Cultural Studies

I am taking Cultural Studies because I consider culture to be one of the most interesting aspects of life and society. Being a well traveled individual, I am fortunate enough to say that I certainly have experienced my fair share of "culture." Two years ago, some friends and I decided to take a trip through Europe. We visited France, Switzerland, Italy, and Greece. Additionally, I have been through Mexico, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Central America. Experiencing these many different cultures first hand has broadened my horizons and allowed me to see different ways of life. Some of my more interesting experiences with these different cultures are what lead me to chose this class (...and ok, maybe I needed the credit, too).

I, myself, am from Darien, Connecticut....and if you know anything about the culture of Darien, Connecticut you know that it is a town filled to brim with staunchly Republic millionaires who drive BMWs, wear Ralph Lauren, and have drinks at the Yacht Club every night of the week. I could not be more thankful to my parents for relocating before I was old enough to realize just how ridiculous that place was. In hindsight, had I not gotten out of Darien and into Chicago, I probably would have ended up a completely different person in a very different culture, which to me, is extremely interesting.

It is difficult to come up with a black and white definition for "culture." Culture depends upon things such as spirituality, language, manners, rituals, dress, location, etc. Culture is, more or less, the way a society behaves in their particular environment. It is a very interesting and complex subject, and I am looking forward to the cultural knowledge this class has to offer me. Different cultures operate under different circumstances and to understand that is to understand the world around you.