100-208 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.

Completion of 25 points of core Media and Communications subjects and 25 points of optional 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.

• be able to identify the diversity of media structures and policies in different political systems;

• be able to critically analyse the role of contemporary media institutions and communication practices in sustaining democratic societies;

• be able to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different media strategies and communications practices used in the contemporary political arena;

• be able to plan and independently research key political issues for both written and oral presentations.

A research report of 2500 words 55% (due at the end of semester), a short essay of 1500 words 30% (due mid-semester), a 10-minute seminar presentation 5% and seminar participation 10%. Students must complete all assignments and 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.