Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

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

Synopsis

This unit examines media content and production processes through a gendered (and raced) lens, as both are key equity issues in journalism. Has the influx of women into media industries changed the 'news'? How is gender implicated in newsroom culture? Why do men continue to dominate positions of power in most media organisations? Students also explore the coverage of indigenous and ethnic issues in mainstream media, and the rise of indigenous and ethnic media in Australia. Students are introduced to key issues in feminist media scholarship, and Journalism Studies, while also critically engaging with contemporary journalism practice and the news media's relationship with, and responsibility to, indigenous and ethnic issues. Its overarching focus, however, is to explore gendered newsroom culture in this rapidly changing, intensified global industry.

Objectives

On completion of this course students should be able to:

1. demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge and capacity to understand and analyse the academic literature in the fields under examination
2. demonstrate an ability to research, discuss and critically reflect on the issues of gender and race and how they relate to journalism practice and media content in a clear, concise and rigorous scholarly manner
3. collaborate constructively with fellow students in learning and discussion processes, including online forums
4. think critically and analytically, and to be able to articulate those thought processes in a high standard of written and oral expression
5. work independently and in groups to achieve the learning outcomes
6. demonstrate a critical awareness of the strengths and limitations of journalism practice in relation to gender and indigenous issues
7. produce thoroughly researched, well documented and presented formal essays

Assessment

Minor project (900 words): 20%
Major essay (1800 words): 40%
Class presentation/online report (500 words): 10%
Examination (2 hours): 30%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Louise North

Contact hours

One x 1hr lecture/week
One x 1hr lecture/week

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

Gender studies
Journalism

Prerequisites

ATS1330 or ATS1311 or permission

Prohibitions

ATS3895