University Writing (WRIT 1301): Ethnography Assignment

Ann Strey

CIS Composition

Eastview High School

What is Ethnography? Ethnography literally means the

description (“-graphy”) of a people (“ethos”). It is a narrative account of a people

and their way of life. It also refers to the process through

which a researcher collects and interprets information

Begin by understanding “culture.” Culture is the knowledge a group of people

uses to generate behavior and interpret experience.

Culture is a shared why of life…fundamental ideas and behaviors expressed in a common identity and a common history.

Elements of Culture Family Structure Roles Interpersonal relationships Communication Decorum and Discipline Religion Values Education Holidays and Celebrations

Dress and personal appearance

Work and Play Art and music Technology Layout of space Art and music Expectations and

aspirations

You will become the anthropologist! You will conduct a scientific study of a group

of people by observing them in their own environment.

You will conduct “field work;” the gathering of data through participant-observation, observing and interacting with the group you are studying.

Gather quantitative data Maps Inventories Photographs Documents Samples/Surveys

Gather Qualitative Data-most important part of your task! Participate in insider events Observe rituals or special events Interview informants Collect histories or stories Keep your own response journal or field notes

Fieldnotes The ethnographer’s job is to write up the

observations and findings so that “outsiders” come to see what it might be like to live within a different society or subculture.

Think about what the natives know or need to know.

See Dr. Dianna Shandy’s information on writing up effective fieldnotes.

Other Important Key Concepts: Cultural Distance: the space between cultural

groups…the degree to which members of different cultural groups can communicate with each other.

Key Cultural Scenes/Events: places where members of a cultural group come together to restate and reinforce their common beliefs, values, and identities…the action usually involves well defined rituals that rely on special words, objects, or behaviors.

3 more! Cultural Broker: a person who guides the

ethnographer through another culture. The person who is your “in” or contact.

Ethnocentrism: the belief that your culture is inherently good and right…better than any other…recognize your biases

Cultural Relativism: the philosophy that each culture has to be understood on its own terms…as meaningful to those who live it.

A good ethnographer is… Adventurous Resourceful Enthusiastic Self-motivated Trustworthy Risk-taking…get out of that comfort zone! Curious Sociable Able to think conceptually Culturally sensitive

Things to think about when planning your project Observe a consistent group of people Make sure you will be able to conduct multiple visits Begin early…observe often Get out of your comfort zone! Write down everything! Reflect…double entry

journal? Participate…interview…interact…be respectful!

Collaboration…Do you want to write with a partner? The NCTE Definition of 21st Century

Literacies states: “Twenty-first century readers and writers need to

build relationships with others to pose and solve problems collaboratively and cross-culturally.”

Writing is a social, meaning-making endeavor. By writing collaboratively, students engage in critical thinking and authentic communication. This helps developing writers increase their writing skills and strategies.

Ethnography Experience-Research Research a sub-culture with which you are

unfamiliar, becoming an "expert“ (as much as time allows) on that culture.

Primary Research

a. Observe the culture at least 5 times (spend between 18/20 hours in observation)

b. Conduct a minimum of three interviews Secondary Research - as needed to clarify

information

Begin to write…Make a Discovery About yourself

a. What presumptions were upheld, dispelled or challenged?b. How was your attitude changed?c. What did you learn about yourself as a result of this project?

About our American culturea. How is the sub-culture you studied reflective of the larger culture?b. Explain how the culture is different from the larger culture.

Describe the Culture What holds the culture together? (behaviors, values,

beliefs, rights, rituals, language, body language, fads, experiences, shared history

Avoid the "job description" Report on your discovery and support it Avoid structured settings when there is little

opportunity for natural interaction Avoid "random" groups when there is little chance

for consistent observation

A good Ethnography…Provides a detailed description of the cultural setting…time and place, atmosphere

A good ethnography…

Defines the entry point…how the ethnographer “got inside.”

A good ethnography…

Distinguishes between “insider” and “outsider” perspectives…including the ethnographer’s biases.

A good ethnography…

Communicates values and beliefs through action…both rituals and routines.

A good ethnography…

Highlights the sense of group identity and solidarity…the “we” factor.

A good ethnography…

Puts the pieces together…ideas, behaviors, settings begin to form a pattern.

A good ethnography…

Tells how the writer or writers become a member of the culture…identifies the boundaries

A good ethnography…

Recognizes the forces of change…inside and from without

A good ethnography…

Captures the shared humanity…cultural differences become understandable.

Assignment Requirements Conduct 3 hours of primary research

observations. Conduct two or more interviews Conduct research to help clarify biases,

questions etc. Keep a calendar/record of observation time

to submit with process work.

Submit a project proposal One paragraph explaining your project A list of prior biases A list of possible obstacles to successful completion

of your project and how those will be addressed A list of names of potential resource people and

people to be interviewed Describe what you need to know before writing

about the sub-culture (to be informed; to not offend) about practical concerns (directions to the place of

observation, transportation, appropriate dress, etc.

Process Work Participate in peer conference group

Provide drafts to group members Revise and edit group papers Evaluate group members Submit all process work with final paper

Final Paper Adhere to class manuscript form requirements Use MLA format to document sources Submit final paper of approximately 10-12

pages.