This blog post was part of the coursework for the Ethnographic Practicum course, “Ethnography of the University 2021: Focus on Diversity.” It was originally posted in the category “Doing Diversity Work.” My Ethnography project was not about the affective reactions to diversity work, but it became an unsaid “wall” during my research. My question was, … Continue reading
Category Archives: Ethnography of the University
Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in ANT473 and ANT 6200 Ethnographic Practicum: The University, together with other members of the Ethnography Lab have been investigating various aspects of life at the University of Toronto. The purpose of the course is for students to learn how to conduct an independent ethnographic inquiry, analyse data, and write it up as an original contribution to knowledge. Data comes from observations, archives, interviews, photos and other methods, as students spend time in field sites in a range of venues across campus. They use weekly meetings for brainstorming, sharing insights, coming up with provisional analysis, and allocating tasks for individuals or sub-groups to work on in the week ahead. The resulting blog posts and final papers are archived here.
Anti-Racism Workshops and Family Conversations, By Erica de Souza (Ethnography of the University 2021: Focus on Diversity)
This blog post was part of the coursework for the Ethnographic Practicum course, “Ethnography of the University 2021: Focus on Diversity.” It was originally posted in the category “Doing Diversity Work.” Part of my research with the Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office (ARCDO) was based on watching Youtube videos of their past sessions. There was … Continue reading
Who Pays Attention to Diversity? Sub/conscious Perspectives, By Eric de Souza (Ethnography of the University 2021: Focus on Diversity)
This blog post was part of the coursework for the Ethnographic Practicum course, “Ethnography of the University 2021: Focus on Diversity.” It was originally posted in the category “Doing Diversity Work.” Throughout my research I attempted to answer the question, “How does the University circulate diversity?” I also had some underlying questions such, “what would … Continue reading
Do You See Yourself? Librarians as Research Guides, By Fatemeh Khavaninzadeh (Ethnography of the University 2021: Focus on Diversity)
This blog post was part of the coursework for the Ethnographic Practicum course, “Ethnography of the University 2021: Focus on Diversity.” It was originally posted in the category “Doing Diversity Work.” We are often very conscious of how others see us. To some degree, we can be conscious of how we see others. But compared … Continue reading
Do They See Us? Librarians, Students, and Diversity Work, By Fatemeh Khavaninzadeh (Ethnography of the University 2021: Focus on Diversity)
This blog post was part of the coursework for the Ethnographic Practicum course, “Ethnography of the University 2021: Focus on Diversity.” It was originally posted in the category “Doing Diversity Work.” As I explain my idea to her, the middle-aged librarian’s eyebrows slowly rise up, a thoughtful look quietly crawling on her face. When I … Continue reading
Do You See Them? Observations in the Library at 9 pm, By Fatemeh Khavaninzadeh (Ethnography of the University 2021: Focus on Diversity)
This blog post was part of the coursework for the Ethnographic Practicum course, “Ethnography of the University 2021: Focus on Diversity.” It was originally posted in the category “On Being Included.” It was around 9 pm and I was in the Robarts Library Cafeteria, doing some field observation. A group of Asian students had just … Continue reading
Diverse Spaces on Campus, By Erica de Souza and Charlotte Millar (Ethnography of the University 2021: Focus on Diversity)
This blog post was part of the coursework for the Ethnographic Practicum course, “Ethnography of the University 2021: Focus on Diversity.” It was originally posted in the category “On Being Included.” Space and the usage of space can illuminate multiple dimensions of diversity. For instance, at St. George campus, when looking at the Bahen Centre … Continue reading
Indigenous Spaces on Campus: A Right, Not a Privilege, By Katerina Richard (Ethnography of the University 2021: Focus on Diversity)
This blog post was part of the coursework for the Ethnographic Practicum course, “Ethnography of the University 2021: Focus on Diversity.” It was originally posted in the category “On Being Included.” Having physical spaces available and accessible that are dedicated to Indigenous peoples is an important part of the reconciliation process. Physical spaces are symbolic … Continue reading
Indigenous Land Acknowledgments: Effective or Performative? By Katerina Richard (Ethnography of the University 2021: Focus on Diversity)
This blog post was part of the coursework for the Ethnographic Practicum course, “Ethnography of the University 2021: Focus on Diversity.” It was originally posted in the category “On Being Included.” Land acknowledgments, or territory acknowledgements, have quickly become a part of the University experience, often being recited at the beginning of lectures and meetings. … Continue reading
The Cruel Optimism of Inclusion at the University, By Mason Lorch and Katerina Richard (Ethnography of the University 2021: Focus on Diversity)
This blog post was part of the coursework for the Ethnographic Practicum course, “Ethnography of the University 2021: Focus on Diversity.” It was originally posted in the category “On Being Included.” Individuals strive for diversity in their communities, workplaces, and universities because of its promise: the promise of pursuing your aspirations without fear of discrimination … Continue reading