Semester-Long Participant Observation Assignment
Soc 442 [T]
Political Sociology
David A. Sonnenfeld, Ph.D.
Washington State University Tri-Cities
Fall 2005
Do we live in politically engaged or disengaged communities? What forms of engagement are people in our communities actively engaged in? How effective are common citizens in influencing public (and private) institutions in our communities?
In this semester-long participant observation research assignment, students learn about the role of civic associations and citizens groups in the political process and governance. Students will select a local organization to observe throughout the semester, periodically attend its meetings, learn about its organizational goals and methods, and observe its efforts to engage in politics and governance. What issue(s) is the group organized around? How does it attempt to influence policy/ governance outcomes with respect to that issue? How does the group engage its own members in discussion and debate of issues/ institutions of concern? What are the respective roles of leaders, members, and others in the group? What organizations and institutions does the group work with to accomplish its goals? What have been the group's accomplishments? What are its challenges?
Examples of groups/ associations which may be observed for this assignment include parent-teacher associations, public advisory committees, local branches/ chapters of political parties, civic associations with a political dimension (TRIDEC), political action committees, issue-oriented groups, trade unions, etc. Many organizations which are themselves not necessarily politically oriented (such as a church or other religious institution) may have a political action committee. Some may be partisan, others non-partisan (the latter including, for example, the League of Women Voters). The Tri-City Herald newspaper regularly has listings of local organizations; others may be found through local directories or the Internet (see, for instance: http://4people.tcfn.org/BentonFranklin.html).
The first deliverable for this assignment is due in Week 3, and consists of a 1 page (typed, double-spaced) research proposal, specifying the local civic association or citizens group you have chosen to observe through the semester. In your proposal, describe the organization and explain in what ways it is engaged with the political process or governance in your community. Also, explain your interest in it.
Once your topic has been approved, attend regular meetings of that organization. Some organizations meet only once a month, others meet weekly or have committees that meet more frequently. Attend a minimum of 6 meetings (ideally more!) of your selected organization (or related organizations or public forums) over the course of the semester. This can include, as well, public meetings, hearings, or forums the organization you are observing participates in. Keep an observation notebook on the meetings you attend. (As this exercise is to learn about organizations, not individuals, your notes should not contain personally identifiable information regarding individuals participating in the meetings; you may use non-identifiable names such as Member A, or Member B, however.)
In Week 7 of class, students will share preliminary observations in the form of an informal, in-class oral report on activities and observations to-date; observation notebooks will be turned in for review. Participant-observation will continue through the end of the semester.
In Week 15, each student will share results from her/ his semester-long participant observation in the form of an oral presentation. Students are welcome and encouraged to use supporting material such as a poster display, handout, etc.
A final report on your semester-long participant observation is due no later than 7 pm, Wednesday, December 14, the beginning of the scheduled final examination for the class. The report should be well-written, typed, double-spaced, spell-checked, and be 8-10 pp. in length, plus cover page.
The final report should be submitted in the form of a research portfolio, including:
"A" papers ... meet or exceed all of the requirements for a "B" paper, plus must be exceptionally well researched and written. In addition, theoretical concepts addressed in the course are integrated into the paper's discussion.
"B" papers ... must be well researched and written. Observations include a minimum of 6 meetings of the observed organization, public forums it sponsors or participates in, or related meetings.
"C" papers ... fall short of requirements for a "B" paper, but still are serious efforts to fulfill the assignment.
"D" papers ... indicate marginal interest in or effort on the assignment.
"F" papers ... do not meet minimum course requirements.
"I" papers ... any paper not submitted as part of a complete research portfolio (see above) will receive an incomplete.
Week 3 – Research proposal due
Weeks 3 to 7 – Participant observation research
Week 7 – Informal presentation of preliminary findings; observation notebook review
Weeks 8 to 15 – Participant observation research, cont'd
Week 15 – Oral presentation
Week 16 – Final report due no later than the beginning of scheduled final examination for this class
last updated November 09, 2005