University of Sydney Handbooks - 2021 Archive

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Strategic Public Relations

Unit outlines will be available through Find a unit outline two weeks before the first day of teaching for 1000-level and 5000-level units, or one week before the first day of teaching for all other units.
 

Strategic Public Relations

Master of Strategic Public Relations

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 outside those listed in 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 Strategic Public Relations

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 outside those listed in the table

Graduate Certificate in Strategic Public Relations

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

Core

MECO6908 Strategy Selection in Corporate PR

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Intensive April,Semester 1 Classes: Intensive mode: 2hr introductory lecture/session, 4x6hr workshops/session (26hrs total) Online mode: 2hr introductory online lecture/session, 6x1hr online workshops/session, 18hrs of online blog posts/session (26hrs total) Assessment: 2x1000wd short-answer essay (30%), 1x3000wd research report (50%), 1x500wd group project presentation (10%), 1x500wd weekly comments (10%) Mode of delivery: Online
Note: This unit will be offered in online and intensive modes.
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.
MECO6912 Political Public Relations

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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.

Elective

GOVT6159 Emotions, Agenda Setting, and Public Policy

This unit of study is not available in 2021

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x1hr lecture/week, 1x1hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x2000wd case study (30%), 1x4000wd essay (60%), seminar participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
From the ban on 'Supertrawlers' to investigating the 'live baiting' of greyhounds, modern public policy addresses contemporary issues in ways that mobilise or mitigate public sentiment. Understanding policymaking increasingly depends on analysing how the emotionality of a topic and the salience of an issue create penalties for actors and may influence policy responses. This unit focuses on the way emotional issues rise on the political agenda and can lead to short-term policy responses
GOVT6316 The Politics of Policy Making

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x2000wd Short Essay (30%), 1x4000wd Long Essay (50%), 1x Seminar participation (20%), Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit focuses on the nature of public policy and the processes by which it is produced. Relevant issues are common to all nation states, although they take specific forms in each individual country. First, the unit takes an overview of public policy - dealing with basic themes such as 'What is policy?' through to different approaches to understanding the policy process. These include policy cycles, rationality, interest groups, institutions, and socio-economic interests. Second, it maps out and examines the main components of public policy making: actors, institutions and policy instruments. Third, it focuses on aspects of policy-making processes which often attract a high level of attention from analysts. These include problem definition, agenda setting, decision-taking, policy implementation, policy evaluation and crisis policy-making. Fourth, it examines wider issues in terms of the state and who ultimately holds power over the making and shaping of public policy. Finally, it examines the 'bigger pictures' of long term policy trends, and the extent to which national policy making capacities and processes have been affected by globalisation. Assessments offer a large element of flexibility, allowing students to concentrate on areas of particular interest.
INFS5001 Project Management

This unit of study is not available in 2021

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Semester 1 and Semester 2: 1 x 3hr seminar per week; Summer School: 3 x 3hr seminar per week Prohibitions: INFS6014 Assessment: group assignment (30%); individual assignment (20%); exam (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening
Based on the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) this unit introduces the end-to-end project management lifecycle. Students learn how to select appropriate projects based on their alignment with an organisation's strategy and then how to manage those projects successfully from initiation through execution to completion. The unit covers the essential components of effective project management and how to apply them in an integrated manner. The unit also explores both the technical and behavioural aspects of project management - including Microsoft Project - and students gain experience in critically analysing the application of concepts in specific project contexts. As organisations increasingly structure their activities on a project basis, the unit is of value to a range of discipline specialisations. The unit can also contribute to the achievement of internationally recognised accreditation from the Project Management Institute (PMI).
INFS6015 Business Process Management

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Corequisites: INFS5002 or COMP5206 Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
This unit highlights the key concepts of business process management (BPM) and their importance to organisations in supporting the business operations and providing opportunities for competitive advantage and innovation. It provides a detailed understanding of the concepts, strategies, tools and technologies required throughout the BPM lifecycle. This unit takes both the strategic and change management perspectives in designing process architecture and governance, as well as analysing, designing, and measuring performance of processes across value chains and aligned to industry standards. The unit also develops practical skills in modelling and simulating processes using business process management tools.
MECO6900 News Writing

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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.
MECO6901 Media Relations

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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.
MECO6902 Legal and Ethical Issues in Media Practice

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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.
MECO6911 Financial and Investor Communication

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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.
MECO6919 Health Communication

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Intensive May,Semester 1 Classes: Intensive mode: 2hr introductory lecture/session, 4x6hr workshops/session Online mode: 2hr introductory online lecture/session, 6x1hr workshops/session, 12hrs equivalent online learning Assessment: 1x1000wd commentary and critique (20%), 1x500wd discussion leadership (15%), 1x1500wd research project on health issue (25%), 1x3000wd research paper (40%) Mode of delivery: Online
Note: This unit will be offered in intensive and online modes.
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 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
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.
MECO6926 International Media Practice

