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 provides you with an applied understanding of the major theoretical approaches to mass communication and introduces you to key contemporary issues in the field.

For students in the Bachelor of Mass Communication, understanding your chosen majors, both in historical context and in relation to other communication disciplines, is essential to professional practice in an increasingly networked and interdisciplinary environment. The ability to apply theoretical frameworks to contemporary mass communication issues and discuss these in a range of formats encourages you to play an active role in the ongoing development of your profession.

Aims

This unit aims to:
- Introduce you to the main theories of mass communication.
- Introduce you to key contemporary issues in mass communication industries.
- Provide you with the opportunity to discuss and debate these issues in a range of formats.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Apply mass communication theories to enhance your understanding of historical and contemporary issues in your chosen areas of professional practice.
2. Explain the relationships between your chosen areas of professional practice and other disciplines in mass communication.
3. Analyse and critique mass communication media and professional practice in written form.
4. Apply written communication skills for mass communication contexts taking into account academic writing conventions.

Content

This unit addresses content such as:

• Mass communication in historical contexts


• Mass communication theories


• Ethics and legal issues in mass communication


• The relationship between journalism and PR


• Advertising and new media


• The future of television

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The lecture is designed to explore key mass communication theories and relate them to aspects of professional practice. The workshops provide an opportunity to develop your writing and critical thinking skills and apply key concepts, via a series of exercises. You must bring the relevant tutorial materials with you to the tutorials, and have read the set material before class. You should discuss your progress with your tutor and draw their attention to any problems you are experiencing.

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 please refer to the Blackboard site for this unit.Formative Assessment
You will receive formative feedback on your progress in this unit during tutorials/seminars and discussions throughout the semester. Weight: 0%

Assessment name: Case Study
Description: (Formative & Summative) Analysis of Job Advertisement . You will find an advertisement for a job in a mass communication profession and discuss why this job appeals to you, provide a profile of the organisation advertising the position and discuss how the job you have found applies concepts taught in the unit.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Early Semester

Assessment name: Discussion Forum
Description: (Formative & Summative) Media Monitoring Blog . You will write a series of six blog posts (four written individually and two written in-class) discussing and analysing media issues drawing on theoretical concepts introduced in the unit.
Relates to objectives: 1, 3 & 4
Weight: 55%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester onwards

Assessment name: Discussion Forum
Description: (Formative & Summative) Blog Posts. You will make regular comments on other students' blog postings and respond to their comments on your posts.
Relates to objectives: 2 & 3
Weight: 15%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester onwards

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

A book of required readings will be available for purchase from the QUT Bookshop. Readings will also be provided to students through the QUT library's Course Materials Database (CMD).

Risk assessment statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks for 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: 26-Sep-2012