University of Sydney Handbooks - 2020 Archive

Download full 2020 archivePage archived at: Tue, 27 Oct 2020

Media Practice

Semester 2, 2020 unit of study availability

Some Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences units of study originally intended to run in Semester 2, 2020 are no longer available.

A full and up-to-date list of units of study available in Semester 2, 2020 from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, can be found on this webpage.
 

Media Practice

Master of Media Practice

Students complete 72 credit points, including:
(a) a minimum of 24 credit points of core units of study; and
(b) a maximum of 42 credit points from elective units of study
(i) With the permission of the Degree Coordinator a maximum of 12 credit points can be taken as elective units from units outside the table, including:
(ii) a maximum of 6 credit points from units of study offered by other faculties.
(c) at least 6 credit points of capstone units of study.

Graduate Diploma in Media Practice

Students complete 48 credit points, including:
(a) a minimum of 24 credit points of core units of study; and
(b) a maximum of 24 credit points from elective units of study.
(i) With the permission of the Degree Coordinator a maximum of 6 credit points can be taken as elective units from units outside the table

Graduate Certificate in Media Practice

Students complete 24 credit points, including:
(a) a minimum of 12 credit points of core units of study; and
(b) a maximum of 12 credit points from elective units of study.

Core

MECO6900 News Writing

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr introductory lecture/semester, 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x3000wd news reporting portfolio (40%), 1x3000wd news story reporting package (50%), participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This core unit hones writing skills as a foundation for all forms of media production. Students are introduced to the elements of journalistic style, the processes of news, and the skills of interviewing and research. While the unit focuses on news and writing, it will be useful for any field that deals with the media, such as PR and communication management.
MECO6936 Social Media Communication

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1a,Semester 2a Classes: 26hrs seminar in Intensive mode (equivalent to 1x2hr seminar/week) Assessment: 1x2000wd equiv Social Media Design Brief (25%), 1x2500wd Social Media Project (45%), 1x1500wd Online Article and Comments (30%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
This unit introduces the fundamentals of strategic social media use for professional and organisational communication, media practice and cultural production. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to become competent, ethical social media communicators and to critically analyse social media forms, services and cultures. Students will explore online, mobile and locative platforms for interacting with audiences, publics and online communities, including professional networks.
MECO6902 Legal and Ethical Issues in Media Practice

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x3000wd Essay (40%), 1x1500wd Presentation (20%), 1x1500wd Online comment piece (30%), 1x Seminar participation (10%), Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
MECO6902 will introduce students to key legal and ethical issues relevant to journalism and the professional fields of public communication. Students will be given an introductory survey of the main ethical theories in Western thought to establish a framework within which to examine specific ethical issues that relate to media systems. They will also be introduced to the structure of Australia's legal system in comparison with other legal systems, and explore selected law, regulation and policy issues.
MECO6926 International Media Practice

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 10x120wd reflection on reading (20%), 1x2400wd investigation of media systems (40%), 1x2400wd research essay (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
International media practices teaches students to map, compare and debate the power of digital media systems around the world. Within this framework, it explores concepts of hybridity and practical examples of intercultural media practice. Students will access diverse online media and examine future professional employment options.

Capstone

MECO6904 Dissertation Part 1

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 6x0.5hr supervisor consultations/semester Prerequisites: 24 credit points from Digital Communication & Cultures or Media Practice or Health Communication or Strategic Public Relations or Publishing degree tables Corequisites: MECO6939 Prohibitions: MECO6928 or MECO6935 Assessment: A completed research proposal and, where necessary, an ethics application, together with research and writing contributing to a dissertation of 12000 words, for completion in MECO6905. Mode of delivery: Supervision
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit requires students to commence the conduct of their own research projects under the supervision of a member of staff and write a dissertation of 12000 words (completed in the second semester of enrolment in MECO6905). In some cases these projects will give students the opportunity to extend lines of enquiry suggested by units of study already completed for the degree. In other cases, students may have an interest in an area not covered by the coursework programs offered during their candidature that can be developed as a supervised project.
MECO6905 Dissertation Part 2

