WST 103.01 Fall 2022
Field Exercise # 1: Observing social constructions around you
Due date: Friday September 16, by 11:59 pm
Objective: The goal of this field exercise is to apply course materials from Theme 1 of the course on Social
Constructions to the world around you. Your task is to observe a space or place in your everyday life
(supermarket; family dinner table; work; gym; dorm; train; etc.) and observe how social constructions shape
that space—that is, how is that space gendered? How is it racialized? How is it classed? How is it accessible (for
people with disabilities) or not, etc.? Draw on course materials from week 1-4 as an interpretive guide for your
observations.
Steps:
1. Gather “data” on the space you are observing; take notes or write up notes immediately afterward on
what you see—see below for tips (30 mins-1 hour)
2. Analyze and write up your observations drawing on course material (approximately 2 pages doublespaced or 400 words—2-3 hrs); then: Upload to your Group’s FE#1 Disc. Board by Fri, Sept. 16, 11:59pm
3. Post 3 comments on other group members’ FE#1, by Sun., Sept.18, 11:59pm (30 mins)
PLEASE NOTE:
• We recommend you complete assigned materials for Week 4 before completing FE#1.
• There is also a “Reading/Viewing Questions” assignment due in Week 4 (focusing on the topic and
materials for Week 4), so plan accordingly.
Instructions/Grading Rubric (10 pts):
1. Choose your place/space and choose the category of social construction you will focus on (race or
gender or sexuality or disability) though you can also relate your primary category to others where and if
appropriate.
2. Think about these things: people—who is there, who isn’t, what are they doing and how do they
interact with each other?; place—what kind of space, how is it designed, is everyone able to use the
space in the same way, what symbols, signs or instructions are visible in the space? What about sounds,
lighting, etc; what are you feeling and thinking as you observe?
3. Analyze and write-up your observation. Think of it more as a blog post than a formal paper—choose a
writing style that is comfortable for you and through which you can convey your thoughts and analyses.
*Analysis should include:
• A summary of the place and what you observed (1 paragraph, 2 points)
• Consider 2 or 3 of the questions from “Think about these things” above (3-4 paragraphs, 4 pts)
• Use of at least 2 sources from the course materials, to help you to interpret what you
saw/observed (2 points)
➢ You can simply refer to the material by author or title (e.g. Wendell discusses how…OR In
the article “The Social Construction of Disability,” the author writes that…). You do not
need to do in-text citations.
➢ If you use a direct quote, you must put it in quote marks to show it’s not your own words,
and tell what it’s from (otherwise, it’s plagiarizing)
➢ Don’t include a bibliography.
• Edit and proofread your post for readability (.5 point) Try to keep you writing focused & efficient.
• Length: It’s okay if you go over 400 words. Try not to exceed 600 words. It shouldn’t be less than 350 words
4. Post three thoughtful, engaged, specific comments, one each on three other field exercise posts (2 or 3
sentences per comment, .5 point for each comment = 1.5 points total)
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