Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Notes

Synopsis

This unit explores key issues arising from the rapid change in the international communications environment by examining the cultural, political and social impacts of transformations in communications technologies - from text-based media to the borderless reaches of satellite and the internet. Students will examine e-governance; the impact of cable and satellite television; the use of the internet as a space for dissent during conflicts; computer hacking and cyber-crime, the internationalisation of news coverage and dissemination of information during times of global and local crisis, with particular reference to reporting terrorism and the 'embedded' journalism of war-time.

Objectives

Upon completion of this subject students should be able to demonstrate: 1) A critical understanding of the historical context and critical transformations of communications technologies, and their cultural,political and social effects; 2) A critical understanding of the relationship between the changing nature of communications technologies and the rise of alternative international media; 3) An enhanced ability to recognise the political, social, geographical and cultural factors which impact upon access to and the uses of communication technologies; 4) A critical understanding of the nature and effects of cyber-crime; 5) A critical understanding of the relationship between the development of new communications technologies, in particular the internet, and the changing nature of democratic practice, political participation and dissent; 6) An understanding of the internationalisation of news coverage and the dissemination of information during times of global and local crisis

Assessment

Essay 1 (3500 words): 40%
Essay 2 (2000 words): 40%
Seminar presentation (on-campus students) or Special Topic Essay (2000 words (off-campus students): 20%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Mark Gibson

Contact hours

2 hours (one x 2 hour seminar per week)

Prohibitions

APG5400