Offered
City (Melbourne) First semester 2008 (Day)
City (Melbourne) Second semester 2008 (Day)
Synopsis
This unit explores key issues arising from the rapid change in the international communications environment by examining the cultural, political and social impacts of transformations in communications technologies - from text-based media to the borderless reaches of satellite and the internet. Students will examine e-governance; the impact of cable and satellite television; the use of the internet as a space for dissent during conflicts; computer hacking and cyber-crime, the internationalisation of news coverage and dissemination of information during times of global and local crisis, with particular reference to reporting terrorism and the 'embedded' journalism of war-time.
Objectives
Upon completion of this subject students should be able to demonstrate: 1) A critical understanding of the historical context and critical transformations of communications technologies, and their cultural,political and social effects; 2) A critical understanding of the relationship between the changing nature of communications technologies and the rise of alternative international media; 3) An enhanced ability to recognise the political, social, geographical and cultural factors which impact upon access to and the uses of communication technologies; 4) A critical understanding of the nature and effects of cyber-crime; 5) A critical understanding of the relationship between the development of new communications technologies, in particular the internet, and the changing nature of democratic practice, political participation and dissent; 6) An understanding of the internationalisation of news coverage and the dissemination of information during times of global and local crisis
Assessment
Short essay 1 (2000 words): 20%
Short essay 2 (2000 words): 20%
Major Essay (5000 words): 50%
Seminar participation: 10%
Contact hours
2 hours (one x 2 hour seminar per week)
Prohibitions
COM5009
