SOAN 309: Colonization and Development
Critiques of Reports on Ethnographic Reading
Last Updated 11-2-99
OVERVIEW OF THE ETHNOGRAPHY ASSIGNMENT:
This assignment has four major parts:
I. Reading the text
II. Presenting a report to the class on the text [Class Reports on
Ethnographic Reading]
III. A written version that elaborates on II and incorporates critiques [Written Ethnographic Reports]
IV. Critiques of other reports [detailed below]
Part IV, critiques, is a vital part of the entire process. Here you must be an "active listener" to reports of others, and offer comments. This means, among other things, that it is vital that you come to class during reports.
By the next class meeting following the report [and for the report on 11/22, BEFORE you leave for Thanksgiving] you must turn in a critique of the report you have heard [obviously those presenting do not need to do this]. NOTE: you may send your report to me by email. If you do, be sure you put in the body [not only the subj line] YOUR NAME, and the GROUP[S] on which you are commmenting.
First, remember that, YOU too, will be in "the hot seat." The goal here is NOT to criticize in the sense of "to cut down, or denigrate." Rather, the goal is to be helpful. In particular help the presenters figure out what parts of the report need further strengthening, or elaboration, or clarification. Also in your written comments point out the parts that you think are good or fine, so that the presenter can concentrate on those parts that need more work. Be especially attentive to any questions the presenter raises. See if you can make useful suggestions.
The point here is for all of us to help each other write the best possible final version of the report.
Listen for, and ask questions about the following:
Is the case clear? If something was unclear to you, is probably unclear to others. Also, if during the discussion you asked a question for clarification, and the answer did clarify the issue, say in your comments "your answer to the question on X, was helpful, include that in the report."
Is there sufficient information to make an analysis?
Do the conclusions follow from the evidence?
What additional information would strengthen the case?
Can you think of alternative interpretations or conclusions?
If you have alternatives can you suggest ways to decide which is correct?
How does this case compare with your ethnography? Do it add, subtract, modify, or strengthen your own analysis?
How does this ethnography compare with the other ethnographies, including Ladakh, and those in Wolf?
Can you suggest other ethnographies that might strengthen the presenter's argument?
Etc.