Bernhard Debatin

Distance Learning Propädeutikum (DLP): Ein kommunikationswissenschaftliches Online-Tutorium am Institut für Kommunikations- und Medienwissenschaft. Conception , development, and project management: Bernhard Debatin, with the help of Peter Knaack, Kolja Pitz, Jens Hartmann et al., Leipzig 1999-2001.

The DLP is a unique web-based learning environment for beginning students in communication studies to learn and practice basic academic skills, which has been used successfully in my Leipzig department since Fall 1999. It was developed with a grant from the joint state-federal German HSP-III foundation.

Research Reports

Facebook and Online Privacy. Unpublished research paper, together with Brittany Hughes and Ann-Kathrin Horn, 2007.
Omniscience and Boundlessness: Myths about Computer Networks, unpublished research paper, 2003.
Typologisch-kategorielles Interpretationsverfahren zur Vereinfachung der qualitativen Interpretation von narrativen Kundeninterviews (unpublished research report for DaimlerBenz, with the help of Nicole Hochleitner). Berlin, 1997, 312 pages.
The HyperCom Approach to Collaborative Work: Communicating Shared Memory and Contextual Knowledge (unpublished research paper for DaimlerBenz, co-authored with Sabine Engelhardt, J. Mark Kell, and Alexander Mankowsky). Berlin, 1996, 20 pages.
Zur Modellierung der Mensch-Computer-Interaktion, supplement to DFG 1991–1993 research report for the project "Non-Technical Aspects of Construction with Computer-Aided Design (CAD)" (unpublished research report). Berlin: Technical University, 1994, 127 pages.
Simulation, Komplexität und Transparenz. Computersimulation als Erkenntnis- und Kommunikationsmedium, preliminary research report for the project "Non-Technical Aspects of Construction with Computer-Aided Design (CAD)" (unpublished research paper). Berlin: Technical University, 1993, 22 pages.
Konstruktion und Innovation: Zur kognitiven und kreativen Funktion der Metapher, supplement to DFG 1989–1990 research report for the project "Non-Technical Aspects of Construction with Computer-Aided Design (CAD)" (unpublished research report). Berlin: Technical University, 1990, 136 pages.
Zum Verhältnis von Sprache, Institution und Öffentlichkeit: Kommunikations-theoretische Studien zur Philosophie von Arnold Gehlen und Jürgen Habermas, unpublished Master’s Thesis, Berlin: Free University, 1988, 220 pages.

Editor of Publications in Scholarly Journals

"Der Karikaturenstreit," Großbothener Vorträge, 2006, Heft 2, p. 29–35, pp. 13–35. Special issue featuring a debate on the Mohammed Cartoon Debate. I recruited contributions, edited them and contributed to the thematic focus.
"Debatte: Akademische Integrität? Betrug, Fälschung und Plagiat," Aviso, no 36, May 2004, pp. 3-11. Special issue featuring an international debate on academic integrity, cheating, plagiarism, and forgery. I organized, edited, and contributed to the thematic focus.

