Global Crisis Reporting

Subject 100-574 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points:

25.00

Level:

9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)

Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

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

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.

Time Commitment:

Contact Hours: 1-hour lecture and a 2-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: 3 contact hours/week, 6 additional hours/week. Total of 9 hours per week.

Prerequisites:

None

Corequisites:

MECM00006 (Global Media: Theory and Research)

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

Dr David John Nolan

Contact

David Nolan

d.nolan@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:	Global Crisis Reporting examines studies and approaches to global communications and the reporting of crises, including disasters and humanitarian relief. The course examines the extent to which, how and why forms of coverage have changed in recent years, and considers how these changes have impacted on the way in which 'crises' are constructed, mediated and communicated. It is concerned to consider the possible impacts of such changes on national and international public opinion and political leaders, as well as on those immediately involved. Amongst the themes addressed are: the rise of new 'real-time' technologies of news production and transmission and their impact on the nature of crisis reporting; arguments for and against a 'journalism of attachment'; the communication strategies of humanitarian organisations; the degree to which coverage of human suffering raises questions about the moral responsibility of news-makers; and the question of how news audiences respond to such coverage, in light of recent debates about 'compassion fatigue' or the moral exhaustion thought to be induced by media bombardment of images of human suffering. The course also examines issues regarding the political impacts of contemporary crisis reporting; the nature and direction of communication flows; controversies surrounding the degree to which media are implicated in the rise of military 'humanitarian intervention'; and the extent to which contemporary crisis reporting may be seen to facilitate an emergent 'international public sphere'.
Objectives:	be able to demonstrate understanding of key studies and major theoretical frameworks deployed in the analysis of global disaster, humanitarian relief and crisis reporting; be able to identify how changing theoretical frameworks and forms of analysis prompt different questions and forms of analysis deployed in media analysis of global disaster, humanitarian relief and crisis reporting; be able to deploy frameworks and methods of analysis in their own studies of mediated global crisis reporting and reflect on the adequacy of these for improved understanding of media performance.
Assessment:	A 5000 word media report 50% (due mid-semester) and a 5000 word essay 50% (due end of semester). Students must attend at least 80% of classes to be eligible for assessment.
Prescribed Texts:	A subject reader will be available.
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 competence in advanced library searches and information retrieval; be able to demonstrate proficiency in the application of selected methods of media analysis; be able to demonstrate conformity to academic protocols of presentation and research procedures.
Related Course(s):	Master of Arts (Asian Societies) Master of Arts (Science, Communication and Society) Master of Global Media Communication Master of International Studies

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