Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

Media organisations in Australia operate in a global context. Australian media content represents an important export for the country's economy, while Australian audiences consume large quantities of content produced overseas, or adapted from formats originated in other media markets. There is great value, therefore, in students of journalism, media and communication learning how the global media market functions, and the implications of cultural globalisation for professional practice. This foundation unit will introduce you to the global nature of media production and to your role as a future practitioner in a globalised media system.

Aims

This unit aims to introduce you to the theory of globalisation, and the debates around such themes as national identity and internet censorship which have accompanied the trend. It aims to make you familiar with global media formats such as news, reality TV and cinema, and with the different histories and structures of media systems in other selected countries.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Analyse concepts in the theory of globalisation to the study of journalism, media and communication;
2. Engage in debates around the implications of globalised media practice for issues of culture and identity at local and national levels;
3. Demonstrate an applied understanding of trends in global media markets;
4. Apply written, oral and visual communication skills in the presentation of an analysis and evaluation of collaborative practice.

Content

Throughout this unit, you will develop knowledge and skills relevant to employment in the journalism, media and communication industries; critical, analytical and communication skills required for future study and work.
This unit will contain material on key concepts and theories related to globalisation, and associated debates about its impact on culture, including:
- Is globalisation good for you?
- Are globalisation and localisation compatible?
- Are they in fact merely different manifestations of the same cultural trends, given the power of new technologies to break down geographical as well as professional boundaries?

The unit examines globalisation in practice, in a range of journalistic and non-journalistic media, including news and entertainment. It will examine comparative media systems, and the influences which have shaped their development. Cases could include China, India, Latin America, the UK and Europe, and North America.

This unit introduces foundational theories, principles, and evaluation techniques of collaborative practice.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Key concepts and approaches will be introduced and illustrated in formal lectures. These will be supplemented with discussion in smaller tutorials that will also be directed at deeper understanding of content, and supporting student work-in-progress on assessment tasks. One lecture will be devoted to verbal communication skills required for assignments, to be supported throughout the semester by tutorial advisory sessions.

There will be guest lecturers from industry practitioners, and a study visit to an industry site at the end of the unit.

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 FEEDBACK
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.

Assessment name: Presentation (Oral)
Description: In small groups, you will select an aspect of globalisation and apply it to a particular media sector, such as journalism or cinema. Your group will then present an analysis of how globalisation is impacting on that media sector.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Essay (Written)
Description: You are to undertake a written analysis of a particular current debate around globalisation, such as internet censorship, quotas on cultural imports, or protection of national cultural identity.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3
Weight: 60%
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

There will be no set text for this unit. The following illustrate suggested readings:

Lugo-Ocanda, J. 2008. The Media in Latin America. Open University Press.

Castells, M. 2009. Communication Power. Oxford University Press.

Klein, N. 2000. No Logo. Flamingo: London.

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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: 28-Mar-2013