Recent Articles

"The Future of New Media Ethics, " in: An Ethics Trajectory: Visions of Media Past, Present, and Yet To Come, edited by Tom Cooper, Anantha Babbili and Cliff Christians (forthcoming 2008)
"The Internet as a new platform for expressing opinions and as a new public sphere," in: Wolfgang Donsbach & Michael W. Traugott (eds.): Handbook of Public Opinion Research. London: Sage, 2007, 64-72.
"The Cartoon Debate and the Pathologies of the Global Information Society," in: Bernhard Debatin (ed.): The Cartoon Debate and the Freedom of the Press: Conflicting Norms and Values in the Global Media Culture. Berlin: LIT Verlag 2007, 13-21.
"Die Provokation des Banalen. Eine fehlgeschlagene Satire und das Gesetz der (nicht-) intendierten Folgen," in: Bernhard Debatin (ed.): The Cartoon Debate and the Freedom of the Press: Conflicting Norms and Values in the Global Media Culture. Berlin: LIT Verlag 2007, 215-224.
"Die Grenzen der Pressefreiheit? Der Karikaturenstreit als inszenierte Farce," in: Publizistik, 2006, 51. Jahrgang, Heft 2, pp. 149–52.
"Provokation und Ignoranz oder Respekt und Toleranz? Vorbemerkung zu den Beiträgen über den Karikaturenstreit," in: Großbothener Vorträge, 2006, Heft 2, p. 13–14.Introductory article for the debate on the Mohammed Cartoon Debate; see above, "Editor of scholarly publications in journals."
"Der Karikaturenstreit, die Satire, und die Provokation des Banalen," in: Großbothener Vorträge, 2006, Heft 2, p. 29–35.
"E-Learning in der Kommunikationswissenschaft: Erfahrungen mit dem Einsatz von Online-Lernsystemen in der universitären Lehre," Publizistik, vol. 50, no. 1, March 2005, pp. 56-73. Co-authored with Jana Wünsch and Klaus Beck.
"Principios de la Ética en Internet: Àreas de Conflicto y Perspectivas de Solución," in Revista Cultural Digital Big Bang (Montevideo, Uruguay, 2005), reprint of my article on Internet ethics that was published earlier in Instituto de Derecho y Ética Industrial (ed.), Communicationes en Propriedad Industrial y Derecho de la Competencia (Madrid: CEFI, 2003), pp. 123–34.
"Rationalität und Irrationalität der Metapher," in Hans Rudi Fischer (ed.), Eine Rose ist eine Rose… Zur Rolle und Funktion von Metaphern in Wissenschaft und Therapie (Weilerwirst: Velbrück Wissenschaft, 2005), pp. 30-47.
"Ethik des Online Journalismus—Medienethische Kriterien und Perspektiven," in Klaus Beck, Wolfgang Schweiger, and Werner Wirth (eds.), Gute Seiten—schlechte Seiten: Qualität in der Online-Kommunikation (Munich: Verlag R. Fischer, 2004), pp.80-99.
"Ein drängendes ethisches Problem," Aviso, no. 36, May 2004, p. 3. Introductory article for the debate on academic integrity; see above, "Editor of scholarly publications in journals."
"Die Unerträgliche Leichtigkeit der Kopie: Über die Popularisierung eines alten Phänomens," Aviso, no. 36, May 2004, pp. 10-11. My own contribution to the debate on academic integrity; see above, "Editor of scholarly publications in journals."
"US Medien zwischen Unsicherheit und Patriotismus: Zur Selbstreflexion des Journalismus seit dem 11.9.2001 und den Folgekriegen," ZFK—Zeitschrift für Kommunikationsökologie, no.1, 2004, pp. 58-62.
Preface to the book Der Kosovo Krieg in den Medien by Stefan Krempl, published by Reinhard Fischer, Munich 2004.
"Können moralische Werte gelehrt werden?—Erfahrungen mit Medienethik in der US-amerikanischen Journalistenausbildung," in: ZFK—Zeitschrift für Kommunikationsökologie, 2003, 5. Jahrgang, Heft 1, pp. 19–23.
"Empfehlungen für das Lehren von Medienethik in Aus- und Fortbildung von Medienberufen," in: ZFK—Zeitschrift für Kommunikationsökologie, 2003, 5. Jahrgang, Heft 1, pp. 6–9 (co-authored with Rüdiger Funiok).
