Welcome to Social Change Through Research and Writing

This book represents a collaborative effort by faculty across various departments at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC). It currently comprises twenty articles, each showcasing the expertise and insights of our esteemed faculty members.

This book is more than just a collection of academic papers. It’s a purpose-built resource designed for field research, especially tailored for students engaged in diverse disciplines and composition-focused courses at SLCC. Our goal is to address a significant need in educational materials — particularly for those students conducting qualitative and quantitative research in courses that focus on social change.

At the heart of this book is the belief that research and writing are powerful tools for social transformation. By presenting a range of perspectives, the book aims to deepen students’ understanding of the world. It emphasizes the importance of giving voice to those from marginalized communities and using writing as a means to advocate for change.

An essential part of this learning process involves field research. Students will engage in hands-on activities like conducting interviews and surveys, collecting artifacts, taking detailed field notes, and interpreting data. The articles in this book are designed to provide the necessary online content and guided practice for conducting effective field research. This includes formulating research questions and engaging in data collection and analysis with confidence and effectiveness.

Therefore, Social Change Through Research and Writing is a comprehensive and accessible guide that empowers students to use their research and writing skills to make a difference. Whether you’re a student at SLCC or someone interested in the power of writing to drive social change, this book offers valuable insights and practical tools to enhance your journey.

Dr. Roberto Rojas-Alfaro

Assistant Professor

English, Linguistics, and Writing Studies

Editor-In-Chief