COM3050

New Media: Communications in the Electronic Age ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: TBA

Offered:
Berwick First semester 2006 (Day)
Caulfield First semester 2006 (Day)
Clayton First semester 2006 (Day)
South Africa First semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: This unit introduces students to the changing relationships between media, telecommunications and computing industries. It provides students with an understanding of key developments in traditional media together with awareness of the social and political implications of communicating in the electronic age. The unit is divided into two general components. Briefly, the Industries Phase describes the development of technologies for the electronic age, considers how these technologies are affected by forces for change, and introduces issues for further exploration. The Issues Phase concentrates on issue-oriented debate about new technologies, and its effects on community, business and law.

Objectives: At the completion of this subject students are expected to: 1. Have gained knowledge of the historical development of new media technologies. 2. Have developed an understanding of contemporary developments in communications internationally. 3. Understand the processes and effects of media convergence, with particular reference to Internet and other emergent technologies. 4. Have developed an understanding about the forces driving the information revolution. 5. Have developed an understanding of the issues arising from mass adoption of new media technologies. 6. Have developed the ability to critically assess the social, cultural, political impacts of communications developments.

Assessment: Minor essay (1000 words): 20% + Major essay (1500 words): 30% + Website (1000 words equivalent): 20% + Examination (1000 words): 20% + Attendance and participation 10% + Third-year students will be expected to demonstrate in written work a more sophisticated grasp of interpretive issues raised in lectures, tutorial discussion and their own wider reading

Contact Hours: 2 hours (1 x 1 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial) per week

Prohibitions: COM2050