“observe” (you can make it up) a setting and read and analyze your field notes and identify 2-3 sociological concepts/theories that you were able to observe.
report should include
- An introduction and definition of the concepts you are studying.
- A description of the setting or settings where the observations occurred,
- A summary of the key observations.
An analysis of these observations and interview material as illustrating or deepening the meaning of the concept you are studying.
A concluding section in which you summarize what can be learned from your ethnographic observations about this aspect of social life.
concepts may include:
Theory
Functionalism
Conflict Theory
Symbolic interactionism
Roles & statuses
Presentation of Self
Culture
Symbols
Language
Norms (folkways or mores)
Values
Rituals
Sanctions (positive & negative)
Anomie
Subculture
Counterculture
Culture shock
Socialization
Socialization
Agents of socialization
Groups
Groups (primary & secondary)
Networks
Ties (weak & strong)
Organizations
Bureaucracy
Deviance
Deviance
Labeling
Neutralization
Assignment 1: Ethnographic Study
The purpose of this assignment is to sharpen your skills for observing, analyzing and interpreting social life and
human interaction. To this end, you will perform a “mini-ethnography” similar to some of the examples we have
learned about in in class, but shorter and more focused. The steps in this project are as follows:
1.
First, select one setting in or around the campus area in which people interact and you can observe people
going about their day-to-day lives. You will record these observations in the form of detailed notes. The
observational part of the project will require about 60-90 minutes of your time. It might be wise to plan
on a short preliminary reconnaissance period to verify that the setting is adequate to generate observations
on your selected topic and another, extended time period in which to do the actual observations. Please be
sure to observe physical/social distancing in your observations!!!
2.
Read and analyze your field notes and identify 2-3 sociological concepts/theories that you were able to
observe. You will find a list of possible concepts on the next page, although you are also welcome to use
other ideas so long as they can be explored sociologically. The purpose of this assignment is to further
develop your observational, analytical & conceptual skills. Therefore, you must show me you can
separate observation from interpretation.
3.
Write a 6-7 page research paper on your findings. Your report should include:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
An introduction and definition of the concepts you are studying.
A description of the setting or settings where the observations occurred,
A summary of the key observations.
An analysis of these observations and interview material as illustrating or deepening the meaning
of the concept you are studying.
A concluding section in which you summarize what can be learned from your ethnographic
observations about this aspect of social life.
Your report should demonstrate an awareness of some of the unconscious, unspoken assumptions underlying social
behavior, and underlying people’s interpretation of social acts. It is important that you separate your observations
clearly and cleanly from your interpretation of these observations. The observations should be objective, neutral
reports of behavior. Your interpretation should be defensible and grounded in the meaning of the concept you are
studying. I also ask you to submit your field notes along with your paper.
When reporting your observations, please DO NOT provide identifying names or information. The people we
observe have a right and an expectation of anonymity. Your report should respect this.
Possible Concepts to Observe & Analyze
Theory
Functionalism
Conflict Theory
Symbolic interactionism
Roles & statuses
Presentation of Self
Culture
Symbols
Language
Norms (folkways or mores)
Values
Rituals
Sanctions (positive & negative)
Anomie
Subculture
Counterculture
Culture shock
Socialization
Socialization
Agents of socialization
Groups
Groups (primary & secondary)
Networks
Ties (weak & strong)
Organizations
Bureaucracy
Deviance
Deviance
Labeling
Neutralization
Requirements:
Formatting: The paper will be 6-7 typed pages in Times New Roman, 12-point font, double spaced, and with 1
inch margins on all sides. Failure to follow the formatting guidelines will result in a penalty to your grade.
Submission: You will submit a hard copy at the beginning of class. Late submissions are accepted but will be
penalized at 10 points per day late.
Citations: You will include in-text citations that include the page number for any reference to the book or assigned
media. Additional citations are welcome, but note required. If you cite additional sources, you must include a
works cited page and you will cite your sources in a consistent and scholarly manner (ASA, APA, or MLA formats
are acceptable).