“California Notebook” Fieldwork

As outlined in the syllabus and course description, one of the essential goals for this class is that upon completion you have a comprehensive understanding of California. This experience is provided in various ways, primarily through the literature and class discussion, but also through music, art, history, politics, and your own personal experiences.  The connections and observations that you make outside of the classroom are critical to understanding the many perceptions that define California.  Thus, over the course of this year you will be required to complete twenty hours of fieldwork (ten per semester). There are an abundance of experiences to choose from; however, remember the point is to provide yourself opportunities that will illustrate the many different perspectives.  Therefore, try to choose events that are new to you. A good source for locating events is the “Calendar” section of the LA Times and LA Weekly.  There will also be time at the start of each class where you are free to share events with the class. You will illustrate this work in the form of a “log” that will be a part of your final grade. You must include at least ten different experiences for a total of twenty hours (five experiences per semester).  The log should provide a thorough documentation of each experience including items such as photos, ticket stubs, itineraries, pamphlets, etc. as well as a written explanation of your personal perspective.  In your explanation you will provide details about the event / experience as well as address the following questions: how has this experience shaped your overall perspective of California? How does it contribute to the overall cultural fabric of the state? And, how does this help “define CA?”  The idea is to closely analyze how various parts contribute to the whole.  Your final log entry should address how you fit into that “whole.”  How do you contribute to the cultural fabric of what we call “California”?        

Suggested Experiences:

Various festivals- art, music, food, etc

Museums

Art Galleries, Openings, and Exhibits

Performances such as musicals, plays, poetry readings, concerts, etc

Travels to various parts of the city

Restaurants that are representative of Los Angeles culture

Lectures

Sporting events

Culturally specific neighborhoods, shops, and markets

Sporting events

Culturally specific neighborhoods, shops, and markets

California State and National Parks and beaches

* Remember, the idea is to provide yourself with NEW experiences that will allow you to see the many different aspects of California.  Venture out of familiar territory and discover the many different faces that define what we call home.