Media and Society (MECM10003)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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Media and Society provides students with an introduction to the study of media and communications. This subject addresses the real-world issues related to the production and distribution of media, and the work of media audiences in both historical and contemporary contexts. How does media production, circulation and consumption differ across generations? Can the media theories developed in the mid-twentieth century help us to understand our media environments today and into the future? What will a career in the media and communications sectors look like in twenty or fifty years? These are the kinds of questions we will explore over the course of Media and Society. This subject engages students in debates over the relative analytical power of different research methods and interrogates the relationship between the media, politics and public life. Media and Society encourages students to develop their critical capacities by equipping them with the theoretical approaches to media studies to engage with the big ideas that define the future of the media.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate an introductory-level knowledge of, and capacity to apply, key theories, approaches and perspectives on the role and significance of media in social life;
  • Apply analytical approaches to produce critical readings of media texts;
  • Use the critical and analytical skills discussed in the subject to consider the role played by media institutions, texts and practices within changing social and cultural contexts;
  • Clearly communicate an understanding of the different perspectives, arguments and approaches to the study of the media.

Generic skills

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

  • Be able to prepare and present their ideas in both verbal and written mode in line with the conventions of academic presentation;
  • Be able to reflect on their own learning and take responsibility for organising personal study; and
  • Be able to engage in communal scholarship through participation in class discussion, and by respectfully engaging with the participation of others. 

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

MECM20007 Media and Society

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: 9 April 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

A short engagement with key foundational ideas for the study of media and society

  • 1000 words
Early in the teaching period25%

A textual analysis

  • 1500 words
Mid semester35%

A final essay

  • 1500 words
During the examination period40%
Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. There is an expectation that students attend lectures. Throughout the teaching periodN/A
Hurdle requirement: 2. Late Penalty and Assessment hurdle requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval. N/A

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    CoordinatorAlexandra Dane
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hoursTotal 36 Hours: 2 x 1-hour lectures per week and a 1-hour tutorial per week.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    alexandra.dane@unimelb.edu.au

     

     

Time commitment details

170 hours

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Further information

Last updated: 9 April 2025