Project Space ESSAY

You will be required to do research: 2 Academic Sources with a minimum of 2-3 quotes per source if you
use two. If you go beyond two sources, use 1-2 as applicable to the argument.
Length 5 FULL pages,
RD: due 4/21, FD: due 4/30
This can be done in a group and the essay can be done collaboratively you will both share the same
grade. How you split up the work is up to you. This is not a requirement.

You must choose a type of space you wish to observe. Go and observe TWO separate places that are
considered the same space for enough time to be able to recognize spacial aspects as discussed below
(Approx. 20-30 minutes). Consider breaking it up into two trips per place as the time you go may be a
factor in seeing differences. An example of possible places would be a department store, mall, park,
grocery store, etc..
You will have to do two things for this essay: 1. Descriptive (what) 2. Analytical (why/ how)
Questions to think about when approaching this assignment:
How does the space look physically and what differences are there between the two places? The
differences are important.
What type of people occupy/interact with the Space?
What are the visible values? What is considered normal for this space? And most of all is anyone
deviating from these two questions?
Are there different Values in each place?
Identify Social influences on the space or what social influence are at play in determining how people act
there? What are the control factors that determine their actions?
What is the expected behavior in the Space (IE: how should you act?)
What are some consequences for breaking any of these norms?
Does the location have an effect? Is there a predominate ethnicity or group of people evident in each?
THESE ARE JUST GUIDING QUESTIONS. YOU CAN GO BEYOND THEM AND APPLY ANYTHING WE HAVE
USED IN CLASS.
Recommended steps
1. DONT START WITH A THESIS.
2. Observe notate (have questions/list of what you want to take notes on prepared beforehand.
Have an idea of what you want to identify/look for: values, people, physical, etc..)
3. Create a working thesis (this will most likely change)
4. Research: allow this and your observation to guide your final thesis
5. Rough draft.

If you do a rough draft before research, your thesis will contain problems.
Final thoughts: This is not a pure descriptive assignment. You still need to have an argument about the
space you are observing. If you apply all the terms in a critical/analytical fashion, you will be able to
sustain an informed discussion about socio-normative values and socio-structures and how they interact
with the Space you are observing. This will be a social critique and as such must be informed by
RELEVANT research.
Further Requirements: Standard MLA, Works Cited, underlined thesis, Highlighted revisions for the final
draft.