Computer Mediated Communication

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

On campus

3 contact hours/week, 6 additional hours/week. Total of 9 hours per week.

None

None

None

None

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.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 each approach. 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. Through exposure to a variety of electronic tools used in CMC, we cover topics that include language expression, online relationships, virtual worlds, CMC discourse and second language learning. Upon completion of the subject, students will be better able to recognise how CMC may affect language use in contemporary society, and be better able to analyse the complex interplay of language and online technologies.

• Be familiar with the social, cultural and linguistic issues of computer-mediated communication.
• Gain experience using CMC tools that utilise different modes of communication.
• Be able to understand how technical mediation affects language use and discourse.
• Better able to understand complex interplays between language use and online communication.

A written class paper of 1000 words 25% (due during semester), a written class paper of 3000 words 75% (due at the end of semester).

This subject has the following hurdle requirements:

• Regular participation in tutorials is required with a minimum of 75% attendance.
• All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day and in-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.

Materials prepared by the School

none

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.

• have developed their skills in critical evaluation of the impact of electronic communication of individuals and societies.
• have increased their critical self-awareness as related to using computer-mediated communication tools.
• have developed their written communication skills through essay preparation and writing.
• have acquired a solid grounding in the use of computer-mediated communication tools.