Computer-Mediated Communication (05-417/05-817)

Spring 2008, Tues/Thurs 1:30-2:50 NSH 1305

Co-taught with Cristen Torrey

In this course, we examine fundamental aspects of interpersonal communication and consider how different types of computer-mediated communications (CMC) technologies—such as e-mail, instant messaging, video conferencing, and teleconferencing—affect communication processes. The goals of the course are to provide students with a basic understanding of the processes of interpersonal communication, with an understanding of how features of current CMC technologies affect interpersonal communication, and with the knowledge they need to help design new communications technologies.

The course is divided into three units: (a) basic models of CMC, research methods, and conversational structure; (b) verbal, nonverbal and paralinguistic aspects of communication; and (c) social and cultural dimensions of CMC. Readings for each week combine overview material from research on face-to-face communication with studies of specific CMC tools.

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Seminar on Language, Communication, and Social Interaction (PIT Psychology 3105)

Spring 2005 and alternate years

Co-taught with Dr. John Levine, Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh

This goal of this seminar is to introduce students to theoretical and empirical work on language as social action – that is, how social variables influence language use and how language use influences social perception and evaluation. Topics covered include conversational structure and turn-taking; speech acts and intentions; politeness; perspective-taking and grounding; effects of communication on the communicator; language and social thought, nonverbal aspects of communication; gesture; communicative effects of gender and culture; and deception.

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