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 6x0.5hr supervisor consultations/semester Prerequisites: 48 credit points, including MECO6904 from Digital Communication & Cultures or Media Practice or Health Communication or Strategic Public Relations or Publishing degree tables Prohibitions: MECO6928 or MECO6935 Assessment: Completion of writing for a dissertation of 12000 words (100%) Mode of delivery: Supervision
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit requires completion of a dissertation of 12000 words, begun in the previous semester. Together with MECO6904, the unit allows students to conduct their own research projects under the supervision of a member of staff.
MECO6928 Media and Communication Internship

Credit points: 6 Session: Intensive December,Intensive June,Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 20 day internship placement Prerequisites: 48 credit points from Digital Communication & Cultures or Media Practice or Health Communication or Strategic Public Relations or Publishing degree tables Prohibitions: MECO6904 or MECO6905 or MECO6935 Assessment: 1x20day internship placement, 1x1500wd reflective journal (and folio) (40%), 1x1500wd industry research report (40%), 1x1500wd social media participation (20%) Practical field work: 20 day (140 hours) full-time internship in an approved organisation Mode of delivery: Professional practice
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This capstone unit of study offers Master degree students in the Department of Media and Communications (MECO) 20 days (140 hours) work experience in roles relating to their degree. Internships require critical reflection on professional practice and foster skills, knowledge and experience that enhance employment prospects. Placements may include reporting, editing, producing, designing, researching, publishing, public and media relations, campaigns, and other tasks. Available to MECO Master students only, following the completion of at least two core units of study.
MECO6932 Advanced Media Project

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x3hr seminar/week Prerequisites: 48 credit points including MECO6900 and (MECO6924 or MECO6925 or MECO6941) Prohibitions: MECO6928 or MECO6904 or MECO6905 or MECO6935 Assessment: 1x1000wd research brief (30%), 1x3000wd major project (50%), 1x500wd student peer reviewed activity (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Open to Masters' students only
This is a project-based capstone unit focusing on specific publication and project outcomes. It builds on knowledge, techniques, professionalism and skills acquired by students who have satisfactorily completed the prerequisite units, and further opportunity to enhance that knowledge, and practice those skills. Students will produce a substantial factual audio/video media project and experience many facets of production and problem solving encountered in delivering a major media project in a convergent production environment.
MECO6935 Professional Project

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/wk Prerequisites: 48 credit points from Digital Communication & Cultures or Media Practice or Health Communication or Strategic Public Relations or Publishing degree tables Prohibitions: MECO6904 or MECO6905 or MECO6928 or MECO6939 Assessment: 1x1000wd project proposal (20%), 1x3000wd research essay (40%), seminar presentation (10%), 1x1000wd exegesis (20%), 1x1000wd in-class presentation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This capstone unit is designed for students' final semester of study, providing them with the opportunity to apply learning from their degree to the completion of a researched project relevant to their career goals. Working with the coordinator, students choose an academic essay, industry report, media campaign or journalism project. Learning is supported by training in literature reviewing and data collection, research methods, project planning and independent consultations.

Elective

MECO6901 Media Relations

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x2000wd communication plan (30%), 1x2000wd media relations tactics (30%), 1x500wd client pitch (15%), 1x1500wd final essay (25%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Media Relations provides students with practical experience in seeking media coverage for a specific issue on behalf of a non-profit organisation. It requires students to research, design, present, implement and evaluate a communication plan, and to develop key tactical elements including media releases for distribution across multi-media platforms.
MECO6908 Strategy Selection in Corporate PR

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x2000wd communications plan (30%), 1x PR tactics presentation (group) (2000wd equivalent per student) (30%), 1x2000wd essay (30%), tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This core unit of study analyses corporate communication strategy selection in organisations to determine effectiveness. Students examine the strategic intent of a national or international corporation by studying its corporate communication tactics, specifically its annual reports and other marketing collateral. The unit will equip students to determine the effectiveness of the organisation's communication with stakeholders and strategic publics including customers, employees, environmental groups, governments and shareholders.
MECO6909 Crisis Communication