"Begründungen und Argumentationen der Medienethik—ein Überblick," in: Bernhard Debatin and Rüdiger Funiok (eds.), Kommunikations- und Medienethik. Constance: UVK Medien, 2003, pp. 9–21.
"Principios de la Ética en Internet: Àreas de Conflicto y Perspectivas de Solución," in: Instituto de Derecho y Ética Industrial (ed.), Communicationes en Propriedad Industrial y Derecho de la Competencia. Madrid: CEFI, 2003, pp. 123–34.
"Planewreck with Spectators: Terrorism and Media Attention," in: Bradley Greenberg (ed.), Communication and Terrorism: Public and Media Responses to 9/11. Creskill, NJ: Hampton Press, 2002, pp. 163–74.
"From Public/Private to Public Privacy: A Critical Perspective on the Infosphere," in: DIAC–02 Symposium (ed.), Shaping the Network Society. Seattle, Washington, 2002 (electronic publication, available on the WWW at: http://diac.cpsr.org/cgi-bin/diac02/pattern.cgi/public?pattern_id=136).
"Zwischen theoretischer Begründung und praktischer Anwendung: Medienethik auf dem Weg zur Teildisziplin," in: Publizistik, 2002, 47. Jahrgang, Heft 3, pp. 259–64.
"Semiotik des Terrors: Luftschiffbruch mit Zuschauern," in: Carsten Brosda and Christian Schicha (eds.), Medien und Terrorismus: Reaktionen auf den 11. September 2001. Münster: LIT-Verlag, 2002, pp. 25–38.
Extended encyclopedia article on "Pragmatics of Human Communication" (P. Watzlawick et al.), in: Christina Holtz-Bacha and Arnulf Kutsch (eds.), Hauptwerke der Kommunikationswissenschaft. Opladen: Westdeutscher Verlag, 2002, pp. 434–36.
"Digital divide und digital content: Grundlagen der Internetethik," in: Matthias Karmasin (ed.), Medien und Ethik. Stuttgart: Reclam, 2002, pp. 220–37 (textbook version of 2001 publication in rhs).
“Das Pilotprojekt Distance Learning Propädeutikum (DLP): Eine Bestandsaufnahme,” in: Bernhard Debatin/Siegmar Gerber (eds.): Kommunikation in der Informationsgesellschaft: Vom digitalen Buch zum computergestützten Lernen (web presentation), Leipzig: Universitätsverlag, 2001 (CD-ROM with a booklet).
“Digitale Demokratie. Eine Skizze zu Öffentlichkeit und Demokratie in der Netzgesellschaft”, in: Forum Medienethik: E-Demokratie = Ende der Demokratie?, 1/2001, pp. 17-26.
“Digital divide und digital content: Grundlagen der Internetethik”, in: rhs - Religionsunterricht an höheren Schulen, 2/2001, pp. 92-100.
"Ethik und Medien - Antworten auf zehn populäre Mißverständnisse über Medienethik", in: Relation Leipzig, 8. Jg. Sept. 2001, Nr. 11, pp. 8-11.
"Medienethik als Steuerungsinstrument? Zum Verhältnis von individueller und korporativer Verantwortung in der Massenkommunikation", in: Adrian Holderegger (Hrsg.): Kommunikations- und Medienethik. Interdisziplinäre Perspektiven. Freiburg: Herder 1999, pp. 39-53 (new publication of the article in Weßler et al. 1997).
"Der digitale Gott: Das Internet als neue Heilsutopie", in: Zeitschrift für Pädadagogik und Theologie (ZfPTH), Heft 3/99, Themenheft "Medien," pp. 222-226.
"Ethik und Internet. Zur normativen Problematik von Online-Kommunikation", In: Rüdiger Funiok/Udo F. Schmälzle/Christoph H. Werth (eds.), Medienethik - die Frage der Verantwortung. Bonn: Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung 1999, pp. 274-293 (revised publication of the artikel "Ethik und Internet" in Dernbach et al. 1998).
"Allwissenheit und Grenzenlosigkeit: Mythen um Computernetze ", in: Jürgen Wilke (ed.): Massenmedien und Zeitgeschichte. Schriftenreihe der DGPuK, Bd. 26, Konstanz: UVK Medien 1999, pp. 481-493.
"Gibt es eine Medienethik für das Internet?", in: medien praktisch, Jan. 1999, H. 89, 23. Jg., pp. 61-62.
