research writing (Verbal Portrait) 3 pages

Instructions

Purpose: The purpose of your Verbal Portrait is to add a new layer to your understanding of the subculture you are researching. What else do you want to know about your subculture? What stone have you left unturned?

Writing your Verbal Portrait : You have researched your subculture in layers. First, you began with a general snapshot of your fieldsite—the proposal. Then, you conducted observations of space and place. Last week you turned your attention towards examining cultural artifacts. Your latest layer was an in-depth interview with an informant. Soon—in a few weeks after Spring Break—you’ll write a full ethnography in which you’ll paint a thorough picture of the subculture you’ve studied. For this Verbal Portrait, you’ll want to identify what one more layer of information or insight you want to acquire to help you better understand your subculture.

This “next layer” can take any form. Focus on what, for you, will help you take your understanding of your subculture to the next level. You might choose to:

· Conduct another fieldsite observation

· Conduct a second in-depth interview

· Collect a written narrative from an informant (ask an informant to write down a story for you to read and analyze)

· Reflect on what you’ve learned overall about your subculture

· Reflect on what has been going well and what hasn’t in your research process

Once you choose your “next layer,” use the Verbal Portrait to discuss it. Use examples and specific details to support the information or experiences you discuss. Unlike other papers you’ve written for this class that have had stricter guidelines, the Verbal Portrait gives you freedom to decide what your paper will look like.

Formatting: 3 pages, typed, double-spaced, using Times New Roman, 12-point font.

Evaluation: The Verbal Portrait will be evaluated according to the following criteria: Point value:

Identification of “next layer” and explanation of choice: The writer identifies what additional layer of research he or she did for this paper and explains why he or she chose this next layer. Discussion of ideas: The writer discusses his or her ideas fully; the writer explores ideas fully in order to answer any questions that readers may have about the topic. Use of supporting examples and details: The writer uses specific details and examples to explain each idea that he or she presents. Professionalism: The writer meets the guidelines for length and formatting and presents a paper that is free from spelling and typographical errors and free from grammar or language usage errors that impede meaning.

____ / 10 ____ / 20 ____ / 14 ____ / 6

Total: ____ / 50 points