City as Text refers to structured explorations of environments and ecosystems, to encourage applications of this approach to active learning in various settings. Through small self-guided teams, you’ll investigate contested areas and issues in urban environments, or competing forces in natural ones, fostering critical inquiry and integrative learning across disciplines. Please note that these are NOT guided tours. Students will be given instructions, maps, and questions to consider when exploring different areas of Fort Collins, and these explorations require a fair bit of strolling and using (free) public transportation. The strategies you will use in your explorations include: mapping, observing, listening, and reflecting. We’ll incorporate guided reflection, group sharing, writing, and archival research. One of the most efficient ways of uncovering the hidden elements of expectation and attitude you bring with you is the several short writing exercises you will undertake while on site. Over time, they become a record of multiple discoveries: of people, place, and self.