Week 12: “I believe…”: New Media, Beliefs & Politics

Through the use of the Web 2.0 new media has facilitated users to free publishing tools. According to Leung, the web is seen as a ‘platform for service delivery’ which emphasizes ‘user control’, ‘participation’ and ‘emergent behaviour’. Throughout this blogging process new media has been seen as a platform in making social connections between people.

As this week is all about religion and computer mediated communication, one can question Leung in the role the internet plays with religion online. Citizen journalism may be “the act of a citizen or group of citizens playing an active role in the process of collecting, reporting, analyzing and disseminating news and information” (Glimore, 2006). However, does it seem offensive to ‘advertise’ religious institutions online? Should Australian Christian Churches be available to view in the blogosphere?

According to Ess, traditional religions and religious institutions were closely wedded to the communication technologies of print and literacy. ChurchSearch, is a comprehensive guide to Australian Christian Churches – it uses the internet to promote churches in any metropolitan or rural area. In answering if religion is too sensitive to be ‘advertised’ online; it was further argued that a radical migration from real to virtual. Traditional directories, such as church bulletins roaming to new media platforms such as guide sites from virtual directories are seen as a revolutionary overturning of traditional (modern) religious institutions.

Reference list

Leung, Louis. (2009). User-generated content on the internet: an examination of gratifications, civic engagement and psychological empowerment. New Media & Society, vo. 11, issue 8: 1327-1347. (accessed May 14, 2010).

Ess, C. (2007). Cross-cultural perspectives on religion and computer-mediated communication. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 12(3), article 9.(accessed May 14, 2010).

Week 11: Writing an Essay

"Knowledge comes by eyes always open and working hands; and there is no knowledge that is not power” (Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803-1882).





In writing an academic essay and communicating to an audience the importance of putting your understanding into practice is vital in academic writing. A famous quote used by Ralph Waldo Emerson, that knowledge is power was inspiring in blogging this week.

As discussed by Clanchy and Ballard the nature of university essays is underlined under four succinct points (1981, pp. 4-11).

1. Clearly focused on the set topic and will deal fully with its central concerns
2. The result of wide and critical thinking
3. A reasoned argument
4. Competently presented

The first point focuses on the constant use of key ideas and key concepts adapted throughout the essay. The second point really draws in the meaning of knowledge is power. In the essay a wide knowledge of academic and contemporary sourcing allows the writer to read with a “questioning mind” (Clanchy and Ballarad, 1981). Thirdly, a reasoned argue requires supporting evidence like any court case. “Ensuring each section of your argument is internally consistent, with evidence, examples and quotations clearly supporting or extending the central idea being developed” (Clancy and Ballard, 1981). Lastly, a well presented essay is formed on structure. A strong use of grammar and no errors free spelling is only one form of clean presentation. Including, using correct unit content and terminology is paramount is presentation thus, plagiarism should be noted in writing a well structured essay.

As writers we have the power to put forward ideologies and theories and a way of thinking effectively. Following the four points on the nature of university essays, when applied these techniques will make writing an essay flow and sound coherent. As a whole writing academic essays become effective when utilising the nature of essay writing.

Reference List

Murdoch University. 2004. A Guide to Essay Writing. (accessed May 7, 2010).