Random observation 

Students will conduct a random observation on a subject of their choice and submit their observation. Random observations could be conducted in any social setting such as work place, a family or friend gathering, a party, an event of a volunteer or non-profit organization, a religious or traditional ritual occasion etc. First, students are expected to read;

1) Geertz, C. (1973). Thick description, The interpretation of cultures. New York: Basic. and 

2) Mills, C. W. (1959). The promise. The sociological imagination, 3-24. 

Second, apply the two readings to their observations. In other words, they are expected to see the general (bigger picture) by looking at particular (the expectation is to find (indicate) as many larger social phenomena as possible, which appear to be role players in shaping the particular case you will be observing)

Third, apply “thick description” to their observations by taking Geertz’s points into consideration. 

Expectations of the assignment will become clear once you read those two pieces and attend the lecture on sociological imagination.

Observations should be at least 1500 word (5 pages long), have a cover page, 1 inch margin, double space, Times New Roman 12. (APA or Chicago)