Unit outline_

NYUS2105: Global Media Seminar: Sydney, Australia

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study is only available to students approved to be participating in the NYU Sydney Program.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Arts and Social Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Yuri Ogura, yuri.ogura@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment AI Allowed Final Research Paper
Final paper based on key concepts and topics from the course
20% Formal exam period
Due date: 10 Jun 2025 at 23:59
2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Presentation In-class Presentation
Students lead a presentation and discussion based on set reading/viewing
10% Multiple weeks 10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Small continuous assessment Reading Responses
Prepare a short summary on one of the set readings before class
10% Multiple weeks 300 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Small continuous assessment AI Allowed Short Paper
Short paper on a topic chosen by student that stems from topics in week 1-6. Due after the Presentation
20% Multiple weeks 1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Participation Participation
Active participation in class and attendance will be required
9% Ongoing ongoing
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Participation Early Feedback Task Participation
#earlyfeedbacktask
1% Week 03
Due date: 15 Mar 2025 at 23:59
ongoing
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Presentation Class Research Pitch
5 min presentation pitch based on research design for final paper
15% Week 09
Due date: 01 May 2025 at 09:00
5 min
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO1
Assignment AI Allowed Final Paper Outline
Proposal should include draft outline for Final Paper
15% Week 11
Due date: 14 May 2025 at 23:59
1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
AI allowed = AI allowed ?
early feedback task = 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: Students will lead a presentation and discussion based on a set reading/viewing.
Short Paper: Students write a short paper based on their class presentation.
Reading/Viewing Response: Before class, students will prepare a short summary of one of the set readings or viewings. 

Class Research Pitch: 5 min pitch presentation in class based on research method and design for final paper
Final Research Outline: Submit a proposal to outline how they intend to approach their chosen topic for the final paper.
Final Research Paper: Students write a final research paper on a topic chosen based on key concepts and topics from the course.

Assessment criteria

For this course your total numerical score, calculated from the components listed above, correspond to the following letter grades:

A 94 to 100
A- 90 to < 94
B+ 87 to < 90
B 84 to < 87
B- 80 to < 84
C+ 77 to < 80
C 74 to <77
C- 70 to < 74
D+ 67 to < 70
D 65 to < 67
F 0 to < 65

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator. 

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions. 

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit. 

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply. 

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site

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.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to Global and Australian Media Block teaching (3.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 02 Media Diversity and Press Freedom Block teaching (3.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 03 Media Influence, Propaganda and Politics Block teaching (3.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 04 Post-Truth Politics, Fake News and Infodemics Block teaching (3.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 05 Gender and Media Representation Block teaching (3.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 06 Multiculturalism and Indigenous Media Block teaching (3.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 07 Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power Block teaching (3.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 08 News Satire and Comedy Block teaching (3.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 09 Watchdogs, Whistle Blowers and Investigative Journalism Block teaching (3.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 10 Social Media, Digital Activism and Mobile Journalism Block teaching (3.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 11 Datafication, Ethics and Media Regulation Block teaching (3.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 12 Innovation in Newsrooms and Media Sustainability Block teaching (3.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 13 Future of Global Media Block teaching (3.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Studying at NYU Sydney is an academically intensive and immersive experience, in which students from a wide range of backgrounds exchange ideas in discussion-based seminars. Learning in such an environment depends on the active participation of all students. And since classes typically meet once or twice a week, even a single absence can cause a student to miss a significant portion of a course. To ensure the integrity of this academic experience, class attendance at NYU Sydney is expected promptly when class begins. Attendance will be checked at each class meeting.

Unexcused absences may be penalized with a two percent deduction from the student’s final course grade for every week's worth of classes missed, and may negatively affect your class participation grade. Four unexcused absences in one course may lead to a Fail in that course. Being more than 15 minutes late counts as an unexcused absence.

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 can be accessed though NYU Brightspace

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.

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

  • LO1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the complexity and diversity of the Australian media landscape in its historical and global contexts.
  • LO2. Analyse global media transformation and the changing nature of information flows, media influence and media ethics in the digital age.
  • LO3. Evaluate emerging technologies and trends in media production, distribution and consumption and their impact on society, culture and politics.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

Updated topics and assessments dates to reflect semester 1, 2025

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.