Students will thoroughly analyze their connection to the influential power structures affecting their lives and the broader society. While the observations and experiences of students serve as an initial point for critically examining a social issue, BIO 14, being a research writing course, guides students through an investigative process. This process aids them in constructing a more comprehensive and profound comprehension of the world they navigate.

The research aspect of BIO 14 remains integral, providing a framework to contextualize students’ experiences and observations. A CE BIO 14 goes beyond incorporating diverse opinions and ideas, along with an analysis of their origins and the interests they serve.

Irrespective of the topic, faculty members will involve students in critical literacy practices, empowering them to:

• Recognize their social spaces and communities as areas for inquiry and investigation.
• Engage texts in dialogue with empirical and experiential knowledge, expanding their understanding of the forces influencing societal power dynamics.
• Apply the insights gained through inquiry to envision ethical responses to societal injustice and inequity.