence on state politics; indeed, “during the 1920s, [it] had the largest and most influential. . . Ku Klux Klan following west of the Mississippi” (Gunn). The source of the Klan’s authority came straight from Colorado citizens, who looked to the Klan to cure society’s many ailments. The reform that the Klan promised gave it the platform it needed to establish a foundation in Colorado, and once it became entrenched, it had only to infiltrate the political realm.
2. Paraphrase the passage. Check your paraphrase carefully to make sure that it is accurate and appropriate.
In the 1920s, the Ku Klux Klan amassed an extremely powerful population in Colorado. By the middle of the decade, the Klan had members filling many local government offices, and even had a knight, Clarence Morley, elected governor. Two of the largest Klan followings resided in Canyon City and Florence, where the Hooded Empire vowed to alleviate the many social problems plaguing these communities, and also to push the Klan initiative.
3. Summarize the passage. Check your summary carefully to make sure that it is accurate and appropriate.
Colorado had a massive Ku Klux Klan population in the 1920s. Its members held enormous influence in state and local politics, particularly in Florence and Canyon City; here, its members struggled to purify and improve society, as well as to advance the Klan agenda.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
7b: Evaluating Sources
Goldberg, Robert Alan. Hooded Empire: the Ku Klux Klan in Colorado. University of Illinois Press: Chicago, 1981.
Relevance:
The info will help me accomplish my purpose, and it wil help me address my readers' needs/interests. The book offers enough and the right kind of evidence, and uses it faily; it is convincing, and its sources are provided. The author is knowledgable, is an expert in the field, and does not write with bias. The publisher, too is reputable.
Quillen, Ed. "Welcome to Kolorado, Klan Kountry." Colorado Springs Independent 22 May 2003.
Relevance:
This is published in a repuatble periodical. It is up-to-date, and it is written with historical and fairly-used evidence, not personal bias. It provides good information that I can use in finishing my paper. It is approrpiate and relevent.
Gunn, LaDonna. "The Protestant Kluxing of Canyon City, Colorado.".
Relelvance:
The domain name is .lib, so it is a reliable source. There is a site information page. The author is knowledgable in the field, and writes without bias. It offers plenty of valuable and relevant information, and it will help me accomplish my purpose. This, too, is a credible source.
Relevance:
The info will help me accomplish my purpose, and it wil help me address my readers' needs/interests. The book offers enough and the right kind of evidence, and uses it faily; it is convincing, and its sources are provided. The author is knowledgable, is an expert in the field, and does not write with bias. The publisher, too is reputable.
Quillen, Ed. "Welcome to Kolorado, Klan Kountry." Colorado Springs Independent 22 May 2003.
Relevance:
This is published in a repuatble periodical. It is up-to-date, and it is written with historical and fairly-used evidence, not personal bias. It provides good information that I can use in finishing my paper. It is approrpiate and relevent.
Gunn, LaDonna. "The Protestant Kluxing of Canyon City, Colorado."
Relelvance:
The domain name is .lib, so it is a reliable source. There is a site information page. The author is knowledgable in the field, and writes without bias. It offers plenty of valuable and relevant information, and it will help me accomplish my purpose. This, too, is a credible source.
