COM3070

Media Mates and Moguls: Political Economy of the Media ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr Paul Strangio

Offered:
Not offered in 2006.

Synopsis: In this unit, students will be invited to consider the political, economic and cultural implications of media ownership and control patterns in Australia, both historically and in the context of the emergence of a global media market. Students will be presented with an opportunity to critically analyse the rationale and record of public policy makers in regulating both traditional and new media industries, and in balancing commercial and public interests. A unifying theme of inquiry will be the locus of power in the formulation of media public policy. Students will be encouraged to focus on particular cultural industries to facilitate their understanding of themes relevant to the unit.

Assessment: Tutorial participation and presentation (500 words equivalent): 10% + Research essay (2500 words): 50% + Exam (2 hours, 1500 words equivalent): 40%

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

Prohibitions: COM2070