Monash University Handbook

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. In addition, students taking APG5397 should be able to demonstrate additional conceptual ability in written work.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 100%

Workload requirements

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 288 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.