PART I: OBSERVATION

1. Prepare yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically for your observation. Ensure that you will be able to be alert and attentive to the situation, not distracted by physical needs. Practice taking note of your own emotional responses without getting caught up in them. Remember that your goal for the observation is to report as completely and accurately as possible the details of the event. Be sure to arrive at the site early enough to have time to take notes about the physical surroundings for the event you are observing.
2. Begin your observation notes before the actual event by describing the background of the event. Note where it will take place, who will be involved, when, what you know of its purpose, etc.  If it is permitted, I recommend taking photographs of the setting and of the activities before, during, and after the event. The photos provide helpful reminders of details you may not have had time to jot down during the event. If you plan to take photographs indoors, use high speed film (ASA 400 or higher) so you will not need a flash.
3. During the event and immediately following, write as complete and accurate a description of the event as you can. Include every factor you see as relevant, while omitting extraneous ones. Include descriptions of:

1. The architectural features of the site or building
2. Physical arrangements, colors and ornamentation of any furnishings
3. Leaders and participants in the event--their sex, age, dress, speech, actions, location, etc.
4. What the ritual means to the participants you are observing
5. Whatever else you think is of importance

PART II: ANALYSIS, REFLECTION, & EVALUATION

A. Analysis

As soon after the event as possible, even while you or your group are/is still on the way home, begin your analysis of the event.

1. What actions, persons, places and things seemed the most important? Why? (E.g., they occupied more time, had a more prominent physical location)
2. What actions, persons, places and things seemed the least important, or even superfluous? Why?
3. What connections do you see between the verbal and ritual aspects of this event?
4. What connections do you see among the ritual actions?
5. What do you see as the basic "ritual process" for this event?

B. Theological reflection

1. What signs and symbols can you identify in this ritual?
2. What do these signs and symbols mean/convey?
3. What kind of ritual is this? Why would you classify it this way?
4. What does this ritual teach (e.g., about human nature, the divine, the natural world, the assembly of believers)? How does your reflection compare and contrast with what the participants said it means?
5. How (i.e., by what means) does this ritual event convey a sense of the meaning of life to its participants? What is the meaning it conveys?
6. In what ways did you, as an observer, find this ritual meaningful? In what ways did you find it lacking?
7. What did this observation teach you about your own beliefs (about human nature, God, the community of believers, etc.)?

C. Evaluation

With the other members of your group, if you are working with one, Evaluate your observation according to the following four criteria:

1. What were the objectives you had set for this observation, and to what degree did you accomplish each of them?
2. Do you think your observation strategy was an appropriate one? How might you adapt this strategy to make the observation more effective/efficient?
3. If you worked with a group, did all of the group members fully participate in this observation? How might you improve the group dynamic?
4. What questions did this observation raise for further research or discussion?

PART THREE: DOCUMENTATION

Rather than a "Works Cited" page, include a "Select Bibliography" of the works you consulted in the process of preparing for and analyzing this observation. As with the other research assignments, a minimum of six print resources is required.

Grading: