Part 2

1

ANTHRO 201- Spring 2019 FIELD NOTES (30pts)

FIELD NOTES GUIDELINES

FIELD NOTES (2/20-3/27) 30 pts: Direct observations of your research topic across 2 field visits: detailed

descriptions, 18-25 pictures/sketches with captions, post-observation reflection. In order to successfully

complete this assignment, you will need to go out into the field at LEAST twice. Selfies are required for

each outing☺.

The following items must be included (see student samples on D2L):

a) TOPIC (Archaeology or Primatology)

b) Dates of Visit (include start & end times for each visit) NOTE: 2-4 field visits.

c) Location(s) visited. Include a section/ pic of the general layout.

d) Pre-Fieldwork thoughts and expectations. 1 paragraph. Questions to consider: Why did you select this topic? What has your experience been with it? What preconceptions and/or knowledge do you have about the selected topic?

e) Observations/Descriptions. i. Include 18-25 pictures with captions.

ii. Notes should include detailed descriptions and comments. (3-4 sentences /pic) iii. Guiding questions to consider:

f) Post-Fieldwork Reflection. 2-3 paragraphs.

i. Collect background research on your subject (online). Compare your pre-fieldwork

thoughts, observations and background research. To what extent were your

preconceptions confirmed, challenged, etc. What did you learn? Review and discuss

your research methods.

ii. MUSUEM: Reflect on the representation of the culture through material artifacts.

iii. PRIMATES: Reflect on how non-human primates help us understand humans and

their behavior.

NOTE: Keep in mind that you are not presenting your field notes. You are using your field notes as a basis for your

research topic (e.g. Primatology→ gorillas at the zoo→ gorilla diet; Archaeology→ Ancient Egypt→ mummification).

❖ Plagiarism will NOT be tolerated. If you are unsure about something, please come talk to me and/or go to the writing center. Any plagiarism will result in an “F” assignment and you may be referred for additional action.

MUSEUM ZOO

Exhibit and Artifact Analysis.

• Be sure to provide a descriptive overview of the use of space, images, lighting, colors, and general location within the museum .

• What is the central theme of the exhibit?

• Consider the target audience and the extent to which the exhibit is successful.

• Does the display accurately depict the culture you researched? Where did the information about this culture come from?

• Be sure to provide a descriptive overview of the use of space. How many primates are housed within this exhibit? (Include gender and age).

• Take notes on their behavior, locomotor patterns, anatomical similarities and differences, patterns of social interactions- grooming, dominance behavior, etc. (esp.

between mother and infant),

• As you are watching the primates, take very descriptive notes. Be prepared to observe them for at least 45-60 minutes. You should also pay attention to how the humans are observing the non-human primates and vice-versa. What are their reactions?