1. Handbook
  2. Subjects
  3. Media and Society
  4. Print

Media and Society (MECM10003)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

You’re viewing the 2023 Handbook:
Or view archived Handbooks
Undergraduate programs will be delivered on campus. Graduate programs will mainly be delivered on campus, with dual-delivery and online options available to a select number of subjects within some programs.
To learn more, visit 2023 Course and subject delivery.

Overview

Availability
Semester 1
FeesLook up fees

This subject provides students with a thematic overview of the study of media and communications. The subject addresses the production and distribution of media and the work of media audiences in historical and contemporary contexts. It engages students in debates over the relative analytical power of such approaches as the economics of the media industry and the relations between media, politics and public life. It encourages students to develop their critical capacities by enlarging their understanding of both the empirical nature of the media and the range of theoretical approaches to them.

Intended learning outcomes

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

  • Demonstrate an introductory-level knowledge of, and a capacity to apply, a 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
  • Deploy critical and analytical skills to critically consider the role played by media institutions, texts and practices within changing social and cultural contexts
  • Clearly communicate an understanding of different perspectives, arguments and approaches by applying conventions and protocols of academic presentation
  • Engage in communal scholarship through participation in class discussion, and respectfully engaging with the participation of others.

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 and in conformity to conventions of academic presentation;
  • Be able to reflect on their own learning and take responsibility for organising personal study; and
  • Be able to participate in discussion and group activities and be sensitive to the participation of others.

Last updated: 3 October 2023

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: 3 October 2023

Assessment

Semester 1

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: 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 semesterN/A

Additional details

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

Last updated: 3 October 2023

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    CoordinatorsSonja Petrovic and Alexandra 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 period27 February 2023 to 28 May 2023
    Last self-enrol date10 March 2023
    Census date31 March 2023
    Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2023
    Assessment period ends23 June 2023

    Semester 1 contact information

    alexandra.dane@unimelb.edu.au

    sonja.petrovic@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).
    - Completion rate. Students who started their course from 2022 and are in a CSP or receiving a HELP Loan (eg FEE-HELP) must meet the completion rate to continue to receive Commonwealth Support for that course.

Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement, and as a fail toward the completion rate, unless there are approved ‘special circumstances’.

Last updated: 3 October 2023

Further information

Last updated: 3 October 2023