Politics and the Media (POLS20026)

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 the role of the media in the contemporary politics of Australia and similar countries. Topics covered include theories of the media in democratic politics, how news is manufactured, the power of news media to set the public and political agenda, the impact of television and media on politics, PR methods used by politicians and pressure groups to manage the media, and case-studies of how politics is represented.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject students should:


  • Critically compare competing theoretical frameworks for understanding the function of news media, particularly in democratic states, and the political, cultural and socio-economic contexts in which they operate;

  • Be able to assess the influence of different interests in media construction of news;

  • Be able to critically evaluate media representations of political and social relations;

  • Be familiar with theoretical and social scientific research approaches to the study of news media;

  • Be able to communicate effectively in oral and written formats.

Last updated: 14 March 2025