course material

1. Ethnographic account involving participant-observation of a cultural
event.
4-5 typed pages; double spaced 10 or 12 font Ethnographic account involving participant-
observation of a cultural event. The event or activity MUST be attended during this
semester. Previous experiences are NOT acceptable for this project. Some examples include
religious ceremony, coming of age ritual, marital ritual, birth or death ritual,
sporting/entertainment event, birthday celebration, or dining event. Please include the date
and time of event in your paper. The type of cultural event may seem insignificant such as
dining at a local restaurant but by observing from a neutral standpoint, the ethnographer
may be able to grasp a greater understanding of what is valued by that culture. Therefore it
is imperative to include even minute details in field notes. The ethnographer initially does
not know the significance of actions and behaviors. The value of the field notes becomes
apparent when they are deciphered and studied after the cultural event. 4-5 typed pages;
double spaced 10 or 12 font Ethnographic account involving participant-observation of a
cultural event. Some examples include religious ceremony, coming of age ritual, marital
ritual, birth or death ritual, sporting/entertainment event, birthday celebration, or dining
event.Please include the date and time of event in your paper. The type of cultural event
may seem insignificant such as dining at a local restaurant but by observing from a neutral
standpoint, the ethnographer may be able to grasp a greater understanding of what is
valued by that culture. Therefore it is imperative to include even minute details in field
notes. The ethnographer initially does not know the significance of actions and behaviors.
The value of the field notes becomes apparent when they are deciphered and studied after
the cultural event. Suggestions for fieldwork notes Take copious notes about the event. Be
sure to be as specific and detailed. Some areas to focus upon include: setting and time,
clothing of participants, description of participants actions and behaviors, size of group,
status ascribed to participants, how participants interact with one another. From your field
notes, write a detailed description of everything you saw. After the description, try to
extract the foundation for this cultural event. (What is most important to these followers?
Do the rituals indicate any culturally significant mores/values? Why is this cultural event
taking place? Remember that this is an ethnography so you must not JUDGE; you are to be a
participant-observer. You are to record and interpret the culture not to critique their
religious beliefs. As an anthropologist you must try to refrain from adding your own
opinions in the research.