Monash University

Leader: Paul Atkinson

Offered

Berwick Second semester 2008 (Day)
Caulfield Second semester 2008 (Day)
Clayton Second semester 2008 (Day)
Gippsland Second semester 2008 (Day)
Gippsland Second semester 2008 (Off-campus)
Sunway Second semester 2008 (Day)
Singapore Second semester 2008 (Off-campus)
South Africa Second semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

Introduces the study of communications technologies with reference to arguments about audiences, effects and technology. Investigates practices for compiling knowledge about audiences for, and effects of, communication technologies. Areas of study include telephony, screen, radio, print and digital communication technology, with a particular focus on aspects of historical development and contemporary technological convergence. Subject readings and assessment exercises expect students to discuss these matters in relation to frameworks for making sense of social, cultural and political contexts of modern life.

Objectives

In this unit we expect you, by the end of semester, to be able to:

1. Use the practical skills of reading, note taking and arguing in exploring critical perspectives on communication;
2. Demonstrate an understanding of theoretical

frameworks and conceptual tools for describing the development of communication systems;

3. Apply tools for analysing the social and political uses, of communications technologies; recognise "communication" as an active production and negotiation of meanings, not just the transmission of information; and
4. Identify relations between media texts and technologies, the identities and capacities of producers and audiences, and the aspirations of governments and other powerful social actors.

Assessment

Oncampus students - Minor essay (1000 words): 20%
Major essay (2000 words): 30%
Tutorial presentation: 10%
Attendance and participation: 10%
Examination (2 hours): 30% Off-campus students - Minor essay (1000 words): 30%
Major essay (2000 words): 40%
Examination (2 hours): 30%

Contact hours

3 hours (1 x 2 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial) per week

Prohibitions

GSC1901