J2011: Media and Public Culture

Assignment #2: Participant observations on "public space"

The purpose of this assignment is to get you to provide a concrete example of a space that you would call a "public space." It can be a place where people go to relax, to celebrate, to listen, watch, to play, to discuss, to argue. It need not be a place where you normally encounter strangers, but it should be a place where such encounters might occur. It can be a place that you frequent, one to which you go only occasionally, or one to which you never went before being given this assignment. There are many possibilities. The idea behind this assignment is for you to give meaning to the idea of "public space" by the example you choose and the analysis you provide. Consider the UMC’s Dalton Trumbo Fountain, the eating area at the UMC, the Pearl Street Mall, cafes, restaurants, bars, Internet chat rooms, the "letters to the editor" section of a newspaper, radio and television call-in shows. These are just a few suggestions. You may have other ideas.

Once you’ve identified the space you wish to write about, spend some time there, and maybe go more than once. You should spend enough time there to feel you have a grasp of how and why people use it. The presence or possibility of conversation is essential. Then write a brief paper that provides the following information:

1. What are the physical characteristics of the space? Indoors? Outdoors? Virtual? Etc.

2. Can you characterize the patrons/clientele who use the space? Heterogeneous? Homogeneous? Male? Female? Age range? Race/ethnicity? Etc.

3. Does the space have what appears to be a primary use or set of uses? How broad/narrow are its uses? What sorts of social interaction occur there?

4. Are there risks (physical, emotional, etc.) to entering and participating in the space? If so, what are they?

5. Why would you call it a "public space"? Is it a space in which publicity occurs or is possible? What, if any, restrictions on access exist? What, if any, social benefits can be derived from using this space?

You should refer to the readings assigned for September 17 and 20 to get an idea about some of the viewpoints on how the terms "the public" and "public space" are used.

Maximum length: 4 double-spaced pages

Due date: Monday, October 4, 2004