Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit provides students with an opportunity for a critical engagement with contemporary scholarship on the sociology and political economy of news production; news organisations and practices in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors; industrial and post-industrial news media; journalism and social diversity; journalism and the public sphere; technologies, time and space in news media; the public relations industry. The unit takes a comparative approach to historical and geographical contexts.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit students should be able to

1. demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge and capacity to make effective usage of the academic literature in the sociology and political economy of journalism.
2. demonstrate an ability to research, discuss and analyse issues in a clear, concise and rigorous way
3. collaborate constructively with fellow students in learning and discussion processes, including online forums
4. produce their written work to deadline making effective use of the conventions of scholarly presentation (references, bibliography, etc)
5. work independently and in groups to achieve their learning outcomes
6. demonstrate a critical awareness of the strengths, limitations and socio-professional implications of scholarly practice in journalism studies

Assessment

Minimum requirement: attendance and participation as specified in the Unit Guide for the mode of delivery.
Minor project (1500 words): 30%
In-class Invigilation (500 words): 20%
Major Project (2500 words): 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Akhteruz Zaman

Contact hours

1-hour lecture per week + 1-hour tutorial per week

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

Journalism studies
Journalism

Prerequisites

Either COM1010 and COM1020 or COM1510 and COM1520