Postgraduate - UnitAPG4397 - The first media age

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2012 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

print version

12 points, SCA Band 1, 0.250 EFTSL

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

Level	Postgraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Arts
Offered	Caulfield First semester 2012 (Day)
Coordinator(s)	Dr Liz Conor

Notes

Previously coded COM4002

Synopsis

The subject examines the history of communications and media from the genesis of the mass circulation press to the new media of the 21st century. It provides students with an appreciation of how communication and media are shaped by technological advances, decisions by policy-makers and broader social forces. It also provides students with an opportunity to consider how the media's coverage of important public debates and controversies has helped shape society. In the major research essay students will have the opportunity to investigate media coverage of a major historical issue or event.

Outcomes

Upon completion of this subject students should:

Have a broad overview of communications and media history;
Have an understanding of how technological advances, decisions by policy-makers, and broader forces have shaped that history;
Have an appreciation of how media coverage of watershed events and issues has influenced society;
Be able to conduct independent research;
Be able to write lucidly and with analytical depth.

Assessment

Class participation and attendance (1000 words equivalent): 10%
Seminar introduction (1000 words equivalent): 10%
Two Short essays (2000 words each): 40%
Major research essay (4000 words): 40%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Liz Conor

Contact hours

One 2-hour seminar per week

Prohibitions

APG5397