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 2x1000wd short-answer essay (30%), 1x3000wd research report (50%), 1x500wd group project presentation (10%), 1x500wd weekly comments (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The unit will examine how organisations use public relations (PR) to deal with crisis situations. Throughout the unit we will use case studies to explore frameworks, risk prioritisation, issues management, planning, response and evaluation strategies for diverse organisations and topics from environmental and corporate to health and social.
MECO6911 Financial and Investor Communication

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x750wd Story analysis (20%), 1x1500wd Story creation and rationale (25%), 1x750wd Slide presentation (20%), 1x3000wd Major Essay (35%), Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Effective communication of financial and business information stems from an understanding of how corporations should communicate and the environment in which they operate. This course links public relations theory with the practice areas of financial communication and investor relations. It combines an understanding of how investment markets work from a communications perspective with how to communicate with key stakeholders such as the media, investment community, shareholders and consumers of financial products.
MECO6912 Political Public Relations

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x Seminar participation (10%), 1x2000wd Campaign proposal (30%), 1x2000wd Campaign presentation (30%), 1x2000wd Essay (30%), Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study analyses and examines the convergence of public relations, advertising and political consulting in the history of political campaigning. The unit's objectives are to demonstrate an understanding of the relationships that exist in the political process between politicians, the media and public relations. It develops student skills specific to the delivery of political public relations and political campaigns. Its focus is the process of professionalisation and internationalisation of electioneering and campaign practices in media-centred democracies.
MECO6913 Public Opinion, Policy and Public Sphere

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x1500wd Report (20%), 1x1500wd Stakeholder position paper (20%), 1x500wd Presentation (15%), 1x2500wd Essay (45%), Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit analyses the relationship between professional communication and public opinion. It focuses on theories of influence and persuasion in the context of the development of policy, and how these are reflected in the public sphere. It develops the notion of the public sphere as represented by Habermas, Fraser, Schudson and others, focusing in particular on the transformation of the public sphere in terms of postmodern public relations.
MECO6914 Making Magazines

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x3hr seminar/week Prerequisites: MECO6930 Assessment: 1x225wd feature pitch (5%), 1x225wd group magazine pitch (5%), 1x1250wd feature article (25%), 1x225wd equivalent group magazine presentation (5%), 1x675wd equivalent feature layout (15%), 1x2000wd equivalent group magazine (45%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Making Magazines explores practical and theoretical aspects of contemporary magazine culture. Students work in small groups to conceive, plan, write and design a small 'dummy' (prototype) magazine using InDesign software. The unit emphasises writing, editing and design rather than marketing, although students will learn the importance of producing a magazine for the commercial media landscape.
MECO6915 Writing Features: Narrative Journalism

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x3hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x1000wd pitching assignment (20%), 1x1000wd draft first feature (20%), 1x1000wd final first feature (20%), 1x1500wd second feature (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit teaches the basic principles and skills of narrative journalism, or features, suited to print and online publications. Genres include profile, essay, travel, memoir, investigative journalism, cultural commentary and behind-the-news stories as well as multimedia features. Skills in pitching story ideas to editors, conducting interviews, understanding readerships, conducting research, quoting speech and writing dialogue, understanding structure and developing style will be covered in workshop-based classes, providing opportunities to critique work, practice writing skills, make revisions and become familiar with editing processes prior to submission of assignments.
MECO6919 Health Communication

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x1000wd commentary and critique (20%), 1x500wd discussion leadership (15%), 1x1500wd research project on health issue (25%), 1x3000wd research paper (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit introduces key concepts in health communication. Students will explore micro- and macro-level theories of health (behaviour) communication that inform the design and implementation of health communication campaigns, planned and unplanned effects of communication campaigns, and the evaluation of such campaigns. It aims to give students a critical and practical understanding of theory and research concerning the role of communication in health promotion efforts.
MECO6924 Television and Video Journalism

