166-072 Managing Communications & the Media

Note

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Usually admission into the Bachelor of Public Policy and Management Program, see Entry requirements.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

The subject studies the major theories of mass communication and the function of the press, including print and electronic media. The function of the press varies according to the political and social system in which it operates. In light of this, the function of the press in Australia is explored in relation to the so-called rights of the press, and in terms of the various intersections where the rights and functions of the press meet other interests, such as public sector institutions. Topics include: legal, ethical and political issues, Freedom of Information, defamation, contempt, trespass, breach of confidence, privacy, and whistle-blowing. Students will be exposed to operational processes within the public sector and the media. They will also receive practical instruction in communications, including writing, editing, presentation and media handling; in ways to identify the need for communications strategies; in how to conceive and design such strategies, and implement and evaluate them.

Assessment

Written work totalling 5000 words.

Prescribed Texts

Materials prepared by the Centre.