COM4010 - Communications, convergence and public policy

Leader(s): TBA

Offered

City (Melbourne) First semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

The unit analyses the convergence media in terms of its effects on government policy, the shift from cultural to creative industries policy, the structure of the public sphere, the aesthetics of media production and commercial organisation structure. Case studies are drawn upon from Australia, South and East Asian and European countries in order to illustrate these developments.

Objectives

Upon completion of this unit students are expected to demonstrate an ability to:

1. assess national policy responses to issues arising from media convergence;
2. engage in discussion informed by current media research in communications convergence;
3. assess quantitive (statistical) and qualitative (ethnographic) research methods in establishing commercial and domestic use of convergent media.

Assessment

First Essay (3,500 words): 40%; Second essay (3,500 words): 40%; Seminar presentation (2,000 words): 20%

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 2 hour seminar) per week

Prohibitions

COM4010(H), COM5010