Media Writing: Rhetoric and Practice

Subject MECM90017 (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


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 3
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: Formerly available as 100-422 Media Writing: Rhetoric and Practice. Students who have completed 100-422 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Core Participation Requirements: None

Coordinator

Dr Carolyne Lee

Contact

Carolyne Lee

carolyne@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: 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. It views these through the lens of the metalanguage of rhetoric, encouraging critical engagement with both media writing and rhetorical theory, and most importantly with student"s own writing practices.
Objectives: Students who complete this subject will:

  • be able to recognise and explain how the metalanguage of rhetoric applies to 21 st century media writing;

  • be able to demonstrate knowledge of the history of rhetoric and principles of philosophical rhetoric; and

  • be able to utilise their theoretical knowledge of rhetoric to reflect on their own media writing practices.
Assessment: Seminar paper of 1500 words: 20%, an original piece of appropriately-targeted media writing, of approx 1000 words 20% (due during the semester), a critical, theoretical essay of 2500 words: 60% (due at the end of the 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: Students who successfully complete this subject will:
  • 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; and
  • be able to design and conduct original research that includes reflection on their own learning.
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
Master of Publishing and Communications

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