Outstanding Ethnographic Research Projects

When Words Fail, Music Speaks

Hannah Williams '12 — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 06:46:48 PDT

Vocal performers are distinctive due to the self-discipline that necessarily accompanies having one's voice be one's instrument, as all life choices directly affect a vocalist's ability to sing. Vocalists are also united by a strong feeling of self-confidence that is essential in a field that is highly competitive, subjective, and personal. Furthermore, while a love of music is a common theme for many musicians, vocal performers are distinguished by both the emotional and physical connection that they must forge with their music.

Building Christ-based Relationships, Disciples, and Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ at Illinois State University

Cassandra Jordan '12 — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 13:24:58 PDT

The Cru movement at Illinois State University (ISU) in Normal, Illinois is the focus of this research. Each week there are a plethora of dorm Bible studies, leader Bible studies, and unofficial ‘hang outs.’ In addition to the small group meetings, there is also a weekly meeting, similar, but not the same as, a church worship service on Thursday evenings. Although the number of participants fluctuate week by week, between seventy five and one hundred people attended the events where I was present. To get an in-depth look at the movement, I focused my interviews and interactions with leaders and members who actively participated each week within the ISU Cru.

Smile and Style: An Ethnographic Analysis of ISU's Gamma Phi Circus

Sarah Carlson '13 — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 13:24:57 PDT

Gamma Phi Circus of Illinois State University is the oldest collegiate circus in the United States, and one of only two still in existence. Founded in 1926 by Clifford “Pop” Horton, a gymnastics instructor, it began as a small group of men performing human pyramids and tumbling at sporting events. By 1931, it was an actively performing college circus troupe. Now, with a rich, 82 year performance history, Gamma Phi has roughly 70 performers and holds highly attended performances every April, in conjunction with a rigorous year-round practice schedule.

I chose to focus my research on Gamma Phi because they represent a strikingly visual and dynamic performance tradition. The performances that members create visually convey certain essential aspects of what it means to be a member of Gamma Phi. Members of the college circus share a set of goals, ethics, and characteristics which both create the culture of which they are a part, and qualify them as members. The information I gathered in collaboration with the members of Gamma Phi focused on the ways in which circus performance is learned and how that process helps Gamma Phi achieve its performance goals.

Exploring Acupuncture in the American Midwest

Shuting Zhong '11 — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 10:24:28 PDT

Through visual anthropological methods, I explored the mechanism, efficacy, and practice of acupuncture in the American Midwest. I took photographs during the clinical visits to include a visual component, which serves not only to illustrate the concepts, but as a mechanism to gain deeper insight about the healing tradition. The act of reviewing the photographs and the selective emphasis on certain concepts was a collaborative effort with Mr. Gu, commonly referred to as Dr. Gu, allowing for a blend of viewpoints from the expert consultants and my own conclusions. The feedback from Dr. Gu and
the office manager at each step of the research process ensured correct representation of the practice and facilitated the development of a working relationship. This systematic and integrative approach gives participants a voice, facilitates transparency, and establishes legitimacy of the information presented.

Luck Be A Lady: An Exploration of the Bloomington Bingo Community Through Visual Ethnographic Methods

Monica Simonin, '11 — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 07:49:59 PDT

Getting High: An Inside Look into College Students' Lives with Type 1 Diabetes

Amber Spiewak, '11 — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 07:49:59 PDT

Twin City Chess Club: a Visual Ethnographic Examination of Chess

Morgan Tarbutton, '11 — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 07:48:52 PDT