7a: Conducting Internet Research
Search engine used: hakia.com
Keywords used: ku klux klan, denver, authority, politics, government
Search methods: ku klux klan + denver + (politics OR government) + authority NOT "colorado springs"
Date of search: 3-15-09
Number of hits: 30
Relevance: 2
Metacrawler used: leapfish.com
Keywords used:kkk, colorado, influence, business, religion, politics
Search strategies: ku klux klan + colorado + influence + business + religion NOT politics
Date of search: 3-15
Number of hits: 3,130
Relevance: 3
Directory used: joeant.com
Keywords used: influence, 1920s, kkk, denver
Search strategies: influence + 1920s + kkk + denver
Date of search: 3-15
Number of hits: 457
Relevance: 1
Other tool used: incywincy.com
Keywords used: ku klux klan, colorado, 1920s
Search strategies: ku klux klan + colorado + 1920s
Date of search: 3-15
Number of hits: 112
Relevance: 2
Keywords used: ku klux klan, denver, authority, politics, government
Search methods: ku klux klan + denver + (politics OR government) + authority NOT "colorado springs"
Date of search: 3-15-09
Number of hits: 30
Relevance: 2
Metacrawler used: leapfish.com
Keywords used:kkk, colorado, influence, business, religion, politics
Search strategies: ku klux klan + colorado + influence + business + religion NOT politics
Date of search: 3-15
Number of hits: 3,130
Relevance: 3
Directory used: joeant.com
Keywords used: influence, 1920s, kkk, denver
Search strategies: influence + 1920s + kkk + denver
Date of search: 3-15
Number of hits: 457
Relevance: 1
Other tool used: incywincy.com
Keywords used: ku klux klan, colorado, 1920s
Search strategies: ku klux klan + colorado + 1920s
Date of search: 3-15
Number of hits: 112
Relevance: 2
- Resource searched or tool used
- Keywords used
- Search strategies used (including operators and types of searches)
- Date of search
- Number of hits
- Relevance of hits (on a scale of 1 to 5)
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
6c: Planning Field Research
For my field research, I am planning on interviewing my grandfather, who was a teenage boy when the Klan was coming to power in Denver. He has talked about the organization frequently, and this will be a good opportunity to get some formal statements from him. I realize that he is not the academic or scholarly source that some might say should be used, but I think he can provide an interesting perspective: he was the ordinary citizen trying to get by in Denver under the Klan's reign, and he knows what life was like for the average Denverite during this time. He may not know the Klan's history in Colorado like those who have written the books I am scavenging for information, but he knows how the Klan affected the lives of real people. Right now, I am considering the following questions for an interview:
1. How widespread would you the Klan's influence was? More specifically, how did the Klan influence religion, politics, and business affairs in Denver?
2. Despite the Klan's stigma of being a radical racist group, it had many goals to reform and clean up criminal activity in Denver. To what extent do you think the Klan actually had a positive impact on Denver?
3. Can you describe any specific instances of Klan violence, corruption, or bigotry?
4. Can you describe any specific instances of Klan benevolence or altruism?
5. How difficult was it for you and your family to go about your daily affairs being non-Klanmembers? Did you ever feel threatened?
6. Were you or anyone you know ever pressured or threatened into joining the Klan?
7. Were you ever tempted or at least intrigued by the idea of joining the Klan?
8. How common was it for ordinary people to lead the double life of buisnessman by day and Klansman by night? That is, what was the likelihood of finding Klansmen in your or any other average neighborhood?
9. Many people were very fearul of standing up to the Klan. How much open resistance to the Klan was there? To your knowledge, was it common for people to oppose the organization but be too scared to act against it?
10. What would you say is the Klan's most enduring legacy from its reign over Colorado politics?
I am planning to conduct this interview at my grandfather's home the week after next.
1. How widespread would you the Klan's influence was? More specifically, how did the Klan influence religion, politics, and business affairs in Denver?
2. Despite the Klan's stigma of being a radical racist group, it had many goals to reform and clean up criminal activity in Denver. To what extent do you think the Klan actually had a positive impact on Denver?
3. Can you describe any specific instances of Klan violence, corruption, or bigotry?
4. Can you describe any specific instances of Klan benevolence or altruism?
5. How difficult was it for you and your family to go about your daily affairs being non-Klanmembers? Did you ever feel threatened?
6. Were you or anyone you know ever pressured or threatened into joining the Klan?
7. Were you ever tempted or at least intrigued by the idea of joining the Klan?
8. How common was it for ordinary people to lead the double life of buisnessman by day and Klansman by night? That is, what was the likelihood of finding Klansmen in your or any other average neighborhood?
