Topic: In this essay we will look at how community can be made through acts of collective celebration. However, rather than looking at well-structured social events (or mega-events) we focus on activities that are more labile, processual and, therefore, that require greater attention to the negotiation of what is going on by those so engaged. Our case studies for this discussion are an account of nightclubbing in Perth and an interpretation of Danish teenagers partying activities. We should expect that the cases may not perfectly match our own experiences. Our task is to use these two articles comparatively, to help us develop some insights, ideas and understandings to better understand life around us. Note how the methods used in making these two readings are very different. Some guiding questions include: Is it appropriate to identify these activities as celebrations? How do the authors of these two accounts understand identity? How do the authors make the connections between these activities and identities? How do they structure the presentation of evidence to argue their interpretations? – You can ground your essay in the literature review or you can use this as an opportunity to develop a particular interest of your own. It might be useful to focus your essay around some topic such as a newspaper account, a media report in some other format or an issue that reveals something important to you about urban life. – The essay should be 1,800 words (+/- 10%) in length and should include at least 10 references. A final reference page must be included using the Chicago 17th edition style. Readings: Northcote, Jeremy 2006 Nightclubbing and the Search for Identity: Making the Transition from Childhood to Adulthood in an Urban Milieu. Journal of Youth Studies 9(1):1-16. Demant, Jakob and Jeanette Ostergaard 2007 Partying as Everyday Life: Investigations of Teenagers’ Leisure Life. Journal of Youth Studies 10(5):517-537.
Hide
