OR one extended observation with their small group. Articles should be significant ones related to the topic and assigned readings for the current, prior or upcoming week.
Observations are to be something more than a snapshot.
From a snapshot you could get a systems map, perhaps an influence diagram. If you can capture a period of activity or put together several snapshots of the same organization, you may be able to speculate on a multiple cause diagram, a sign graph, fault tree, etc. Eventually, you will be able to produce a rich picture . As a key part of the critical analysis of the article or observation, you are to diagram what you see and understand using systems diagraming tools and methods. These diagrams are also to be shared with the group.