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The Open University

A brief history of communication: hieroglyphics to emojis

The Open University via OpenLearn

Overview

This course covers the learning outcomes and goals of understanding the evolution of communication from hieroglyphics to emojis. Students will explore the history of writing, symbols, and pictures, as well as the universality of body language. The course teaches skills such as analyzing different types of meaning-making, using emojis as a supplement to written language, and designing emojis. The teaching method involves lectures, readings, and possibly practical exercises. The intended audience for this course includes individuals interested in language, communication, history, and visual communication.

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Learning outcomes
  • 1 Language and everyday technologies
  • 1 Language and everyday technologies
  • 2 A brief history of writing
  • 2 A brief history of writing
  • 3 Communicating in symbols and pictures
  • 3 Communicating in symbols and pictures
  • 3.1 Textspeak and language change
  • 3.2 Picture-based writing
  • 4 The birth of writing
  • 4 The birth of writing
  • 4.1 Broadening the reach of language
  • 4.2 Different types of meaning-making
  • 4.3 From alphabet to emojis
  • 5 The universality of body language
  • 5 The universality of body language
  • 6 Emojis as a supplement to written language
  • 6 Emojis as a supplement to written language
  • 7 Designing emojis
  • 7 Designing emojis
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Acknowledgements

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