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x3hr workshop/week Corequisites: MECO6900 Assessment: 1x500wd equiv Reader voice-over video (20%), 1x1500wd equiv Short TV news package (30%), 1x2500wd equiv News compile package (50%), Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit will give students a grounding in reporting for Television Journalism as well as Video for online publication from the idea to final story. Students will learn how to record video using professional standard equipment. Students will also learn how to script and edit sound and vision for Television reporting packages. Students will learn about production planning - including multi-camera Television Studio operations - as well as the ethical and legal considerations which underpin current multimedia and convergent working environments.
MECO6925 Online Journalism

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x3hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x1700wd comparative journalism analysis (30%), 1x600wd research blog posting (25%), 1x2200wd equivalent feature story production package (45%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit introduces students to writing and reporting for online news and information services, with a focus on web, social media and mobile delivery. It is a practical unit involving writing exercises in different genres, including feature and opinion pieces. Students will also examine theoretical issues in social journalism and convergent media publishing. They will be encouraged to blog their work, developing basic skills in text, image and audio-visual production for the web, social media and mobile platforms.
MECO6927 Organisational Communication

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 2x1250wd in-class essay (40%), 1x3000wd group research project (50%), 1x500wd discussion facilitation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study introduces key concepts in organisational communication. Students will explore various structures of organisations and how those structures affect the flow of communication within workplaces. Upon the completion of the unit, students will develop their understanding of key concepts in organisational communication and apply them to analyse communication problems in organisations. Students will also be able to offer well-grounded criticism on selected organisational issues.
MECO6929 Chinese Media Studies in Global Contexts

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x3000wd Essay (50%), 1x1000wd News digest (10%), 1x1000wd Critique presentation (20%), 1x500wd Reply to peer questions (10%), 1x500wd Peer questions (10%), Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit introduces students to the systems, regulation and uses of Chinese media. Designed for all students, with or without knowledge of the Chinese language, it draws on theories and concepts of global media studies for understanding situations in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Chinese communities in other countries. Implications of media uses by the Chinese authorities, professionals, and ordinary citizens, in the context of globalized communication, are discussed with regard to a range of media, including the Internet.
MECO6930 Publication Design

Credit points: 6 Session: Intensive July,Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x3hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x250wd equivalent Text title design (15%), 1x250wd equivalent Mood board (15%), 1x1000wd equivalent Production print draft layout (20%), 1x3000wd equivalent Digital magazine (50%), Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Publication design focuses on the design and production of magazines and other small-scale publications in print and online form. The unit of study explores the visual language of contemporary magazines and introduces students to basic design principles. Students learn about the complex interplay of text, image and sequence occurring in magazine design through the practical experience of creating their own publication using Adobe InDesign software. The unit links creative design processes to current digital and print practice.
MECO6934 Social Issues Marketing

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x1500wd Essay (30%), 1x1500wd Weekly Comments (20%), 1x500wd Team Presentation (10%), 1x2500wd Team Project Report (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Social Marketing integrates marketing concepts with other approaches to influence behaviours that benefit individuals and communities. Examples include smoking cessation, HIV prevention and recycling. Key elements include research, theory, competition and segmentation. This unit builds students' knowledge of how social marketing can be used to facilitate behaviour change and improve social outcomes, including health, environment, economic and education programs. It will include how to design, manage and communicate social and behaviour change programs in Australia and internationally.
MECO6938 The Interview

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1a Classes: Intensive sessions: 26hrs seminar/semester Assessment: 1x2000wd report (30%), 1x1000wd research brief (20%), 1x3000wd or equivalent major project (50%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
Interviewing covers a range of styles from the performative to the investigative and is a fundamental skill for media work and much scholarly research. This unit will introduce students to interview research, design and practice for both media and academic outlets. Students will examine best practice examples of a range of interview approaches and techniques, as well as delivering a substantial interview project.
MECO6939 Research Methods