9. Many people were very fearul of standing up to the Klan. How much open resistance to the Klan was there? To your knowledge, was it common for people to oppose the organization but be too scared to act against it?
10. What would you say is the Klan's most enduring legacy from its reign over Colorado politics?
I am planning to conduct this interview at my grandfather's home the week after next.
6b: Testing Your Assigned Search Tool
Resource searched: triplify (triplify.com)
Keywords used: ku klux klan, power, politics, colorado
Search strategies:
- Search engine math:
ku klux klan + colorado +"political power"
Date of search: 3-3-09
Number of hits: 46
Relevance of hits: 5
Resource searched: triplify (triplify.com)
Keywords used: ku klux klan, denver, grand junction, authority, politics, grand junction
Search strategies:
- Search engine math:
Ku Klux Klan + politics + denver -Canyon City -Grand Junction +authority
Date of search: 3-3-09
Number of hits: 17
Relevance of hits: 0
Resource searched: triplify (triplify.com)
Keywords used: ku klux klan, denver, grand junction, authority, power, politics, sway, influence, clout, colorado
Search strategies:
- Boolean:
Ku Klux Klan AND (power OR influence OR sway OR authority OR clout) NEAR (Colorado OR Denver)
Date of search: 3-3-09
Number of hits: 50
Relevance of hits: 3
Keywords used: ku klux klan, power, politics, colorado
Search strategies:
- Search engine math:
ku klux klan + colorado +"political power"
Date of search: 3-3-09
Number of hits: 46
Relevance of hits: 5
Resource searched: triplify (triplify.com)
Keywords used: ku klux klan, denver, grand junction, authority, politics, grand junction
Search strategies:
- Search engine math:
Ku Klux Klan + politics + denver -Canyon City -Grand Junction +authority
Date of search: 3-3-09
Number of hits: 17
Relevance of hits: 0
Resource searched: triplify (triplify.com)
Keywords used: ku klux klan, denver, grand junction, authority, power, politics, sway, influence, clout, colorado
Search strategies:
- Boolean:
Ku Klux Klan AND (power OR influence OR sway OR authority OR clout) NEAR (Colorado OR Denver)
Date of search: 3-3-09
Number of hits: 50
Relevance of hits: 3
6a: Using Internet Search Tools
I generally only use two internet search tools: Google (www.google.com) and Prospector (http://prospector.coalliance.org/screens/opacmenu.html). I use these two not only because I am comfortable and familiar with them, but also because I have never failed to find adequate information for a paper or project while using them. I like Google because it is exceedingly simple, it allows for advanced searches, and it has a vast amount of information. On the flip side, however, Google can sometimes provide too much information, and it is difficult to weed through all of the fluff to find information that might be useful. Prospector, likewise, is simple, and it is very effective for locating resources. It would be very frustrating to find a great resource but be unable to use it because it's from a library in Grand Junction, for instance; Prospector eliminates this problem by having the resource sent to a convenient place from which the user can access it. There is nothing that I do not like about Prospector.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
5c: Rewriting Search Strings
Search Engine Math:
1. Ku Klux Klan + colorado + "political power"
2. Ku Klux Klan + politics + denver -Canyon City -Grand Junction + authority
3. Invisible Empire + influence + business + economic -religion + Denver
4. Hooded Empire + tactics + intimidation + coercion + violence + Denver - "Colorado Springs"
Boolean:
1. Ku Klux Klan AND (power OR influence OR sway OR authority OR clout) NEAR (Colorado OR Denver)
2. John Galen Locke AND Ku Klux Klan NEAR ("Colorado politics" OR "Denver politics")
3. Ku Klux Klan AND (assume OR gain OR acquire) AND (power OR supremacy OR authority) NEAR (Colorado OR Denver)
1. Ku Klux Klan + colorado + "political power"
2. Ku Klux Klan + politics + denver -Canyon City -Grand Junction + authority
3. Invisible Empire + influence + business + economic -religion + Denver
4. Hooded Empire + tactics + intimidation + coercion + violence + Denver - "Colorado Springs"
Boolean:
1. Ku Klux Klan AND (power OR influence OR sway OR authority OR clout) NEAR (Colorado OR Denver)
2. John Galen Locke AND Ku Klux Klan NEAR ("Colorado politics" OR "Denver politics")
3. Ku Klux Klan AND (assume OR gain OR acquire) AND (power OR supremacy OR authority) NEAR (Colorado OR Denver)
5b: Finding More Reference Articles and Books
More books obtained from a reference (bibliography of Hooded Empire: The Ku Klux Klan in Colorado):
Chalmers, David M.
