Global Media Policy & Governance

Subject MECM90002 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 29-Feb-2016 to 29-May-2016
Assessment Period End 24-Jun-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 11-Mar-2016
Census Date 31-Mar-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 06-May-2016


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 hours: a 1 hour lecture and 1 hour seminar per week throughout semester.
Total Time Commitment:

170 hours

Prerequisites:

Admission to the graduate 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.

Corequisites:

None

Recommended Background Knowledge:

None

Non Allowed Subjects:

None

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/

Coordinator

Dr Danny Butt

Contact

danny.butt@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

The increasingly international and global nature of media production, distribution and audiences has produced a startling array of bodies taking responsibility for policy issues, ranging from technical specifications and the allocation of spectra to content regulation, intellectual property and the protection of cultural heritage. Many of these bodies have long histories (the International Telecommunications Union for example, founded in 1865) while others are very recent (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, ICANN, formed in September 1998). Some of these bodies are non-governmental organisations or not-for-profit corporations, others are formed to administer treaties, or are organs of the United Nations. All balance the demands of media users, media industries and national governments in varying degrees, and all play host to major lobbies and diplomacy. Some bodies have significant influence over the activities of others: the World Trade Organisation’s policy instruments have major impact on the media, for example. This subject will address case studies such as the use of technical standards to enforce commercial property rights, attempts to protect and encourage indigenous media, the discourse and practice of media and ICT for development in order to disentangle the interests at work and the modes of practice of these bodies, and to address critical debates and alternative proposals for policy development.

Learning Outcomes:

Students who successfully complete this subject will be able to:

  • demonstrate knowledge of the major instruments governing global media standards, trade and regulation and the processes through which they are devised;
  • recognise and explain the differing criteria involved in the design and application of governance practices in the global media industries; and
  • identify, critically engage with and design workable policy documents for global media governance bodies.
Assessment:

An essay of 2500 words 50% (due mid-semester) and an essay of 2500 words 50% (due in the examination period).

Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% attendance in order to pass this subject.

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 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 Majors/Minors/Specialisations: 100 Point Master of Global Media Communication
150 Point Master of Global Media Communication
200 Point Master of Global Media Communication
MA (AS&&ST) Media and Communications

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