Research in Writing Studies, Strategic Communication, and Literary Culture, Panel 4
Type of Presentation
Panel
Location
D34190
Start Date
4-10-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
4-10-2026 10:45 AM
Abstract
Victoria Gomez: Creative Writing as Community: Identity Development in Extracurricular Writing Spaces This presentation explores how creative writing programs outside traditional classroom settings help young people develop their identities and build community. In many schools, writing instruction is shaped by standardized curriculum, grades, and testing. In contrast, community-based programs often center on student voice, creativity, mentorship, and collaboration. This paper asks: How do extracurricular writing programs use creative writing as a tool for identity development and community building among youth? To address this question, the paper looks at the national nonprofit 826 National alongside community-based writing programs in Chicago. These programs are discussed in relation to literacy studies to better understand how writing works in different educational settings. The project is organized into three main sections: the community-building benefits of creative writing, the role of writing in helping young people explore and express their identities, and the limitations of traditional classroom writing instruction. Through analysis of program materials, mission statements, and relevant academic sources, this study argues that community writing programs do more than offer extra academic support. Instead, they create supportive spaces where young people are encouraged to develop confidence, claim their voices, and see themselves as writers and active members of their communities. Alex Randak: The Importance of Science Fiction This project explores the importance of science fiction in our society. The thesis I will explore through research and three popular science fiction works is how science fiction allows us to explore philosophical, moral, and ethical issues before we have to confront them in our society. This project was developed in response to my scholarly interest in a genre that is typically held in low regard with the general public. The genre of science fiction has never been given as much credit as I think it deserves, and the public still views science fiction in the way that it is stereotypically portrayed in popular media – which is to say – nerdy, fantastical, and utterly meaningless. I want to provide serious, scholarly discussion on why the genre is more than it is made out to be and how it is just as important to dedicate time to the genre as any other. The cultural significance of science fiction will be explored in this project through the use of two texts, 1984 by George Orwell, and Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick. Dick’s novel will be accompanied by its loose film adaptation, Blade Runner, directed by Ridley Scott. I will use these two texts and film alongside scholarly research to analyze the philosophical, moral, and ethical issues presented in science fiction and how we can use the contemplation of these issues in service of humanity and society as a whole. Christina Williams: Strategic Communication as a Social Power: How Language Shapes Norms, Beliefs and Cultural Trends. Abstract forthcoming.
Faculty / Staff Sponsor
Dr. Christopher White
Research in Writing Studies, Strategic Communication, and Literary Culture, Panel 4
D34190
Victoria Gomez: Creative Writing as Community: Identity Development in Extracurricular Writing Spaces This presentation explores how creative writing programs outside traditional classroom settings help young people develop their identities and build community. In many schools, writing instruction is shaped by standardized curriculum, grades, and testing. In contrast, community-based programs often center on student voice, creativity, mentorship, and collaboration. This paper asks: How do extracurricular writing programs use creative writing as a tool for identity development and community building among youth? To address this question, the paper looks at the national nonprofit 826 National alongside community-based writing programs in Chicago. These programs are discussed in relation to literacy studies to better understand how writing works in different educational settings. The project is organized into three main sections: the community-building benefits of creative writing, the role of writing in helping young people explore and express their identities, and the limitations of traditional classroom writing instruction. Through analysis of program materials, mission statements, and relevant academic sources, this study argues that community writing programs do more than offer extra academic support. Instead, they create supportive spaces where young people are encouraged to develop confidence, claim their voices, and see themselves as writers and active members of their communities. Alex Randak: The Importance of Science Fiction This project explores the importance of science fiction in our society. The thesis I will explore through research and three popular science fiction works is how science fiction allows us to explore philosophical, moral, and ethical issues before we have to confront them in our society. This project was developed in response to my scholarly interest in a genre that is typically held in low regard with the general public. The genre of science fiction has never been given as much credit as I think it deserves, and the public still views science fiction in the way that it is stereotypically portrayed in popular media – which is to say – nerdy, fantastical, and utterly meaningless. I want to provide serious, scholarly discussion on why the genre is more than it is made out to be and how it is just as important to dedicate time to the genre as any other. The cultural significance of science fiction will be explored in this project through the use of two texts, 1984 by George Orwell, and Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick. Dick’s novel will be accompanied by its loose film adaptation, Blade Runner, directed by Ridley Scott. I will use these two texts and film alongside scholarly research to analyze the philosophical, moral, and ethical issues presented in science fiction and how we can use the contemplation of these issues in service of humanity and society as a whole. Christina Williams: Strategic Communication as a Social Power: How Language Shapes Norms, Beliefs and Cultural Trends. Abstract forthcoming.