On completion of a major sequence in mass communication, students are expected to have developed:
* specialised but flexible skills in describing and analysing the organisation, the processes, and the diverse uses and effects of `traditional' and `new' mass communications technologies, from print to electronic and film;
* an understanding of the practical operation of these media as well as the social and cultural dimensions of mass communications, considering the audiences, producers and policy-makers involved;
* skills in using language, image and media delivery systems to communicate effectively.
Mass communications is an interdisciplinary major which responds to a need and demand for graduates who are knowledgeable about mass communications and who can apply that knowledge to a range of vocational and academic areas. It is designed to service a variety of career paths including journalism, educating, educational media systems, public relations, organisational management, as well as leading to postgraduate study.
The range of subjects offered is designed to equip students with specialised but flexible skills in describing and analysing the organisation, and the processes, diverse uses and effects of `traditional' and `new' mass communications technologies (print, electronic and film). Students develop an understanding of the practical operation of these media as well as the social and cultural dimensions of mass communications, considering the audiences, producers and policy-makers involved. Students also develop skills in utilising language, image and media delivery systems to communicate effectively.
Areas covered include media technologies and industries in Australia; the role of mass communications in public relations and marketing; the major frameworks for analysis of mass media and their social, cultural and political consequences; current writing practices; textual analysis and the audiences of texts; the formation, formulation and analysis of policies concerning mass communications in a host of areas, including the formation of citizenries, the development of media links across the Asia-Pacific region, and the implications of rapid technological advances.
A focus on mass communications in marketing can be chosen by taking complementary subjects from the School of Business - Gippsland.
Prerequisites
Students should be aware that prerequisites may apply to certain complementary subjects.
Subjects offered
First level
Compulsory subjects
* GSC1401 Introduction to culture and English (subject outline is found in the English program)
* GSC1402 Media studies
Upper level
Compulsory subjects
* GSC2407 Writing and the media (previously GSC2407 Contemporary writing)
* GSC2408 Screen studies (previously GSC2408 Film)
* GSC2409 Narratives and representations
* GSC2410 Public relations and mass communications technologies
* GSC2411 Media, culture, power - theories of mass communications (previously GSC3401 Theories of mass communications)
* GSC3402 Policies, audiences, futures (internal students only for 1995)
A total of two subjects can be taken from the following pool of complementary subjects to complete a ten-subject major:
Marketing
* GBU1401 Introduction to marketing
* GBU1402 Consumer behaviour
* GBU2405 Promotion management
History-politics
* GSC3503 International relations
Psychology
* GAS2502 Social and community psychology
Sociology
* GSC2202 Sociology of race and ethnic relations
History and theory of art
* GVA1554 Romanticism, realism, modernism
Students should be aware that prerequisites may apply to certain complementary subjects.
A focus on mass communications in marketing can be chosen by taking complementary subjects from the School of Business - Gippsland.
Fourth level
* GSC4421 Media, social relations and power
* GSC4410 Locating Australia: culture, nation, region (listed under English entry)*
* GSC4000(M) Dissertation
* Common for both English and mass communications honours