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 issues arising from the emerging international communications environment. It examines the cultural, political and social impacts of communication technology transformations. Students will examine technology's impact on democratic activity; cable / satellite television's impact; computer hacking and cyber-crime. The case study of the Tamil Tigers' use of the Internet will help to illustrate the transformative possibilities of new communications technologies. Students will explore the internationalisation of news coverage and dissemination of information during times of global and local crisis, with particular reference to reporting terrorism and current wartime journalism.

Objectives

On successful completion of the subject students will 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 advanced knowledge of the internationalisation of news coverage and the dissemination of information during times of global and local crisis.
7. An ability to critically evaluate topical debates about international communications.
8. An enhanced ability to conduct independent research.

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 hour seminar per week