Mobility, Culture and Communication

Subject MECM90003 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 2, Parkville - 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

On campus

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 2
Total Time Commitment: 120
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: None

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Scott Mcquire

Contact

Scott McQuire

mcquire@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject examines the transformations of urban life and social belonging by focusing on the related impact of human mobility and new media and communication technologies. It will critically engage with the dominant sociological models for explaining global movement and the emergence of global, mobile media, and will test their relationship to theories of the nation state, diasporic cultures and new urban formations. In particular it will examine the formation of new hybrid identities, cosmopolitan organizations, transnational modes of agency and social interaction. This subject will address the complex cultural transformation of public space and the public sphere in contemporary society. It will situate this discussion in relation to underlying fears towards outsiders and ambivalence towards the impact of new technologies and mobility in general. On completion of this subject, students will be familiar with alternative perspectives for understanding the relation between global flows and local affiliations, and for understanding the emergence of new social spaces and practices in the diasporic cultures of contemporary cities.
Objectives: Students who complete this subject will be able to:
  • prepare and present ideas in both verbal and written mode, and in conformity to conventions of academic presentation;
  • reflect on learning and take responsibility for organising personal study; and
  • participate in discussion and group activities and be sensitive to the participation of others.
Assessment: Class presentation or site analysis essay 1000 words 25% (due 14 days after the presentation), final reflective essay 4000 words 75% (due end of semester). Note: Students must complete all assignments by the due date and 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 prepare and present their ideas in both verbal and written mode, and in conformity to conventions of academic presentation;
  • be able to reflect on their own learning and take responsibility for organising personal study; and
  • be able to participate in discussion and group activities and be sensitive to the participation of others.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts (Honours)(Media and Communications)
Master of Arts (Media and Communication) Adv.Seminar & Shorter Thesis
Master of Global Media Communication

Download PDF version.