Conduct an observation of Fieldwork on coffee shop.
1. Conduct an observation. For one hour, go to a coffeehouse with a unique atmosphere and culture.Note: in this time of social distancing, please be very careful. If you would prefer to observe from a distance, outside of a coffeehouse, in an open air setting, or even using just a very careful assessment of your memories of coffeehouses, that is fine. Starbuck’s, Peet’s, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and other chain coffee purveyors do not count; the coffeehouse you choose must be independently owned and operated, must not be part of a chain, and must have a unique culture of its own.If you don’t know one, you might be able to find one through Yelp. Enter your zip code and the word “coffeehouse” and see what comes up. If you are in an urban area, you almost certainly have one nearby.If you are not in an area where this kind of coffeehouse exists, you could substitute an independently owned and operated food or drink establishment that has a unique culture of its own.2. Observe your surroundings. (You can have your own coffee/tea/other food or beverage while you do this.) Take detailed notes, in paragraph (not bullet-point) form, on what goes on there (staff, clientele, interactions, sights, sounds, smells, general feeling, etc.. Aim for one typed single-spaced page. The main thing you’re looking for is coffeehouse culture: what do people do when they’re in this place? Do they just eat, drink, and leave (or just get their order to go)? Do they work—on laptops, on paper, or otherwise? Do they meet friends, family, or business associates, or do they come alone? 3. Do a short (3-5 minutes) interview. Ask a worker these questions (no need to audio-record, but remember the answers and write them down when the conversation is finished):Note: you might also choose to do this brief interview over the phone. It’s easiest if you choose a time when the coffeehouse is not busy.Who owns this coffeehouse?Who is the clientele?What is the culture like?What do they serve? why?What part do they play in the community?Anything else that would give you insight into the community of the coffeehouse?4. Post your observation and interview notes here.5. Using Schivelbusch and your observations, answer this question in 1 paragraph: how does coffee contribute to coffeehouse community?
