My qualifications for this field
study include:
Having taken French language courses (101, 102, 201, 202,
211 and 321), I have an intermediate understanding of French. I will therefore have no trouble getting around
as I can read the language and understand simple conversations. I hope and expect that living in the country
will further help me with comprehension and fluidity in the language.
Current
enrollment in a Field Study Preparation Course which not only requires continuous
research and reading in my chosen interest of study and a honing of that
research, but continuous reflection on my chosen project and extensive writing
about the preparation I am going through to enter a new culture. I think many of the topics we have discussed
in class including observation, participant observation, and interviewing
probes and how to ask questions will all be very helpful, even within an
academic setting as I search for answers to my understanding of French culture
and how it influenced my subjects.
My
completion of my major classes for American Studies which have required me to
take particular American Studies courses in the methodology and ‘conversation’
of American Studies which I can apply to my research. Other course I have taken include an emphasis
on African American culture, American culture, and an extensive understanding
of American history. I have also taken a
History of France class, which has helped me considerably in my understanding
of French culture and the circumstances the African American expatriates I will
be studying lived through.
A
profound and deep interest in my research: I am not doing this research to
further my degree, or doing this research because it has to be done in any way,
but because I am genuinely interested in this subject matter. I think this genuine interest, shared by many
of my peers, will help me in my research.
My
limitations for this field study include:
I
haven’t taken any African American literature courses or a course in Jazz, two
classes I wish I could have under my belt before embarking on this field
study. I also wish I had a better
grounding in Urban Studies, though I know one of my courses while in the field
will help supplement my lack of an Urban Studies background.
I
have the bases for being conversationally fluent in French, but I am NOT
conversationally fluent in French, something of which would greatly benefit my
study. Whatever I acquire on this study
could be largely aided by a more complete ability to converse and read in
French.
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