Media,Politics and Society

This subject is not offered in 2013.

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Politics and International Studies, Sociology or Media and Communications at Level 1

166-277 Media, Politics and Society

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 examines the ways in which news is constructed in the media, the social organisation of the media and the media as a site of contested power. The media is a crucial political and social actor in an era in which information is becoming an increasingly valuable resource. We will undertake a critical analysis of television, radio, Internet and newspaper reporting in the Australian and global contexts, analysing issues including the processes by which stories come to be considered 'newsworthy', and how political and social issues are represented in the media. We will also focus on the social organisation of the media, uncovering patterns of ownership, regulation, and new communication systems. Students who complete this subject should be able to assess the influence of different interests in media construction of news, be able to critically evaluate media representations of political and social relations, and understand the media as a site of power and resistance.

Students who successfully complete this subject should...

• be able to assess the influence of different interests in media construction of news.
• be able to critically evaluate media representations of political and social relations.
• be familiar with the social organisation of the media.

A response paper of 1000 words (25%) due during the first half of the semester, a take-home test of 1000 words (25%) due mid-semester, and a written essay of 2000 words (50%) due during the examination period.

This subject has a minimum Hurdle Requirement of 75% tutorial attendance. Regular participation in tutorials is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

A subject reader will be available for purchase from the University Bookshop.

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

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

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.

• demonstrate critical thinking and analytic skills, through research and written communication.

• be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically, both orally and in writing.

• display awareness and understanding of the social, ethical and cultural contexts of the media and of our place as researchers.

• have gained experience in using basic research tools.

• be familiar with theoretical approaches to the media.

Available as a Breadth subject to non-Bachelor of Arts Students.