For those new to (or intimidated by) social networking, Mercer is introducing a pair of courses in October.

“The Truth Behind Social Networking: What Your Child Is Really Doing on MySpace, FaceBook, Etc.,” begins on Thursday, October 1, at 6 p.m. at Mercer’s West Windsor campus and continues for two subsequent sessions on October 3 and October 8. Cost: $196.

The course is designed to give primarily parents a background in social networking, including its advantages and dangers. Studying YouTube, Twitter, and personal blogging, the course aims to teach social networking newbies what to look for, and what to look out for.

On Wednesday, October 14, Mercer gets down to the business of social networking with “Marketing Your Business On Social Networking Sites.” Aimed mainly at small businesses and social networking newcomers looking for free ways to get the word out, the course is a one-session class beginning at 6 p.m. Cost: $66.

Both courses are taught by MCCC instructor Joe Costello.