Writing Material: Readings from Plato to the Digital Age

This reader considers how writing practices, old and new, affect the ways we write, read, think, and looks at how writing is influenced by historical events, cultural values, and technological advances.

This challenging reader examines transformations in reading and writing, from the oral traditions of the pre-print era to the hypertext of the digital age, to analyze the impact of these changes on our reading and writing practices. With its historical and cultural analysis perspectives, it has appeal for any instructor interested in having their students think critically about the changing nature of writing. The readings–which include ancient philosophy, personal essays, literary narratives, and accessible scholarly discussions all centered on the past, present, and future of writing–are intellectually ambitious and encourage active, critical reading. A pedagogical system of “Suggested Groupings” in the back of the text clusters the readings under specific themes that explore the complex relationships between the selections. Innovative writing assignments let students experiment with different communicative forms and media. Numerous visual images emphasize visual literacy.