AMU1331 - Introduction to internet studies - 2018

What difference is the internet making to society?. Answering this question requires a multidisciplinary approach that analyses the historical development of media and information technology and media, the continuities and breaks with the past, and the empirical analysis of ongoing socioeconomic, cultural and political changes associated with the internet.

The unit focuses on the internet and digital media, and covers topics such as: the expansion of user generated content and the changing role of the audience; the implications in terms of privacy and security; the impact on political processes; the development of new business models; and the expansion of global, regional, local and interpersonal networked communication.

Upon completion of the unit, students will be able to:

1. situate the historical development of the internet and describe the fundamental features that distinguish the internet and digital media from earlier forms of media technology;
2. use examples to demonstrate the relevance of the internet and digital media to emerging local and global socioeconomic, cultural and political contexts;
3. explain and apply theories and concepts used to discuss the internet and digital media in society;
4. critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of common scholarly explanations of the emergence and diffusion of the internet and digital media within society;
5. use the practical skills of reading, note taking and writing to formulate and structure a logical and coherent argument that is well supported by relevant evidence.

Within semester assessment: 60%

Exam: 40%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information