Journalism: Conflict and Society

Subject 100-415 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

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Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1-hour lecture and a 2-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: .
Prerequisites: Admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in Media and Communications.
Corequisites: .
Recommended Background Knowledge: .
Non Allowed Subjects: .
Core Participation Requirements: .

Coordinator

Mugdha Rai
Subject Overview:

This subject examines the diverse roles that journalism plays in communicating conflicts in different national and international contexts. It focuses mainly upon the news media, both broadcasting and the press, though occasionally other forms of journalism and media such as TV current affairs and selected documentary programs as well as online news and the Internet will also be examined. The subject aims to engage with a wide range of scholarly studies of different mediatised conflicts, their informing theoretical frameworks and methodologies. Case studies of media reporting will include, for example, demonstrations, riots and civil unrest; war (from the Crimea to the Gulf I and II and beyond); international terrorism and the events of September 11 2001; deviance, crime and criminal justice; 'race', racism and ethnicity; political scandals; and the environment and 'risk society'. Through this case study approach, the subject opens up a sophisticated theoretical understanding of production processes, professional practices, political contingencies and media performance and how these impact on the representation of major public issues and concerns. Students will also be invited to engage in detailed analysis of current mediatised conflicts as they arise throughout the course and reflect on their own findings and research strategies. On completion of this course, students should be able to demonstrate critical understanding of the forms and dynamics of conflict reporting, appreciate the role of theory and methodology in academic media analysis, and have deepened their understanding of the role/s performed by journalism in conflicted societies both past and present.

Assessment: A written media report of 2500 words 50% (due after the mid-semester break) and a written essay of 2500 words 50% (due at the end of semester). Students must attend at least 80% of classes to be eligible for assessment.
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available from the University Bookshop
Recommended Texts: .
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • demonstrate competence in advanced library searches and information retrieval;

  • demonstrate proficiency in the application of selected methods of media analysis;

  • demonstrate conformity to academic protocols of presentation and research procedures;

  • critically analyse journalism's representation of current conflicts.
Notes: .
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts (Honours)(Media and Communications)
Master of Arts (Global Journalism)
Master of Arts (Global Media Communication)
Master of Arts (Science, Communication and Society)
Master of Criminology (CWT)
Master of Global Media Communication
Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (Media and Communication)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Media and Communication)

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