Important: Points will be taken off if you do not follow the instructions.
You are to observe, record & interpret a social situation (the environment, material culture, people, what they do, say, etc., using all of your senses).
Step 1: Make observations
1) Pick a scene new or unfamiliar to you. It should be a setting where you have a right to be. You might go to a fair, celebration, church event, demonstration, rally, active college social event, or other community or cultural event (see below for a list of suggestions).
2) Stay at least 30 minutes to an hour. Observe what people do. What do you see, hear, feel, or smell?
3) If it is an event, plan to stay the entire event (beginning, middle, and end).
4) Describe the physical surroundings or environment.
5) As much as possible, note the ethnic affiliation, gender and age of participants.
6) If note-taking is not possible, type up your observations immediately after the event - the sooner the better. You will forget the important details. Your notes must be a minimum of 1 page (typed). Your field notes should be located after your essay's conclusion section. Be sure to include the name and date of your participant observation or an event that you attend. Your notes will be worth 10 points.
7) Do not get yourself into a situation you cannot easily handle. Act ethically toward other people. If you are unsure how to proceed, come talk to me and get feedback.
8) Lastly...have fun!
Step 2: Write your essay
Your essay should consist of the following four parts (please label each part of your essay):
I. Introduction (at least ½ page):
A. Identify the social situation or event you chose, and explain why you chose it.
B. Provide some background information to the reader. Assume I know nothing about the social situation/event.
II. Human observations (at least 1 page):
Describe your all of your observations of the scene from Step 1. These are your data. DO NOT
ANALYZE. Just present your observations.
III. Analyze your data (at least 1 page):
A. How do your observations relate to one of the anthropological concepts we have discussed in class? Choose a concept you find interesting. For instance, you might discuss social status or rank, kinship, reciprocity, or a form of religious practice.
B. Evaluate the social situation or event in terms of the concept you chose. For example, you might analyze a celebration you attend in your community. How is this social event a representation of American (or some other) culture with respect to the concept you chose?
IV. Conclusion (at least ½ page):
Conclude your essay with a summary statement about how your event reflects the American culture (or some other culture if you chose a non-American event). Reflect briefly on what you thought about this assignment.
List of possible events and places you can observe and participate in:
For some events and locations, you may need to get permission to participate. Do not attempt to be secretive or hide what you are doing. Remember that you need to choose an event or setting that you are unfamiliar with.
-Islamic Center of the South Plains
-Churches (for example, an ethnic-affiliated church)
-Any cultural event sponsored by an international student organization
-TTU's Cross-Cultural Academic Advancement Center (check with them)
-Check TechAnnounce, the Daily Toreader and local newspaper for possible events
The following may be especially interesting for international students:
-Playgrounds
-Fraternities
-Sororities
-Visiting an American home.
-Sporting events (football, cricket, baseball, etc.)