This document discusses using the TV show The Wire as a case study for urban ethnography. Students are split into groups and asked to focus on a main social issue portrayed in The Wire by developing a research question. They are given limited information and asked to discuss the characters, plot, and narratives of the show as well as how it explores sociological themes related to the city of Baltimore. Professor William Julius Wilson is quoted praising how The Wire enhances understandings of urban life and inequality through its complex characters and exploration of institutions.

1. Research Methods II
Urban Ethnography
The Wire
Dr Igor Calzada
16 October 2014

2. Urban Ethnography: THE WIRE
! A.- Presenting the case: (Lecturer)
! Qualitative and Quantitative Research Approaches.
! The Case: Baltimore City.
! B.- In each group: (Members)
! To answer ‘The 4 Questions’

3. Urban Ethnography: THE WIRE
! Fictional context: Behave as an OUTSIDER
! Imagine that your group should work on this real
field.
! It is Baltimore (USA) but it could be Birmingham
(UK)
! Are you familiar with this TV Serie?
! What do you like/dislike from it?
! How are the main characters?
! What is the plot?
! How are the different narratives?
! But…this happens in a certain context > CITY

4. Urban Ethnography: THE WIRE
! BALTIMORE

5. A.- Interactive Activity
Urban Ethnography: THE WIRE
! BALTIMORE
(25 min)

6. A.- Interactive Activity
Urban Ethnography: THE WIRE
(25 min)
We are going to provide you JUST
one piece of information:
< A TV Series Set >

7. A.- Interactive Activity
(25 min)

8. A.- Interactive Activity
Urban Ethnography: THE WIRE
(25 min)
WHICH IS GOING TO BE THE
MAIN SOCIAL ISSUE
THAT YOU ARE GOING TO FOCUS ON?

9. A.- Interactive Activity
Urban Ethnography: THE WIRE
(25 min)
WHICH IS GOING TO BE THE
YOUR RESEARCH
QUESTION
THAT YOU ARE GOING TO BE FOCUS ON?

10. Beginning the Group Work

11. A.- Interactive Activity (25 min)
Urban Ethnography: THE WIRE
MAIN CONCLUSION
The Wire’s exploration of sociological themes is truly
exceptional. Indeed I do not hesitate to say that it has done
more to enhance our understandings of the challenges of
urban life and urban inequality than any other media event
or scholarly publication, including studies by social scientists…
Professor William Julius Wilson,
Harvard University Seminar about The Wire, 4th April 2008.

12. A.- Interactive Activity (25 min)
Urban Ethnography: THE WIRE
MAIN CONCLUSION
The Wire develops morally complex characters on each side
of the law, and with its scrupulous exploration of the inner
workings of various institutions, including drug-dealing gangs,
the police, politicians, unions, public schools, and the print
media, viewers become aware that individuals’ decisions and
behaviour are often shaped by - and indeed limited by -
social, political, and economic forces beyond their
control".
Professor William Julius Wilson,
Harvard University Seminar about The Wire, 4th April 2008.