BOSTON COLLEGE Subculture Immersion Project Blair Mosberg MK 315 Spring 2012
BOSTON COLLEGE • Chestnut Hill, MA • Founded in 1863 • Approx. 9,000 undergrads • Jesuit
METHODS • 3 in-depth interviews – Andrew (AL), Brenda (BA), Debra (DS)
• Observation – Transportation – Eating in dining halls
• Participation – Basketball game – Hockey game
IDI HIGHLIGHTS Compare BC students to other students in Boston “In general, I would say that BC students are more wellrounded” –DS “As Steve Almond kindly puts it, ‘The entire campus looks like a J. Crew catalog with a slight hangover.’” -BA
How often do you leave campus, and for what reasons? • • • • •
Every other week / 2-3 times per month Dine out Study at coffee shops Shopping Bars once in a while
Campus‐wide obsessions “Uggs, Uggs and more Uggs” –DS “ea2ng salads and going to the plex…with their yoga mats in tote for yoga class” –DS “Making Appearances at Hillside Café, sports players, Uggs” –AL “The guy who looks like Edward Cullen, everyone knows who he is.” –BA
Unwritten rules of behavior “Using trays in dining halls is a no‐no. It’s the sure sign of a freshman.” –BA “’Rule of 3,’ where a freshman guy is expected to bring 3 girls to any upper classman party he is invited to. –AL “If you go on facebook in the library, know you will be judged” –DS
Student & faculty icons • • • •
Eagles Nest Piano Guy Religious leaders Pro athlete alumni Coaches
OBSERVATION I: TRANSPORTATION • BC Shuttle
OBSERVATION II: DINING HALLS • No trays! • Conversation about classes • BC logo attire • Groups of 2-4 people • Talk very fast BC girl
MORE RESEARCH
BASKETBALL GAME • BC upset FSU – was a big deal
• Students sat together
• Yellow Super Fan shirt
HOCKEY GAME • 3 full student sections • It’s all your fault! Cheer
• Coach Jerry York • Live tweet
CONCLUSION • • • •
Felt most immersed when sorting through data Usually thought, “this is not for me” Reaffirmed preconceived notions Learned more than what I already knew