100-108 Politics, Communication, Media

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

100 points of arts subjects including 25 points of core Media and Communications subjects at first year.

This subject examines the changing relationship between the media and contemporary political institutions and processes at an intermediate level. Major topics include the media's role in setting political agendas; the media's function as 'fourth estate'; the rise of professional political communications and the 'permanent campaign'; image politics and news management; and the growing importance of polling and tracking public opinion. Drawing on a range of case studies from Australia and elsewhere, students will engage with debates about objectivity, bias and balance in reporting, the political aspects of media ownership, and the challenges posed to traditional political institutions by new media forms such as the Internet. Students completing this subject will be able to develop critical skills in analysing political communications and in researching political issues for the media, and will gain a better understanding of the ways in which political parties attempt to influence, and are themselves influenced by, media coverage.

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

A subject reader will be available.