Hooded Americanism: the First Century of the Ku Klux Klan, 1865-1965
Garden City, N.Y.
DoubleDay
1965
Hafen, LeRoy R.
Colorado: The Story of a Western Commonwealth
New York
The Peerless Pub. Co
1970
Rice, Arnold S.
The Ku Klux Klan in American Politics
Washington, D.C.
Haskell House Pub Ltd
1962
Chalmers, David M.
Hooded Americanism: the First Century of the Ku Klux Klan, 1865-1965
Garden City, N.Y.
DoubleDay
1965
Hafen, LeRoy R.
Colorado: The Story of a Western Commonwealth
New York
The Peerless Pub. Co
1970
Rice, Arnold S.
The Ku Klux Klan in American Politics
Washington, D.C.
Haskell House Pub Ltd
1962
5a: Finding Periodical Articles
Author:Lynn Bartels
Title: Era of Klan-destine bigotry
Periodical: Rocky Mountain News
Volume/issue: N/A
Date: January 3, 2009
Pages: N/A (digital)
Web address: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2009/jan/03/era-klan-destine-bigotry/
Resource searched: Google
Keywords used: Colorado, Ku Klux Klan
Search strategies: search math (colorado + ku klux klan)
Date of search: 2-3-09
Number of hits: Unkown
Relevance: 5
Author: Manny Gonzales
Title: Racist group dominated politics in early 1920s
Periodical: Rocky Mountain News
Volume: N/A
Date: November 23, 1999
Pages: N/A (digital)
Web address: http://denver.rockymountainnews.com/millennium/1123mile.shtml
Resource searched: Google
Keywords used: Colorado, Ku Klux Klan
Search strategies: search math (colorado + ku klux klan)
Date of search: 2-3-09
Number of hits: Unknown
Relevance: 5
Author: Cara Degette
Title: When Colorado was Klan country
Periodical: The Colorado Independent
Volume: N/A
Date: January 9, 2009
Pages: N/A
Web address: http://coloradoindependent.com/19045/when-colorado-was-klan- country
Resource searched: Google
Keywords used: Ku Klux Klan
Search strategies: search math (colorado + ku klux klan)
Date of search: 1-29-09
Number of hits: Unknown
Relevance: 4
Author: Ed Quillen
Title: Welcome to Kolorado, Klan Kountry
Periodical: Colorado Springs Independent
Volume: N/A
Date: May 22, 2003
Pages: N/A
Web address: http://www.csindy.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A8563
Resource searched: Google
Keywords used: Ku Klux Klan
Search strategies: search math (colorado + ku klux klan)
Date of search: 9-29-09
Number of hits: Unkown
Relevance: 4
*****My searches may seem very simple, but all I had to do was type in 'Colorado + Ku Klux Klan' and I was directed to many great resources.
