100-100 Introduction to Media and Communications

This subject is only available to students enrolled in the BA (Media and Communications), BA (Media and Communications)/Bachelor of Commerce, and BA (Media and Communications)/Bachelor of Laws.

This subject offers a broad introduction to the study of Media and Communications and a solid foundation for more advanced study in years two and three. It aims to encourage students about the relevance and value of studying Media and Communications in today's 'mediated' society, and with an emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region. Broad themes covered in the course include media and modernity; media representations and methods; media industries and production; media audiences and reception; media convergence and globalization as well as 'media wars' and the perennial debate about the value of media studies. Topics covered include the historical rise of the press and its contribution to a 'public sphere'; media source power; politics and the media; new interactive technologies and audience empowerment; global-local media; journalism; advertising, PR and communication strategies. In addition, students are also introduced to important theoretical approaches and methods of analysis and encouraged to engage in forms of critical analysis of their own.

Class participation and written work totalling 4000 words. Students must attend at least 80% of classes to be eligible for assessment.

A subject reader will be available.