Sociology - obersavation paper 4 pages

Sociology of Race and Ethnicity: Observation Paper Assignment Sheet

Due: Thursday, October 6, at the beginning of class

Rationale:

The object of the paper is to explore and observe day-to-day lives of individuals from a racial/ethnic

group other than your own in order to learn about their experiences from their perspectives. By critically

analyzing your observation data, this assignment will also help you sharpen your analytical skills and

exercise empathy.

Instructions:

To conduct the observation, select one racially/ethnically distinct place/organization (places of worship,

ethnic grocery stores/restaurants, etc.) where you would be considered an outsider based on your racial

and/or ethnic status. Please consult with the instructor if you are unsure about the appropriateness of the

site you are considering for this project. Also, consider calling and asking people at the site prior to your

visit to see if they allow you to visit the site, if so, what would be an appropriate attire/behavior while

conducting observation, and schedule interviews with them. Visit the site, observe the place, take notes

on how people interact with each other, what’s going on, and ask people about how this particular place

relates to them. What does it mean for them to have this particular site available in their community? Is it

important that they have access to the site? If so, why?

Write a 4-5 page paper that includes an introduction and conclusion as well as the following three

components:

1. Brief summary of your observation 2. Explanation on why you observed what you observed in a sociohistorically specific ways 3. Analysis of your own feelings and internal responses to the observation

Paper Focus

The main focus of the paper is your application of course knowledge to analyzing and explaining

experiences of those who have different racial/ethnic backgrounds from you.

Requirements for the paper:

4-5 pages long without reference; standard 1-inch margins; 12 font; Times New Roman; double-spaced;

STAPLED. Failing to meet these requirements will result in point deductions.

Grading:

Observation as documented in the essay (richness in details): 15

Analysis as elaborated in the essay: 30

Quality of Writing (no errors, clarity, organization): 5

Total 50