Available in 2024
Course code

EPHUMA120

Units

10 units

Level

level

Course handbook

Description

Communications and Media will provide students with an overview of the function and influence of the media industry. The course will examine the various segments of the industry, considering their history, structure and contemporary development. It will also consider how diverse media outlets are interconnected, both nationally and global, and the influence that media has on social and cultural understanding.


Availability2024 Course Timetables

Callaghan

  • Semester 1 - 2024
  • Semester 2 - 2024

Ourimbah

  • Semester 2 - 2024

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Describe the development of the media, including both national and global media structures.

2. Analyse and critique diverse media output; particularly news media, and identify their political influences.

3. Write an essay at a level suitable for successful study at the introductory undergraduate level.

4. Identify and describe technological developments impacting the media industry.

5. Interpret media output in written and verbal forms.


Content

This course will take two key perspectives:

  1. Firstly, the course will provide an explanation of the structure and function of the various facets of the media industry. This will include individual examination of print, radio, television and online media. It will then demonstrate how these are interconnected through centralised ownership and other commercial imperatives.
  2. Secondly, the course will consider the role that the media plays in society and how the media industry responds to that responsibility. This will involve analysis of political and cultural bias, censorship and media ethics.

Each lecture topic will be accompanied by a specific case study that will be examined during tutorials. These case studies will provide a practical example to compliment the theoretic approach.


Assessment items

Online Learning Activity: Blog Posts

Presentation: Presentations

Essay: Essay

In Term Test: Take home exam


Contact hours

Semester 1 - 2024 - Callaghan

Lecture-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Tutorial-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 11 week(s) starting in week 2

Semester 2 - 2024 - Callaghan

Lecture-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Tutorial-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 11 week(s) starting in week 2

Semester 2 - 2024 - Ourimbah

Lecture-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Tutorial-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 11 week(s) starting in week 2

Course outline