University of Northern Iowa

Department of Communication Studies

48E:139g:03 Electronic Media Industries: Computer-Mediated Communication    Fall 2003

Instructor: Dr. Joyce Chen                                             Office Hour:  M 1-4 pm

Office: 321 LNG                                                                                  W 1-3 pm

Office Phone: 32574                                                                             or by appointment

Class meeting times:  TTH 12:30-1:45 pm 213 LNG

Required Textbook:

            Barnes, S.B. (2002). Computer-mediated communication: Human to human communication through the Internet. New York: Allyn & Bacon

Course Objectives:

            The Internet technology has created an environment of human communication, i.e., Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC), in contemporary society where time and space have become less restricted to communication processes. Based on the survey of the Internet technology and human-computer interactions (HCI), this course examines the impact of computer technology on interpersonal relationships, organizational communication, and community/social/global structures. By the end of this semester, you will gain better understanding in following aspects:

-- Internet technology terminology, CMC concepts, and social issues related to computer-mediated communication;

-- theories applied to Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) in the communication discipline;

-- the process and outcome of interpersonal communication, organizational communication, and public communication, changed by CMC;

-- how to be a competent CMC communicator.

Class Organization:

I expect two groups of students in this class. One is majoring in electronic media (EM), and the other is non-EM major. This composition would help students achieve best outcome of the course. My teaching philosophy is to promote students' learning processes. Therefore, I will accommodate your learning needs based on your individual background. The course will not be difficult but it needs substantial work to achieve the objectives mentioned above. The class time will mainly contribute to lectures, leading discussions, and presentations. Assigned readings, and individual conferences will be emphasized throughout the semester.

"The University of Northern Iowa is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Institution.  Students with disabilities and other special needs should feel free to contact the professor privately if there are services or adaptations which can be made to accommodate specific needs."

Leading Discussion (10%):

The leading discussion is related to the textbook. Each student will be responsible for presenting one of the chapters in the textbook and leading the class discussion. You are required to use the materials in the chapter as the basic content and to find additional information to up-date the development of computer-mediated communication.  The detail will be described in the handout for leading discussions.

Attendance & Participation (10%):

Because computer-mediated communication is related to your career and daily life, it needs your active participation in class discussions. You are expected to attend all the classes. The attendance/participation grade (10%) will be determined according to your attendance rate, active participation in class discussions and activities, and respectful listening to other students and the instructor.

Research Paper & Presentation:

There will be one research paper (25%) and the final presentation of your research project (15%). The purpose of the research is to enhance your knowledge and analytical skills of CMC, and demonstrate your competence communicating in the environment of CMC. You will get a handout for the research paper and presentation.

Exams:

Both midterm and final tests will be based on the book. There will be review guides and review sessions to help students prepare for the exams.

Grading:

All the work turned in to this class should be your original work for this class. According to University policy, plagiarism will result in FAILURE of the course and further DISCIPLINARY ACTION.  Plagiarism includes "borrowing" other student's paper or other writer's work, submitting the papers that you wrote for other courses.  

The grading composition is shown as follows:

The letter grading scales are shown as follows:

The grades will be weighed by the percentages shown above and combined to result in your final course grade.  Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due date, unless otherwise stated. The penalty for a late assignment is 1 percent deduction for each day late. Any late assignment accepted will be graded based on the reduced percentage. Before giving you the final grade I need to make sure that you achieve the objectives of this course.

Tentative Schedule

8/26 (T) Syllabus and orientation to leading discussion requirement

8/28 (TH) Part 1: Overview of Computer-Mediated Communication

Reading: Chapter 1: Computer-mediated communication

9/2 (T) Reading: Chapter 2: Characteristics of computer-mediated communication (John Allen)

9/4 (TH) Reading: Chapter 3: Human Computer Interface (HCI) (Megan)

9/9 (T) Reading: Chapter 4: The Web (Greg)

Research Paper & Presentation Assignment

9/11 (TH) Discussion: research project topics

9/16 (T) Part 2: Interacting through CMC

            Reading: Chapter 5: Language and the Internet (Ashley)

9/18 (TH) Reading: Chapter 6: Presenting oneself online (Ann)

9/23 (T) Reading: Chapter 7: Internet interpersonal relationships (Alissa, Tonya)

9/25 (TH) Discussion: research project proposal

9/30 (T) Part 3: CMC and group communication

Reading: Chapter 8: CMC in organization (Nathan)

10/2 (TH) Reading: Chapter 9: Online games (Matt M., Herman)

10/7 (T) Discussion: research project progress

10/9 (TH) Review for the Midterm

10/14 (T) (Midterm Exam)

10/16 (TH) Reading: Chapter 10: Educational contexts (Steve)

10/21 (T) Reading: Chapter 11: Virtual Communities (Adam)

10/23 (TH) Part IV: CMC and Society

Reading: Chapter 12: Disruptive online behavior (David)

10/28 (T) Discussion: research project progress

10/30 (TH) Reading: Chapter 13: Anonymity, privacy and copyright (Jesus)

11/4 (T) Discussion: research project progress

11/6 (TH) Reading: Chapter 14: Democracy and the Internet (Jason)

11/11 (T) Reading: Chapter 15: Communicating in the global village (Matt B.) 

11/13 (TH) Research paper draft due

11/18 (T) Presentation

11/20 (TH) Presentation

11/25 (T) (Flexible)

11/27  (TH) (Thanksgiving Day)

12/2 (T) Presentation

12/4 (TH) Review for the Final Exam

12/9 (T) Presentation

12/11 (TH) Final Exam

12/16 (Finals week)