A Study on the Meaning of ‘Topophilia’ of RC Students in Photo Essay Writing

The purpose of this study was to examine the meaning of ‘Topophilia’ for RC(Residential College) among college students living in RC reflected in the photo essay. By recognizing and re-examining the space RC in the process of writing the photo essay, it was confirmed that RC has a meaning for students as a place to live and form an identity, not a simple settlement space as a physical coordinate. This can be expressed as ‘Topophilia’, and the meaning of ‘Topophilia’ for RC by college students living in RC revealed in the photo essay is understood in three ways. The attachment to the place RC is the understanding and communication of each other who share RC, and the aspect of the emotional solidarity college students feel for the community. In addition, through experience at RC, it is possible to infer the fact that it is reflection and growth that can clarify what values students aim for themselves and what kind of person they want to grow into. The ‘Topophilia’, which is an emotional attachment to RC among college students, continuously affects the lives of individuals by heading beyond themselves to the community and the outside world. The meaning and value of college students as a record of growth in RC could be confirmed through photo essay writing.