anthropolgy essay
a.bqomahfovzWA1Writing Assignment 1: Ethnographic Observation Activity (200 points)
Most effective Applied Anthropology starts with solid ethnographic observations. This activity will familiarize you with this sort of research. There are two components to this assignment: O b s e r v a t i o n a n d C o n t e x t .
One component is composed of a sustained 15 minute period of systematic observation and writing on social interaction. The other component includes contextual features described below. Your goal should be about 750 words of observation notes and about 500 words of contextual features. Here is a 10 minute video description of the assignment (viewing is optional).
IMPORTANT: Do not observe something you are very familiar with. You need a fresh look at a fresh context for your nervous system to actually pick up on the novel evidence in front of you.
>ATTACH the Observationand Context COMPONENTS INTO A SINGLE DOCUMENT BEFORE UPLOADING IT.<
Observation
Students will be expected to systematically observe and “write” interaction between two or more individuals for a 15 minute period. To ask you to “record everything” is absurd. At some point during any person’s observational process, things are being attended to and others are being ignored. What you need to do is figure this out prior to your observation. Once you know what
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you will note (and ignore), pick a location and observe and record what you see for 15 minutes. Be careful as you take your notes not to fall into the trap of writing creative nonfiction. While it is tempting to embellish your observations with what you perceive your subjects to be doing, be careful, there are often motivations at work that are unseen to you. If you would like to interpret the actions of those you are observing make sure to indicate which notes are your thoughts and which are your observations. A good way to do this is to set up your notes in two columns, one which contains a list of your observations and another which contains your interpretation and thoughts. Another popular method is to bracket your thoughts within the body of your notes. For example: Subject A is crying [I think he is sad because subject B took his toy].
Context
Answer the following questions.
1. Where and who are you observing? When were you there?
2. Describe in detail the physical setting in which you observed – pretend that the reader has never been to such a place before and be specific (e.g., how big is the room in feet and inches? How many tables, chairs, desks are there?). Maps and diagrams are helpful.
3. What are the stated and unstated rules regulating behavior in this setting? Give this some thought as this is a central feature of ethnography and cultural anthropology.
4. Note general patterns of behavior, speech, interaction – what are most people doing most of the time? (This is what I meant by “general summaries” above).
5. Describe those observed in general terms: how many of them are there, what are the gender/ethnicity/linguistic divisions, are there other characteristic that distinguish them as a group (uniforms, physical characteristics, et al.).
Reflect on your own feelings and thoughts while you were in this setting.
Assessment of the Observation
I will evaluate Part one of this assignment on the detail of the observations. If they are general
“summaries” of actions, you will earn no better than a C. If the observations are reports of actual behavior for a sustained period of time, you will receive a B or A depending on how well you filled the notes out after you finished the observational period. That is, you will likely develop a shorthand while recording. Directly after the 15 minute period, you should fill out the spaces left empty due to time. Notes must be typed. I will also evaluate the assignment based on if the following points are addressed.
Assessment of the Context
Please follow these guidelines as closely as possible during your observations, and when you
write up your observations. Please use the question numbers in your write up, to aid me in my evaluation of your work. If you respond to all of these points , this section will receive full
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credit.
NOTE: Submit the paper as one single document.
Scoring Rubric for Written Work
Scoring Level | Knowledge of Conventions | Clarity and Coherence | Rhetorical Choices |
4 – Accomplished | In addition to meeting the requirements for a “3,” the writing is essentially errorfree in terms of mechanics. Models the style and format appropriate to the assignment. | In addition to meeting the requirements for a “3,” writing flows smoothly from one idea to another. The writer has taken pains to assist the reader in following the logic of the ideas expressed. | In addition to meeting the requirements for a “3,” the writer’s decisions about focus, organization, style/tone, and content made reading a pleasurable experience. Writing could be used as a model of how to fulfill the assignment. |
3 – Competent | While there may be minor errors, the paper follows normal conventions of spelling and grammar throughout and has been carefully proofread. Appropriate conventions for style and format are used consistently throughout the writing sample. Demonstrates thoroughness and competence in documenting sources; the reader would have little difficulty referring back to cited sources. | Sentences are structured and words are chosen to communicate ideas clearly. Sequencing of ideas within paragraphs and transitions between paragraphs make the writer’s points easy to follow. | The writer has made good decisions about focus, organization, style/tone, and content to communicate clearly and effectively. The purpose and focus of the writing are clear to the reader and the organization and content achieve the purpose well. Writing follows all requirements for the assignment. |
2 – Developing | Frequent errors in spelling, grammar (such as subject/verb agreements and tense), sentence structure and/or other writing conventions distract the reader. Writing does not consistently follow appropriate style and/or format. Source documentation is incomplete. It may be unclear which references are direct quotes and which are paraphrased. | Sentence structure and/or word choice sometimes interfere with clarity. Needs to improve sequencing of ideas within paragraphs and transitions between paragraphs to make the writing easy to follow. | The writer’s decisions about focus, organization, style/tone, and/or content sometimes interfere with clear, effective communication. The purpose of the writing is not fully achieved. All requirements of the assignment may not be fulfilled. |
1 – Beginning | Writing contains numerous errors in spelling, grammar, and/or sentence structure which interfere with comprehension. Style and/or format are inappropriate for the assignment. Fail to demonstrate thoroughness and competence in documentation. | Sentence structure, word choice, lack of transitions and/or sequencing of ideas make reading and understanding difficult. | The writer’s decisions about focus, organization, style/tone, and/or content interfere with communication. The purpose of the writing is not achieved. Requirements of the assignment have not been fulfilled. |
Dear Students,
I use the following rubric when I evaluate papers.
