The Nature of College

by Farrell, James J.

• ISBN13: 9781571313225
• ISBN10: 1571313222
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-11-01
• Publisher: PUBLISHERS GROUP WEST

Summary

Stately oaks, ivy-covered walls, the opposite sex — these are the things that likely come to mind for most Americans when they think about the "nature" of college. But the real nature of college is hidden in plain sight: it’s flowing out of the keg, it’s woven into the mascots on our T-shirts. Engaging in a deep and richly entertaining study of "campus ecology," The Nature of College explores one day in the life of the average student, questioning what "natural" is and what "common sense" is really good for and weighing the collective impacts of the everyday. In the end, this fascinating, highly original book rediscovers and repurposes the great and timeless opportunity presented by college: to study the American way of life, and to develop a more sustainable, better way to live.

Table of Contents

Prelude	p. ix
Introduction: A Reader's Guide	p. 3
Waking Up to Nature	p. 13
The Nature of Stuff	p. 35
The Nature of Clothes	p. 51
Food for Thought	p. 67
The Nature of Cars	p. 93
The Nature of Screens	p. 119
The Nature of Parties	p. 157
The Nature of Sex and (Sometimes) Love	p. 177
The Nature of Religion	p. 199
The Nature of Politics	p. 223
Making Environmental History	p. 249
Notes	p. 163
Acknowledgments	p. 311
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.