Undergraduate - UnitATS2440 - The public sphere

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

6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL

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

Level	Undergraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Arts
Offered	Caulfield Second semester 2012 (Day) Clayton Second semester 2012 (Day)
Coordinator(s)	Dr Elizabeth Paton

Notes

Previously coded COM2100

Synopsis

This unit introduces a key theoretical concept in the field of media and communications studies, the public sphere. It tracks the emergence of the theory of the public sphere, analyses the multiple uses and related applications of the concept, and explains how the public sphere relates to traditional and new communications and media environments. Attention is given to the changing character of the public sphere over time, and the advent of a so-called 'postmodern public sphere' during the past twenty years.

Outcomes

Students successfully completing this unit will be able to:

Outline the emergence and historical development of the public sphere.
Analyse and understand the role of the media industries in public life and communication, especially how these industries mediate politics in both formal and informal contexts.
Nominate and explain contemporary media developments and issues that structure, inform and reflect the condition of the public sphere.
Display written and verbal evidence of knowledge and critical thinking skills based around the theory of the public sphere, as well as related concepts and issues.