Computer Mediated Communication

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject examines the role of language in computer-mediated communication (CMC). It introduces students to a range of theoretical issues, with reference to both interpersonal and group interactions, and discusses distinctive research methodologies that are associated with CMC. In this subject, we see the Internet as an interactive medium of communication as we explore how CMC operates in diverse social, cultural and linguistic areas. We cover topics that include language expression, online relationships, virtual worlds, CMC discourse and second language learning.

On successful completion of this subject, students should:

• be able to critically evaluate the social, cultural and linguistic issues of computer-mediated communication;
• be able to proficiently employ online tools that utilise different modes of communication;
• be able to confidently demonstrate an understanding of how technical mediation affects language use and discourse;
• understand the complex interplays of language use and online communication.

• Autoethnography of CMC collaboration (1000 words) due in week 5 [20%]
• Focused CMC analysis (1000 words) due in week 9 [20%]
• CMC discourse analysis (2000 words) due in week 14 [60%]

Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.

Materials prepared by the School

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Students who successfully complete this subject should have:

• developed their skills in computer-mediated discourse analysis;
• increased their critical self-awareness as related to using computer-mediated communication tools;
• developed their written communication skills through essay preparation and writing;
• acquired a solid grounding in the use of computer-mediated communication tools.