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
Category Archives: Undergraduate Ethnography
In this section of the Ethnography Lab website, we collect student and instructor writing from various ethnographic practicums offered by or via the Lab.
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
Swapping Rigid Pews for Comfy Couches: Reorienting Catholic Practice during Pandemic Times, By Isabella Danielle (Ethnography of the University 2020: Focus on Knowledge)
This final paper was part of the coursework for the Ethnographic Practicum course, “Ethnography of the University 2020: Focus on Knowledge” It’s 4:45 pm on an autumn Saturday evening, and the Mass begins in fifteen minutes. As I walk up to the church’s robust Mahogany wooden doors, I am reminded that another week has passed. … Continue reading
“Why is no one talking about this?” Veridiction in Online Social Activism, By Kaylee Tang (Ethnography of the University 2020: Focus on Knowledge)
This final paper was part of the coursework for the Ethnographic Practicum course, “Ethnography of the University 2020: Focus on Knowledge” INTRODUCTION: In the summer of 2020, the phrase “why is no one talking about this?” and aggressive awareness campaigns for social justice began popping up in my social media feed. I found this curious, … Continue reading