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Media Futures and New Technologies (MECM30004)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2 - Dual-Delivery
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This subject examines the pressures of technological change on contemporary media institutions and communications practices. Students will be introduced to key debates about media convergence, the relationship between technological change and media practices, and the shift from mass communication to networked communication. A range of case studies drawn from different media sectors including photography, the music industry, television, cinema, and the Internet will be complemented by examination of emerging practices such as video games, digital art and surveillance. Students completing the subject will be able to develop a critical understanding of the forces affecting how new technology is adopted, and will be able to identify the major pressures shaping the media-communications industries in the future.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should have:



  • the ability to understand the nexus between broader theories of technological change and the transformation of media and communications industries;
  • the ability to recognise and explain the differences between analogue and digital media with reference to specific case studies;
  • gained a detailed understanding of the key issues new media technologies raise for contemporary media institutions and communications practices;
  • developed the capacity for high level analysis and conceptual sophistication in order to critically assess the future for different media sectors using approaches drawn from media and communication studies; and
  • be able to effectively communicate their ideas in both written and oral forms, contribute to group discussions, and engage with the views expressed by other students whose disciplinary and cultural backgrounds may differ.

Generic skills

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

  • be able to identify appropriate analytical frameworks to effectively communicate their ideas in both written and oral forms;
  • be able to contribute to group discussion, and to engage with the views expressed by other students; and
  • be able to organise their personal study to reflect on their own learning processes and to complete assessment tasks in a timely manner.

Last updated: 22 November 2023

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

100-303 Media Futures and New Technologies

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 22 November 2023

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

A short essay

  • 1500 words
Mid semester30%

A research report

  • 2500 words
During the examination period55%

A short oral presentation

  • 5 minutes
Throughout the semester5%

Tutorial participation

Throughout the teaching period10%
Hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of (or at least) 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. There is an expectation that students attend lectures, in person or via online delivery. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass this subject. For the purposes of meeting this hurdle requirement, each submitted assessment must be complete and constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task. (Complete not less than 50% of word count) Throughout the teaching periodN/A

Additional details

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 2% per working day.

Last updated: 22 November 2023

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorScott McQuire
    Mode of deliveryDual-Delivery (Parkville)
    Contact hoursTotal 30 hours: a 1.5-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial per week.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period25 July 2022 to 23 October 2022
    Last self-enrol date 5 August 2022
    Census date31 August 2022
    Last date to withdraw without fail23 September 2022
    Assessment period ends18 November 2022

    Semester 2 contact information

    mcquire@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

Last updated: 22 November 2023

Further information

Last updated: 22 November 2023