CYB114 Understanding Media Industries
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 code: | CYB114 |
|---|---|
| Equivalent(s): | CYB102 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $2,124 |
| Pre-2021 CSP student contribution | $996 The pre-2021 commonwealth supported place (CSP) contribution amount only applies to students enrolled in a course prior to 2021. To learn more, visit our Understanding your fees page. |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,356 |
| International unit fee | $4,668 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | CYB114 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | CYB102 |
| Coordinator: | Amanda Lotz | amanda.lotz@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit introduces the core concepts, analytical frameworks, and professional practices necessary to understand how the media industries operate as complex economic and cultural phenomena. This includes a comprehensive overview of media industry structures and functions, production and distribution processes, regulatory and technological conditions, ecological implications, and labour practices. You will also explore the political, economic, and cultural foundations of the media industries in national, regional, and global contexts. You will engage with media industry professionals as guests where appropriate to establish a capacity for the subsequent study of and employability in the media industries.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Describe and explain the theoretical and practical implications of the media and entertainment industries in political, economic, and social contexts
- Identify, compare, and contrast media industry structures and functions, production and distribution processes, regulatory and technological conditions, and labour practices
- Apply key analytical frameworks and media industries scholarship to explain the political, economic, and cultural significance of the media industries
- Demonstrate professional communication and collaboration skills when working in a team
Content
This unit may address:
- The political, economic, and cultural foundations of the media industries
- Business models in the media industries
- The relationships between media production, distribution, and consumption
- Power dynamics in the media industries
- Labour politics in the media industries
- Sustainability and the media industries
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, media industries. 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 a Criterion Referenced Assessment sheet for all assessment that will explain your assessment’s achievement. Furthermore, you will be given verbal feedback on assessment where appropriate.
Assessment
Overview
There are three assessment tasks for this unit. The Data Presentation expands knowledge of industry operation and practices analysis of a key form through which industry data is communicated; the Analysis Workbook practices application of concepts to cases of media to strengthen analytic skills; the Final Examination tests knowledge and analysis capacity in regard to understanding of the media and communication industries.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Data Presentation
In this oral presentation students will analyse and explain an assigned piece of visual industry data. Students will: explain what the provided visual data tells us concerning media industries; assess the value and limits of data, including how might it mislead; consider what other information may be missing and required to assess and understand issues relating to the media industries. Students may be required to respond to follow-up questions at the end of their presentation.
Assessment: Analysis Workbook
This 3-part workbook requires students to complete a set of media industry analysis activities 1) Engagement with a particular piece of provided media and preparation of written analysis up to 500 words; 2) Explanation of their findings and analysis to a small group of students in tutorial discussion activity.
The written analysis is due 48-hours before the student's tutorial. The in-tutorial component requires participation in tutorial discussion activities it is not eligible for the 48-hour late submission extension. Students with excusable absences can arrange a 5-minute Zoom meeting during the tutor's office hours within a week of the absence to make up for the small group discussion component.
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.
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
This unit has required readings. All available readings and other learning resources will be posted to the unit’s Canvas page. The required text book cannot be made available in its entirety.
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Lotz, A.D. and Havens, T. Media Industries in the Digital Age. Polity Press 2024.
Recommended text(s)
Hesmondhalgh, D. (2007). The Cultural Industries. 2nd Edition. (London: Sage).
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
- Demonstrate capacity to understand and critique the historical, cultural, technological, and regulatory implications of digital media, entertainment, communication, and news industries.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Analysis Workbook, Final Examination - Demonstrate capacity to engage with and apply specialised knowledge of one or more areas of digital media, entertainment, communication, and news industries, including the relationship between disciplinary theory, research methodologies, and professional practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Analysis Workbook, Final Examination - 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: ULO2, ULO3, Data Presentation, Analysis Workbook, Final Examination - Demonstrate effective communication skills with the ability to adapt strategies across different media and professional settings and for diverse audiences.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Data Presentation, Analysis Workbook, Final Examination - Critically interrogate the economic and cultural power of digital media, communication, entertainment, and news to make ethical, sustainable, and inclusive contributions to diverse workplaces, communities, and audiences.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Data Presentation, Analysis Workbook, Final Examination - Identify, develop, and sustain effective and responsible leadership strategies and teamwork skills that generate value for yourself and others.