Title: Era of Klan-destine bigotry
Periodical: Rocky Mountain News
Volume/issue: N/A
Date: January 3, 2009
Pages: N/A (digital)
Web address: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2009/jan/03/era-klan-destine-bigotry/
Resource searched: Google
Keywords used: Colorado, Ku Klux Klan
Search strategies: search math (colorado + ku klux klan)
Date of search: 2-3-09
Number of hits: Unkown
Relevance: 5
Author: Manny Gonzales
Title: Racist group dominated politics in early 1920s
Periodical: Rocky Mountain News
Volume: N/A
Date: November 23, 1999
Pages: N/A (digital)
Web address: http://denver.rockymountainnews.com/millennium/1123mile.shtml
Resource searched: Google
Keywords used: Colorado, Ku Klux Klan
Search strategies: search math (colorado + ku klux klan)
Date of search: 2-3-09
Number of hits: Unknown
Relevance: 5
Author: Cara Degette
Title: When Colorado was Klan country
Periodical: The Colorado Independent
Volume: N/A
Date: January 9, 2009
Pages: N/A
Web address: http://coloradoindependent.com/19045/when-colorado-was-klan- country
Resource searched: Google
Keywords used: Ku Klux Klan
Search strategies: search math (colorado + ku klux klan)
Date of search: 1-29-09
Number of hits: Unknown
Relevance: 4
Author: Ed Quillen
Title: Welcome to Kolorado, Klan Kountry
Periodical: Colorado Springs Independent
Volume: N/A
Date: May 22, 2003
Pages: N/A
Web address: http://www.csindy.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A8563
Resource searched: Google
Keywords used: Ku Klux Klan
Search strategies: search math (colorado + ku klux klan)
Date of search: 9-29-09
Number of hits: Unkown
Relevance: 4
*****My searches may seem very simple, but all I had to do was type in 'Colorado + Ku Klux Klan' and I was directed to many great resources.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
4c: Checking Search Strings
I posted on:
http://thisblogs83.blogspot.com/
and
http://creeder87.blogspot.com/
http://thisblogs83.blogspot.com/
and
http://creeder87.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
4b: Finding Books
Hooded Empire: The Ku Klux Klan in Colorado
By Robert Alan Goldberg
Published in Chicago, Illinois
Published by University of Illinois Press
Copyright 1981
Resource used: Prospector
Keywords used: Ku Klux Klan, Colorado
Search strategies: None needed for prospector
Date of search: 2-17
Number of hits: 61
Relevance of hits: 5
In the Shadow of the Klan: When the KKK Ruled Denver (1920-1926)
By Phil Goodstein
Volume 3 of 4 in Denver From the Bottom Up
Published in Denver, CO
Published by New Social Publications
Copyright 2006
Resource used: Prospector
Keywords used: Denver, history, KKK
Search strategies: None needed for Prospector
Date of search: 2-17
Number of hits:19
Relevance of hits: 4
Rediscovering Northwest Denver: Its History, Its People, Its Landmarks
By Ruth Eloise Wiberg
Published in Niwot, CO
Published by University Press of Colorado
Copyright 1994
Resource used: Jefferson County Public Library
Keywords used: Denver, Wiberg, history
Search strategies: search engine math (Denver + Wiberg + history)
Date of search: 2-17
Number of hits: 5
Relevance of hits: 5
By Robert Alan Goldberg
Published in Chicago, Illinois
Published by University of Illinois Press
Copyright 1981
Resource used: Prospector
Keywords used: Ku Klux Klan, Colorado
Search strategies: None needed for prospector
Date of search: 2-17
Number of hits: 61
Relevance of hits: 5
In the Shadow of the Klan: When the KKK Ruled Denver (1920-1926)
By Phil Goodstein
Volume 3 of 4 in Denver From the Bottom Up
Published in Denver, CO
Published by New Social Publications
