Assignment #2 -Due Thursday 1/21

For writing assignment #2 you will actually need to talk to Italians in order to find out what people know about the riots in the south. This is a more involved assignment than #1, so it should be longer. Make it as long as you need it to be (3 pages minimum).

You can choose to talk to one person, if that person gives you enough to work with, or you can talk to several people. Variety is always good. You can talk to the doorman, the office staff (only nonAmericans), the waiter at your favorite cafe, the person in the bookstore, people you might meet at museums, galleries, cafes. See how it goes and be persistent. Don't get destroyed if a mean postal worker refuses to talk to you. She is grumpy, so go on and talk to someone who has a friendlier disposition.

It is helpful to approach people with some Italian words and a smile. These two things can open doors and bring new friends.

You can do the investigative aspect of this assignment with a partner, but the write up should be yours only.

Suggestions to get you started...you can ask:
What do they know of the recent riots?
How did they first hear of the recent riots? Where did they get their information? Overall, how interested are they in what's been happening?
How serious an issue do they consider illegal immigration to be? Is the problem more serious for some groups than for others? What should government policy be?
Why do you feel this way?
How long have you lived in Rome? Where did your parents grow up?
What are the most pressing issues in Italy today?

Listen carefully and represent their narrative in your writing with respect and accuracy. Let them tell you what they want to tell you. They may digress into other topics related to immigration, politics, or their own stories.

Be an active listener. Try not to judge, stay open, and gather information. Most likely you will be surprised. Don't tell them that their opinions are wrong or right, and don't try to change their opinions. Don't get into arguments. Share your thoughts if you are asked. You don't need to NOT have an opinion. Just try and let them do most of the talking.

It would be useful to make sure you are informed about the situation so make sure you read the current news about the recent riots and any news related to the riots (both local, national, and world).

Other things to consider:
--Think about how you will introduce the topic, i.e. "Buongiorno, I am a student from Seattle studying in Rome this winter, and I am gathering information about the recent riots in southern Italy. It would be so helpful to learn more. Would you mind telling me what you know about the riots and your thoughts about this situation?"
You can adapt this to your style and to the person you are talking to, but keep it open ended and polite.

--Bring your journal for note taking and reflection. It may be that it is best to wait to write down your notes and reflections about the conversations (i.e. field notes), or you might be comfortable taking notes while you are listening. Feel this out and do what is appropriate for the situation. If you are with a partner, it might work to have your partner be your notetaker.

--For your write up, narrate what you learned by listening to their opinions and stories. Describe the people you talked to. Who are they, where did you meet them, why did you choose them. What about the process. Did you hear more than you thought you would? Write all the stories you heard and also consider: how did it feel to ask Italians about the riots? How do you think they felt being asked this question by an American student? Would they have answered differently if asked by a fellow Italian? How did you feel about this assignment in general? What was your comfort level and what borders/boundaries did you experience while engaged in this assignment. What walls did you cross?

--Think about what you have learned so far in the readings and discussions and feel free use to inform your writing.

--Always consider your subject position and discuss your bias' and your position in this process.

Ok, more writing tips coming soon, but this should get you started. Let me know if any questions.