I will discuss how I use Second Life in my online college literature courses to engage students in the exploration and understanding of literary genres. This presentation is best suited for educators interested in learning how to integrate virtual activities into the curriculum of a literature/humanities course and how to assess the results of students’ efforts. Participants will understand how virtual worlds offer the unique ability to move beyond static discussion threads in a learning management system and challenge students’ understanding of a story by recreating the setting and impersonating the characters. By immersing students in the virtual creation of a literary genre, they gain a deeper understanding of the cultural influences that shape a piece of literature.