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 10x100wd equivalent weekly reading quiz (20%), 10x100wd equivalent tutorial written contributions (20%), 2x1000wd media case study (30%), 1x2000wd research essay (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 1
This core unit of study in the Master of Media Practice takes an international media focus, developing knowledge of a wide range of media contexts in both the global South and global North. Drawing on comparative media theories, it enables students to map, analyse and debate similarities and differences in media markets, management and regulatory arrangements, professional media practices, and user cultures, to enhance graduate employability across global labour markets. Students are equipped to critically examine disparities in media access and infrastructure, emergent mechanisms of media governance, and debates about the role of media professionals in social progress across world regions.
MECO6927 Leadership Communication

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Intensive September,Semester 2 Classes: Intensive mode: 2hr introductory lecture/session, 3x4hr workshops/session, 12x1hr online tutorials/session Online mode: 2hr introductory online lecture/session, 6x2hr online workshops/session, 12hrs equivalent online learning Assessment: 2x1250wd in-class essay (40%), 1x3000wd group research project (50%), 1x500wd discussion facilitation (10%) Mode of delivery: Online
Note: This unit will be offered in online and intensive modes.
This unit of study introduces key concepts in leadership 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 leadership communication and apply them to analyse communication problems. Students will also be able to offer well-grounded criticism on selected communication and decision-making issues.
MECO6930 Publication Design

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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
Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 1
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 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Intensive October,Semester 2 Classes: Intensive mode: 4x1.5hr online tutorials/session, 4x5hr workshops/session Online mode: 4x1.5hr online tutorials/session, 20hrs equivalent online learning Assessment: 1x1500wd Essay (30%), 1x1500wd Weekly Comments (20%), 1x500wd Team Presentation (10%), 1x2500wd Team Project Report (40%) Mode of delivery: Online
Note: This unit will be offered in intensive and online modes.
Social Issues 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 issues 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.
MECO6936 Social Media Communication

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1,Semester 1a,Semester 2,Semester 2a Classes: 28 hours in intensive mode: 7x3hr weekly seminars plus 1x8hr intensive Assessment: 1x6-8min (1200wd equivalent) social media brief presentation and written submission (25%), 1x10 page (3300wd equivalent) social media project (45%), 1x1500wd online article and comment (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
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.
MECO6938 The Interview

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
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 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
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 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
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 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Intensive February,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.
SCLG6901 Citizenship Rights and Social Movements

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Prohibitions: SCWK6901 Assessment: 1500wd reading journal (30%) and 2500wd research essay (50%) and 1000wd equivalent oral presentation (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit will provide an analysis of theories and practices of citizenship rights in Australia, other Anglophone countries and European countries in the 20th and 21st centuries. It will examine the relationships between different modes of citizenship, claims for rights and the formation of social movements with regard to the women's movement, Indigenous movements (where applicable) and movements concerned with migration, ethnic diversity and multiculturalism. Analyses will focus on the processes, content and outcomes of social movement advocacy.
FASS7001 Academic English for Postgraduates

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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
Note: Where students intend to complete both FASS7001 and FASS7002, they should undertake FASS7001 first then FASS7002. Do not enrol in both in one semester.
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 your first semester.
FASS7002 Critical Thinking and Persuasive Writing

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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.
USSC6920 US Media: Politics, Culture, Technology

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 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
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.

Capstone

MECO6904 Dissertation Part 1

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Intensive December,Intensive June,Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 20 day (140 hours) internship placement or part-time equivalent, 1x2hr Orientation (Week 2) 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: 1x1800wd reflective journal and portfolio (40%), 1x1800wd industry research report (40%), 1x900wd equivalent professional social media (20%) Practical field work: 20 day (140 hours) full-time internship placement or part-time equivalent in an approved organisation. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: In addition to the prerequisites, students must: 1) achieve strong credit marks (70+) in their core units in order to meet host organisation expectations around skill-sets; 2) achieve a pass result on a pass/fail diagnostic skills test that assesses workplace readiness
This Department of Media and Communications (MECO) capstone unit of study offers Master degree students a placement with a host organisation, for 20 days (140 hours), in roles related to their degree. Internships provide work-integrated learning opportunities to enhance employability. Typical placement tasks include multi-media content creation, social media communication, digital media design and engagement, public relations and client-facing media, editing and publishing, health promotion and marketing.
MECO6932 Advanced Media Project

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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 reflective essay (20%), 1x3min (250wd equivalent) project summary presentation (10%), 1x1000wd written project proposal (20%), 1x3min (250wd equivalent) in-class project proposal presentation (10%), 1x3500wd equivalent major project (40%) 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.
MECO6946 Industry Research Project

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week 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 or MECO6932 Assessment: 1x3mins (250wd equivalent) in-class project proposal submission (10%), 1x1000wd written project proposal (20%), 1x3500wd equivalent major project (40%), 1x1000wd reflective essay (20%), 1x3 mins (250wd equivalent) project summary presentation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This capstone unit is designed for students completing a second master's degree in the Media and Communications area at Sydney. This unit provides students 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.