Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

Introduces techniques for describing and analysing the production, distribution and reception, as well as the formal properties, of media texts. Focuses on 'mass media' as a set of relationships between owners, producers, texts and audiences. Introduces these relationships in connection with studies of power and influence, focusing on particular dimensions of difference and inequality in social life. Areas of study include news production, textual analysis, media ownership and diversity, film and sport.

Objectives

In this unit teaching staff aim to provide you with a range of readings and practical exercises that help you acquire conceptual frameworks for analysing media texts and media industries. Through close reading, oral discussion and writing exercises you should acquire various practical and conceptual tools for understanding not only the form and content of
media texts,but also the structure and operation of the various industries and institutions that make up what we call "mass media".

On successful completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Recognise and be able to apply available strategies for critically analysing media texts as tools for making meaning;
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the various economic, political and cultural forces which shape the practical work of media production;
3. Demonstrate an appreciation of the historical development of media industries; and
4. Demonstrate an appreciation of the ways that available frameworks for making sense of media texts contribute to the production of dominant, or "common sense", understandings of the world.

Assessment

Written work (3500 words): 60%
Attendance/participation: 10%
Exam: 30%
OCL students: Written work(3500): 70%
Exam 30%

Chief examiner(s)

Simon Cooper

Contact hours

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

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Writing
Communications
Australian studies

Prohibitions

GSC1402