Austin Vandepoll Elizabeth Hinnant ENGL 1102-030 1/28/14 The Life of an Architect Major For my ethnography and observations,

I have chosen to observe the architect majors at UNC Charlotte. Going into these observations, I dont really have any knowledge of architect majors, let alone the ones at UNC Charlotte. A major reason I decided to observe this group of people is because I also wish to be an architect graduating from UNC Charlotte. Coming into this, I really feel like my ethnography questions will really allow me to gain a better knowledge for the group as a whole. I already know a few things here and there about the group but Id really like to see how the group works as both individuals and as a whole. I also know that being an architect requires a fair amount of creativity and artistic ability. Without these talents, designing things becomes quite difficult. My major question for architect majors is that Id like to know if they are segregated based off of skill levels and how they talk amongst each other based off of either skills or just general knowledge. I also wonder if they have specific purposes for aspiring to become an architect graduate of UNCC. Another question I have is if the majors are treated much differently depending on what gender they are. I wish to see the many factors of being an architect major at UNCC.
Comment [B3]: Im not sure I understand the purposes of these questions. How are these specific questions going to shed light on this group in a new and interesting way? These all seem fairly surface level to me. As you move forward in your research make sure that you pin down a specific overarching question that you hope to find an answer to. Comment [B1]: Im not sure you should include this information simply because it may allow readers to believe that you already have biases going into your research.

Comment [B2]: This might be a good place to address your overarching bigger question. Remember that for this particular ethnography you need to have an angle to go in at.

Austin, While Im glad that youre so personally invested and interested in the group youve chosen to study, Im leaving this proposal feeling a bit confused. You only present a few of your smaller inquiry questions towards the end, and Im having a hard time how they connect to each other or to any overarching big question. As noted in one of my comments in the margins, this assignment requires you to have an angleor to shed light on this group in a new, specific, and interesting way. Im not sure that youve got that angle as of yet. You seem to have an interest in the creative processes of architecture majors, so maybe one way you could approach the group would be to ask how do architecture majors balance their creative and logical sides or something to that effect. Remember that whatever question you choose, you should be able to argue for most of your conclusions based off observation (85%). If youre having trouble brainstorming a way in I highly suggest visiting the Writing Resources Center in Cameron. The tutors there can be very, very helpful. Please dont hesitate to email me with any questions or concerns.