Undergraduate - UnitATS1278 - Introduction to communication studies

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

Notes

Synopsis

Introduces the study of communications technologies with reference to arguments about audiences, effects and technology. Investigates practices for compiling knowledge about audiences for, and effects of, communication technologies. Areas of study include telephony, screen, radio, print and digital communication technology, with a particular focus on aspects of historical development and contemporary technological convergence. Subject readings and assessment exercises expect students to discuss these matters in relation to frameworks for making sense of social, cultural and political contexts of modern life.

Outcomes

In this unit we expect you, by the end of semester, to be able to:

1. Use the practical skills of reading, note taking and arguing in exploring critical perspectives on communication;
2. Demonstrate an understanding of theoretical frameworks and conceptual tools for describing the development of communication systems;
3. Apply tools for analysing the social and political uses, of communications technologies; recognise communication as an active production and negotiation of meanings, not just the transmission of information; and
4. Identify relations between media texts and technologies, the identities and capacities of producers and audiences, and the aspirations of governments and other powerful social actors.

Assessment

Written work (3000words): 70%
Examination (2 hours): 30%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Paul Atkinson

Contact hours

3 hours (1 x 1 hour lecture and 1 x 2 hour tutorial) per week

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

Writing
Communications

Prohibitions

COM1020, COM1520, GSC1901