Research Paper: American Subcultures

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
• 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. 

This assignment requires an extensive amount of work on the front-end. Here are some guidelines on establishing contact with your subculture:

1. Choosing a subculture is the most important decision in the assignment. Choose a group that interests you, but also be realistic about your choice. Some groups will naturally be more difficult to establish contact with, while others will require a larger investment of time. Think carefully about what you can realistically do in the time you have allotted.

Some possible subcultures to investigate:

• Artists: Performance, Slam Poets
• Motorcycle Enthusiasts: Bikers, Motocross
• Bingo Players
• Car Enthusiasts: Hot Rodders, Car Collectors
• Crafts: Quilting Bees, Scrapbooking, Glass Blowing
• Nature Enthusiasts: Bird Watchers, Scouts, Star Gazers, Survivalists, Naturists
• Bicycle Enthusiasts: Cyclists, Fixed Gear (Fixies)
• Body Art Enthusiasts: Tattoos/Piercings
• Boarding Enthusiasts: Skateboarders, Snowboarders, Surfers
• Collectors: Antiques, Memorabilia, Sports Collectibles, Toys
• Costumes: Cosplay,  Furries
• Coupon Clubs
• Cowboy Culture: Rodeo
• Dancers: Line Dancing, Street Dancing
• Fandom: Anime, Star Trek, Horror, Zombie, Elvis, Twilight
• Fantasy Enthusiasts: Renaissance fairs, RPGs
• Foodies
• Gay Culture: Bears, Drag Queens
• Goths
• Gym Culture: Bodybuilders, Crossfit
• Hip-Hop Culture: Deejaying, Emceeing, Breakdancing
• Hippies
• Hipsters
• Karaoke
• Military Buffs: Civil War Reenacters
• Paranormal Investigators: Ghost hunters, Ufologists, Bigfoot hunters
• Punk: Punk Rockers, Riot Grrrls
• Rave Culture: EDM
• Sport Fanatics
• Techies: Gamers/RPGs, Hackers
• Theatre: Actors, Techies
• Wine Collectors

2. Before you contact anyone, decide on a realistic schedule to work from. You will be under a strict time constraint, so take into consideration your other obligations (e.g. work, school) when planning a schedule. Remember, time management is very important with this assignment.

3. The next step is to find a contact within your chosen subculture. Search the Web for local associations related to your particular group. Try both Yahoo's and Google’s subculture directories for reference information. Most any group will have some type of association. Another route to take is asking family or friends for references. Depending on the group, a friend or relative might be the best way in. However you get in, remember to have accurate contact information for the main people you will be dealing with.

4. When trying to establish a contact within a group, do not assume you will get a timely response. Persistence may be required. Either way, have a backup plan in case your original choice falls through. Once you do reach someone, politely introduce yourself and explain what it is you are trying to do. If the person is unable (or unwilling) to assist you, ask if he or she knows of someone else who might assist you.

5. Once you have established a contact, work out a schedule that allows you time to research, time to spend within that subculture and time to write.

4. When in your subculture, always be respectful. After the assignment is over, a handwritten note of thanks for your main contacts should be sent.

Good luck! 


Schedule:
Week 11: Mo 04.07/We 04.09
ANNOTATED WORKS CITED

Week 13: Mo 04.21/We 04.23
RESEARCH PAPER (UP TO PAGE 4; BRING TWO COPIES)

Week 14: Mo 04.28/We 04.30
RESEARCH PAPER (UP TO PAGE 8; BRING ONE COPY)

Week 15: Mo 05.05/We 05.07
FINAL DRAFT