Relates to: ULO4, Data Presentation, Analysis Workbook - Identify, develop, and sustain effective professional networks in the media and communication industries.
Relates to: ULO2, Analysis Workbook, Final Examination
Unit Outline: Summer 2025, Online
| Unit code: | CYB114 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | CYB102 |
Overview
This unit introduces the core concepts, analytical frameworks, and professional practices necessary to understand how the media industries operate as complex economic and cultural phenomena. This includes a comprehensive overview of media industry structures and functions, production and distribution processes, regulatory and technological conditions, ecological implications, and labour practices. You will also explore the political, economic, and cultural foundations of the media industries in national, regional, and global contexts. You will engage with media industry professionals as guests where appropriate to establish a capacity for the subsequent study of and employability in the media industries.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Describe and explain the theoretical and practical implications of the media and entertainment industries in political, economic, and social contexts
- Identify, compare, and contrast media industry structures and functions, production and distribution processes, regulatory and technological conditions, and labour practices
- Apply key analytical frameworks and media industries scholarship to explain the political, economic, and cultural significance of the media industries
- Demonstrate professional communication and collaboration skills when working in a team
Content
This unit may address:
- The political, economic, and cultural foundations of the media industries
- Business models in the media industries
- The relationships between media production, distribution, and consumption
- Power dynamics in the media industries
- Labour politics in the media industries
- Sustainability and the media industries
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, media industries. 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 a Criterion Referenced Assessment sheet for all assessment that will explain your assessment’s achievement. Furthermore, you will be given verbal feedback on assessment where appropriate.
Assessment
Overview
There are three assessment tasks for this unit. The Data Presentation expands knowledge of industry operation and practices analysis of a key form through which industry data is communicated; the Analysis Workbook practices application of concepts to cases of media to strengthen analytic skills; the Final Examination tests knowledge and analysis capacity in regard to understanding of the media and communication industries.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Data Presentation
In this oral presentation students will analyse and explain an assigned piece of visual industry data. Students will: explain what the provided visual data tells us concerning media industries; assess the value and limits of data, including how might it mislead; consider what other information may be missing and required to assess and understand issues relating to the media industries. Students may be required to respond to follow-up questions at the end of their presentation.
Assessment: Analysis Workbook
This 3-part workbook requires students to complete a set of media industry analysis activities 1) Engagement with a particular piece of provided media and preparation of written analysis up to 500 words; 2) Explanation of their findings and analysis to a small group of students in tutorial discussion activity.
The written analysis is due 48-hours before the student's tutorial. The in-tutorial component requires participation in tutorial discussion activities it is not eligible for the 48-hour late submission extension. Students with excusable absences can arrange a 5-minute Zoom meeting during the tutor's office hours within a week of the absence to make up for the small group discussion component.
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.
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
This unit has required readings. All available readings and other learning resources will be posted to the unit’s Canvas page. The required text book cannot be made available in its entirety.
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Lotz, A.D. and Havens, T. Media Industries in the Digital Age. Polity Press 2024.
Recommended text(s)
Hesmondhalgh, D. (2007). The Cultural Industries. 2nd Edition. (London: Sage).
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
- Demonstrate capacity to understand and critique the historical, cultural, technological, and regulatory implications of digital media, entertainment, communication, and news industries.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Analysis Workbook, Final Examination - Demonstrate capacity to engage with and apply specialised knowledge of one or more areas of digital media, entertainment, communication, and news industries, including the relationship between disciplinary theory, research methodologies, and professional practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Analysis Workbook, Final Examination - 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: ULO2, ULO3, Data Presentation, Analysis Workbook, Final Examination - Demonstrate effective communication skills with the ability to adapt strategies across different media and professional settings and for diverse audiences.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Data Presentation, Analysis Workbook, Final Examination - Critically interrogate the economic and cultural power of digital media, communication, entertainment, and news to make ethical, sustainable, and inclusive contributions to diverse workplaces, communities, and audiences.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Data Presentation, Analysis Workbook, Final Examination - Identify, develop, and sustain effective and responsible leadership strategies and teamwork skills that generate value for yourself and others.
Relates to: ULO4, Data Presentation, Analysis Workbook - Identify, develop, and sustain effective professional networks in the media and communication industries.
Relates to: ULO2, Analysis Workbook, Final Examination