Michael Garcia
BIS 499 A
1/25/25
Annotated Bibliography
Garcia, Michael. Fall 2024. Linguistics 234. "HW: Official English," Professor Rozelle.
This paper examines the debate surrounding English as the official language of the United States, comparing arguments by Mr. Mujica, who advocates for linguistic uniformity to unite the nation, and Professor Pullum, who critiques such policies as unnecessary and exclusionary. It highlights how an official language policy could marginalize non-English-speaking communities and discusses the broader implications of language in shaping cultural identity and societal inclusion.
I chose this piece because it challenged me to critically examine how language influences identity and belonging. This assignment deepened my appreciation for diversity and taught me the importance of preserving cultural differences in creating a more equitable and inclusive society. It also encouraged me to think more deeply about the ways policy can unintentionally harm marginalized groups.
Garcia, Michael. Winter 2024. BIS 282 A. "Mid-Quarter Knowledge Test," Professor Ben Gardner.
This essay evaluates pressing global issues, including resource privatization, capitalism, and sustainability, using real-world examples such as the bottled water industry and exploitative labor practices. It analyzes the tension between short-term economic priorities and long-term environmental and social impacts, linking these issues to systemic inequalities across the globe.
I included this artifact because it helped me expand my understanding of how economic systems impact communities, resources, and the environment. Writing this test sharpened my ability to critically analyze ethical challenges in global systems and pushed me to think beyond surface-level solutions. It was also a reminder of the importance of balancing economic growth with sustainability.
Garcia, Michael. Spring 2023. BIS 356 A. "Reflection on Hope and Climate Change," Professor Atkins.
Reflection on Hope and Climate Change
This essay, inspired by Hope Matters and 2040, explores the role of hope as a driving force in addressing the climate crisis. It emphasizes practical solutions such as sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and community-driven initiatives while reflecting on how hope can inspire collective action and resilience in the face of global challenges.
I chose this essay because it shifted my perspective on hope from passive optimism to active engagement. Writing this reflection taught me to approach climate issues with both urgency and a sense of possibility. It also encouraged me to see sustainability as not just an obligation but as an opportunity to create meaningful change for future generations.
Garcia, Michael. Fall 2022. BISCLA 380B. "Final Reflection for Group Project: Contemporary Muslim Artists," Professor Anida Yoeu Ali.
Final Reflection for Group Project
This reflection highlights a class project addressing the Uyghur crisis through an artistic installation titled What You See / ماذا ترى (Madha Tarra). The installation used circus-themed visuals to critique systemic oppression and raise awareness about human rights violations. My contributions included building components of the display and collaborating with my team to execute the overall vision while ensuring the project’s message resonated with the audience.
I included this project because it reflects my growth in teamwork and creative problem-solving, especially during a personally challenging time. This assignment taught me the value of art in addressing social issues and inspired me to embrace creativity as a powerful tool for advocacy. It also strengthened my ability to work collaboratively, blending different ideas into a unified vision.
Garcia, Michael. Autumn 2024. BIS 293 A. "Personal Journal Three," Dr. Walsh and Dr. Min Tang.
This journal entry reflects on political polarization in the U.S. during an election season, analyzing the role of media framing, money, and power in shaping public perception. It critiques strategies like the "game frame" and explores how media biases influence voter understanding and engagement, emphasizing the need for open, respectful conversations across political divides.
I included this journal entry because it taught me to critically evaluate the relationship between politics and media. Writing this entry helped me understand the importance of seeking diverse perspectives and strengthened my commitment to creating productive dialogue. It also reminded me that progress often requires stepping out of echo chambers to build bridges between opposing views.
Garcia, Michael. Spring 2023. BIS 302. "Policy Memo on the Opioid Crisis in Washington State," Professor Denise Vaughan.
This memo addresses the opioid crisis in Washington State, using frameworks such as the Stakeholder Model and Cost-Benefit Analysis to propose solutions like stricter prescription regulations, expanded treatment access, and public awareness campaigns. It evaluates the feasibility and potential impact of these interventions, emphasizing the need for a multi-faceted approach.
I selected this memo because it demonstrated how data-driven analysis can inform policy solutions to real-world problems. This assignment helped me understand the complexity of addressing public health crises and sharpened my ability to propose actionable reforms. It also reinforced my belief in the importance of empathy and evidence when tackling systemic challenges.
Garcia, Michael. Winter 2024. BISLEP 301. "Final Essay: Balancing Entitlements and Individual Responsibility," Professor Dr. S. Charusheela.
Final Essay: Balancing Entitlements and Individual Responsibility
This essay integrates Locke’s emphasis on individual liberty with Sen’s capabilities framework to propose balanced policies addressing systemic issues like housing and food insecurity. It critiques traditional economic approaches while advocating for progressive taxation, flexible welfare programs, and collaborative civil society initiatives to create equity.
I chose this essay because it represents the culmination of my learning in policy analysis and critical thinking. Writing this piece allowed me to navigate complex societal challenges while applying philosophical theories to real-world solutions. It also reinforced my desire to contribute to equitable and effective policy-making in the future.
Garcia, Michael. Winter 2025. BIS 371 A. "Journal Entry, Week 3," Professor Linda Watts.
This journal entry examines the struggles of women and Asian Americans in literature, drawing from works like Nisei Daughter and Invisibility Is an Unnatural Disaster. It reflects on how these authors reclaimed their voices through storytelling, challenging cultural erasure and systemic barriers.
I included this artifact because it taught me the power of creativity and literature as tools for expression and change. This assignment reminded me that storytelling is a way to challenge societal norms and inspired me to embrace creativity as a calling. It also helped me reflect on how narratives shape identity and resilience.
Garcia, Michael. Winter 2024. BIS 355. "Framing Narrative: Crossroads of Culture," Professor Christian Anderson.
This framing essay explores the complexities of my multicultural identity as someone shaped by both Asian and Hispanic cultural influences. Organized into sections such as “Cultural Foundations” and “Navigating Dual Identities,” the essay highlights artifacts like a family photo and a Zhuazhou ceremony object that symbolize the blending of cultural traditions and the challenges of meeting diverse expectations. Drawing on theorists like Homi Bhabha and Phinney, it examines how cultural hybridity and societal pressures influence identity formation, ultimately leading to a synthesis of personal and cultural experiences.
I included this artifact because it allowed me to reflect deeply on my journey of navigating a multicultural identity. Writing this essay helped me embrace the complexity of my upbringing while encouraging me to critically analyze the societal and cultural dynamics that shape identity. This assignment taught me the importance of understanding and celebrating the intersection of personal experience and cultural heritage, broadening my perspective on what it means to belong.
Garcia, Michael. Winter 2024. JSIS B 255. "Take Home Final Exam," Professor Jessica L. Beyer.
This take-home exam addresses four critical technology-related issues: space debris, nuclear weapons, cybersecurity ethics, and undersea internet infrastructure. Each response explores the technical, financial, and ethical challenges tied to these topics, drawing on case studies like space debris mitigation, nuclear disarmament efforts, covert operations like "Cuban Twitter," and the geopolitical risks surrounding undersea cables. The exam emphasizes the interconnectedness of technology and global politics, highlighting the necessity of international collaboration to address these pressing issues.
I included this artifact because it encapsulates my ability to analyze complex global challenges through multiple perspectives. Writing this exam not only helped me better understand the ethical and political dimensions of technology but also deepened my appreciation for the importance of critical thinking in navigating these issues. This assignment reinforced my belief in the need for innovative and cooperative solutions to tackle the technological challenges shaping our world today.