Automation MacroCommunication

In Automation and Macro-Communication students will gain a broad understanding of the current and future technologies that will challenge our understanding of what is interpersonal communication versus human-machine communication. This course addresses prominent theoretical issues that are introduced by placing machines in the sender and receiver of communication roles. In addition to comprehensive discussion of communication theory, this course includes a large applied portion where students will learn about the current extent (and ongoing implementation) of machines as communicators in both professional and personal life contexts. Finally, this course delves into the wide range of empirical study in a variety of disciplines regarding human-machine communication. Through these three lenses of theory, application, and research, students will leave the course able to understand the optimal uses (and potential pitfalls) of supplementing or replacing human communicators with machines. Through the theory and research components, this course is especially geared towards preparing students for the technologies of the future such as social robots and artificially intelligent agents. Regardless of the major track taken in the WKWSCI, it is undeniable that the advance of automation will be a defining issue throughout the 21st Century - Automation and Macro-Communication prepares WKWSCI students to be future, professional, research, and thought leaders in a future world where people live and work with machines.