"Analyse einer öffentlichen Gruppenkonversation im Chat-Room. Referenzformen, kommunikationspraktische Regularitäten und soziale Strukturen in einem kontextarmen Medium", in: Elisabeth Prommer/Wolfgang Vowe (eds.).: Computervermittelte Kommunikation - Öffentlichkeit im Wandel. Konstanz: UVK 1998, pp. 13-37.
"Medienethik und Internet: Welche Grundnormen sollen gelten?" in: Aviso Nr. 22/Sept. 1998, p. 16.
"Verantwortung im Medienhandeln. Medienethische und handlungstheoretische Überlegungen zum Verhältnis von Freiheit und Verantwortung in der Massenkommunikation", in: Wolfgang Wunden (ed.): Medien und Freiheit. Beiträge zur Medienethik. Band 4, Frankfurt: GEP 1998, pp. 113-130.
"Ethik und Internet. Überlegungen zur normativen Problematik von hochvernetzter Computerkommunikation", in: Beatrice Dernbach, Anna Maria Theis-Berglmair, Manfred Rühl (eds.): Publizistik im vernetzten Zeitalter, Opladen: Westdeutscher Verlag 1998, pp. 207-221.
"Metaphern und Mythen des Internet. Demokratie, Öffentlichkeit und Identität im Sog der vernetzen Datenkommunikation" (unveröffentl. Vortrag, Evangelische Akademie Bad Segeberg, 13. April, 1997).
"Metaphern der Kommunikation und Kommunikation durch Metaphern", in: Wolfgang Luutz (Hrsg.): Das ‘Andere’ der Kommunikation. Theorien der Kommunikation, Leipzig: Leipziger Universitätsverlag: 1997, pp. 54-66.
"Metaphorical Iconoclasm and the Reflective Power of Metaphor," In: B. Debatin/T.R. Jackson/D.Steuer (eds.): Metaphor and Rational Discourse, Tübingen: Niemeyer 1997, pp. 147-157.
"Medienethik als Steuerungsinstrument? Zum Verhältnis von individueller und korporativer Verantwortung in der Massenkommunikation", in: Hartmut Weßler et al. (ed.): Perspektiven der Medienkritik, Opladen: Westdeutscher Verlag 1997, pp. 287-303.
"Ethische Grenzen oder Grenzen der Ethik: Überlegungen zur Steuerungs- und Refexionsfunktion der Medienethik," in: Günter Bentele/Michael Haller (eds.): Aktuelle Entstehung von Öffentlichkeit, Konstanz: UVK Medien 1997, pp. 281-290.
"Die Rationalität der Metapher. Zum Projekt einer synthetischen Metapherntheorie," in: Georg Meggle (ed.): Analyomen 2, Berlin: De Gruyter 1997, Vol. II, pp. 70-78.
"Der modellierte Benutzer: Eine kommunikations- und zeichentheoretische Analyse der normativen Restriktionen in der Mensch-Computer-Interaktion," in: Rainer Mackensen (ed.), Konstruktionshandeln. Nichttechnische Determinanten des Konstruierens bei zunehmendem CAD-Einsatz, München: Hanser 1997, pp. 124-147.
"Elektronische Öffentlichkeiten: Über Informationsselektion und Identitaet in virtuellen Gemeinschaften," in: FIFF Kommunikation, Computer und Demokratie, 4/1996, 23-26.
"Die Modellfunktion der Metapher und das Problem der 'Metaphernkontrolle'," in: Hans Julius Schneider (ed.): Metapher, Kognition, Künstliche Intelligenz, Muenchen: Fink 1996, pp. 83-103.
"Kontingenz und Ethik. Überlegungen zur ethischen Problematik postmortaler Schwangerschaft," in: C. Hubig/H. Poser (eds.): Cognition humana - Dynamik des Wissens und der Werte, Leipzig: ProduServ 1996, pp. 1402-1409.
"Postmortale Schwangerschaft. Eine Forschungsskizze zum Problem der Auflösung der biopsychosozialen Einheit Mensch durch die moderne Intensiv- und Reproduktionsmedizin," in: F. Kleinhempel et al. (eds.): Die biopsychosoziale Einheit Mensch. Festschrift für Karl-Friedrich Wessel, Bielefeld: Kleine Verlag 1996, pp. 160-166.
"On Time Restrictions in Human-Computer Interaction," in: Kodikas/Code, Vol. 18, 1995, No. 4, pp. 297-307.
"Lies About Ice and Other Properties; or, Metaphors, Implicit Knowledge, and Expert Systems," in: L.J. Slikkeveer et al. (eds.), The Expert Sign: Semiotics of Culture, Leiden/Netherlands: DSWO Press, 1993, pp. 153167.

