Outline

Overview

This core unit in the Master of Media Practice introduces the foundations of comparative analysis to advance understanding of diverse media systems, cultures, patterns of thinking and practices beyond one’s own society. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to become culturally-competent and influential media professionals, with expertise in producing and evaluating communication practices and processes across global South and global North settings. Students will investigate the transformation processes reconfiguring hierarchies of media visibility, attention, and power in digital, legacy and hybrid international media, and their implications for social inclusion/exclusion.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Media and Communications
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Mei Li, mei.li@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Presentation	Seminar report Upload and present topic and pose questions to facilitate class discussion	20%	Multiple weeks	10 slides (1500 words eq) Must attempt	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Participation Actively contribute to class discussion	10%	Ongoing	Engage in learning activities	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	International media analysis Critical analysis comparing news reports in listed West/South digital media	30%	Week 06 Due date: 14 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 Sep 2025	4 case studies. 2000 words. Must attempt	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Counter-narrative storytelling Write a counter-narrative on international media topic	40%	Week 12 Due date: 02 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 17 Nov 2025	3 stories. 2500 words. Must attempt	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Seminar report: This assignment will require you to work in groups of two or three students to upload a 10-15 minutes presentation on an aspect of the weekly topic and pose questions for class discussion.

International media analysis: In this assignment you will locate and evaluate case studies of similarities and differences in West and South news reporting to develop skills in identifying master and counter-narratives in international news coverage.

The final assignment requires you to create a counter-narrative on a global South issue of concern related to the course, integrating 2025 news reports, counter-narrative theory, story-telling and authentic writing.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High Distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction is for a very high standard, a Credit is for a good standard, and a Pass is for an acceptable standard.

A detailed marking rubric for each assignment is located in MECO6926 Assignments on Canvas.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Demonstrates the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard as defined in the assignment rubric.
Distinction	75 - 84	Demonstrates the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard as defined in the assignment rubric.
Credit	65 - 74	Demonstrates the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard as defined in the assignment rubric.
Pass	50 - 64	Demonstrates the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard as defined in the assignment rubric.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

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% each calendar day after the due date.

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	International media coverage.	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Western-centric news or truly international?	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Challenging Western journalism hegemony.	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Reporting marginalisation1: Racial capitalism, exploitation & solidarities.	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Reporting marginalisation2: Modern slavery: forced labour and forced marriage.	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Challenging invisibility in the media.	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	AJE & CGTN: Diverse transnational media.	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	From stereotypes to regionalizing journalism.	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Imagining the new global village.	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Listening to powerful Southern narratives.	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Acknowledging the journalists of the Global South.	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	What's next in international media practice?	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	The majority world.	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.

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

All readings for this unit are accessed through the Library’s reading list system Leganto, available on Canvas.

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. Identify and synthesise key readings, concepts, and trends from the unit to develop a foundational understanding of international media studies.
LO2. Collaborate effectively in small groups to select, present, and discuss media topics that contribute to deep and engaged classroom learning.
LO3. Examine and critique the colonial nature of global news media by analysing the US-UK "news duopoly" and exploring how actors from the global South challenge Western dominance.
LO4. Compare and contrast case studies of global North and South news reporting to develop skills in identifying master-narratives and counter-narratives.
LO5. Analyse and evaluate how counter-narrative theory presents alternative interpretations of shared facts and broadens understanding of global perspectives.
LO6. Research, construct, and reference original counter-narratives that highlights underrepresented issues in the global South and promotes inclusive storytelling.

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.

In Semester 2, 2025, each assignment outline explains how students are expected to complete the task to a high standard. The modes of feedback are described, and the unit coordinator's email address is provided for further clarification as needed.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

MECO6926: International Media Practice

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links