Subculture Immersion Project

Blair MosbergMK 315 Spring 2012

BOSTON COLLEGE

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 HIGHLIGHTSCompare BC students to other

students in Boston

“In general, I would say that BC students are more well-rounded” –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

“eating 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!• BC logo attire• Groups of 2-4 people• Conversation about

classes • Talk very fast

BC girl

MORE RESEARCH

BASKETBALL GAME• BC upset FSU– was a big deal

• Students sat together

• Yellow Superfan 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