Being a Sociology Major in Prague

Over the past month, I have had the wonderful experience of getting to study Sociology in an entirely new culture. Back home, I chose to study Sociology because I wanted to better understand what social forces and norms inherently drive people to acting a certain way. I’ve studied Sociology in America for 2 years, so I love having the chance to study Czech social forces and norms that affect locals daily. 

My Subcultures teacher took us to graffiti on the Lennon Wall. I painted my home area code.

The Lennon Wall

Social norms are different everywhere. Here I’m an outsider, trying to understand what’s socially appropriate or not while barely understanding the native language. Studying abroad in Prague has given me the chance to become an ethnographer, where my everyday life has become field work in an attempt to better understand Czech lifestyles and norms. I’ve been taking two Sociology classes at the Anglo American University to help broaden my educational studies of Czech Sociology. 

Exploring around the Anglo American University neighborhood

We visited the Tesnov Legal Graffiti Wall for our Subcultures class

Gender, Minority and Culture and Sociology of Subcultures both focus on sociological topics within Czech Republic and Europe. Studying history in America really only exposes you to history, and eliminates any foreign social history regarding gender equality and underground punk rock movements. My classes have taught me through lecture and field trips in order to better understand the sociological history and pulse that runs through Czech culture. I’ve enjoyed my classes so far and I cannot wait to continue my sociological studies in Prague.

Learning some of Czech Republics social history at Tezerin

View from Prague Castle overlooking Lesser Town and the Anglo American University

Learning more about Czech sociological history at Tezerin. The sign says "Work Makes You Free"

My roomate and I studying the social history of Prague's door signs, which often displayed what the family valued.

Bonnie C. is the Fall 2017 MOJO Photographer in Prague, Czech Republic. She is currently a Junior studying Sociology at Chapman University.

---

Read more about our CEA CAPA Content Creators.