Copyright 2006
Resource used: Prospector
Keywords used: Denver, history, KKK
Search strategies: None needed for Prospector
Date of search: 2-17
Number of hits:19
Relevance of hits: 4
Rediscovering Northwest Denver: Its History, Its People, Its Landmarks
By Ruth Eloise Wiberg
Published in Niwot, CO
Published by University Press of Colorado
Copyright 1994
Resource used: Jefferson County Public Library
Keywords used: Denver, Wiberg, history
Search strategies: search engine math (Denver + Wiberg + history)
Date of search: 2-17
Number of hits: 5
Relevance of hits: 5
4a: Finding Reference Articles
I searched many of the listed reference sites, including Infoplease, Scholarpedia, ArticleDestination, Britanica, OpenLibrary, and Encarta. I found a great deal of information on the KKK, but little on the KKK specifically in Colorado. I did bookmark several sites, however, that may prove useful if I decide to throw in some background history of the KKK (i.e. the establishment of the KKK, its rise, etc). I believe my best bet for this project is going to be books, as reference works are rarely specific enough as to addressing a single group's actions in a single location in a specific time. Hopefully, though, more will come up as I continue to search the reference works.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
3c: Brainstorming Field Research Options
Field Research Options:
1. Interview with Dr. Stephen Leonard -- chair of the department of history at MSCD, and contributor to several books on the KKK in Colorado
2. Interview with Kevin Rucker -- professor of Colorado history, and Denver history expert
3. Interview with Phil Goodstein -- Denver historian and author of "In the Shadow of the Klan: When the KKK Ruled Denver"
4. Visit to the Colorado History Museum
5. Interview with Joe Kunovic -- Denver citizen under the rule of the Klan
1. Interview with Dr. Stephen Leonard -- chair of the department of history at MSCD, and contributor to several books on the KKK in Colorado
2. Interview with Kevin Rucker -- professor of Colorado history, and Denver history expert
3. Interview with Phil Goodstein -- Denver historian and author of "In the Shadow of the Klan: When the KKK Ruled Denver"
4. Visit to the Colorado History Museum
5. Interview with Joe Kunovic -- Denver citizen under the rule of the Klan
3b: Writing Search Strings
Search Engine Math:
1. Ku Klux Klan + colorado + power
2. Ku Klux Klan + government + politics + denver -Canyon City -Grand Junction
3. Invisible Empire + influence + business -religion + Colorado
4. Ku Klux Klan + tactics + intimidation + coercion + violence + Colorado - "Colorado Springs"
Boolean:
1. Ku Klux Klan AND (power OR influence OR sway OR authority OR clout) NEAR (Colorado OR Denver)
2. John Galen Locke AND Ku Klux Klan NEAR (Colorado politics OR Denver politics)
3. Ku Klux Klan AND (assume OR gain OR acquire) AND (power OR supremacy) NEAR Colorado
1. Ku Klux Klan + colorado + power
2. Ku Klux Klan + government + politics + denver -Canyon City -Grand Junction
3. Invisible Empire + influence + business -religion + Colorado
4. Ku Klux Klan + tactics + intimidation + coercion + violence + Colorado - "Colorado Springs"
Boolean:
1. Ku Klux Klan AND (power OR influence OR sway OR authority OR clout) NEAR (Colorado OR Denver)
2. John Galen Locke AND Ku Klux Klan NEAR (Colorado politics OR Denver politics)
3. Ku Klux Klan AND (assume OR gain OR acquire) AND (power OR supremacy) NEAR Colorado
3a: Generating Keywords
RESEARCH QUESTION: How was the Ku Klux Klan able to assume and exert so much power in Colorado?
