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 to reflect on 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.

• 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;

• be able to participate in discussion and group activities and be sensitive to the participation of others;

A group project 500 words 15% (due from week 4 onwards); participation in seminars and online discussions 15%; a news story analysis 1500 words 30% (due week 9); a major researched essay of 2500 words 40% (due end of semester). Students must attend at least 80% of classes to be eligible for assessment.

A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester.

• Michael O'Shaugnessy & Jane Stadler, Media and Society: an Introduction, 3rd edition.