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x3000wd research design (40%), 1x1500wd methodology review (25%), 1x1500wd dissertation critical review (25%), 2x presentations (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit will develop students' knowledge of key research methods used in media, communications and digital cultures research. Students will be introduced to a range of research techniques and methods, including quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods, and will have the opportunity to reflect critically on these methods through practitioner presentations and directed discussion. The assessment tasks will help students develop their skills to design and undertake a supervised research dissertation and enhance their abilities as researchers and practitioners.
MECO6940 Theoretical Traditions and Innovations

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x1500wd class paper (25%), 1x1000wd wikipedia theory entry (20%), 1x3500wd critical essay (55%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit gives students an advanced understanding of the foundational traditions in communications, media, and digital cultures. It relates these traditions to contemporary innovations, rethinking ideas to grasp current and future media and communications forms, practices, structures, and meanings. The unit features detailed reading and analysis of key ideas, texts, thinkers, and contexts.
MECO6941 Podcasting

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x3hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x 250wd equiv oral pitch (5%), 1x250wd written pitch (5%), 1x 3250wd equiv two-part podcast (70%), 1x750wd reflective journal (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Podcasting is a relatively new genre of audio production, distribution and consumption with its own aesthetics and values. In this unit students will learn to produce documentary-style audio stories, learning practical skills necessary for working in radio and producing podcasts for various media industries.
MECO6942 Managing Social Media Communities

Credit points: 6 Session: Intensive January,Intensive July Classes: Intensive mode: 5x4hrs lecture + 5x3hrs online tutorial in week 1, and 1x2 lecture + 1x2 hr tutorial in week 6; Semester mode: 1x1hr lecture/week, 1x2hr tutorial/week Assessment: 1x1800wd + social metrics Engagement evaluation (45%), 1x10 mins Community Feedback Presentation (10%), 1x1500wd Stakeholder engagement project (25%), 1x1200wd Community diagnostic report (20%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
Most businesses and institutions are now building online communities, from social media channels and help forums to marketplaces and research groups, in order to strategically engage their workers, audiences, consumers or publics. Community management is a critical aspect of communications, market intelligence, marketing and innovation. This unit investigates how those communities, and their offline counterparts, are scoped, fostered, facilitated, and governed to provide mutual benefit for host organisations and members. The unit will develop theoretical knowledge of community dynamics, deployment, ethics and governance approaches, and practical skills in data collection and social analytics; moderation, facilitation, and conflict management; automation and machine learning tools for managing human interaction. Students will assist in managing communities and create strategic plans for their development.
MFDI9303 Digital Effects for Film and Video

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x3-hour studio class/week Assessment: project proposal (25%) and class presentation (15%) and project (60%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The aim of this unit of study is to equip you with a conceptual understanding and technical expertise in the use of digital effects for film and video projects. You will be introduced to the use of software programs such as Adobe After Effects to explain how moving images can be transformed over time in combination with text, masks, animation, filters, effects and sound. You will learn how to author in After Effects through an intensive series of tutorials film/video screenings and practical studio workshops. This will culminate in the production of a studio project. The project is to be developed in consultation with an academic adviser.
ARIN6904 Mobile Media and Games

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x1hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Assessment: 1x2000wd Critical Essay (30%), 1x1500wd Industry Research Report (25%), 1x1500wd Written report of Serious Game Concept (25%), x1000wd equivalent total Weekly quizzes (10%), x Participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Networked mobile devices and computer games are increasingly prominent in today's mediascapes, supporting practices of individualised mobility and play. This unit of study critically examines the aesthetics, politics and everyday uses of these emerging cultural technologies. It draws on new media studies, game studies and platform studies to explore themes such as the complication of leisure and work spaces, new media industries, gamification, playbour and mobile social media.
ASNS6905 Asian Popular Culture

