Migration between Mexico and U.S

SOAN 319: Cultures of Mexico

Research Assignment: Migration between Mexico and U.S.

The goal of this research assignment is to explore the migration of people, ideas, and/or images

between Mexico and the United States by doing primary research through observation,

interviews, or other primary data collection and interpreting findings through course readings

and additional scholarly literature.

The format for the final assignment is a minimum of five pages, double-spaced, and 1-inch

margins plus a references page (or footnotes). You must attach your field notes photos, interview

transcript/notes/recording or other raw data collection, plus peer-review and rough draft. Final

paper is worth 100 points, field notes 10 points, and rough draft 10 points for a total of 120

points.

Part I: Primary research

1. Select a location where you can observe first-hand the theme of migration between Mexico and the United States. Possibilities include Mexican restaurants and stores; music or art

shows; and other community events. See Moodle for a list of suggested locations and feel

free to ask me for other ideas. Visit, take detailed notes, take photos (as appropriate), talk to

people, and ask questions. Be open to a theme or idea for your paper based on what you

notice, but keep themes from class in the back of your mind to help you focus. More detailed

suggestions for what and how to observe are on the back of this sheet.

Or, select a person to interview. Take detailed notes and photos (as appropriate). Be open to a

theme or idea for your paper based on what you notice, but keep themes from class in the

back of your mind to help you focus. More detailed suggestions for what and how to

interview are on the back of this sheet.

Or, with instructor permission, propose an alternative form of primary data collection.

2. Bring your data collection notes (notes, pictures, video, interview recordings, and other

materials) to class for discussion. Don’t worry about making your notes neat or organized.

Digitize and include all your field notes, including pictures, etc… with your final paper. (10

points)

Part II: Writing and analysis

1. Draft a paper describing and analyzing what you found. Your paper should include: a. a short description of where you went, when you were there, and why you selected that site

and/or who you talked to, when you talked to them, and why you selected them to interview,

or other research methods used as applicable (this description should not be more than one

paragraph)

b. an analysis of what you observed, heard, or learned (highlighted and described in more detail) linked to themes and ideas from the course and themes and ideas from scholarly

literature on migration between Mexico and the US.

i. Suggestions of questions and themes that you might use to guide your essay are listed on the back of this sheet. Please feel free to ask me for feedback as you develop your paper.

ii. Additional literature which may be relevant to your paper will be posted in Moodle. You may also need to do library research and/or ask me or a reference librarian to help you

find relevant literature.

2. Participate in a Moodle review workshop; provide and receive one peer review. (10 points)

3. Use feedback from reviews and discussion to write a final draft. (100 points)

Suggestions for participant observation:

 Note what first hits your senses (sight, smell, sound, etc…)

 Observe and record what is happening and how; think about why later

 Record concrete examples and details; avoid generalizations

 Try to see familiar things with new eyes

 When possible, write down exactly what someone said, instead of summarizing

 Notice surrounding environment, how/if it changes while you’re there, and how people respond

 In descriptions, avoid using terms that evaluate or judge

 If you react emotionally, don’t ignore your feelings, but try to record how you feel in a separate part of your notes

 Where appropriate, ask questions

Suggestions for interviews:

 Select a place that is comfortable for the person you interview and make sure that you have sufficient time

 Ask open-ended questions (questions that can’t be answered with a yes or no), questions that ask how or why, and questions that invite people to tell personal stories

 Use a recorder (if the person agrees) so that you can go back and listen again

 Take notes during the interview

 Consider asking the person to share photos or memorabilia with you as part of the interview

 Be prepared with a variety of questions in case the person you interview does not want to share certain personal stories or details with you, such as his or her immigration status

Suggestions for questions to consider in your paper:

(Please note that these are only suggestions to help you start thinking about your paper. You are

not required to address any of these questions and you cannot address all of them. You may

develop another question or set of questions to frame your essay.)

 How is “Mexican-ness” (lo mexicano) expressed?

 How have people adapted Mexican traditions, practices, symbols or ideas in a U.S. context, or vice versa?

 Did you observe expressions of indigenismo or mestizaje? Do these expressions take on new meanings in the U.S.?

 What evidence for cultural change and/or continuity did you observe?

 How might the following concepts inform or frame your observations: globalization, transnationalism, and/or “cultural citizenship”?

 How might your observations inform the national debate on immigration?