Anthropology undergrads get into print
What do Sikhs, astrologists and Gaspesians have in common?
Enough, as they negotiate community, language and identity, to earn a spot in the just published Stories from Montreal: Ethnographic Accounts of Life in North America’s Francophone Metropolis, Volume 6.
“The papers in the collection were written originally for last year’s ANTH 315 course, which is a fieldwork class,” says Valerie Webber, one of three editors of the book, all of whom contributed chapters based on their student research. “This is one of the more important required courses of the degree.”
Each year, every student in the class, taught by professor Sima Aprahamian of Concordia’s Department of Sociology and Anthropology, produces an ethnography of a local culture. Past classes have looked at cultural communities, punks, hipsters and tattoo artists. Webber, along with Angelina Leggo and Mona Magalhaes decided to take on editing duties, and since last fall they have been working with students to transform their original research into publishable work.
The result is an eight-chapter volume whose actual layout was the only step not involving Concordia labour, according to Webber. “Everything else was done entirely by student volunteers (cover design, editing, etc.).” Funding for the project came from student groups at the departmental and Faculty level, along with the Concordia Student Union and the Concordia University Alumni Association. The book was launched at a Sociology and Anthropology Graduate Student Association reception on March 11 addressed by department chair Frances Shaver.
Of the 20 students who originally wanted to participate, enthusiasm dwindled as they became caught up in subsequent papers and projects. “In a way this was the greatest challenge – some people were unresponsive after initially showing interest,” says Webber of the rigorous back-and-forth process they adopted with researchers. “It’s too bad that some papers with great potential ended up not being resubmitted or rewritten.”
But those who stuck it out now have a published chapter to their credit. Webber, who had self-published some chapbooks, was eager to participate as an editor, although she is the only one of the three who has since graduated. “What worked well was the team – we were all were able to work very autonomously and drive through some frantic deadlines involving lots of late-night back-and-forth email marathons,” she recalls of the process.
The book, as well as previous editions, is available at the Concordia University Bookstore.
Related links:
• Stories from Montreal
• Concordia University Bookstore
• Department of Sociology and Anthropology