Research Paper Assignment, Pt. I

sub·cul·ture n. 1. A cultural subgroup differentiated by status, ethnic background, residence, religion, or other factors that functionally unify the group and act collectively on each member

Prompt:
For you research paper, you must not only investigate, but embed yourself in, a unique American subculture. The goal is to accurately report on a group of people, a place, or an event from an insider’s perspective, resulting in an article-style, creative nonfiction paper that enhances the reading experience through narrative techniques.

Technical guidelines:

• 10-pages minimum (plus works cited) in MLA format
  
• Must chronicle an embedded period of time, as well as contextualize that subculture’s history (and future) in America
  
• Include the peer-reviewed first three pages from the writers workshop
  
• Attach photocopies of some form of verification of your attendance; this can include tickets stubs, receipts, photos, email correspondence, etc. In some case, notes might be acceptable, but please check with me first.
  

Subculture guidelines:

• You must investigate a subculture not typically or thoroughly represented in the American mainstream (e.g. fantasy RGP, hot rod collectors, bird-watchers, coupon clubs)
  
• This should be a subculture with which you have little or no previous experience
  
• You must spend a minimum of four continuous hours embedded with this group
• You cannot participate in activities that are either dangerous or illegal
  

Writing guidelines:

• You are writing in the genre of creative nonfiction, non-fiction that utilizes fictional techniques. Therefore, your writing must “enhance” real-life people and events through characterization, dialogue, prose, etc.
  
• Creative nonfiction relies heavily on observation. Observe your subjects with a keen eye, noting everything from the individual smallest details to larger implications of their actions.
• Background information is essential to contextualize your subculture for readers. The more detail you add, the more vivid and informative an experience you will create.
  
• Your paper’s form should be flexible. Forms and styles will vary throughout the class depending on approaches. This should be an organic process in which your subject dictates the form your paper takes.
  
• Your paper should be a snapshot of a particular moment in time. It is an image of people, a place, or an event captured in words.

Due: Tuesday, May 12th