Exercise: The Ethnography

You produce an "ethnography." Ethnography is a genre of writing that uses fieldwork - goes out into the world - to provide a descriptive study of human societies. In this instance, your ethnography will help you see your idea in a real-world setting. (Re-read the first paragraph describing this progression.)

1. Spend a length of time in a place (public or private) where you can observe people and their interactions, the way they talk and relate to each other. Visit a friend or classmate who grew up or lives in a different culture than yours. A coffee house or an eating establishment would work. Maybe you want to write about one of your classes or the way your parents or other family members talk to each other. Take notes during your observation. Here are some possible destinations.

2. Possible Destinations for Ethnographic Analysis:

· A friend or classmate's home

· Venice Boardwalk, Olvera Street

· Museum (MOCA, LACMA, GETTY)

· The Metro, or a Metro subway Station

· Ralph's, Vallarta, or Gelson's market

A ceremony or holiday celebration

· A place of worship (different from your own)

· L.A. Garment District

· Any Dining Establishment-from $ to $$

· A concert-LA Club Scene

· A convalescent hospital

Try to be objective and open-minded as you look for connections to, and examples and manifestations of, the idea you've been working with, the texts we've been reading, and the broad theme of Progression II. Write an analysis in which you examine the place you've visited in relation to those texts and your idea. Incorporate rich description that includes people, actions, imagery, and sensory details.