Greetings from the Sociology Department… It’s Candy Friday! Both class and campus are buzzing today, for several reasons.
Firstly, the weather. It is sunny and HOT in Colorado Springs, so much so that we had class outside on the quad! Our discussion today was regarding our developing research studies; the first draft is due this Sunday at 5pm. All three groups submitted a piece of published literature that is working to guide our development of a research question and subsequent findings for each of our fields. My group, remember that we observed Penrose Hospital, submitted this article on hierarchies, teams and webs in the medical workplace and how they coincide to ensure efficient patient care and satisfied employees. The second group contributed an article regarding WIFI in community places like cafés, and how it is a factor in social dynamics of the business. They have observed the goings-on at Colorado Springs’ The Wild Goose, a notoriously hip coffee shop (their cinnamon rolls are quite something). The final group is researching gender dynamics and masculinity within men’s lacrosse at CC, and submitted an article that parses out the importance of body and self and meaning within lacrosse.
Going into the weekend, my research team of women has a good idea of how to organize our coded data sets into meaningful, patterned findings. Our paper just hit 25 pages, with a substantial literature review. Excited to see what everyone thinks of it (we’re peer editing on Monday, which is why we read all these different articles today)! Another aspect of the project that is due on Monday is our individual portfolios, filled with our own field notes, analytic memos and a reflection of what it’s like to participate in a team-researched and -written study.
Another buzzing topic is Llamapalooza! CC’s annual music festival is slated for this Saturday, and it looks like the weather is going to hold for us. Palmer Hall, the picture below, is where Symbolic Interactionism has been held all block. Tomorrow, these sidewalks will be filled with colorful students in sandals and sun hats with face paint to go around.
On the topic of symbolic interactions, music festivals are excellent examples of the presentation of self! Think about how students will dress differently and behave differently, based solely on their location at a distinguished event that values sunshine and music and good vibes. What is expected in terms of clothing, food and drink, schoolwork and conversation changes uniquely tomorrow on campus. The majority of CC won’t be in Tutt Library, even though 4th week is looming. More skin will be showing than usual and less responsibility will be felt and projected. Fun isn’t a feeling; it’s a performance.
My next post will be after the final work of 4th week but until then, hoping you’ll be enjoying sunshine somewhere, too! We’ve got the social event of the season, and seeing as how it was cancelled last year due to pounding rain, we’re hoping it’ll be twice as great!
