Media Writing: Rhetoric and Practice

Subject 100-422 (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 2, - 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


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Students must be eligible for study at 4th year level
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

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

Coordinator

Carolyn Lee
Subject Overview:

Media Writing: Rhetoric and Practice Developed from at least the fifth century BCE onwards, the metalanguage of rhetoric (writing on writing, or discourse on discourse) is today inextricably imbricated in both practices and critiques of media language. This subject examines the highly controversial history of rhetoric, always already embedded in philosophy, as well as its competing definitions, and various appearances, influences, and even metamorphoses, in writing practices and in theories of communication from the time of Aristotle through to the age of electronic media. At the same time, the subject addresses current practices of media writing within national and global media spheres, necessarily viewed through the lens of the metalanguage of rhetoric, encouraging critical engagement with both media writing and rhetorical theory, and most importantly with students own writing practices.

Assessment: Seminar paper discussing the writing of a chosen rhetorical theorist; 1500 words. An essay which critically examines a specific genre of media writing, utilising chosen and competing rhetorical theories; 2500 words. An original piece of appropriately-targeted media writing within the specific genre the student analysed in her/his theoretical essay, enacting an awareness of the theoretical position taken in essay; 1000 words. Note: Students must complete all assignments by the due date and attend at least 80% of classes to be eligible for assessment.Note: 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: Prescribed Texts:A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester
Breadth Options:

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

  • be able to demonstrate a high level of written communication skills, including conformity to academic protocols of presentation and research;

  • be abe to demonstrate a high level of competence in reading, synthesizing, and presenting to others the relevant theoretical material;

  • be able to design and conduct original research that includes reflection on their own learning.
Related Course(s): Master of Arts (Global Journalism)
Master of Arts (Global Media Communication)
Master of Global Media Communication
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Media and Communication)

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