Comments that begin with the letter “K” refer to Knowledge of Conventions Comments that begin with the letter “C” refer to Clarity and Coherence Comments that begin with the letter “R” refer to Rhetorical Choices
Each of these is potentially worth 4 points and the table above indicates. Your grade will look something like the comments below.
K: 4/4 Good source documentation. Style and format appropriate for the assignment.
C: 3/4 Sources are well utilized and ideas are easy to follow. Sentences are structured and content is relevant and used effectively to communicate ideas about the contribution of applied anthropology.
R: 4/4 The focus, style and organization of the paper is excellent—ideas flow very well and reading the paper was a pleasurable experience.
TOTAL 11/12 = 192/200 = 96% or an A.
Some comments of the students and the teacher replies to be understood very well the homework
Observation write up
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My question is what happens if we are watch a group of people and say about 5 mins in to they get up and leave.
What do we do:
1) Do we just find other group to watch?
2) Do we have to start the time all over?
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June 15, 2016 11:34:08 AM PDT
28 days ago
Sabrina Gomez
RE: Observation write up
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I'm wondering the same thing! I would say we would have to find another group. Just my guess.
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June 15, 2016 10:52:10 PM PDT
28 days ago
Sulistiani Marsudidjaja
RE: Observation write up
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Yes. Its written in the syllabus "One component is composed of a sustained 15 minute period". Sustained = continuing for an extended period or without interruption.
Hope this helps!
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June 16, 2016 7:41:30 AM PDT
27 days ago
Bobby Disney
RE: Observation write up
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So yes what? We have to start over if the group leaves, or yes we find other group of people?
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June 16, 2016 8:44:56 AM PDT
27 days ago
Krystina Benitez
RE: Observation write up
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Since its sustained, I'm guessing we have to start over. I already had started and my group also got up and left.
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June 17, 2016 7:01:13 AM PDT
26 days ago
Julien Lewis
RE: Observation write up
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Perhaps if the group leaves/ends before 15 mins, we have to find another group. So if it leaves at the 17 min mark, it's okay to use that video.
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June 18, 2016 5:16:59 PM PDT
25 days ago
James Mullooly
INSTRUCTOR MANAGER
RE: Observation write up
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for the observation, a solid 15 minutes AT LEAST is the only way you are going to begin to see patterned behavior - the implicit sorts of actions the comprise he interesting part of culture. Not the "big C" culture that most think of when we say culture. Rather, the mundane sorts of behavior that mark each of us as members of whatever groups we are members of (e.g., New Yorkers walking on the sidewalk, do not make eye contact with others).
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June 20, 2016 1:26:54 AM PDT
24 days ago
Saoud Alfaran
RE: Observation write up
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Hi Bobby, I think that you should choose a group that has a pre-assorted time, what I mean is that a group that has a pre set time in which they are going to engage each other, maybe a consultation at a bank hall a seminar or even a sales pitch that you are sure will take about 15 minutes of interaction.
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June 21, 2016 8:21:21 AM PDT
22 days ago
Bobby Disney
RE: Observation write up
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Thank you
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June 24, 2016 10:20:33 AM PDT
19 days ago
Adrienne Arvizu
RE: Observation write up
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For the observation the syllabus states to record what we see for 15 minutes, this means to just take notes for that time and NOT actually record with a video or microphone is this correct?
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June 25, 2016 7:07:13 AM PDT
18 days ago
Jonathan Alexander
RE: Observation write up
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That is correct Adrienne, no video is needed. Record your observations through note taking and use those notes to compile your assignment.
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June 29, 2016 11:01:54 PM PDT
14 days ago
James Mullooly
INSTRUCTOR MANAGER
RE: Observation write up
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no video needed.
You dont want to be invasive o those you observe.
10 years ago
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