Project #C: PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION: Ethnographers learn most by participating in the society in
which they are observing. Going to events, watching, observing and taking notes, asking questions, getting
insight about rituals or politics from key informants, etc. THIS MUST BE DONE DURING THE TIME
PERIOD OF THIS CLASS.
Do an observation session(s) of about 2 hours and report your observations, reactions, comparisons, surprises,
etc.. Preferably this should be at a community or college cultural event (International Fair, Ethnic Celebration,
Lecture), or maybe a wedding or some other setting with a distinct cultural essence different from your own or
outside your comfort zone.
If you cannot attend a specific event – then choose a setting where you can observe various cultures OR a place
with a different cultural/multi-cultural essence than you may NOT be used to – this can be at a community
rally/organization/non-profit where you are volunteering or simply participating – or maybe a religious service
at a church, mosque, synagogue, etc
Write a 2-page, typed (double-spaced, 1” margins) synopsis of your observation. Report should focus on
cultural observations – but should also include a half page summary of your thoughts, comparisons, surprises,
and reactions. (for example, a different religion – mosque, church, or synagogue). You can also get further
insight by asking people at the event about things you are unsure of (what was this relic, symbolism, etc.)