LIB 101
Introduction to Research
focus on Social Justice
Online class
September 21 - November 14, 2026
Embedded Files
This is a course for students who care about social change and information literacy. You will focus on a social justice issue of your choice and find ways to research the background, key players, and action plan. All the while, you will be honing your research skills - skills that you can use throughout your college career and life!
About your instructor
My name is Veronica Vichit-Vadakan and I use she/her pronouns. I am thrilled to be teaching this class because social justice and research are two of my biggest passions. I currently work both online and at the Cascade Campus library. Come say hi!
A little bit about me: I grew up in California and Hawaii and I have lived in Portland for over 30 years. I worked in Film for many years before deciding that I wanted to become a librarian in order to make more of a direct impact in people's lives. My hobbies include baking pies, fostering cats for the Oregon Humane Society, foraging for mushrooms, and playing trivia. In fact, I was on the game show Jeopardy!, won 4 games. I have two "permacats" at home, Chickpea and Leonard, and you will likely see many pictures of both of them in this class.
Course Description
Introduction to Research will examine how different types of information formats are created and how to find, critically evaluate, and cite them as part of a research process. We will apply critical thinking to examine different types of expertise and authority in a variety of contexts, questioning the dominant narrative while also looking for underrepresented voices. This course will center social justice and social change and how to use research to further goals. Students will work on a culminating project that will focus on an issue or action important to them.
Intended Outcomes for the course
Upon successful completion, students should be able to:
Identify how an information source was created.
Find and cite different types of information sources using PCC Library search tools and the free web.
Critically evaluate the relevance and credibility of an information source based on the question or information need.
Articulate and present the background on a social justice issue.
Resources
Here are a few quick links to resources and PCC in general to help you in what you need to succeed.
Library Resources
PCC Support Services
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