By Emily Tarr, Senior Staff Writer
The Culture Club is a forum for students to discuss their interests in people and social movements around the world.
Previously known as the Sociology/Anthropology Club, this year’s members decided to rename the club in order to add a bit more zest to its title while still trying to stay true to the group’s purpose and goals.
At typical weekly meetings, one person usually gives an informal talk on his or her Independent Study, current research or an interesting topic from a current course.
The meetings give a place for students to discuss their work in a casual atmosphere and get support from their peers.
After the presentations, students have open discussions about the topic and ask the presenter questions.
Culture Club co-President Larken Yackulic ’11 said the weekly discussions are one of her favorite aspects of the club; not only does she enjoy sharing her own work, she loves hearing what others in the club are up to.
Yackulic is currently writing an I.S. focused on the relationship between small communities in the Rocky Mountain west and public lands.
“It’s encouraging when people are interested in your project,” she said.
Vice President Alison Hall ë11 agrees. “Witnessing my peers participate in passionate discussion outside of the classroom gives me inspiration to contribute my own feelings about different issues,” she said.
“I enjoy how we incorporate such diverse topics of interest into one common club theme.”
In addition to weekly meetings, the Culture Club periodically hosts movie nights during the semester.
Recent films included a movie on tourism in Papua, New Guinea, a film about the role of women in rap videos and “Cannibal Tours,” which focused on the perceptions of indigenous groups.
The films are typically followed by an optional discussion so that students can express their reactions to the film.
The Culture Club also has a cooking night, tentatively scheduled for Feb. 18.
Participants will cook with a student from the Ambassador Program and the menu will likely feature jerk chicken and tofu.
Culture Club T-shirts will soon be on sale as well.
While the shirts will probably incorporate some aspects of the Sociology and Anthropology department, anyone will be welcome to purchase them.
A small donation will be made to a local community charity for every shirt sold.