Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

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

Rationale

This unit explores a variety of key myths, controversies and debates surrounding the relationship between media and society. It investigates the historical foundations, cultural context and factual accuracy of a series of 'common sense' arguments regarding how different kinds of media have or have not affected the way our society functions.

Aims

This unit aims to introduce you to a critical understanding of key concepts and debates in media and communication studies. These include the ways that media and communications have facilitated the development of modern societies and enabled social change, as well the relationship between systems of mediated communication, the cognitive habits of individuals and broader patterns of social organisation, and cultural and historical development. This unit continues to develop concepts introduced in KCB101 related to popular culture, offering deeper insights into common misconceptions regarding media and society.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Outline the role of media in modern human history, including the variety of ways in which media have been institutionally organised, governed and used
2. Communicate this understanding of media's role in modern human history in a variety of modes.
3. Reflect upon key debates about the relationships between media and society, and the ways media support and enable social participation

Content

This unit addresses content such as:
- The rise of mass media
- Debates about 'media effects'
- The social role of media
- TV and family life
- Video gaming and gaming cultures
- Young people and the news

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Key concepts will be introduced and illustrated in formal lectures. These will be supplemented with discussion in smaller tutorials that will also be directed at 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 complete Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information please refer to 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 your unit's assignments.

Assessment name: Presentation
Description: (Summative and formative) You will give a brief oral presentation which discusses the relationship between media and society. You will self-record this oral presentation and upload it either to the Blackboard Site or another suitable online site.
Relates to objectives: 1 & 2
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Research Paper
Description: (Summative and formative) Write a fully referenced research paper, of 2000 words, based upon the listed essay questions available on Blackboard. You must use an approved referencing system for this paper.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Required Text

There is no set text for this unit.

Recommended References

The unit readings will be held on the unit's CMD, which you can find under 'Learning Resources' on the BB site. Items with a URL can be accessed through their own URLs and not through the CMD.

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: 05-Sep-2012