Outline

Overview

This unit offers a comprehensive introduction to the core elements of digital cultures. Students will gain a combination of practical skills and theoretical understanding of digital elements including video, text, images, data, sound, algorithms and networks. Combining creative exercises with critical discussion, the unit will equip students with skills and concepts to plan, construct and deconstruct digital artefacts, in order to understand their significance within the digital cultures and communication fields.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Media and Communications
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Familiarity with computers, smartphones and the internet
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Teodor Mitew, teodor.mitew@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Presentation Q&A In-class Q&A following the Media Presentation	15%	Multiple weeks Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 May 2026	5 minutes (250 word equivalent)	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Media presentation Short in-class media presentation on one of the digital culture elements	15%	Multiple weeks Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 May 2026	5 minutes (250 word equivalent)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quiz - Early Feedback Task In-class quiz on weeks 1 & 2 lectures & week 2 readings	0%	Week 03 Due date: 09 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 09 Mar 2026	10 minute multiple choice quiz	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Portfolio part 1 Portfolio of 4 digital culture elements and reflections.	20%	Week 06 Due date: 05 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 19 Apr 2026	4 portfolio elements (1200 word equiv)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Portfolio part 2 Portfolio of 6 digital culture elements and reflections.	30%	Week 13 Due date: 31 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 14 Jun 2026	6 portfolio elements (1800 word equiv)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Weekly Quiz Weekly quiz on topics from the reading and lecture	20%	Weekly Due date: 24 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 24 May 2026	10 x (100 word equivalent) Wks 3-12	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Presentation	Media presentation	5 minutes	Short in-class media presentation on one of the digital culture elements	15%	Ongoing
Q&A following presentation	Presentation Q&A	5 minutes	In-class Q&A following the Media Presentation	15%	Ongoing
Portfolio or journal	Portfolio part 1	4 portfolio elements (1200 word equiv)	Portfolio of 4 digital culture elements and reflections.	20%	Week 6
Portfolio or journal	Portfolio part 2	6 portfolio elements (1800 word equiv)	Portfolio of 6 digital culture elements and reflections.	30%	Week 13
Out-of-class quiz	Weekly Quiz	10 x (100 word equivalent) Wks 3-12	Weekly quiz on topics from the reading and lecture	20%	Weekly

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Exceptional standard
Distinction	75 - 84	Very high standard
Credit	65 - 74	Good standard
Pass	50 - 64	Acceptable standard
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

5% deduction per calendar day applies.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction lecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Introduction tutorial	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Networks lecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Networks tutorial	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Stacks lecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Stacks tutorial	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Flows lecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Flows tutorial	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Interfaces lecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Interfaces tutorial	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Streams lecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Streams tutorial	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Memes lecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Memes tutorial	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Remix lecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Remix tutorial	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Algorithms lecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Algorithms tutorial	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Artificial Intelligence lecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Artificial Intelligence tutorial	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Worlds lecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Worlds tutorial	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Blockchains lecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Blockchains tutorial	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Conclusion lecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Conclusion tutorial	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students should attend the lecture, or watch the lecture recording, and read the required reading before attending their tutorial.

Attending tutorials is essential for taking the weekly quizzes and working on your video presentation and portfolio entries.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

A full list of links to readings is available on the unit's Canvas site.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Analyse and explain key elements of digital cultures within their broader contexts.
LO2. Identify and articulate interconnections among various aspects of digital cultures.
LO3. Demonstrate foundational skills in utilizing digital tools effectively.
LO4. Critically evaluate and assess digital cultural objects, texts, and practices.
LO5. Create critically informed projects that integrate elements of digital cultures.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

At the end-of-semester, students will be encouraged to provide highly valued feedback on their experience of the unit and its teaching. We are revising two key assessments to strengthen alignment between assessment design, learning outcomes, and the developmental needs of a large and diverse first-year cohort. The changes introduce both a secure assessment component and a structure that enables iterative reflection and revision within the learning process. First, the Presentation assessment now incorporates a formal, secure, invigilated Q&A to test individual conceptual understanding. This component provides a direct measure of each student’s engagement with core ideas, theories, and readings, while also supporting academic integrity. Students respond to targeted questions in person, without access to notes or electronic devices, ensuring the assessment authentically reflects their grasp of the material. Second, the Portfolio assessment is now staged across two submission points. This allows for iterative feedback and scaffolded learning, giving students the opportunity to apply feedback from Part 1 to strengthen the coherence, analytical depth, and theoretical integration of their final submission. The change promotes sustained engagement, supports workload balance, and enhances accessibility for students from diverse educational and linguistic backgrounds.

Additional information

Students must complete all assessments to pass this unit of study.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ARIN1010: Elements of Digital Cultures

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links