19 Jun WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MAIN BELIEFS IN YOUR TRADITION?
Guidelines and Link to Submit Short Essay 3: Observation of Faith Community or Individual Interview
Participant observation is the cornerstone of research in cultural anthropology. This assignment involves conducting anthropological fieldwork and writing up your findings as a short essay. There are 2 options explained below, and you may choose to work with a partner if you wish.
FOR BOTH OPTIONS: Your submission for this assignment will have two parts. One of these will be a typed report of 500-750 words, to be entered directly as text in Canvas. It is due on Mon. 4/21 by 11:59 PM via Canvas (late submissions will not be accepted). If you work with a partner, you may write the essay together with both of your names on it, but each person should submit it separately through their own Canvas account to be sure you both get graded.
For full extra credit, you must also submit the preparatory materials you developed before you collected your data. For the first option, this entails field notes; for the second option, you will submit the interview questions you prepared before your interview. These preparatory materials will be submitted directly as text in Canvas as a separate entry.
Please refer to the resources provided in Canvas for more information on how to take good field notes (Option 1) and/or conduct an open-ended interview (Option 2).
OPTION 1: Observation of a Faith Community Different Than Your Own
1. Choose a faith community to observe that is different from your own. This can be any place of worship or ceremony (e.g., church, synagogue, mosque, temple, pagan/wiccan community, Quaker meeting house, etc.) It can be a place where you know a member of the community or somewhere you have never been before. You can search for locations by checking online to find schedules for weekly services at the place you choose. You can also consult religious student organizations and other groups on campus. If you are having trouble finding a location, contact me by email for assistance as soon as possible.
2. Attend 1 service or ceremony (marriage, baptism, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, etc.) held at the place of worship. You are welcome to complete this assignment with someone else from the class if you choose. Observe what is happening in as much detail as possible. Some things to look for are the arrangement of the physical space and seating, the architecture and decoration, the kinds of activities taking place, the kind of people who are there (age, ethnicity, social class, gender, etc.), people’s verbal and non-verbal behaviors, and other manifestations of religious and cultural organization. Look for patterns. Where appropriate, talk to people there and let them know about your assignment. The same day you do the observation, write up notes on your own behavior, feelings, and reactions, and findings (what you learned about the community and the faith traditions practiced there).
3. Based on all your observations and information gathered during your visit, use your notes to write up your essay. Include the following details:
-a short description of where you went, when you were there, and why you selected that site
-a synthesis of your observations (notes), including patterns you identified and your own reactions
-your first impressions about the kinds of ideas and cultural values that you think are reflected in the patterns of behavior you identify
-any questions you may have or information you feel you may be missing in order to understand the location and events you observed
OPTION 2: Interview a Member of A Faith Community Different Than Your Own
If you can’t observe a service or ceremony, you may choose to interview someone who participates in a religious/faith community different than your own. This might be someone in your family, neighborhood, workplace, university or other setting. Set aside at least 1 hour to speak with the person. Before the interview, draft a list of questions you plan to ask and bring with you. For example:
-How long have you been a member of this community?
-What motivated you to join the community?
-How often do you attend services/ceremonies with your community and where do you go?
-What are some of the main beliefs in your tradition?
-What are some of the main ceremonies in your tradition?
-What are some key symbols that are important to your faith?
-Why is your religion important to you? What would you like other people to know about it?
-Is there anything you have struggled with in your religion?
-Is your faith community experiencing any problems, changes, or conflicts? If so, please explain.
*Feel free to make up other questions on your own that interest you about the person or their tradition.*
During the interview, use your questions as a guide but feel free to add additional ones as the conversation unfolds. Take written notes during the interview and add more notes on your own thoughts and observations about the interview immediately after you finish (the longer you wait the less you will be able to recall accurately). Use your notes to write up your short essay.
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