Sage Publications

Foundations and Theories of Human-Machine Communication

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Sage Publications

Foundations and Theories of Human-Machine Communication

Sage Instructors

Instructor: Sage Instructors

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Understand the historical development of human-machine communication

  • Explore the role of AI and robotics in communication practices

  • Analyze ethical and social implications of machine communication

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Recently updated!

September 2026

Assessments

19 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the The Sage Handbook of Human–Machine Communication Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 18 modules in this course

This module explores the evolution of human-machine communication, focusing on how imagination and technology shape interaction. It examines emotional responses to AI, societal impacts of mobile devices, and collaborative human-machine art projects. Learners will gain insight into the theoretical and practical dimensions of human-machine collaboration.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

This module explores the interdisciplinary nature of human-machine communication (HMC) by re-examining foundational concepts in media and communication studies, such as communication, media, and agency. Learners will analyze how emerging technologies like AI and robots challenge traditional theories and require new scholarly frameworks. The module emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary thinking in understanding modern communication dynamics.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

This module explores the foundational concepts of cybernetics and information theory, their historical development, and their impact on human-machine communication. It covers how these theories shaped early AI and the blurring of boundaries between humans and machines. Learners will gain insight into the evolution and application of these principles in modern technology.

What's included

1 video3 readings1 assignment

This module explores the concept of cyborgs as hybrid human-machine entities, examining how they intersect with technology, society, and sustainability. Learners will analyze socio-technical systems, interpret science fiction narratives, and evaluate the implications of human-machine communication on future societies.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

This module explores the evolution and societal impact of AI, examining its role in meaning-making, communication, and social construction. It introduces analytical frameworks like SCOT to evaluate AI's development and implications. Learners will gain a critical understanding of AI's ambiguity, hype, and practical applications.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

This module explores the evolution of human-robot communication, covering historical developments, current interactive technologies, and future possibilities. Learners will gain insight into how robots interpret human actions, the role of augmented reality, and the importance of theory of mind in human-robot interactions. The module equips students with the knowledge to design and evaluate collaborative robot systems.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

This module explores how machines are increasingly seen as sources of communication, examining the psychological effects of media affordances and the evolving relationship between human and machine agency in AI-based interactions. Learners will gain insights into the theoretical frameworks that explain these dynamics and how they impact user perception and behavior.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

This module introduces the concepts of Computer-Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) and Human-Machine Communication (HMC), exploring how these frameworks support collaboration and system design in group work environments. Learners will gain insights into the interdisciplinary nature of these fields and their practical applications in modern technology. The content emphasizes the role of human-computer interaction in enhancing group productivity and communication.

What's included

1 video1 reading1 assignment

This module explores the evolution and theoretical foundations of human-computer interaction (HCI), including design principles, interaction theories, and methods for creating inclusive and accessible interfaces. Learners will analyze the impact of frameworks like Actor-Network Theory and affordances on modern interface design. The module also investigates challenges in shifting toward more inclusive and ecological approaches in HCI.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

This module explores the concept of Theory of Mind (ToM) in the context of human-AI interactions, examining how AI systems can develop social awareness and navigate complex social environments. It covers historical and philosophical perspectives, challenges to implementing ToAM, and the ethical implications of AI as social partners. Learners will gain a deeper understanding of the requirements for meaningful human-AI communication.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

This module explores theoretical frameworks for understanding human-technology interactions, including actor-network theory and object-oriented ontology. Learners will analyze how nonhuman entities and relational systems shape communication and social relations. The module equips students with critical thinking skills to evaluate these complex theoretical perspectives.

What's included

1 video3 readings1 assignment

This module explores the philosophical dimensions of human-machine communication, examining topics such as agency, responsibility, and ethical implications. Learners will engage with key philosophical texts and concepts that challenge traditional views of communication and technology. The module provides a foundation for critically analyzing the moral and epistemological issues in AI and human interaction.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

This module explores how human-machine communication is shaped by cultural, social, and ethical contexts. Learners will analyze how machines interact in real-world environments and examine the implications of technology on identity, privacy, and communication. The module equips students with critical frameworks to evaluate the role of technology in human interactions.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

This module explores the complex interplay between gender, identity, and communication in both human-to-human and human-machine interactions. It delves into how digital media and computer-mediated communication shape gender dynamics and social roles, while also examining the impact of technology on power structures and personal agency.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

This module explores the intersection of literature and human-machine communication through historical and contemporary examples, focusing on how poetic language and literary concepts have shaped and been shaped by technological developments. Learners will analyze the role of metaphors, explore early examples of human-machine dialogue, and consider how literature contributes to our understanding of technology.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

This module explores how human-machine communities form and function within online multiplayer games, examining social interactions, communication patterns, and the implications for future digital societies. Learners will analyze how players build relationships with both human and non-human entities in virtual spaces and understand the broader societal impact of these interactions.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

This module examines the challenges of human-machine communication in military settings, focusing on the historical evolution, technical limitations, and strategic implications of battlefield communication. Learners will explore how technology influences decision-making in chaotic environments and analyze the development of modern multi-aircraft systems. The module highlights the critical role of signal clarity and coordination in warfare.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

This module explores the complexities of human-robot interaction, focusing on communication dynamics, trust formation, and acceptance factors. Learners will gain insights into how humans perceive and engage with robots in various contexts, including societal, psychological, and technological dimensions.

What's included

1 video4 readings2 assignments

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Sage Instructors
Sage Publications
140 Courses5,106 learners

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