Cultural Analysis Proposal

Clemson University, Clemson, SC
Submitted to: Dr. Susan Hilligoss
Presented by: April Davis

INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this study is to do a cultural analysis on Clemson University’s English Teacher Assistants’ (TA) communal work environment. Interviewing members of this group will reveal the how employees feel about their jobs, relationships with their superiors, and relationships with each other. Researching these factors will disclose the values and rituals of this group and will identify whether they share, embody, and reflect the values of their superiors and the program.

OVERVIEW STRUCTURE
Part I will provide an overview of the program (mission, structure, history) and discuss the methodology for the study itself. Part II will address four major themes of the study, which consist of the following:
· Community (structure, values, leadership)
· Perspectives on Teaching
· Rituals, Ideals, Narratives, and Practices
· Ethical Issues

METHODS
As a participant observer, I will interview and observe fellow TAs while also record my own observations. The interviews and observations will take place in or near the TA offices as to not interfere with their required office hours. Individual interview sessions will last approximately 5-10 minutes and the office observations for 30 minutes. The participants will be asked questions individually, and then conversational topics will be asked of the group as a whole. The comments from these talks will be recorded in detail. The interview participants will be any TAs currently in the office.

ANALYSIS
This cultural study will use the root metaphor approach. In such, each of the four major themes will be analyzed according to two of the three major research traditions of root metaphor:
· Culture as shared cognition
- Thought process and patterns of logic
· Culture as systems of shared symbols
- Language, nonverbals, and organization semiotics

Major Themes:
Theme 1: Community
Theme 2: Perspectives on Teaching
Theme 3: Rituals, Ideals, Narratives, and Practices
Theme 4: Ethical Issues

CONCLUSION
This study will measure how well or poorly assimilated TAs are with the English department’s values and goals. While not the focus of this study, the results may potentially yield some correlation between TA work ethic and satisfaction to ENGL 103 students’ comprehension.