· 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.

The authors have also created a companion website at http://www.com.washington.edu/cmc