Serafina Tulioc

HONO 4701
Spain
12/12/14
Senior Honors Reflection
Introduction
Throughout my four years at Dominican, I have had the privilege to be apart of the
honors program. The honors classes that I took part in challenged my way of thinking and my
examination of the world around me. Through the guidance of my teachers, I was able to delve
into the complexities of everything from Miwok culture to world religions to neuroethics. It was
through these classes that I expanded my communication, critical thinking skills and global
awareness.
Complex Communication
In the honors program, both written and oral assignments were key components of all
the coursework. In my first honors course with Arthur Scott, we examined the culture of the
Miwok people and their relationship between humanity and nature. This was a course based
mostly on discussion. These open forums encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone,
forcing me not only to share my opinions, but also to back them up with well-reasoned support.
This class helped me to find my voice in the classroom, however my opinions still lacked the in
depth thinking that I would later develop. Through the World and Science Interactions with
Majdoubi, we not only had to debate the effects of scientific advancements throughout the
world, we also had to present one of these advancements to our peers and provide them with
the tools to argue the pros and cons. In this course, I learned to examine all of the angles of an
issue and to weigh the feasible consequences or benefits in the scientific, and social
communities. It was through the analysis of all possibilities that I was able to create a well
rounded argument and present it to my peers. These issues presented in this class often forced
us to examine viewpoints that were less than savory, however, it was through the
acknowledgement of even those unpleasant truths that I was able to communicate arguments
with substance. Debates in class were often a two way street, and conflicting viewpoints arose
regularly. In dealing with these differing points, I found that disagreement was not a bad thing. In
fact, it was these disagreements that helped me to develop the skills to refute an argument in a
way that acknowledged the points of my peers and my teacher while at the same time
respectfully disagreeing. It was through these class debates that my oral communication truly
developed into what they are today.

In addition to debates and presentations, there were also many written requirements.
These assignments required in depth analysis of classroom topics and their connection to the
world around us. It was through my honors colloquium that my writing skills were truly reached a
new level of analysis. This class focused on the cross-examination of ethics through moral
philosophy and neuroscience. By examining the origins of moral reasoning both through the
implications of the role of society and the biology of the human brain, I was able to delve into a
topic that I had never explored before. This course required the synthesis of materials not only
from class readings, but also from lectures and in class debates. Each source of information
required analysis and interpretation. From there I was able to make comparisons and create
well-informed opinions. It was during this class that I mastered the synthesis and analysis of
multiple sources in my writing. This skill enhanced my writing and gave me a better basis for
forming strong arguments.
Global Awareness
Growing up in California exposed me to many progressive and liberal viewpoints,
however I was not aware of this until I came to college. Through my honors classes, I became
exposed not only to nationwide issues, but also to global issues. One of the classes that truly
enhanced this awareness was the World and Science Interactions. During this course we were
encouraged to research the newest scientific advancements and the societies that they stem
from. From this research, I was exposed not only to scientific technologies, but also to the effect
that they would have on all of the different cultures. I developed an understanding and
appreciation for the differences of nations around the world, from their societal values to the
subtle differences in definitions of success. From there, in my World Religions class I discovered
the many different forms of worship and spiritual enhancement. Through this, I gained
understanding of religious values, the crossover in beliefs as well as the common
misconceptions that have been fostered in our society. The combination of these two classes
helped me to gain an understanding of a society that was completely different from the one that
I grew up in. These skills brought a newfound awareness that have benefitted not only in my
pursuit of education but also in the way I live my life.
Critical Thinking
My time in the honors program has taught me never to take information at face value. It
is the facts and anecdotes that stand up to investigation that are the truly reliable sources. This
lesson was most heavily emphasized in my honors colloquium. Through the investigation of the
inner workings of the brain, I found that there are many ways to influence the thoughts and
feelings of others. Because the human mind is so easily fooled, we must always be ready to

delve beneath the surface of what is given to us. Often sources of information are influenced by
the authors, funding groups or even the society that they stem from. Whether bias is conscious
or unconscious, they play a role in everybodys outlooks, no matter how prestigious. Once we
understand that these biases exist, we can pinpoint them and filter out the sources that they
render invalid. In my colloquium class, I discovered that to perform this process successfully, I
must examine all aspects of an article, website or opinion; this includes the time and place it
was created, who presented the information and why, as well as determining the target
audience. This lesson has been invaluable when I am presented with information both inside of
class and out of it.
Working in Diverse Groups
Throughout my time in the honors program, I have worked with many different people.
When I first entered college, I preferred to work on my own and would opt for individual
assignments both in and out of class. I found it difficult to turn to others for input or advice.
However in my honors classes, we were often put into debate groups, paired up for
presentations or used peer reviews for constructive criticism. Each person provided unique
insight and their own background that provided a basis of understanding to inform their
opinions. Through these interactions I was given the opportunity to hear many different
interpretations, each of which differed from my own and added more depth to my
understanding. I found that during debates, the inputs of my peers enriched my learning much
more than purely lecturing from our professors. Although our opinions were not always in
agreement, the viewpoints of others would challenge me to further my analysis of evidence. It is
thanks to all of my honors classes that I developed an appreciation for the true benefits of
working in groups.
Conclusion
These honors courses have enriched my experience at Dominican by challenging me
both in school and outside of it. I discovered that learning is not a passive process, observing a
class will only accomplish so much. Instead as a student I must demand more through
questioning, analysis, and discussion. The tools that I have been given during my time here at
Dominican will take me only so far if I am not willing to actively put them to use. I have found
that this approach will provide me with success outside of the classroom as well. Much like the
courses I have taken through college, life demands active participation. It is through the honors
program that I have developed the skills and the confidence to take on the obstacles that will be
inevitable after graduation.