Media Futures and New Technologies

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

100 points of Arts subjects including 25 points of core Media and Communications subjects at first year level.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject examines the pressures of technological change on contemporary media institutions and communications practices. Students will be introduced to key debates about media convergence, the relationship between technological change and media practices, and the shift from mass communication societies to networked societies. A range of case studies drawn from different sectors of the media including photography, the music industry, television, cinema, and the Internet will be complemented by examination of emerging practices such as video games, 'culture jamming', new entertainment forms and surveillance. Students completing the subject will be able to develop a critical understanding of the forces affecting technological change, and will be able to identify the major pressures likely to shape the media-communications industries of the future.

A short essay of 1500 words 30% (due mid-semester), a research report of 2500 words 55% (due end of semester); a 10-minute oral presentation 5% (given in seminar) and seminar participation 10%. Students must complete all assignments and attend at least 80% of classes to be eligible for assessment.

Assessment submitted late without an approved formal extension will be penalised at 2% per day. Students who fail to submit up to 2-weeks after the final due date without a formal extension and/or special consideration will receive a fail grade for the piece of assessment.

Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available.

• be able to identify appropriate analytical frameworks to effectively communicate their ideas in both written and oral forms;

• be able to contribute to group discussion, and to engage with the views expressed by other students;

• be able to organise their personal study to reflect on their own learning processes and to complete assessment tasks in a timely manner.

Students who have completed 100-221 Media Futures and New Technologies are not permitted to enrol in this subject. This subject is only available to students enrolled in the BA (Media and Communications), BA (Media and Communications)/Bachelor of Commerce and the BA (Media and Communications)/Bachelor of Laws.