CYB113 Living in a Media World

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Kelvin Grove, Internal

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 utilise 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 and debates 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, reading, and writing 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

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

This unit includes three assessments designed to evaluate your understanding of assigned readings and your proficiency in writing and communication. These assessments consist of a critique and examinations.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Mid-semester examination

You will take a mid-semester examination to assess your understanding of key terms and concepts from the first half of the unit. The exam will consist exclusively of multiple-choice questions, with content drawn from the unit's readings, lectures, and tutorial activities.

Assessment: Critique

You will write a critique of one or more selected readings from the unit. This assessment is designed to evaluate your ability to analyse, interpret, and critically assess scholarly texts. It is a real-world assignment that encourages you to make connections between scholarly texts and everyday media examples.

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

Assessment: Final Examination

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

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.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, 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

Resource Materials

Recommended 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

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, Mid-semester examination, Critique, 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, Mid-semester examination, Critique, 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, Critique, Final Examination

KK43 Bachelor of Creative Industries

1. Demonstrate broad and coherent theoretical and practical knowledge required for creative enterprise, career development and interdisciplinary collaborations, supported by depth in at least one creative disciplinary area.
   Relates to: Mid-semester examination, Critique, Final Examination
2. Demonstrate well-developed cognitive and ideation skills to identify, analyse and evaluate opportunities to address authentic complex problems.
   Relates to: Critique