Ku Klux Klan:
Hooded Empire
Invisible Empire
Hooded Knights
Silent Brotherhood
White Knights
Heroes of America
Constitutional Union Guards
Assume:
Acquire
Adopt
Take on
Obtain
Garner
Claim
Seize
Take
Usurp
Commandeer
Exert:
Exercise
Maintain
Wield
Impose
Apply
Power:
Authority
Command
Control
Grip
Hold
Sway
Influence
Pull
Supremacy
Privilege
Jurisdiction
Predominance
Sovereignty
Colorado:
Denver
Centennial State
Rocky Mountain region
Ladder of generalization:
American terrorist organizations
Racist American terrorist groups
The Ku Klux Klan
The second era of the KKK
The second era of the KKK west of the Mississippi
The second era of the KKK in Colorado
The power of the KKK in Colorado
The power of the KKK in Colorado in the 1920s
Ku Klux Klan:
Hooded Empire
Invisible Empire
Hooded Knights
Silent Brotherhood
White Knights
Heroes of America
Constitutional Union Guards
Assume:
Acquire
Adopt
Take on
Obtain
Garner
Claim
Seize
Take
Usurp
Commandeer
Exert:
Exercise
Maintain
Wield
Impose
Apply
Power:
Authority
Command
Control
Grip
Hold
Sway
Influence
Pull
Supremacy
Privilege
Jurisdiction
Predominance
Sovereignty
Colorado:
Denver
Centennial State
Rocky Mountain region
Ladder of generalization:
American terrorist organizations
Racist American terrorist groups
The Ku Klux Klan
The second era of the KKK
The second era of the KKK west of the Mississippi
The second era of the KKK in Colorado
The power of the KKK in Colorado
The power of the KKK in Colorado in the 1920s
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
2c: Developing My Research Question
Research questions:
1. What influence/power did the KKK have over every day life (politics, business, etc) in Colorado?
2. Why was the KKK met with so little opposition in its rise to power in Colorado?
3. When did the KKK exert the most power in Colorado politics?
4. Where was the KKK's influence felt most acutely?
5. Who is responsible for the KKK's rise to power in Colorado?
- The Grand Dragon? The KKK as a whole? The voters who put KKK members in office? The citizens who did nothing to resist the Klan?
6. How was the KKK able to assume and exert so much power in Colorado?
7. Would citizen resistance have been able to prevent the Klan's ascension?
8. Could Coloradans have prevented the KKK's rise to power?
9. Should Colorado citizens have taken a more active role in resisting the Klan?
10. What effect did the KKK have on Colorado, both at its height (the '20s) and in the long run?
1. What influence/power did the KKK have over every day life (politics, business, etc) in Colorado?
2. Why was the KKK met with so little opposition in its rise to power in Colorado?
3. When did the KKK exert the most power in Colorado politics?
4. Where was the KKK's influence felt most acutely?
5. Who is responsible for the KKK's rise to power in Colorado?
- The Grand Dragon? The KKK as a whole? The voters who put KKK members in office? The citizens who did nothing to resist the Klan?
6. How was the KKK able to assume and exert so much power in Colorado?
7. Would citizen resistance have been able to prevent the Klan's ascension?
8. Could Coloradans have prevented the KKK's rise to power?
9. Should Colorado citizens have taken a more active role in resisting the Klan?
10. What effect did the KKK have on Colorado, both at its height (the '20s) and in the long run?
2b: Narrowing My Topic
I think I am going to slightly broaden my topic, as was suggested by professor Clark. Initially, I was planning to focus on how the KKK came to power in Colorado (i.e. methods of recruiting members, tactics used to intimidate citizens into submission, infiltration of CO politics, etc). Professor Clark thought it might be a good idea to expand my topic (and I agree) to cover the extent to which the KKK exerted the power it assumed - that is, once it had a place in politics, what policies the KKK implemented; how the KKK used its influence to affect local business; etc. Thus, my topic will now cover the means by which the KKK ascended, as well as how it utilized its power.
