COM4010

Communications, Convergence and Public Policy ( 12 points, SCA Band 1, 0.250 EFTSL)

Leader: TBA

Offered:
City First semester 2006 (Day)
Malaysia First semester 2006 (Day)
South Africa First semester 2006 (Day)
City Second semester 2006 (Day)
Malaysia Second semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: The unit analyses the convergence of narrative film, television program and web page on the Internet. Implications of this process are considered for knowledge construction, online communities and public spheres, as well as for use of the internet and communication policy philosophy, particularly but not exclusively in Australia, Malysia and Singapore. Through discussing internationally published research, media theory is demonstrated to have a wide range of applications across internet user and consumer studies, electronic journalism and policy and public relations practice.

Objectives: Upon completion of this unit students are expected to demonstrate an ability to: (i) assess national policy responses to issues arising from media convergence; (ii) engage in vocational communications practice informed by current media research in communications convergence; (iii) assess quantitive (statistical) and qualitative (ethnographic) research methods in establishing commercial and domestic use of convergent media.

Assessment: 2 Essays (3,500 words each):80%; Seminar presentation (2,000 words): 20%

Contact Hours: 2 hours (1 x 2 hour seminar) per week

Prohibitions: COM4010(H), COM5010