Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2012

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

NB INFORMATION IN THIS UNIT OUTLINE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF SEMESTER

This unit introduces you to foundational ideas in the study of communication. It covers key questions of textual analysis, practice, and context. Drawing extensively on examples of popular communication practice from contemporary society, the unit aims to impart an understanding of communication ecologies, processes, systems, and modes within the wider frame of radical changes occuring to the way texts are produced, read and circulated within our culture.

Aims

This unit aims to provide you with:
1. An understanding of communication theory, and the language it employs.
2. An introduction to contemporary theories and debates relevant to the practice of communication.
3. An overview of the contexts, practices and opportunities for communication professionals in contemporary society.
4. An understanding of the methods and uses of textual analysis.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an applied understanding of communication theory;
2. Apply communication theory to a contemporary media text in a variety of modes;
3. Develop a media text, in light of communication theory;
4. Critically analyse and understand current changes in how texts are produced, distributed and understood.

Content

The unit content addresses topics such as:
- Textual Communication
- Semiotics
- Textual Analysis
- Cultural Context of Communication
- Communication and Identity
- Branding and Advertising
- Copyright and Intellectual Property
- Ethics of Communication

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

All teaching in this unit will be in a series of seminars. Here, key concepts will be introduced and illustrated, alongside discussion directed at deepening understanding of content, and supporting student work-in-progress on assessment tasks.

Assessment

LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.

Faculty Assessment Information
To access the Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information see the Blackboard site for this unit.FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
You will receive formative feedback on your progress in this unit during tutorials and discussions through the semester. You will receive written formative feedback on the unit's assignments. Weight: 0%

Assessment name: Critique (Written)
Description: You are to undertake a textual analysis of a supplied text using the communication theories discussed in the first phase of the lecture schedule. You should examine and discuss how the advertisement communicates with its intended audience, and how successful the text is in creating meaning for the reader.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Early Semester

Assessment name: Project (Applied)
Description: In small groups, you will create a storyboard for a 30-second television advertisement. The storyboard will then be 'pitched' in a tutorial presentation, in which, using your understanding of communication theory, you will discuss and analyse the ways in which your ad creates a product 'meaning' for its intended audience.
Relates to objectives: 1, 3
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Essay
Description: You will draw upon the required readings and unit content to critically discuss ongoing changes in contemporary communication practices.
Relates to objectives: 4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Late Semester

Academic Honesty

Academic honesty means that you are expected to exhibit honesty and act responsibly when undertaking assessment. Any action or practice on your part which would defeat the purposes of assessment is regarded as academic dishonesty. The penalties for academic dishonesty are provided in the Student Rules. For more information you should consult the QUT Library resources for avoiding plagiarism.

Resource materials

Required Text
There is no set text for this unit.

Recommended Reading

Hartley, J. (2002) Communication, Cultural and Media Studies: The Key Concepts. 3rd Edition. London: Routledge.

Allen, M. (2005) Smart Thinking. Skills for critical understanding and writing. South Melbourne Victoria, Oxford University Press.

McKee, A. (2003) Textual Analysis: A Beginner's Guide. London: Sage.

Other set reading will be available from the Course Materials Database. All other resources will be accessible directly via the Blackboard site for this unit or freely online.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 16-Nov-2011