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x1000wds + 500wd equivalent oral component (30%), 1x500wd equivalent oral component (10%), 1x500wd online discussions (10%), 1x3500wd major essay (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Asia is fast becoming the centre of new developments in the mass media. Focusing on East and Southeast Asia, this unit will introduce major regional trends in film and television, differences in media systems, and cross-cultural understandings of Asian media. Particular focus will be on the analysis of feature films and television from Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand and/or China, and on pan-Asian developments. These analyses will include discussions of the social, cultural and political roles of media.
ASNS6908 Media Industries in East Asia

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1xpresentation (equivalent to 1000wd) (20%), 1x1500wd industry report (30%), 1x2500wd major Essay (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit examines the development and challenges of media industries in East Asia; Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong SAR, and China. It takes a broad comparative approach to identify political, economic, social, cultural and technological factors that affect the industries in this dynamic region. The unit covers various aspects of old and new media in the region, such as development and transformation of media industries, state regulation and policy, and the implications of the emergence of new communications technologies.
GCST6901 Cultural Policy

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Assessment: 1x1250wd policy analysis (30%), 1x250wd research plan (10%), 1x3000wd research essay (50%), tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit examines cultural policy across a range of sectors such as museums and heritage, the arts, media, and the 'cultural industries'. It will provide theoretical perspectives and practical insight into policy formation processes in Australia and internationally. The multiple actors and rationales that shape policy and ground claims for its relevance amid social change and cultural diversity are considered. Students learn how to analyse policies in relation to the institutional, social and political contexts of their emergence.
LNGS7006 Cross-Cultural Communication

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x1000wd Linguistic Relativity (20%), 1x2000wd Mid-semester exam (30%), 1x3000wd Final paper (50%), Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
In today's globalised and multicultural societies, cross-cultural communication is common enough. Even so, it continues to be a challenge, both for people who engage in cross-cultural communication on a daily basis, and for researchers trying to describe and understand it. In this unit of study we will consider a variety of discourse-analytic approaches to studying cross-cultural communication, including conversation analysis, speech act theory, interactional sociolinguistics, the ethnography of communication, and critical discourse analysis. In our analyses of actual samples of cross-cultural communication we will pay particular attention to the social positioning of participants in an interaction, and the ways how social relationships (particularly of power and intimacy) between participants are reflected in their linguistic practices. The unit will end with exploring applied perspectives, particularly on cross-cultural communication in educational, courtroom and workplace interactions.
LNGS7274 Media Discourse

This unit of study is not available in 2020

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x500wd Summary (5%), 1x2500wd Image analysis/interpretation (35%), 1x3000wd Text Analysis (60%), Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
"Sexy, healthy and 100% Australian-owned!" This unit examines linguistic approaches to media discourse. The language of news texts and television series will form a special focus of the unit, along with how images are used to construe meaning. We will explore general aspects of media institutions (news and television), the ways in which social identities are constructed in the media, differences between the language of various types of media texts, the rhetoric of persuasion and the discourses of popular culture.
PACS6914 Conflict-Resolving Media

Credit points: 6 Session: Intensive August Classes: Intensive delivery over 5 days (total 30hrs) Prohibitions: SCWK6935 Assessment: 2x2500wd Commentaries (80%), Seminar participation (20%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
This unit examines media representations of conflict and their influence on the behaviour of those involved. It introduces creative ways for journalists, media development workers and media activists to apply principles of conflict resolution. Students diagnose 'war journalism' and 'peace journalism', and analyse conflict in a journalism context. Theories of news and concepts of objectivity and responsibility are critically explored. Students gain practical skills in peace journalism and media activism as well as devising peace journalism interventions in conflict-affected areas.
WMST6903 Gender, Media and Consumer Societies

