COM4202 - Communication Policy and Management

Leader: Andy Ruddock

Offered

Caulfield Second semester 2007 (Evening)
Gippsland Second semester 2007 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

The unit addresses central policy issues in the communications field, and the role communication in policy development and leadership. It analyses current communication policy directions in key areas such as regulation, intellectual property, licensing, standards, and ownership. Secondly, it addresses the role of communication styles and processes in policy formation and policy leadership both at the social level and in the management of organizations and institutions. The unit will discuss both substantive policy questions and the persuasive styles and rhetoric of policy development and analysis.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to demonstrate:

1. Knowledge, skills and attributes necessary for the participation in and management of policy processes;
2. Increased understanding of and competencies in policy making, rhetoric and leadership style;
3. Increased understanding of the large-scale and long-term social, political, institutional and economic context in which communications policy, policy rhetoric, and policy leadership style develops;
4. Increased knowledge, skills, and attributes necessary for independent research, enhanced capacity to formulate and research policy and policy leadership issues, to analyse and evaluate arguments, and to understand critical approaches to policy development and leadership;
5. Enhanced intellectual independence, and greater self-reliance and critical distance in intellectual and professional activity especially related to the demands and dilemmas of policy creation, advocacy, and implementation.
6. Significantly increased capacity to make, manage, and lead organizational or social policy.

Assessment

Assignment 1 Research Essay (4000 words): 40%
Assignment 2 Evaluation Study (5000 words): 60%

Contact hours

Two hours (1 x 2 hour seminar) per week.

Off Campus Attendance Requirements

Students will be expected to participate for a minimum of one hour per fortnight in on-line discussions.