Media and Society

Subject MECM20007 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 1, 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: 3
Total Time Commitment: 102
Prerequisites:

None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: 100-100 Introduction to Media and Communications
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Contact

David Nolan d.nolan@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

This subject provides students with a thematic overview of the study of media and communications. The subject addresses the production and distribution of media and the work of media audiences in historical and contemporary contexts. It engages students in debates over the relative analytical power of such approaches as the economics of the media industry and the relations between media, politics and public life. It encourages students to develop their critical capacities by enlarging their understanding of both the empirical nature of the media and the range of theoretical approaches to them.
Objectives:

Students who complete this subject should:

  • be able to demonstrate knowledge of historical developments and current empirical trends concerning media communication;
  • appreciate how studying media communication involves attending to interrelated moments of media production, media representation and media reception;
  • be able to identify and critically engage with a range of media communication theories, concepts and debates and be able to deploy selected methods of media analysis.
Assessment: A group project of 500 words 15% (due during the semester), a news story analysis 1500 words 30% (due mid-semester), a major research essay of 2000 words 40% (due at the end of the semester. Participation in seminars and online discussions 10%. This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 75% attendance and regular participation in tutorials are required. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available.

  • Media and Society: an Introduction, new edition (Michael O'Shaugnessy & Jane Stadler)
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

  • 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;
  • be able to participate in discussion and group activities and be sensitive to the participation of others.
Notes: This subject is also available to BA (Media and Communications), BA (Media and Communications)/Bachelor of Commerce, and BA (Media and Communications)/Bachelor of Laws.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Media and Communications
Media and Communications
Media and Communications
Related Breadth Track(s): Media && Communication

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