Bachelor of Digital Media and Communication - 2019

The Bachelor of Digital Media and Communication course has been designed for those who want to develop a strategic and critical understanding of the role of mediated communication in society, and the new dynamics introduced by the internet and digital media. This course starts with the premise that communication processes are integral to human society and culture. From the introduction of writing, through printing, the industrial developments of the 19th century, and the more recent introduction of information technology, media technologies have had profound impacts on developments in social, political, cultural and economic fields of human endeavour. In the 21st century, the impact of media technologies is expanding to all spheres of life, from interpersonal communication to professional practice, and enabling global networks of shared interests and spearheading new industrial and economic developments.

This specialist course focuses on the role of digital media in society, and prepares students for professional environments where the production and distribution of digital media content are integral to the workplace. There are two strands of instruction. The digital media production and web design units introduce students to the basics of image and video production and editing, website and social media design, and website analytics. The digital society units introduce students to internet studies and the analysis of digital screen content. These strands come together in the final capstone unit that requires students to reflect on the role of digital technologies in society, and work in teams to develop an online platform that advocates awareness of social, cultural and/or political issues related to the use of the internet and digital media.

This course explores the workings of the media and will develop your skills in describing and analysing the organisation, processes, uses and effects of traditional and new communications technologies such as print, television, film, electronic and digital media, and the complex relationships between audiences, producers and policy-makers. You will learn to critically analyse the media, the structure of communications industries, and the relations between media, culture and power in global and local contexts.

You will develop your knowledge of the unprecedented change occurring in communication and media content, forms, technology and policy with wide-ranging implications for business, politics, public administration and everyday life globally. To sharpen this expertise, you will take specialised units that introduce digital and online production skills, and develop in-depth awareness of the interrelated dynamics of the internet and digital media, industry and society.

All students will participate in a range of activities that develop key capabilities: creativity, teamwork, cross-cultural understanding, digital literacy, critical thinking, self-directed learning, researching and analytical writing skills.

When you graduate, you will be ready to work in areas that require a detailed understanding of the processes and contexts of digital media production and distribution.

Double degrees

The Bachelor of Digital Media and Communication. can be taken in combination with the following course:

B2026 Bachelor of Business and Commerce

This will lead to the award of two degrees. The requirements for the award of each degree are the same whether the award is earned through a single or double degree course. Students should refer to the course entry for the partner course and the course map for the double degree for the requirements of the other degree.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 7 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 7 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

Upon successful completion of this course, it is expected that you will be able to:

1. critically analyse the key concepts, theoretical perspectives and scholarly debates in the field of communication and media studies
2. utilise and apply discipline-specific knowledge to find innovative solutions and provide authoritative advice in the field of communication and media studies
3. utilise the research methodologies of the communication and media studies field to conduct and produce an independent research project
4. communicate knowledge and research findings in written, visual, oral and digital forms in a range of contexts and for a variety of audiences
5. engage responsibly and ethically in scholarship or professional practice in collaboration with others and across cultures
6. reflect on their practice to support lifelong learning.

The course develops through three themes, including fundamentals in communication and media studies, digital media and professional practice, that come together in three capstone units that emphasise the intertwining of communication with all aspects of human society.

Part A. Fundamentals in communication and media studies

You will be introduced to the fundamentals of communication and media studies, considering a range of media forms and the production, distribution and consumption of global and local media. You will consider how new technologies require new literacies, and the impact of mediated communication on all areas of life.

Part B. Digital Media

You will be introduced to an in-depth study of the socioeconomic and sociocultural role and impact of the internet and digital media, as well as introduced to the fundamentals of digital media production and editing; website and social media design and website analytics, using industry-standard software.

Part C. Professional Practice

These units are focused on workplace-relevant skills, and the internship unit will provide you with the opportunity to integrate this theory with practice, and to gain first-hand experience in a relevant workplace. AMU3744 professional practice unit is only available in the summer semester B with students undertaking specific orientation one week prior to commencement.

Part D. Free elective study

Electives will enable you to further develop your knowledge in the arts and social sciences, or to select units from across the faculty or the University in which you are eligible to enrol.

The course comprises 144 points, of which 96 points are specified for communication and media studies and 48 points are free electives.

Elective units may be at any level, however, no more than ten units (60 points) can be credited to the digital media and communication course at level 1 and a minimum of 36 points must be completed at level 3, of which four must be specified in digital media and communication.

Students completing a double degree must complete no more than six level one arts units (36 points) and at least 36 points at level three of which at least 24 points must be arts units.

The course progression map provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

Units are 6 points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Fundamentals in communication and media studies (24 points)

You must complete:

• AMU1277 Media studies
• AMU1278 Communication technologies and practices
• AMU2450 Contemporary media theory
• AMU3451 Freedom and control in the media

Part B. Digital Media (48 points)

You must complete:

• AMU1331 Introduction to Internet Studies
• AMU1330 Digital Media 1
• AMU2146 Digital Screens
• AMU2145Not offered in 2019 Digital Media 2
• AMU2439 Youth and mobile media
• AMU2453 Research methods in the social sciences
• AMU3029 Digital Asia research project
• AMU3580Not offered in 2019 Digital Society: Engaging with the World

Part C. Professional Practice (24 points)

You must complete:

• AMU2814 Transforming community: Project design and public relations for social campaigns
• AMU3575 Task force: Responding to global challenges
• AMU3650 A world in crisis: multilevel responses to global emergencies
• AMU3744 Workplace learning internship

Part D. Free elective study (48 points)

Elective units may be chosen from the school or across the University as long as you have the prerequisites and there are no restrictions on admission to the units. The units may be at any level, however, no more than ten units (60 points) at level 1 can be credited to the Bachelor of Digital Media and Communication.

Free electives can be identified using the browse unitsbrowse units (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/units/search) tool and indexes of unitsindexes of units (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/units/) in the current edition of the Handbook. The level of the unit is indicated by the first number in the unit code; undergraduate units are those that commence with the numbers 1-3. You may need permission from the owning faculty to enrol in some units taught by other faculties.

For students in a double degree course, some units required for the other degree are credited as electives towards the Digital Media and Communication degree.

If you successfully complete the Bachelor of Digital Media and Communication you may proceed to a one year honours program leading to A3701 Bachelor of Arts (Honours). To be eligible to apply for entry you must obtain a distinction grade average (70%) or above in 24 points of studies in relevant units at level 3, which will normally include at least 24 points of units in communication and media studies.