Writing About (and In) Online Communities

Every day, new online, or "virtual," communities are being formed, in which people around the world share common ideas, interests, and personalities. And like many "real" communities, these online groups have specific lexicons, rules for communication, and perceived or invented ideas of audience. In this section of English 220, we will examine the growing concept of virtual communities, and analyze the various ways in which writing helps build these communities.

We will also ask how this "new" form of community may (or may not) be changing our definition of community, and what the implications of that are. Because this class is partially in an online format, we have the unique opportunity to analyze virtual communities – and the writing that takes place there and helps build those communities – while participating in one form of them.

The primary focus of this section will be on writing – both that of others and our own – and specifically on the process and theory of crafting effective analytical and critical essays. We will read various articles on online writing and communities, and get on the World Wide Web and analyze existing forms of communities. Therefore, be prepared to do a lot of reading, active participation in class, and writing, including short response papers, journal writing, and three to four major writing assignments. Also, be prepared to spend some time online, looking at the various forms of community that exist on the web.