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Discusses food indulgences among men and women. Asserts that women associate food indulgences with loved ones and celebratory occasions, while men have no such associations. Also suggests that women think of food indulgences as high fat content foods, and men define food indulgences based on cost. Briefly discusses the desire to be thin among American women. Created by Gwendolyn Stevens while she was enrolled in Jill Terry Rudy's English 495 class during Winter Semester 2002.

Scope and Contents note Includes a description of the life of the author's grandmother, Faye Taggart Sanders, emphasizing her "passion for her independence." The life story is constructed from interviews conducted by the author and from short memoir vignettes written by Faye Taggart Sanders (which are included). Cover essay highlights her grandmother's early years, her experience working for the railroad, her love of travel, her marriage, and family life. Includes photocopies of photographs, scrapbook pages, and...

Scope and Contents note Collection discusses specific recipes commonly used by the author's mother and the importance of "communal eating." Mentions unique aspects of her mother's recipes for wheat bread, chicken noodle soup, and cinnamon rolls. Discusses the social aspect of eating and describes family dinners as an event that encourages table manners, family camaraderie, and a healthy food habits. Created by Catherine Chapman while she was enrolled in Jill Terry Rudy's English 495 class during Winter Semester...

Scope and Contents note Includes a discussion of pranks among college freshmen at Brigham Young University. Explains the prevalence of pranks by describing the close living quarters of freshmen in the dorms. Describes pranks as an act of rebellion. Explains that pranks are an especially attractive form of entertainment at among BYU freshmen not only because they are compatible with students' situation of limited money and transportation, but also because pranks are permissible in the Mormon religion, which...

Scope and Contents note Describes a specific tradition in the author's family: twice every year, while the men in her family attend the priesthood session of general conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the women in the family have a shopping outing at the malls in downtown Salt Lake City. Discusses gender behavioral differences when it comes to same gender outings. Compares the author's traditions to those of other families. Asserts that one social difference between men and women is that...

Scope and Contents note Includes an analysis of decorations on BYU English faculty office doors. Gives a general discussion of self-expression in the work place. Includes interviews with four BYU English faculty members about their office door decor. Identifies the following reasons for door decorations: commemoration of a person or thing, family devotion, an aid in locating a particular office, expression of political opinions, and expression of academic interests. Created by Aaron Lovell while he was enrolled in...

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Briefly discusses story telling in general. Describes the activity of sharing stories about dating at Brigham Young University. Describes various functions of date story telling: explaining behavior expectations of the opposite gender, to impress with tales of creativity, entertainment. Explains that dating culture at BYU emphasizes traditional gender roles. Created by Elson Budd Keeler while he was enrolled in Jill Terry Rudy's English 391 class during Winter Semester 2003.

Scope and Contents note Explains that superstitions in Tahitian culture come from legends about the islands. Discusses the commercialization of legendary Tahitian sites in the tourism industry. Describes some religious legends of the island. Discusses the effect of French control and the introduction of Christianity on Tahitian superstitious and religious culture. Mentions creation myths, sacred places and items, tiki figures and other religious symbols, spiritual communication, and black magic. Created by Mahana...

Scope and Contents note Discusses the tradition of creative date invitations. Notes that the tradition is most prevalent in areas densely populated by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Explains reasons for the custom: it makes asking someone for a date less intimidating, it gives opportunity to create a good first impression. Mentions the emphasis on dating in Mormon culture. Includes a map illustrating areas where creative asking occurs most frequently. Includes photographs of date...

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Explains that family traditions cement family members together. Describes the creation of traditions as either spontaneous or intentional. Explains that some traditions are created to replace others that have ended. Identifies important aspects of family traditions: ease, enjoyment, and symbolic importance. Includes family photographs and interviews about family traditions. Created by Rebecca Geurts while she was enrolled in Jill Terry Rudy's English 391 class during Winter Semester 2003.