Project 5 Directions
Ethnographic Essay Assignment Sheet
Congratulations! You have made it to the end of the semester, and now it is time to synthesize all of your hard work into a damn fine piece of writing. Unfortunately you will not be able to include every bit of information you have collected through observation, reflection, interview, and library research—that would probably be enough to fill a book. You will have to give your readers a comprehensive view of your field site, and you’ll need to choose information that develops the angle you are taking on your subculture.
Each of you, I feel, has improved your writing with each paper you have done. This paper should be the culmination of not only your research this semester, but also of your writing. In this paper, you will have the chance to show how much you have learned about the skills we have practiced throughout the semester—acknowledging preconceptions as well as being aware of how they are changing, writing reflexively, including vivid and concrete language, selecting and incorporating quotations, and summarizing information when necessary.
Goals for This Assignment
• To use all of the information you have collected as the basis for a finished piece of writing
• To consider, before you write, the best information to include and organization strategy to use to present readers with a view of your field site
• To build credibility as an author (diverse sources and opinions, concrete description, insider language, reflexive writing, etc.)
• To blend objective and reflexive writing into a cohesive piece
• To write using vivid and concrete details that appeal to the senses
• To incorporate many voices into your writing (informants, books, periodicals, Internet sources, etc.)
• To use appropriate documentation of sources
The Document
Write a 12- to 15- page double-spaced page final paper that MUST include the following:
• First-person writing (I, me) that blends objective details with reflexive reactions
• A variety of concrete and vivid images and details that involve the reader interspersed throughout the paper
• A cool title that expresses something about your subculture or field site
• An introduction that draws the reader into your paper
• Writing that shows your readers the field site rather than tells them about it
• Conversation summaries, quotes from informants, insider terms, stories, jokes, slogans, etc. that contribute to the overall picture you are creating interspersed throughout the paper
• A logical organization scheme that helps your readers understand your field site and your angle on it
• Information from a variety of interviews, as well as books, periodicals, and Internet resources interspersed throughout the paper
• An outsider or disagreeing viewpoint or opinion
• Proper in-text citation of books, periodicals, and Internet resources to triangulate your study of the subculture.
• A conclusion that ties together all the aspects of your paper and experience
• A “References” page that lists all sources you used in your paper.
This paper must be typed. It must have one-inch margins, and 12-point style. It should make use of a title, paragraphs, transitions, standard grammar, appropriate word usage, and correct spelling. If you have questions about the final paper, please contact me.
Other Directions:
Along with Project 5 directions please follow these also:
1. The main interviewee I speak with is a guy named Diablo.
2. Please see all of the papers I have attached as this should assist with you.
3. Do not mention a club name specifically unless you reference it as part of my research of outlaw clubs as a whole for the overall project.
4. To assist in writing this project please use your imagination, the following is good book and video (on you tube) that could assist you with the insight of the outlaw motorcycle clubs; remember this is you interviewing a club member the following books are only For You.
• No Angel: My Harrowing Undercover Journey to the Inner Circle of the Hells Angels, by Jay Dobyne & Nil Johnson-Shelton
• You Tube This is life with lisa ling Inside Mongol Nation: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc7JEjqb7q0)
5. Remember no one will speak to any illegal activity, to me so they will always avoid these questions and do not like them asked (this makes them very hesitant to keep speaking with anyone who asked).
6. Please show where I have done research for this project and you can reference this only as a part of my research not the interview.
7. If you have any questions please let me know, I can answer questions specific to this topic and provide insight.
8. Again, watch the You Tube with Lisa Ling, I believe this can give you great insight and assist with writing the paper.
9. Last remember I am currently deployed overseas; I was home during a extreme short period and could have visited once or twice going on a ride with them only 1 TIME; all other contact has been through Skype or Facetime video chat Only.
10. No addresses, I have only mentioned the club is located in Los Angeles Ca.
