Computer Mediated Communication

Subject 673-303 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2009.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: One 2-hour lecture per week and six 1-hour tutorials scheduled across the semester
Total Time Commitment: 3 contact hours/week , 6 additional hours/week. Total of 9 hours per week.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

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

Contact

Dr Barbara Kelly
Phone: 48986
Subject Overview: 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: community building and CMC; the Internet as a communication medium; understanding electronic communication technologies; communication of online identity; online relationships; communicating in virtual worlds; access to online communication across cultures. Students undertaking this subject will become familiar with the social, cultural and linguistic issues of CMC and will have an awareness of how investigation of these issues can be applied in industry and academic settings.
Objectives:
  • be familiar with the social, cultural and linguistic issues of computer-mediated communication;
  • be able to critically evaluate the role of computer mediated communication in contemporary society;
  • have experience in using electronic tools such as Internet Relay Chat, MOO, conference and groupware.
  • be able to understand how technological mediation affects language use;
  • critically analyse ways of thinking about the complex phenomenon of language and online communication.
Assessment: A presentation and paper write-up of 1000 words 25% (due during semester); a research project outline of 1000 words + data 20% (due during semester) a research project of 3000 words 45% (due at the end of semester); participation in tutorials 10%.
Prescribed Texts: Materials prepared by the Department.
Recommended Texts: Herring, S. C. (1996). Computer-mediated communication: Linguistic, social and cross-cultural perspectives. Amsterdam: John Benjamin
Breadth Options:

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

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.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: English Language Studies
Linguistics & Applied Linguistics
Linguistics && Applied Linguistics Major

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