Subculture Immersion Project Blair Mosberg

MK 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 HIGHLIGHTS Compare 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,UggsandmoreUggs”–DS

“ea2ngsaladsandgoingtotheplex…withtheiryogamatsintoteforyogaclass”–DS

“MakingAppearancesatHillsideCafé,sportsplayers,Uggs”–AL

“TheguywholookslikeEdwardCullen,everyoneknowswhoheis.”–BA

Unwritten rules of behavior

“Usingtraysindininghallsisano‐no.It’sthesuresignofafreshman.”–BA

“’Ruleof3,’whereafreshmanguyisexpectedtobring3girlstoanyupperclassmanpartyheisinvitedto.–AL

“Ifyougoonfacebookinthelibrary,knowyouwillbejudged”–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 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