6 points
* Second semester
* 3 hours per week plus occasional extra
hour for screenings and presentations
* Gippsland/Distance
Objectives On successful completion of this subject students will be able to demonstrate an historical appreciation of the impact of various media technologies on society and a critical appreciation of the economic and political forces at work in the practices of the mass media; recognise and be able to apply some of the critical strategies available for understanding different kinds of media texts; analyse various media texts according to a diverse range of criteria.
Synopsis This subject introduces students to methods for evaluating and critically analysing media texts. Areas of study include photography, advertising, television and television genres, news and film. Readings of selected examples of these will draw attention to the historical circumstances of developing media technologies and the ways that social, political and economic life are represented in various media genres. Some attention will be paid to selected aspects of media production but the primary emphasis of this subject is on the social role of the mass media and on the critical interpretation of its messages.
Assessment Oral communication/journal: 10%
* Short essay (1000
words): 20%
* Essay (1500 words): 30%
* Short examination (2000 words):
40%
Prescribed texts
Cunningham S and Turner G (eds) The media in Australia: Industries, texts, audiences Allen and Unwin, 1993
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