Week 2 Readings: The History of Communication

When comparing sources of information regarding historical dates regarding communication it is evident that not all dates are agreed upon. Some sources remain rather linear such as The History of Communication page from About.com. Other sources are much more effective in categorising and showcasing the large number of technologies and advancements across the last five-thousand years. For example in McGaughy's summary, each technology is given its own timeline regardless of what listed technology preceded it (McGaughy 2011). Such technologies include alphabetic writing, television, radio, photography and computing. Examining both sites shows a clear pattern of a large number of developments taking place between the years 1900 and 2000. While more legitimate sources such as journal articles would be useful for further study, the two sites provide a general outline of the most crucial developments of communication.

McGaughy, W 2011, Some Dates in the History of Cultural Technologies, viewed 2 August 2013, <http://worldhistorysite.com/culttech.html#CivV-Anchor >.

About.com, 2013, The History of Communication, viewed 2 August 2013, <http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/bl_history_of_communication.htm>