In Dan Melzer’s, “Understanding Discourse Communities” he focuses on why discourse communities have a great impact not only on college writing but also beyond into the work world. A discourse community is described as communication between members with a common set of goals, including expert members, specialized language, methods to provide feedback, and one or more genres to further group goals. In college, each academic group or discipline is a different discourse community. These communities shape not only what we write but how we write it.
Dan Melzer wanted us readers to understand that discourse communities are about finding a common ground where we can share, learn, and improve together. A discourse community that I could say I am a part of is my bible study group whose members are a part of the soccer team. Not only does this group allow me to understand more about faith and how I can use it in my own ways to destress and not worry so much but it also allows me to grow closer with girls on the team and make stronger bonds which correlate onto the field. Each of us in this study understands faith at different levels, some are more experts, some are in the middle like me and others are complete beginners. We all support each other and give advice about soccer, life, faith, etc. It is a supportive community where we learn from each other and learn together where we all have a common goal.
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