Instruction
• Part I - Context (10 points) : Archival background data for target population (ethnic
group) you will be researching in NYC Do not include demographic/historical data for
the country/nation of origin. Include:
1. Demographic/Statistical Research – Identify the ethnic group you will be researching,
as well as the neighborhood in NYC where they reside. Using the US Census Bureau
website, American Fact Finder (http://factfinder2.census.gov), as well as others, write a
1-2 page report that examines RECENT demographics of the group’s community. (Note:
You will need to enter a zip code at the website to locate the relevant data.) Consider the
social and economic characteristics of the community and other important factors, e.g.,
race, ethnicity, housing, health, education, language. Provide recent statistical data in
visual form (2-3 charts/graphs). Also, include data that may indicate recent issues with
immigration, acculturation/assimilation experience, economic, educational, socio-political,
etc. Include at least 2 source websites for stat/demo data in your reference page.
2. Relevant Related Literature: Before commencing an ethnographic research study,
Anthropologists conduct extensive archival research of any prior research studies
conducted by other scholars involving the same population and/or cultural features/issues.
You should identify and summarize no fewer than 2 relevant scholarly journal articles
(from peer-reviewed scholarly academic journals) that focus on the population and cultural
feature you are researching for your group.
Part II - Methodology (10 points): A detailed explanation/description of at least 3
ethnographic methods used (participant observation, semi-structured interviews, kinship and
social network charting, mapping, fieldnotes, etc.) and a summary of outcomes/findings for
each of them. Include a detailed description of your methodology (Example: I employed
participant observation at several sites (specify sites above) on _______(dates) and
observed that________. The Life History Interview of at least one informant is required for
this project.
Part III - Critical Analysis & Research Outcomes (10 points): Discuss the findings of
your anthropological fieldwork, in the context of the relevant literature and
statistical/demographic data. You may use the following prompts to guide your analysis:
1. What did you learn about the life experiences of this NYC based ethnic/cultural
group, including acculturation and/or assimilation to American culture? Are they
successful? What unique challenges do they face?
2. What makes this group’s experience unique (discuss cultural differences, current
socio-political context, race/ethnicity bias, economic considerations, etc.)?
3. What did you learn about ethnicity in the USA that you didn’t know before, from
conducting this study? How has that information changed or supported your
current perspective of racial/ethnic/cultural equality in the USA? Explain.
4. Explain what makes your research relevant to the current research in this area?
Your analytical essay should be double-spaced, 1” margins, 12 pt. standard font, and including a
bibliography/reference page. References should be done according to APA style.