2a: Exploring My Topic
I began my initial exploration by using the simplest tool I know of: Google. I used an advanced search and typed in such key words as 'KKK,' 'Colorado,' 'Clarence Morley,' 'Denver,' and 'John Locke.' As was expected, Google yielded thousands of results; to my surprise, though, it pointed me to some very useful resources without forcing me to dig very deep. I was careful to discriminate against particular types of sources (i.e. blogs, YouTube videos, etc), and I focused primarily on the sites with .edu or .gov suffixes, as well as ones from reputable sources such as the Rocky Mountain News. I explored my topic for less than half an hour, and I found 7 good sources (that is, I believe they are reliable and will provide me with useful information); these include books, periodicals from the time I will be focusing on (the 1920s), recent periodicals looking back on my topic, and official documents of the KKK (records, letters, etc). Also, I briefly checked out Prospector over the Auraria library website, and I have requested several books that deal specifically with my topic, the KKK in Colorado. This initial exploration has been very encouraging, and I don't foresee any trouble locating enough informaiton.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
1a: Possible Topics
Following are some of the topics I am considering for my research paper:
-What was the cause of the hysteria surrounding the Salem Witch Trials?
-What has been the cause of the decline of boxing?
-How did the KKK evolve from social group to major political power during its stint in Colorado?
-How did the Great Depression affect American sports?
-Under what conditions/for what purposes was the Marine Corps created?
-How did the African slave trade differ from other slave trade models around the world?
-What was the cause of the hysteria surrounding the Salem Witch Trials?
-What has been the cause of the decline of boxing?
-How did the KKK evolve from social group to major political power during its stint in Colorado?
-How did the Great Depression affect American sports?
-Under what conditions/for what purposes was the Marine Corps created?
-How did the African slave trade differ from other slave trade models around the world?
1c: Delicious Account
The link to my Delicious account is:
http://delicious.com/tylerjenkins
I hope my bookmarks will prove useful to you all!
http://delicious.com/tylerjenkins
I hope my bookmarks will prove useful to you all!
1b: My Topic
Unless professor Clark finds this topic unacceptable, I am going to research the evolution of the KKK in Colorado from (roughly) 1915-1930. I chose this topic for several reasons. First of all, we touched very lightly on the KKK in Colorado in a Colorado history course I took a few years ago; though we did not have time to cover much, what we did cover was fascinating to me. Prior to that class, I wasn't even aware that the KKK had a large following in Colorado, and much less that it was the most powerful organization in the state at its peak. Because I did not get to study the subject as much as I would have liked to in that course, I think now is an excellent opportunity to delve deeper into it. What is more, I am very confident that there will be a great deal of information readily available to me (i.e. Colorado newspapers, journals, etc).
As has already been noted, my experience with the KKK in Colorado has been minimal -- that is, I have spent approximately two class periods on the subject. From those two classes, though, I learned that the KKK, originally a pro-slavery social group peculiar to the South, died out in the Reconstruction years, but was revived by Clarence Morley around 1915. In the ensuing years, it made its way to Colorado. Despite its meager beginnings here, the Klan picked up momentum as it recruited members, and it continued to expand, reaching about 2 million members at its peak. It be came very influential in Colorado, having a hand in Denver business, politics, and the like.
What I am interested in, and what I did not have the chance to learn in my Colorado history course, is how the KKK became so influential. There have been many organizations in Colorado that have amassed large followings, but few (if any) have enjoyed the power that the Klan came to enjoy. In my research, I hope to discover the means by which it gained so much clout and influence, as well as how it exerted that influence over Colorado citizens and daily life.
As has already been noted, my experience with the KKK in Colorado has been minimal -- that is, I have spent approximately two class periods on the subject. From those two classes, though, I learned that the KKK, originally a pro-slavery social group peculiar to the South, died out in the Reconstruction years, but was revived by Clarence Morley around 1915. In the ensuing years, it made its way to Colorado. Despite its meager beginnings here, the Klan picked up momentum as it recruited members, and it continued to expand, reaching about 2 million members at its peak. It be came very influential in Colorado, having a hand in Denver business, politics, and the like.
What I am interested in, and what I did not have the chance to learn in my Colorado history course, is how the KKK became so influential. There have been many organizations in Colorado that have amassed large followings, but few (if any) have enjoyed the power that the Klan came to enjoy. In my research, I hope to discover the means by which it gained so much clout and influence, as well as how it exerted that influence over Colorado citizens and daily life.
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