Mok
The Campus of U of M
Cecilia Mok
SOCI 1111-001
Murphy
University of Memphis
On the campus of University of Memphis, several principles of sociology are
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expressed everyday. Sociology is the systematic study of social interaction at a variety of
levels (Benokraitis 2009: 3). These different sociological principles will be used to illustrate a
public place where I observed the people around me. I decided to observe the public
surroundings outside Mitchell Hall located near the University Center. In this paper, I will
discuss the principles of symbols, deviance, nonverbal communication, social group, roles,
and dramaturgical analysis.
While observing the campus, I noticed the numerous symbols displayed on this
campus. A symbol is anything that stands for something else and has a particular meaning
for people who share a culture (Benokraitis 2009: 41-42). Located on our campus, there is
the American flag and the University of Memphis flag. The American flag symbolizes our
freedom, our dignity, and the meaning of being an American. The University of Memphis flag
displays the Tiger Pride students hold on this campus. Both flags help unify the society on
this site.
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