COM3050 - New media: Communications in the electronic age

Leader(s): Shane Homan

Offered

South Africa First semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit introduces students to the changing relationships between media, telecommunications and computing industries. It provides students with an understanding of key developments in traditional media together with awareness of the social and political implications of communicating in the electronic age. The unit is divided into two general components. Briefly, the Industries Phase describes the development of technologies for the electronic age, considers how these technologies are affected by forces for change, and introduces issues for further exploration. The Issues Phase concentrates on issue-oriented debate about new technologies, and its effects on community, business and law.

Objectives

At the completion of this subject students are expected to:

1. Have gained knowledge of the historical development of new media technologies.

2. Have developed an understanding of contemporary developments in communications internationally.

3. Understand the processes and effects of media convergence, with particular reference to Internet and other emergent technologies.

4. Have developed an understanding about the forces driving the information revolution.

5. Have developed an understanding of the issues arising from mass adoption of new media technologies.

6. Have developed the ability to critically assess the social, cultural, political impacts of communications developments.

Assessment

Major essay 2500 words: 50%
Exam 2000 words: 40%
Tutorial participation: 10%

Contact hours

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

Prerequisites

An approved first year sequence

Prohibitions

COM2050