Book Reviews and Prospectus Reviews for Publishers

Extended review (5 pages) of a proposal for a macro-ethical textbook on media ethics, for Allyn&Bacon Publishing Company (2005)
Extended review (9 pages) of the first edition of Radford, Barnes, and Barr, Web Research: Selecting, Evaluating, and Citing, for Allyn&Bacon Publishing Company (2004).
Extended book review (1200 words) on Johanna Schwenk: Cyberethik. Ethische Problemstellungen des Internets und Regulierungsansätze aus Sicht der Online-Nutzer. München: Verlag Reinhard Fischer, 2002, for peer-reviewed German mass communication journal Publizistik (2003), vol. 48, no. 4.
Extended book report (2000 words) on four American books about web research for the peer-reviewed German mass communication journal Publizistik (2002), vol. 47, no. 4, pp. 475–78.
"Zum Inkommensurabilitätspoblem," in: Rhetorik. Ein internationales Jahrbuch. Tübingen 1996, Band 14, 159-161 (review of: Geert-Lueke Lueken, Inkommensurabilität als Problem rationalen Argumentierens).
"Zur Sprache der Technik," Technikgeschichte, Bd 61 (1994) Nr. 4 (review of: Karlheinz Jakob, Maschine, Mentales Modell, Metapher).
"Cinematic Metaphors," The Semiotic Review of Books, Vol. 5.2, May 1994 (review of: Trevor Whittock, Metaphor and Film).
"Computers at Work: The Semiotics of Interface Design," The Semiotic Review of Books, Vol. 4.2, May 1993 (review of: Peter B. Andersen, A Theory of Computer Semiotics).
"Metaphors and Computers," The Semiotic Review of Books, vol. 3.1, January 1991 (review: of J. H. Martin, A Computational Model of Metaphor Interpretation).

Columns for German Media Ethics Council at the Akademie für Publizistik (Hamburg)

"PR-Abteilung verstümmelt Zitate" Oct. 10, 2007. A column on how to deal with PR departments that want hamstring and change quotes ex post.
"Parteimitglied und trotzdem unabhängig?" Feb. 15, 2007. A column on the conflict of interest between journalistic independence and party membership.
"Einladung auf Firmenkosten, dann der Bestechungsversuch" Nov. 20, 2006. A column on the issue of junkets and payola in jounalism.
"Interviews umschreiben lassen?" April 7, 2006. A column on the question of authorization of interviews and the rules of interviewing.
"Titelpatronat: Schleichwerbung?" Nov. 10, 2005. A column on the issue of surreptitious advertising and product placement.
"Quellenschutz: Restrisiko für Informanten?" Sep. 12, 2005. A column on shield laws and residual risk for sources.
"Einseitige Berichterstattung: Journalistisch-ethische Regelverletzung?" Jan. 30, 2005. A column on the ethics of biased reporting.
"Darf man Personen erfinden?" April 27, 2004. A column on the issue of making up fictitious persons in reporting.
"Was ist journalistische Ethik?" Feb. 22, 2004. A column on the fundamentals of journalism ethics.
"Verpflichtung zum Schreiben?" Dec. 28, 2003. A column on junkets and the implied expectation to write on the event in return.
"Die richtige Schlagzeile?" Aug. 7, 2003. A column on the issue of disclosing security information on an at-risk politician.
"Ein zulässiger Zusatz?" April 4, 2003. A column on mentioning medical conditions and race of a news subject.
"Themenklau?" Jan. 8, 2003. A column on the issue of stealing story ideas from other journalists.

