Media Convergence and Digital Culture

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

On campus

120

Admission to postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in media and communication, Master of Global Media Communication, Master of Arts (Media and Communication) advanced seminar and shorter thesis, Master of Cinema Management, Master of Arts and Cultural Management (Moving Image)

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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/

This subject offers a critical examination of the impact of digital technology on contemporary media industries and cultural practices. We will examine the way the internet and new modes of collaborative production in the Web 2.0 environment are driving the transformation of all media sectors, including cinema, music, video gaming and television. Through case studies these sectors, and close analysis of contemporary internet practices, students will engage with key debates about digital culture, including the transformation of audiences, the emergence of new narrative and aesthetic forms, the role of peer-to-peer networks and the nature of digital commodities.

Students who complete this subject will:

• be able to demonstrate high-level understanding of the complex forces underlying technological changes in international media industries;
• be able to develop critical analyses of the effects of digital technology upon contemporary media form and content; and
• be able to engage in informed debates about the social and political impact of digital culture in the twenty-first century.

Class presentation 10% (due throughout the semester), case study essay 1500 words 25% (due mid-semester), and research essay 3500 words 65% (due in the examination period). Students are required to attend a minimum of 75% of classes in order to qualify to have their written work assessed. All required written work must be submitted in order to pass the subject.

A subject reader will be available.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students who successfully complete this subject will be able to:

• identify and apply appropriate research methods and theoretical frameworks for independent study of media industries and digital culture;
• demonstrate an advanced capacity for critical analysis of the theoretical and practical contexts relevant to this area; and
• demonstrate high-level capacity to communicate research relating to media industries and digital culture in written and oral presentations.