100-222 Understanding Australian Media

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

This subject examines Australian media with an emphasis on its political nature and issues of policy, regulation, ownership, governance and local content. Students are encouraged to actively, and critically, examine their own media use. Drawing on this, and a range of case studies, students will engage with debates about journalism and ethics, the nature of commercial and public media, and the changing shape of news and current affairs. Major topics include advertising; marketing and the youth demographic; alternative media; talkback radio and the 'cash for comment' inquiry; journalism and the reporting of election campaigns, sex scandals and political protest. On completion of this subject, students should have developed a strong grasp of the major thematic issues influencing Australian media.

• be able to reflect on their own use of media and relate this to broader theoretical issues;

• be able to critically analyse the role of contemporary media institutions;

• be able to prepare and present their ideas in both verbal and written mode at an intermediate level and in conformity to conventions of academic presentation;

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

A written essay of 2000 words 45% (due at the end of semester), a project consisting of media diary and analysis of 2000 words 45% (due mid-semester), an oral seminar presentation 5% (due during semester) and seminar participation 5%. 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.