Computer Mediated Communication

Description:
This title is nominated 'Book of the Month' (November 2006) with the Resource Center for Cyberculture Studies, University of San Francisco. This book offers students a task-based introduction to Computer-Mediated Communication and the impact of the internet on social interaction. Divided into four parts which require students to learn, (theory), critique, (current issues), explore, (methods), and reflect, (practice), the book aims to: provide a foundation to the social and communicative nature of information and communication technologies; enable students to engage with the key theoretical issues associated with CMC; and, equip students with the necessary research and technical skills as a stimulus to independent inquiry. In spite of the rapidly increasing interest in Internet Studies and CMC and the introduction of many university courses in the area, no specialized, introductory textbook exists. This course book responds to the need for such a text. Aimed primarily at communication students, this book would also be useful as a source book for students of media, sociology, psychology and English Language Studies. The authors have also created a companion website.

Review:
'This book is a breath of fresh air whn it comes to information literacy texts. Thurlow, Lengel, and Tomic focus on the Internet's role in changing social interaction. This refreshing approach uses a social perspective to motivate readers... The book is supplemented with a rich Web site that is loaded with numerous links referenced in the book... Highly recommended.' -- J. Beidler

Table of Contents:
Getting into CMC Learn Basic Theory Critique Central Issues Apply Fieldwork Explore Focus Areas Resource Materials