FMCS1100

Communication and Culture

Faculty of Education and Arts School of Humanities and Social Science

10 Units 1000 Level Course

Available in 2014

Callaghan Campus	Semester 2
On-Line from Callaghan	Semester 2

Previously offered in 2013, 2012

The course provides an understanding of communication as social practice. Students apply a range of textual analysis methods from semiotics to content analysis to diverse communication texts including advertising, situation comedy, magazines and genre fiction. In analysing the texts students will investigate issues such as cultural representations, constructions of identity and difference, and cultural production and consumption.

Objectives

The course will explore the relationship between communication and culture, assisting students to develop knowledge and skills that will enable them to:
1. analyse cultural texts;
2. demonstrate the social construction of meaning;
3. apply theories of representation to contemporary media products;
4. apply appropriate textual analysis methodologies to communication texts.

Content

The course will focus on communication 'texts' broadly defined. Topics may include:
1. the use of language and imagery to construct meaning;
2. the role of representation as an element in the cultural process;
3. the effects of cultural representations on the construction of identities;
4. the ways in which culture is used, interpreted and invested with meaning
5. the connections between texts and social context
6. methods of textual analysis

Replacing Course(s)

CULT1100 Communication and Culture

Transition

Students who have successfully completed CULT1100 Communication and Culture may not enrol into FMCS1100 Communication and Culture.

Industrial Experience

Assumed Knowledge

Nil

Modes of Delivery

Flexible Delivery / Student Centred Learning
Internal Mode

Teaching Methods

Email Discussion Group
Lecture
Tutorial

Assessment Items

Essays / Written Assignments	1,000 words, worth 30%. 1,500 words, worth 50%.
Online Learning Activities	1,500 words, worth 20%.

Contact Hours

Lecture: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Email Discussion Group: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Workshop: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term

Timetables