SemesterFall Semester, 2025
DepartmentCollege of Communication Specialized Subjects for Freshman and Sophomore Majors
Course NameComputer-mediated communication: Theory and Practice
InstructorSHIH TSUNG-JEN
Credit3.0
Course TypeElective
Prerequisite
Course Objective
Course Description
Course Schedule









































































































Week

Topic

Topics

1

Course Introduction

 

2

Introduction to Computer-Mediated Communication


  1. Overview of the course

  2. Introduction to computer-mediated communication (CMC) concepts and terminology

  3. Key theories and models in CMC



 

 

Social impact of computer-mediated communication

3

Digital identity and self-presentation

Self-presentation & impression formation

4

Social capital and online relationships

Building up relationships online

5

Digital media and political activism

Digital media as a mobilizing force for civic engagement

 

Problems and governance

6

Social media governance and policy

  1. Legal and regulatory frameworks governing digital media

  2. Cybersecurity policies and practices

  3. Privacy laws and regulations

  4. Puppis, M. (2010). Media Governance: A New Concept for the Analysis of Media Policy and Regulation.



7

Negative impact of digital media

  1. Online privacy and surveillance

  2. Cyberbullying

8

Algorithm, AI, and bias

  1. What biases exist due to algorithm and AI?

  2. Latzer et al. (2014). The economics of algorithmic selection on the Internet.



 

9

Mid-term exam

 

 

Digital media and news

10

Misinformation (1): Digital platform policies

What policies do social media platforms have in governing misinformation?

11

Misinformation (2): Public opinion and risk perception

  1. Public reaction to misinformation

  2. Strategies to mitigate the spread of misinformation

12

News and public opinion

News consumption habits in the digital era

13

VR and News

  1. VR as a tool for information presentation

  2. Current state of application in the news industry

 

Social media marketing

14

Influencer marketing

  1. Type of influencers

  2. Effect of influencers

  3. Issues about influencer marketing

15

Live streaming and marketing

  1. Benefits of live streaming for marketing purposes

  2. Effects of live streaming

  3. Psychological factors affecting the effect of live streaming

16

Final Project Presentation



 

Teaching Methods
Teaching Assistant

The teaching assistant’s contact details will be announced in the first week of the class.


Requirement/Grading

Course requirements




  1. Attendance: 10%

    Attendance is a fundamental requirement for this class, and instructors take it seriously. Your presence is expected at every session. From the second absence onwards, your final grade will be reduced by 2 points for each absence. However, those who have perfect attendance for the entire semester will receive an additional 2 points.

     

  2. Class Participation: 20%

    Active class participation is vital in this course, which blends aspects of both a lecture and a seminar. Your contributions are highly valued as they often stimulate deeper discussions on various topics. Please come prepared by completing the assigned readings before each class. Your insights and opinions are crucial for enriching our discussions.

     

  3. Mid-term Examination: 30%

    The midterm exam will encompass topics discussed in the first half of the semester and will consist of essay questions. It is recommended that you support your opinions with evidence.



 




  1. Final Project Presentation and Writing: 40%

    The final project, which is a group project, offers flexibility in its format. You can opt for a case study, where you analyze how a particular platform handles user privacy, for example. Alternatively, you may choose to conduct a literature review paper, exploring the effects of digital media use on human attitudes or behaviors. Another option is to create a policy paper, making recommendations on regulatory or policy issues related to digital media.



 



Grading policy



In order to pass this class you will need to complete ALL of the assignments. Failure to complete one or more of them will result in an F in the class. Grades will be assigned as follows:



 



























Letter Grade

Description

> 90

Excellent; demonstrates extraordinarily high achievement; comprehensive knowledge and understanding of subject matter; all expectations met and exceeded.

80-89

Good; moderately broad knowledge and understanding of subject matter; explicitly or implicitly demonstrates good, if not thorough understanding; only minor substantive shortcomings.

60-79

Satisfactory/Fair; reasonable knowledge and understanding of subject matter; most expectations are met; despite any shortcomings, demonstrates basic level of understanding.

60 >

Failing; unacceptably low level of knowledge and understanding of subject matter; deficiencies indicate lack of understanding.

Textbook & Reference
Urls about Course
Attachment