MDIA 2306 - Media Theory | Course Outlines

MDIA 2306 - Media Theory

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2016

This course examines the different traditions within media theory. It maps the major theoretical traditions of the field including political economy and communication theories, textual theories and audience theories. It considers the impacts of digital networked communication and how they might be thought about. It also investigates the social and cultural processes implicated in the production and consumption of media forms. Issues range from the political economy of the media, the significance of ownership, the negotiations of power and the relative positions of citizens, corporations and the State. Students will consider a number of key concepts, and examine the writings of several key thinkers working in and around this field. They will also be encouraged to compare and contrast different approaches, so that they are able to recognise the different theoretical concerns and emphases in play. Discussion will range across a selection of themes and issues, from the more traditional (e.g. debates about ideology and signification) to the more contemporary (e.g. debates about privacy and surveillance).

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Course Details

Course Code	MDIA 2306
Course	Media Theory
Coordinating Unit	Media
Term	Semester 1
Level	Undergraduate
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	3
Contact	Up to 3 hours per week
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	Y
Prerequisites	At least 12 units of level 1 Arts courses or equivalent, including 3 units in Media
Incompatible	MDIA 3303
Restrictions	Available to BMedia students only
Assessment	Attendance and participation (10%), news content analysis (20%), textual analysis (30%), essay (40%)

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Peter Pugsley

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

Course Learning Outcomes

Students who complete this subject will be able to:

recognise and explain the differences between the major theoretical traditions and research methodologies used in media communications
gain a critical understanding of the key concepts of media communications theory
be aware of the manner in which media texts, institutional relationships and communications practices shape perceptions of reality in contemporary society
demonstrate competence in reading relevant academic literature and in reflecting critically on that body of literature
demonstrate conformity to appropriate forms of written presentation in academic work
demonstrate a general awareness of the role of theory in understanding and explaining social life

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Deep discipline knowledge informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1 accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)	1,2,3,4,5,6
Critical thinking and problem solving steeped in research methods and rigor based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment	1,2,3,4,5,6
Teamwork and communication skills developed from, with, and via the SGDE honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning	1,2,3,4,5,6
Career and leadership readiness technology savvy professional and, where relevant, fully accredited forward thinking and well informed tested and validated by work based experiences	1,2,3,4,5,6
Intercultural and ethical competency adept at operating in other cultures comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges	1,2,3,4,5,6
Self-awareness and emotional intelligence a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate	1,2,3,4,5,6

Learning Resources

Required Resources

A Course Reader must be purchased.

Online Learning

Extensive use will be made of MyUni in this course.
Learning & Teaching Activities

Learning & Teaching Modes

1 x 1 hour Lecture each week in which initial content will be canvassed
3 hours reading each week in which the content from the lecture is elaborated
1x2 hour seminar each week in which interactive learning in small and large groups applies the theories under discussion to a series of media texts.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

3 contact hours, at least 3 hours preparation

Learning Activities Summary

This course will be a mix of content delivery through lectures and readings and interactive class work in two hour seminars every week. Seminars will engage students in analysis of various media texts using theories being studied.

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Attendance and participation 10%
Online tests 20%
Written analysis 30%
Essay 40%

Assessment Related Requirements

Required readings must be done and an online test on the reading completed before the lecture the following week. The reading will relate to the lecture delivered the previous week.

Assessment Detail

Attendance at seminars is compulsory and preparation for seminars is required. (Formative)
Online tests on the reading materials will be done prior to the next week. (Formative and Summative)
Two major pieces of assessment will be carried out in the form of an analysis of a media text and an essay at the end of semester. (Formative and Summative)

Submission

Assessment will be through online submission on MyUni.
Tests on the readings will be available through MyUni site and must be completed by the following week.
The two written pieces of assessment will be submitted online through MyUni and each must also be submitted through TurnitIn.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

Student Feedback

The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
Fraud Awareness

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator