Introduction to Media Studies
Unit code: LSM103
| Credit points | 12.5 Credit Points |
| Duration | 12 week teaching period (On campus) 13 week study period (On line) |
| Contact hours | 36 hours over the semester, normally 3 hours per week |
| Campus | Hawthorn |
Related course(s)
Formerly known as LSM102 Introduction to Media
Co-badged with CIM12 Texts and Contexts (Online)
This is a prescribed unit of study in the Communication Major/s and Social Science Major/s. It may also be undertaken as a unit of study in any other Swinburne degree program, subject to the prerequisite and degree requirements.
Co-badged with CIM12 Texts and Contexts (Online)
This is a prescribed unit of study in the Communication Major/s and Social Science Major/s. It may also be undertaken as a unit of study in any other Swinburne degree program, subject to the prerequisite and degree requirements.
Aims and objectives
This unit aims to introduce students to textual analysis and cultural and social theories that include semiotics, language, narrative, discourse and ideology by considering the way information is represented in the mass media. This enables students to acquire an understanding of media's significant contribution of the formation of social and cultural attitudes. Students will also be introduced to some of the issues surrounding media ownership and production in Australia.After studying this unit students will have:
• the ability to relate specific texts to broader social contexts
• an understanding of the purpose of cultural and critical theory
• an understanding of the relationship between theory and practice
• the ability to critically analyse media texts
• an understanding of the issues surrounding media ownership and production and distribution in Australia
Teaching methods
Units will be taught in a variety of modes including face to face, online, distance and blended modes. Delivery of this unit may be through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, laboratories, seminars and onlineAssessment
On campus
Lecture/tutorial attendance and participation in discussions 10%
Media journal 10%
Textual analysis exercise 20%
Group presentation assignment 20%
Formal exam 40%
Media journal 10%
Textual analysis exercise 20%
Group presentation assignment 20%
Formal exam 40%
Online
Essay 30%
Online Discussion 30%
Web Assessment 40%
Online Discussion 30%
Web Assessment 40%
Generic skills outcomes
LSM103 will provide discipline-based knowledge and professional capabilities and experiences contributing to students’ progress in attaining generic skills such as:• Teamwork skills, through working with a small group on a class presentation
• Analysis skills, by developing an understanding of critical and cultural theories relevant to the discipline
• Problem solving skills, through regular tutorial participation and preparing for the final exam
• Communications skills by presenting ideas to the class, debating contemporary issues during the tutorial, developing good written communication by working through the assessment items
• Ability to tackle unfamiliar problems through being exposed to critical analysis of the Australian media, preparing for final exam and participating in tutorial discussion and debates
• Ability to work independently by preparing for discussion and debate during the tutorials
Text books
Media and Journalism: New Approaches to Theory and PracticeJason Bainbridge, Nicola Goc and Liz Tynan, Oxford University, 2011
Strategic Communication: Cases in Marketing, Public Relations, Advertising and Media.
Steve Greenland, Jason Bainbridge, Rob Gill, Chris Galloway. Pearson, 2011.
References
Cunningham, S. and Turner, G. (eds.) 2006, The Media and Communications in Australia, 2nd edn. Allen & Unwin, NSW.Goldstein, T. 2007 Killing the Messenger: 100 Years of Media Criticism, Columbia University Press, New York.
Schirato, T & Yell, S., 2000, Communication and cultural literacy: an introduction, Allen & Unwin, St Leonards NSW.
Simons, M. 2007 The Content Makers: Understanding the Media in Australia, Penguin Group, Victoria, Australia.
Turner, G., 2005, Ending the Affair: The Decline of Television Current Affairs in Australia, UNSW, Sydney
