Assignment:
This assignment has you perform your own small participant observation within a culture group that is not your own. You need to choose an ethnic group, nationality, sub-culture, or some other group with a shared cultural background to focus your assignment on. You MUST get your chosen group approved by me NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 1.
In order to engage in participant observation, you must go experience the culture group in person. You CANNOT only do this assignment via videos or secondhand knowledge. Some ideas for first hand observation include: participating in a traditional dinner, a religious service, a cultural festival, a holiday celebration, a meeting/gathering, or going to a public space the group frequents. You should spend a minimum of 3-4 hours in observation and interaction with this group. You may interview people, but you must get permission from them first. Make sure you explain the purpose of the assignment. If you are going to attend a cultural meeting or service, you should call ahead to obtain permission and information about proper attire and etiquette. You should also take notes while "in the field."
Your response paper, 4 to 6 pages long, should address the following questions:
- What group did you choose to observe and why?
- Describe the group, using anthropological terms from your lectures, thinking about factors such as: -group membership
-beliefs, traditions, and rituals
-similarities and differences to other groups of a similar character
-what bonds the group
-what membership in the group entails or means for the individuals
-any particular language, slang, or terminology used by the group
- What activities did you observe? Describe them and where they fit into the group's cultural patterns. -Did anything you learned/observed surprise you? If so, what was it?
You need to include a scan of your field notes with the paper.
Remember, the purpose of this assignment is for you to learn about a group of people who may be different from yourselves. Be respectful in your studies and interviews and remember the concept of cultural relativism!