Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

Media, Technology and Society will examine contemporary broadcast and network media and the implications these have for identity, relationships, communities and governments. The unit adopts strategies of critical inquiry and research to examine: media forms such as print, film, television, the internet, mobile telephony; the social networking properties of the new media; surveillance media; and debates concerning critical media literacy, bias in the news and censorship. The unit will be of interest to any student wishing to explore social theory and research addressing contemporary media forms.

Objectives

All students completing this unit will be able to:

1. Identify and describe key theories and research approaches used to address broadcast and network media
2. Discuss the contribution of various theoretical and research perspectives regarding the social aspects of broadcast and network media
3. Apply critical arguments and research perspectives to the analysis of media examples
4. Identify implications for public policy regarding media governance;

5. Evaluate the contribution of theoretical and research perspectives regarding the media
6. Identify implications for social inquiry regarding the media.

Assessment

Report (1000 words): 25%
In class test (1 hour): 25%
Essay (2500 words): 50%

Contact hours

2 hour Seminar per week

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

Sociology
Communications

Prerequisites

A first-year sequence in Sociology or permission

Prohibitions

SCY3021