CYB113 Living in a Media World


To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.


Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Unit code:CYB113
Credit points:12
Coordinator:Benjamin Nicoll | b2.nicoll@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

This unit introduces students to the dynamic and evolving field of Media Studies. It looks at how various traditions of knowledge have sought to better understand the relationship between media and society. It corrects prevailing myths about media power and develops basic skills for engaging with different types of media. For example, how have scholars evaluated, measured, and theorised the impact of mass media forms such as print, television, and the internet on social and political life? Do “new” media and technologies demand to be understood in new ways, or can we utilize older systems of thought to better understand today’s rapidly changing media world? As future communication professionals, it is crucial that you understand the key concepts, debates, and conversations that have shaped your discipline. 

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an applied understanding of core concepts, debates, and theories in the academic discipline of Media Studies
  2. Develop foundational critical thinking and reading skills, essay writing and research skills, and professional dialogue
  3. Develop a broad understanding of the relationship between media and society
  4. Outline and discuss the role of media in modern human history, including the variety of ways in which media have been institutionally organised, governed, and used

Content

This unit may address:

  • The history of Media Studies
  • The various scholars, schools of thought, and traditions of knowledge that have sought to understand the relationship between media and society
  • Core concepts, debates, and theories in the study of media and technologies
  • How Media Studies is practiced in non-academic contexts, such as in Indigenous knowledge systems

Learning Approaches

In this unit, you will learn by engaging in lectures, tutorials and self-study. In lectures, you will learn foundational knowledge of, and critical perspectives on, the study of media and technologies. In tutorials you will apply your understanding in activities and discussions. You must prepare for tutorials by engaging with the lecture material and completing any prescribed reading in advance.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will receive feedback on your progressive understanding of key issues and debates in weekly tutorials. You will be provided with written and verbal feedback on assessment.

Assessment

Overview

There are three assessments for this unit. They require you to demonstrate your grasp of essential unit readings, your engagement with in-class discussions, and your ability to write and communicate. The assessments include professional behaviour, a case study analysis, and an examination.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Critical engagement and professional dialogue

This task requires you to demonstrate your developing critical communication skills and capacity for professional dialogue through a series of formal peer group exercises within your tutorial sessions.

Exercises will relate to unit content, readings and key concepts and expectations for how you contribute will be clearly outlined in the assessment criteria sheet.

Weight: 10
Length: This activity is conducted within the normal tutorial duration.
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Progressive across the semester
Designated assessment weeks will be communicated by the unit coordinator at the start of the unit
Related Unit learning outcomes: 2

Assessment: Case Study Analysis

You will demonstrate your understanding of core concepts, debates, and/or theories from the unit by applying them to a real world case study. This assessment will test your ability to evaluate and apply academic concepts to everyday media examples.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 40
Length: 1500 words
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 6
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4

Assessment: Final Examination

You will complete a final examination that will test your understanding and application of key terminology and ideas from the unit. Material for the examination will be drawn from lectures, readings, and tutorial activities.

Weight: 50
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Central Examination Period
Central exam duration: 1:40 - Including 10 minute perusal
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Requirements

All students are requested to visit and review the Health and Safety information on the HiQ web pages.

You will be advised if a unit requires additional mandatory health and safety inductions. 

Resources

Students will need to acquire the required textbook for the unit through QUT's Bookshop. Physical and eBook copies will be available. The Kelvin Grove campus library will also have several high-use copies of the textbook available.

Resource Materials

Prescribed text(s)

Carah, Nicholas. 2021. Media & Society: Power, Platforms & Participation [Second Edition]. London: Sage Publications.

Other

To enable your full participation in units that utilise virtual learning environments, for example participating in online activities and engaging with online learning materials, you will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection, webcam, headset and microphone, as well as a learning environment where you are able to fully participate undisturbed when required. 

Risk Assessment Statement

For risks associated with using campus buildings or QUT facilities, refer to the HiQ Health and Safety information.

You are advised to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.

Please be advised that this unit may include the presentation and scholarly analysis of material and subject matters that may be considered confronting, such as certain representations of race, class, gender and violence. QUT counselling support is available should you feel the need to avail yourself of these services.

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

KC40 Bachelor of Communication

  1. Demonstrate capacity to understand and critique the historical, cultural, technological, and regulatory implications of digital media, entertainment, communication, and news industries.
    Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Case Study Analysis, Final Examination
  2. Demonstrate capacity to engage with and apply diverse ways of knowing the world in local and global contexts, including Indigenous Knowledge and Perspectives.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Critical engagement and professional dialogue, Case Study Analysis, Final Examination
  3. Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise complex forms of information and evidence to inform decision-making, problem solving and argumentation.
    Relates to: ULO2, Critical engagement and professional dialogue, Case Study Analysis, Final Examination