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

· Equip students with the necessary research and technical skills as a stimulus to independent enquiry.

In spite of the rapidly increasing interest in Internet Studies and CMC and the introduction of many university courses in the area, no specialised, introductory textbook exists. This coursebook responds to the need for such a text. Aimed primarily at communication students, this book would also be useful as a sourcebook for students of media, sociology, psychology and English Language Studies.

Companion website resources can be found here: http://faculty.washington.edu/thurlow/cmc/

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

Crispin Thurlow is Professor of Language and Communication at the University of Bern, Switzerland. For nearly fifteen years, he taught communication at the University of Washington in the USA and Cardiff University in the UK. His books include Visualizing Digital Discourse, Language in the New Media, and Computer Mediated Communication. In addition to a PhD in language and communication, he holds MA degrees and BA degrees in communication studies, educational, clinical and social psychology, and marketing. More information about his current research and teaching can be found at www.crispinthurlow.net.