Computer Mediated Communication

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

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 will examine the theoretical issues that surround the use of language in interpersonal and group computer-mediated communication (CMC). Topics covered will include: the Internet as a communication medium; understanding electronic communication technologies; communication of online identity; online relationships; communicating in virtual worlds; CMC in corporate cultures; access to online communication; language diversity and online communication on the Internet; language minorities on the Internet; CMC in language learning; online expression. Students undertaking this subject will become familiar with the social, cultural and linguistic issues of CMC. They will gain experience in using electronic tools such as Internet Relay Chat and other groupware. Upon successful completion, students will be able to better understand and critically evaluate the role of CMC in contemporary society and its impact on language use.