Research

Current Research Projects

Facebook and Privacy
(Ohio University, since Spring 2007)

Student life without Facebook is almost unthinkable. As a pervasive technology, its use produces unintended consequences with ethical implications. One such consequence is a redefinition of the relationship between public and private. Facebook raises a number of privacy issues, such as inadvertent disclosure of personal information to a (potentially unlimited) audience; unwanted contact, stalking, and harassment; surveillance-like structures due to the RSS functionality of Facebook; loss of control over personal data due to third-party use of these data; and loss of control over personal data due to hacking activity.

The primary objective of this project is to identify and analyze ethical issues specific to privacy problems of Facebook. The second objective is to develop strategies and recommendations for dealing with these conflicts. The research combines four methods: (1) a literature study on webbased social networking and pervasive technology, (2) an ethical/philosophical investigation, (3) a qualitative-typological analysis of interviews with Ohio University Facebook users, and (4) a quantitative survey of Facebook users.

Preliminary results have been compiled in a research paper that will be presented at the Seventeenth Annual Meeting of the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics in San Antonio, Texas, February 21-24, 2008.

Ethics of Online Journalism
(Ohio University, since Spring 2002)

This research project analyzes ethical conflicts that are typical for the new profession of online journalism. The main focus is the process of journalistic production, which includes selecting, preparing, and distributing information on the Internet. In addition, related issues are explored, such as new organizational structures in online journalism, media convergence, digitized global communication, and inclusion/exclusion of users. Based on interviews, literature review, and case studies, the project aims to develop a general framework for ethical codes in online journalism and a media ethical toolbox for identifying, analyzing, and solving ethical conflicts in online journalism.

In 2002/2003, the project was supported with a $6,000 Ohio University research seed money grant. Initial findings have been published and presented at conferences. My research in online journalism ethics builds upon a rich body of research on Internet ethics and computer mediated communication that I have explored over the past twelve years.

Foundations of Media Ethics
(Ohio University and Leipzig University, since November 1996)

In this project, I aim to lay out a systematic foundation of media ethics from the perspective of philosophy and communication theory. Starting from basic functions of media ethics, orientation and reflection, I analyze fundamental notions and concepts of media ethics, particularly the notion of responsibility and its implications. Case studies (with an emphasis on information and communication technology) and examinations of ethical codes and regulations accompany the media ethical analysis. The project has resulted in a co-edited book and a number of well received articles on (1) basic functions of media ethics, (2) the orientational function of media ethics and the significance of ethical codes and sanctions, and (3) media ethical responsibility on individual and organizational levels.

In the wake of September 11, 2001, I developed a research focus on "Ethics and Semiotics of the 9/11 media coverage." This part of the project included highly successful undergraduate research conducted under my supervision, as well as several publications and conference papers.

My research on media ethics has been widely recognized. Highlights include a 2003 volume on media ethics (co-edited with Rüdiger Funiok). Some of my German texts on media ethics have become frequently cited standard works (most notably, "Medienethik als Steuerungsinstrument?" 1999; "Verantwortung im Medienhandeln," 1998; and "Ethische Grenzen oder Grenzen der Ethik?" 1997).

