Short written reflections in Anth-2

Spring 2024

Cécile Evers

Overview

Over the course of the semester, you will write four 800-word reflections with the goal of reflecting on a small set of readings centered on a particular topic. This semester, the topics selected are culture, ethnographic ethics, kinship, and best practices.

These reflections are useful insofar as they allow you to engage with key topics in the course (and for me to assess your understanding of those topics), but also in the sense that they provide you with an opportunity to practice writing in small increments. It follows that you can expect to receive my feedback on these writing assignments (via e-mail).

Below, you will find the central question (or two) which each reflection asks you to write about. I also indicate which readings and other materials you should draw on in responding to these questions.

Culture reflection:

  • This first reflection is due on Canvas, in Assignments, on Sunday, 1/28. If you choose to co-write with a peer, upload the reflection to your Canvas and theirs, and also include their name alongside yours at the top right of the reflection. Students who write together will be graded in the same way.
  • Upload the document in the following format: as a PDF entitled "Last name_Culture reflection.pdf," in 12-point Times New Roman font, single-spaced, and in the 800-word range.

●     Follow a five-paragraph essay format.

·     Introduction paragraph: Explain what you will argue in a thesis statement and give a preview of the parts of your essay. This is also where you would cite the pieces you draw upon in supporting that argument. This (thesis stating and listing of supporting documents) can take place in any order you see fit.

When citing authors in your reflection, you can optionally mention the name of the text they wrote, but you should most certainly mention their last name and the date of their published work. (As long as you make correct and consistent use of referencing conventions, you can use any of these conventions: those of the American Psychological Association [APA], of the Chicago Manual of Style [CMOS], or of the Modern Language Association [MLA].)

·     Body paragraph #1: After a topic sentence (explaining what you are about to say), rely on evidence from our class readings (films, podcasts, etc.) in order to flesh out your first example in support of the argument presented in your introduction. Conclude with a summary sentence.

·     Body paragraph #2: After a transition sentence drawing a connection or contrast to body paragraph #1, rely on further evidence from our class texts in order to flesh out another part of your argument. Conclude with a summary.

·     Body paragraph #3: After a transition sentence drawing a connection or contrast to body paragraph #2, rely on further evidence from our class texts in order to flesh out another part of your argument. Conclude with a summary.

·     Conclusion paragraph: What did you bring to light? Comment on your points in more general terms. Remark on what you’ve learned from reflecting on this topic over the past weeks. Relate this reflection to your life.

·     Remember to: single space but use paragraph breaks; cite correctly per above; and creatively entitle your reflection. A reference list at the end is not necessary.

  • Respond to the following question in this first reflection: Based on your readings and viewings over the first two weeks of class, how would you describe what culture is, who engages in it, and the extent to which it's variable and diverse?

Ethics reflection:

  • This second reflection is due on Canvas, in Assignments, on Sunday, 2/25. If you choose to co-write with a peer, upload the reflection to both students' Canvas accounts, and also include their name alongside yours at the top right of the reflection. (This peer may be the same peer as last time, or someone new.)
  • Upload the document in the following format: as a PDF entitled "Last name (and your peer's, if applicable)_Ethics reflection.pdf," in 12-point Times New Roman font, single-spaced, and in the 800-word range. You can write up to 1000 words on this one but do your best to write no more than that many.
  • Follow a five-paragraph essay format. (See the instructions from the first prompt on the 5-paragraph essay format.) Here are some further reminders: Please remember to write a creative title. Then, in your introductory paragraph, also remember to present a strong thesis statement, as well as a preview of the authors (with dates) that you'll discuss to support that argument. In the supporting body paragraphs, analyze several authors' works as examples of your sub-points. Lastly, always define new terms per our readings and your own understanding when introducing them in your piece.
  • Respond to the following question in your second reflection: Based on your readings between weeks 3-6, consider how the internal validity that an ethnography has (i.e., how representative of the experiences of a group of people it is) depends quite centrally on one using ethical methods while researching, and then best practices while writing (i.e., reflexivity, thick description, and a descriptive approach). What, in a word, is the relationship between the ultimate objectivity of an ethnography and how it was both conducted and written?

Please follow this link for the third reflection's prompt. Note that this reflection must be written individually.

Reflection on Jason De León's Ethnography

  • This final reflection is due in Canvas on Sunday, 4/21. If you choose to co-write with a peer, upload the reflection to your Canvas and theirs, and also include their name alongside yours at the top right of the reflection. (This peer may be the same peer as before, or someone new.)
  • Please follow the same formatting instructions as in reflections 1 and 2.
  • Upload the document in the following format: as a PDF entitled "Last name (and your peer's, if applicable)_JDL reflection.pdf," in 12-point Times New Roman font, single-spaced, and in the 800-word range.
  • Respond to the following question in your fourth reflection: What are some of the methodological strengths as well as theoretical (conceptual) contributions of this ethnography? Also add any constructive or personal reflections you may have come to after reading this book. What will stick with you?

Assessment of your reflections

Reflections given the full 7.5 points check each of these boxes:

  • The author crafts an argument in response to the question. (1 point)

●     The author grounds their insights with material from the readings (etc.). Whenever possible, evidence—in the form of detailed paraphrases and quoted material—is provided. (4 points)

●     The author draws connections: between the readings, and between the readings and their own life (or current events). Such connections could appear anywhere throughout the piece, though the conclusion would be a very suitable place, particularly when it comes to reflections of a more personal nature. (1.5 points)

●     The author displays solid organization and writing mechanics, as well as the required format: paragraph form, single-spaced, full sentences, adequate punctuation and grammar, appropriate citation of quotes (i.e., with author last name, page #), etc. (1 point)