Date of Award
5-2025
Culminating Project Type
Thesis
Styleguide
mla
Degree Name
English: M.A.
Department
English
College
College of Liberal Arts
First Advisor
Judy Dorn
Second Advisor
Brad Chisholm
Third Advisor
Maureen O'Brien
Fourth Advisor
Sarah Steinfeldt
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Abstract
This document presents an ethnographic and reflective exploration of fraternity life, specifically through the personal experiences of a lifelong member of the 80th Chapter of Acacia, an international fraternity. Emphasizing authenticity, the author carefully navigates the balance between transparency and respect for sworn secrecy intrinsic to Greek organizations. Rituals and traditions are acknowledged in full detail yet intentionally obscured where secrecy dictates, highlighting their significance without compromising fraternity integrity. Central to this narrative is the aim to demystify fraternity life for non-members, examining it through an anthropological rather than purely moral or philosophical lens. Through candid storytelling, humor, and critical reflection, the document addresses societal perceptions and stigmas attached to Greek Life, providing an honest, insightful look into the cultural dynamics and personal transformations within fraternity communities. Ultimately, this work seeks to illustrate fraternity life authentically, encouraging readers to understand the complexities and nuances inherent in these social organizations beyond prevailing stereotypes.
Recommended Citation
Thury, Derek R., "Woolgathering: Stories of the Light and Darkness in Greek Life" (2025). Culminating Projects in English. 62.
https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/eng_etds/62