Completed Research Projects

The Mohammed Cartoon Debate
(Stuttgart University/Ohio University, March 2006 - September 2007)

This research project was initiated in the context of my Spring 2006 research fellowship with the AlcatelSEL Foundation at the International Centre for Research in Culture and Technology (IZKT), Stuttgart University. The project analyzed media-ethical dimensions of the Cartoon Debate with particular attention to the conflict between freedom of speech and respect of religious beliefs. It also scrutinized the different actors and their specific interests in the conflict, as well as cultural, rhetorical, and ideological issues of the debate.

The project has resulted in a public panel discussion at Stuttgart University, a couple of journal articles, and the 2007 volume The Cartoon Debate and the Freedom of the Press. Conflicting Norms and Values in the Global Media Culture // Der Karikaturenstreit und die Pressefreiheit. Wert- und Normenkonflikte in der globalen Medienkultur with 24 contributions, edited by myself.

The Internet as Communicative Space
(Leipzig University, November 1996-2001)

The project analyzed communicative structures and processes, as well as patterns of social relationships in computer-mediated communication, in order to understand the Internet from the perspective of communication theory. Within the framework of this project, a study of "chat rooms" was conducted through participant observation and qualitative interviews. In addition, theoretical, sociological, and ethical aspects of communication in electronic networks were analyzed. The project resulted in a series of articles on (1) conversational rules and social structures in chat-rooms, (2) the Internet as a public sphere, (3) Internet ethics and the digital divide, and (4) myths and metaphors of the Internet (see publications).

Qualitative Interpretation of Customer Communication
(Consultant for DaimlerBenz Company, Berlin, 1997-1998)

In the context of business/customer communication issues, I led a research group that developed a qualitative interpretation approach for customer feedback. Based on metaphor theory, objective hermeneutics, and morphological field theory, this approach highlights, categorizes, and evaluates the difference between technical defects of the product (cars) and emotional damage to the customer - a distinction that is rarely perceived and scarcely understood in its significance for customer satisfaction.

The project resulted in an extensive research report (see "Publications") and a computer-supported interpretation system called TKI (Typologisch-Kategorielles Interpretationsverfahren).

Computer Mediated Organizational Communication
(Consultant for DaimlerBenz Company, Berlin and Palo Alto, 1995-1996)

From August 1995 until December 1996, I was involved in a project on enhancing computer mediated organizational communication, in which I conducted extensive research on social, organizational, and technical aspects of CSCW (computer supported collaborative work) at the Research and Technology Center of the DaimlerBenz Company in Palo Alto, California (Winter 1996), and then applied the findings to the problems of organizational communication in Berlin and other branches of the company.

The project resulted in the development of a hypertext software system called HyperCom. I described and discussed this system and its CSCW context in an unpublished research paper, "The HyperCom Approach to Collaborative Work: Communicating Shared Memory and Contextual Knowledge."

The Rationality of Metaphor
(Dissertation project, Technical University Berlin, 1990-1994)

"The Rationality of Metaphor: An Analysis Based on the Philosophy of Language and Communication Theory." (Die Rationalität der Metapher: Eine sprachphilosophische und kommunikationstheoretische Untersuchung.) My thesis was accepted in fulfillment of doctoral requirements by the Department of Philosophy at the Technical University Berlin and was awarded summa cum laude. My advisors were Prof. Dr. Christoph Hubig (now University of Stuttgart) and Prof. Dr. Hans Poser (Technical University Berlin). The thesis was published in 1995 by de Gruyter publishing company (Berlin/New York).

In my dissertation, I proposed an outline of a synthetic theory of metaphor, based on a critical analysis of philosophic-semantic, historical-hermeneutic, and communication-theoretical metaphor theories. My main thesis is that the rationality of metaphor consists in its fundamental function as rational anticipation. I examine the rationality of metaphor in three fields: in the cognitive field with respect to its modeling and creative functions, in the normative field with respect to its functions of orientation and of constituting experience; and in the communicative area with respect to its functions of evocation and understanding (Verständigung in Habermas' sense). Finally, I develop specific criteria for evaluating the rationality of metaphor, arguing that its necessary condition is a combination of the reflective function of metaphor with its anticipatory structure.

