Part 1 Instructions (read carefully)
In this four-part written assignment you will be reading a book-length ethnography (Deeply Rooted in the Present by Mary Lorena Kenny). You will write one section of this essay in each module of the course, but you should think about it as ONE essay that you continue to build on as we read additional sections of the book. The main focus of this four-part assignment is for you to apply the general concepts presented in our textbook Selected Perspectives to the ethnographic case study in Kenny's book. Thus, each section of the paper should incorporate ideas, concepts, materials, and references we are covering in the relevant module. The final complete essay, submitted in M4, should evidence your mastery of the substantive content of this course. Each section of the essay will be graded separately.
NOTE: You should not do additional research beyond the course materials for this assignment. YOUR ESSAY IS NOT A SUMMARY OF THE BOOK, but is a discussion of the book's contribution to the study of anthropology. In your essay, it is essential that you connect Kenny's book to the readings and materials in each module.
What is an Ethnography?
In Module 1 we learned that ethnographies are in-depth studies conducted by anthropologists of the everyday practices and lives of a people or culture. Ethnographies are not fictional novels. Anthropologists research particular aspects of a culture or population group through long-term field work (that is, living within that culture and closely observing the behavior, values, characteristics of that population), with the purpose of explaining something significant about the human condition in their written work. Key information and details about the author’s research questions and methods are usually found in the book's introduction, so pay particular attention when reading the introductory chapter. Also carefully read the final chapter or conclusion. Here, the anthropologist tells you what they learned and why it is significant.
Helpful Resource:
Part 1:
Apply what you've learned about ethnographic research methods in the textbook Selected Perspective (and other Module 1 materials) to how Kenny discusses her research methods in Deeply Rooted in the Present. Please use the following questions as a guide:
- Provide a brief overview of the culture that is the focus of the book.
- What was the author’s main research question? (i.e., What did the author want to find out? What theoretical issue or issues guided the study?) Include citations with page numbers.
- What difficulties, if any, did the anthropologist encounter in conducting this research? Include citations with page numbers.
- Describe the field methods used in collecting the data. How long was the anthropologist engaged in the study?
- Include at least 3 references to course readings, materials, concepts, terms, etc. to support your points. Include citation to course materials.
Part 1 of your essay should be 3-5 pages in length (approx. 900-1500 words) double-spaced (12 pt. font). Be sure to proofread for errors in spelling, typing, grammar, word usage and writing mechanics.
I will use this ESSAY RUBRIC in evaluating your paper.
Your instructor may use Turnitin to assess if you have plagiarized. Review the SUNY Empire guidelines on Academic Integrity/Plagiarism below.
General Resources for Written Assignments
Please read the SUNY Empire statement on Academic Integrity before submitting any work for this course. Be sure to cite any and all sources correctly so that your academic integrity is not called into question. Using Turn It In can help you identify any passages in your paper that are not correctly documented.
Your written assignment is intended to test your understanding of important concepts and discover how to sharpen your intellectual skills of analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and application. The intent of the written assignment is to provide an opportunity to more fully describe, explain, and analyze the books and other sources. Here are several resources that can help you successfully complete written assignments:
- Empire State University's Library and Research Resources takes you to the online Library's home page with links to many database resources, other library services, and information on proper citation and bibliography formats.
- The SUNY Empire Online Writing Center provides writing resources, guidance and assistance.
- The Research and Information Skills Tutorial steps you through the research process from beginning to end.