EDGE

Discussion 1: Community Building and Transformational Containers

Read Bowman’s “Interactional Dynamics in Role-Playing Games” and Baird and Bowman’s “The Transformative Potential of Immersive Experiences Within Role-playing Communities.”

Then, answer the following questions (guidelines 1 paragraph per question. A paragraph is 4-6 sentences):

1. In 3-4 sentences, describe three (3) examples of community building in role-playing games according to Bowman’s ethnography in “Interactional Dynamics.” 
   • Do you find any of these examples relatable or recognizable? If so, how? If not, why?
2. Describe the profile that Bowman describes with regard to the “typical” role-player.
   • Do you find these descriptions relatable or recognizable? If so, how? If not, why?
3. In 1-2 sentences each, in your own words, define consensus reality and collective consciousness as described by Baird and Bowman. Then, describe how role-playing communities relate to these social constructs.
   • Do you find any of these examples relatable or recognizable? If so, how? If not, why?
4. Consider one (1) example of role-playing communities as transformational containers from your own experience, whether in this course or elsewhere. In 1-2 sentences describe the circumstances surrounding the transformation you witnessed or experienced. 
   • What choices did the organizers make with regard to setting the community container? Be specific.
   • Did these choices contribute to transformation? If so, how? If not, why?
   • Were other factors present that aided in integration of the insights distilled from the game?  If so, how? If not, why?

Finally, respond to at least two (2) of your peers in Ask a Question, Answer a Question format.