Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

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

Notes

Synopsis

The unit will survey the history, concepts and methods of critical media audience research. It will consider both the mass communications and cultural studies disciplines, and will develop students' ability to critique scholarly work on both conceptual and methodological grounds. Audiences and the Social Influence of Media will enhance students' ability to develop and present original research projects, based on empirical explorations of how people interact with media in a variety of social places. The academic skills it cultivates will be directly applicable to thesis work.

Objectives

On successfully completing this unit a student will be able to demonstrate:

1. an appreciation of the political, cultural and institutional factors that influence the questions scholars ask and the methods they use to analyze media influence
2. a broad understanding of key questions in the field of media influence, and knowledge of how and why these questions have emerged
3. an ability to critique scholarship on both conceptual and methodological bases;
4. the ability to perform scholarly literature reviews in a manner leading to original research questions
5. the ability to select appropriate data gathering methods for exploring questions of particular relevance to the student
6. Postgraduate students will be asked to format Assessment 3 in line with a grant proposal of their choosing Assessment 3.

Assessment

Literature review (3500 words): 40%
Class presentation: 10%
Project proposal (4500 words): 50%

Contact hours

One 2-hour seminar per week

Off-campus attendance requirements

Two 6-hour weekend seminars and 2 hours per week MUSO participation

Prerequisites

Communication and Media Studies major or other major approved by coordinator

Prohibitions

APG5405