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  3. Understanding Australian Media

Understanding Australian Media (MECM20006)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1
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This subject examines Australian media with an emphasis on its political nature and issues of media convergence, citizenship, policy, regulation, ownership, governance and local content. Students are encouraged to actively, and critically, examine their own media use. Drawing on this, and a range of case studies, students will engage with debates about journalism and ethics, the nature of commercial and public media, and the changing shape of news and current affairs. Major topics include advertising, commercial television, public broadcasting, newspapers, online media, talkback radio, and journalism and ethics. On completion of this subject, students should have developed a strong grasp of the major thematic issues influencing Australian media.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should have:



  • the ability to demonstrate a detailed knowledge and critical understanding of historical developments and current issues concerning Australian media;
  • gained a broad understanding of the constituent interest groups in Australian media practice;
  • developed vocational, methodological and analytical skills so as to forge intellectual links between daily media experience and broader theories about Australian media;
  • developed critical perspectives that enable them to identify and engage with a range of media theories, concepts and debates;
  • gained an understanding of how to act as a an informed and critically discriminating media user and citizen; and
  • the ability to work independently and in groups, to develop and effectively communicate substantive understandings of Australian media.

Generic skills

At the completion of this subject, students should gain the following generic skills:

  • be able to reflect on their own use of media and relate this to broader theoretical issues;
  • be able to critically analyse the role of contemporary media institutions;
  • be able to prepare and present their ideas in both verbal and written mode at an intermediate level and in conformity to conventions of academic presentation; and
  • be able to participate in discussion and group activities and be sensitive to the participation of others.

Last updated: 12 March 2025