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Assessment: 1x500wd group discussion/presentation (15%), 1x1000wd advertising analysis (25%), 1x500wd research essay proposal (10%), 1x2500wd research essay (40%), participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit examines theories of consumption in regards to cultural and media products and practices, with a specific focus on gender. Drawing upon a wide range of feminist media and cultural theories, we will critically analyse different forms of belonging and identity that are created through these practices. We will also pay close attention to the critiques of globalisation and consumption, theories of the 'citizen consumer' and the realities of geo-political and economic inequalities that underpin many forms of consumption.
FASS7001 Academic English for Postgraduates

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x1hr lecture/week, 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x1500wd Essay (35%), 1x500wd Annotated Bibliography (15%), 1x2500wd Reflection Journal (25%), 1xSeminar Presentation (25%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This elective is designed for International postgraduates who are new to study in an English language university. It supports the development of study, research, and critical thinking abilities, spoken English and academic language. Knowledge acquired in this unit will strengthen written and spoken English to help meet the standards necessary for successful completion of FASS Masters by coursework degrees. It is recommended that this elective be taken during the first semester.
FASS7002 Critical Thinking and Persuasive Writing

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Weeks 1-3: 2x1hr lecture/week, 2x2hr tutorial/week; Weeks 4-9:1x1hr lecture/week, 1x2hr tutorial/week Assessment: 1x500wd critical review (20%), 1x1500wd essay (35%), seminar presentation (20%),1x2500wd reflection journal (20%), tutorial participation (5%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This elective supports development of skills in critical analysis, writing in different genres, research, presentation, and developing individual scholarly 'voice'. While valuable for all commencing postgraduates, it is of particular benefit to those returning to academia after an extended break, or for International students wishing to orient themselves to local standards of practice for academic communication. This unit is structured to have additional seminars and lectures early in the semester and fewer later in the semester so students have the opportunity to apply new skills to all their coursework. The unit is ideally taken in the first semester of study.
WRIT6000 Professional Writing

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x1000wd Analysis (20%), 1x2000wd Case Study (30%), 1x1000wd Project (20%), 1x2000wd Proposal (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit introduces theories of professional writing with a specific focus on composing in the workplace. Students will develop abilities in analysing, writing, revising, and delivering workplace texts, both print and multimedia. By examining and discussing a range of actual workplace documents, from emails to websites, students will gain a broader understanding of the rhetorical principles and ethical responsibilities inherent in professional writing practice. They will improve their ability to negotiate the relationships, tensions, and politics that influence workplace writing contexts.
WRIT6001 Professional Editing

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x2000wd Individual Analysis (30%), 1x2000wd Group Analysis (30%), 1x1000wd Oral Presentation (20%), 1x1000wd Essay (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit introduces practical techniques for editing workplace documents for increased clarity and effectiveness. Applying theories and principles of visual rhetoric, students will learn how to improve the readability and reception of workplace texts according to audience conventions and expectations. By analysing actual workplace documents, students will develop their critical reading abilities and gain a better understanding of how to edit texts for word economy, improved design and layout, and inclusive language. Editing print texts for digital or oral presentation will also be emphasised.
USSC6922 US Strategy in the Asia-Pacific

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x700wd group presentation (10%), 1x1800wd policy memo (30%), 1x3500wd research paper (50%), seminar participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening
The United States' has long pursued a grand strategy in Asia premised on preventing regional threats and maintaining access to Asian markets, societies, and strategic waterways. Under President Trump, however, America's regional role may be changing. This unit will explore the history and making of US strategy in Asia, including key turning points, strategic actors, and policy debates. Students will also examine contemporary challenges and flashpoints for America's Asia policy, and how these may affect stability and relations with the region.
USSC6920 US Media: Politics, Culture, Technology

Credit points: 6 Session: Intensive July Classes: 1x2hr class/week Assessment: Tutorial participation (10%), 2x Critical reviews (800 words, worth 20% each), 1x3000wd research paper (40%), Presentation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day, Block mode
This Unit will focus on media coverage of political campaigns and politics in America. It will look at the role of the media in American society in shaping debates and also the power of the American media globally. The impact of the internet on American journalism will be discussed as will the future of the media.