Human-Computer Interaction
(Full-time Researcher, Technical University Berlin, 1989-1993)

From April 1989 to November 1993, I worked as a full-time researcher in an interdisciplinary research group at the Department of Philosophy, Technical University Berlin. The research project, funded by the "Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft" (DFG), was titled "Non-Technical Aspects of Construction with Computer-Aided Design (CAD)." My research focused on philosophical and communication-theoretical aspects of human-computer interaction, with special attention to the functions of metaphor and to natural language representation in expert systems.

The project resulted in two lengthy research reports and several articles concerning metaphor, creativity, computer-based natural language processing, communication-theoretical critique of user interfaces, and time restrictions in human-computer interaction. It also inspired and enriched my research on metaphor theory for my dissertation thesis.

Public Sphere, Language, and Institutions
(Magister's thesis research project, Free University Berlin, 1987-1988

My Master’s Thesis project looked at the relationship among language, institutions, and the public sphere. I developed a critical reconstruction of the works of German philosophers Arnold Gehlen and Jürgen Habermas from a communication theory perspective. The project emphasized the crucial role of language as a public institution and of the public sphere as the institution of public discourse. It explored the implications of public discourse for democracy in modern societies.

My thesis was accepted in fulfillment of Master’s requirements by the Department of Mass Communication at the Free University Berlin and was awarded summa cum laude. My advisors were Prof. Dr. Dieter Hirschfeld and Prof. Dr. Christoph Hubig (now University of Stuttgart). Parts of the thesis were published in the book Antinomien der Öffentlichkeit: Texte zum Streit über die Selbstthematisierung der Gesellschaft (that I co-edited with Dieter Hirschfeld), Hamburg: Argument, 1989, pp. 16-80.(see publications)

Teaching Technology Projects

Online Tutorial DLP -- Distance Learning Propädeutikum
(Leipzig University, 1999-2001)

In this project, I pursued the conceptualization and development of a web-based learning environment for beginning students to acquire and practice basic academic skills. The goal was to reach as many beginners as possible and provide them with a step-by-step introduction to academic work. For this purpose, modular web-based learning units with automated tests were developed, which could be integrated into introductory lectures and seminars in the form of lab work with teaching assistants or as distance learning homework. At the end of each week's module, the student was asked to write a short essay on a topic related to the module. The essays were sent via CGI-based email to the teaching assistants, who read them and sent them back with their comments. Other web-based interactive features and feedback mechanisms were offered, as well.

Development began in Spring 1999; the first prototype went online in Fall 1999 and has been continually further developed and upgraded. Since then, it has been successfully used in the introductory communication studies classes. The DLP makes use of HTML, Java Script elements, CGI forms, and Flash animations. The project ran from 1999 to 2001, financed by a $15,000 governmental university grant (HSP-III) for developing and implementing the DLP.
URL of DLP: http://www.uni-leipzig.de/~dlp/

Distance Learning with the Help of the Internet
(Leipzig University, 1997-2001)

This project explored the potential of the Internet for distance learning in cooperation with several universities. Cooperation partners included the Scripps School of Journalism (Prof. Robert Stewart, Prof. Ann Cooper-Chen) at Ohio University, the Department of Communication Studies (Prof. Dr. Romy Fröhlich) at Bochum University, and the Chair of Cultural Studies (Prof. Dr. Schlüter/Stefan Krempl) at the Europe University Viadriana in Frankfurt/Oder.

The cooperation made use of a wide range of forms and devices for collaboration among individual students and between seminars at two different universities. These included email exchange, collaborative file sharing, web-based audio and video conferences, and real-time presentations of group work using multimedia web technology. The project was pursued in combination with my upper division classes on Internet-related topics.

The project was financed in 1998 by a $40,000 governmental university grant (HSP-III) for acquiring multimedia computers and peripherals, which made it possible to set up a second computer pool in Leipzig's Department of Communication and Media Studies.