CCN112 Debates in Digital Culture
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: | CCN112 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | 192 credit points of completed undergraduate study in KV40, OR admission into KC86, KC87, or KC88. |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | CCN112 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | 192 credit points of completed undergraduate study in KV40, OR admission into KC86, KC87, or KC88. |
| Coordinator: | Peta Mitchell | peta.mitchell@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit introduces you to current and critical debates about the role and impacts of digital technologies on contemporary culture and society. Addressing topics such as algorithmic culture, data sovereignty, digital surveillance, and sustainability, the unit provides a grounding in key issues and debates that underpin digital communication. In the context of these debates, the unit develops your critical-analytical and academic skills to assess, draw on, and contribute to scholarly and evidence-based research. It also explores the emerging discussions and applications on generative AI and the ethical considerations essential for maintaining academic integrity. The ability to consider different perspectives and draw on current research to discuss emerging debates around digital technologies and their impact is crucial for critically informed communication professionals.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Analyse and evaluate the effects and impacts of digital communication technologies upon culture and society.
- Research and apply scholarly literature on contemporary issues in digital culture with convincing and evidence-based arguments.
- Build convincing and evidence-based arguments on contemporary debates in digital culture.
Content
This unit will cover a range of topics including:
- Platform governance and economies
- Digital identity
- Cultures and practices on social media
- Algorithmic cultures
- Data privacy and surveillance
- Technological and data sovereignty, including Indigenous data sovereignty
- Environmental sustainability of digital culture
- Gen AI and the future of communication work
- Referencing and evaluating scholarly sources
- Writing an argument
Learning Approaches
This unit is taught via a blended approach that combines elements of online delivery and face-to-face.
Learning activities include lectures and tutorials supported by additional online activities and materials. This approach requires students to complete online activities independently, prior to attending classes. In the internal offerings, classes are conducted face-to-face in collaborative learning spaces; in the online offerings, classes and learning activities are conducted online. Indicative learning experiences in this unit include:
participating in lectures/tutorials
analyse up-to-date digital culture and industry topics in the form of debate
engaging with online learning materials
reading book chapters, scholarly and industry articles
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive feedback on your learning in a variety of ways, including:
- Informal formative feedback will be provided in tutorials,
- Self-assessment tools,
- Peer feedback,
- Formal written or recorded feedback will be received on both formative and summative assessment tasks in addition to the grade on the Criterion Reference Assessment sheet.
Assessment
Overview
In this assessment you will complete three tasks:
1. Presentation - This task draws on key understandings about one of the debates covered in the unit, which can include topics related to digital identity, cultures and practices on digital media practices, and data privacy and surveillance.
2. Debate Research Portfolio - This portfolio expands on the debates covered in this unit. You will take a position and develop an argument over the semester supported by scholarly research. Possible topics for the debate research portfolio include algorithmic cultures, data sovereignty, sustainability and digital technologies, and platform governance.
3. Invigilated Exam - The exam requires students to evaluate two new scholarly sources in person and write a short annotation for each source, plus a mini-conclusion that shows connections and/or gaps between the two sources.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Presentation
You will be assigned to lead a reading discussion, providing the context for the reading and a verbal annotation of the reading. You will help to facilitate the discussion with your peers in the class.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
Assessment: Debate Research Portfolio
You will build a portfolio of written scholarly outputs over the semester with support and ongoing formative in-class feedback from your peers and your tutor. The portfolio will include an annotated bibliography, an essay plan, and a debate research essay.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Invigilated Exam
You will evaluate new scholarly sources introduced during the exam and write short annotations for these sources and a mini-conclusion that shows connections and/or gaps between the sources.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
The examination is invigilated, and you will be required to attend the campus or an assessment centre.
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.
Risk Assessment Statement
For risks associated with using campus buildings or facilities, refer to the Tier 1 General Health and Safety Induction.
You are advised to back-up your digital files on a regular basis to ensure work is not lost if there is a hardware failure. Information about the free file storage provided by QUT for students is available on the Storing your files page.
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.KC86 Graduate Certificate in Digital Communication
- Critique scholarly research in digital communication.
Relates to: ULO2, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio, Invigilated Exam - Collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds using culturally appropriate ways of engaging
Relates to: Presentation, Invigilated Exam - Analyse critical issues in media and communication industries.
Relates to: ULO1, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio, Invigilated Exam - Tailor culturally appropriate communication strategies and content for a variety of audiences and formats.
Relates to: ULO3, Debate Research Portfolio
KC87 Graduate Diploma in Digital Communication
- Critique scholarly research in specialised and contemporary digital communication areas.
Relates to: ULO2, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio - Analyse critical issues in media and communication industries with consideration for diversity.
Relates to: ULO1, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio - Tailor culturally appropriate communication strategies and content for a variety of audiences and formats.
Relates to: ULO3, Debate Research Portfolio
KC88 Master of Digital Communication
- Critique and engage in scholarly research in specialised and contemporary digital communication areas.
Relates to: ULO2, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio - Evaluate critical issues in media and communication industries.
Relates to: ULO1, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio - Tailor and implement culturally appropriate communication strategies and content for a variety of audiences and formats.
Relates to: ULO3, Debate Research Portfolio
KV40 Bachelor of Communication
- Demonstrate capacity to understand and critique the historical, cultural, technological, and regulatory implications of digital media, communication, and news industries.
Relates to: ULO1, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio - Demonstrate capacity to evaluate and apply specialised knowledge (including scholarly research) in digital media, communication, and/or news industries, including the relationship between disciplinary theory, research methodologies, and professional practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio - Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise complex forms of information, including using industry standard tools and data-driven evidence, to inform decision-making and argumentation to solve industry and research problems.
Relates to: ULO3, Debate Research Portfolio - 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: ULO2, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio - Create authentic and professional-quality communication outputs that reflect an application of academic content, critical thinking skills, and social awareness.
Relates to: ULO3, Debate Research Portfolio
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Online
| Unit code: | CCN112 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | 192 credit points of completed undergraduate study in KV40, OR admission into KC86, KC87, or KC88. |
Overview
This unit introduces you to current and critical debates about the role and impacts of digital technologies on contemporary culture and society. Addressing topics such as algorithmic culture, data sovereignty, digital surveillance, and sustainability, the unit provides a grounding in key issues and debates that underpin digital communication. In the context of these debates, the unit develops your critical-analytical and academic skills to assess, draw on, and contribute to scholarly and evidence-based research. It also explores the emerging discussions and applications on generative AI and the ethical considerations essential for maintaining academic integrity. The ability to consider different perspectives and draw on current research to discuss emerging debates around digital technologies and their impact is crucial for critically informed communication professionals.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Analyse and evaluate the effects and impacts of digital communication technologies upon culture and society.
- Research and apply scholarly literature on contemporary issues in digital culture with convincing and evidence-based arguments.
- Build convincing and evidence-based arguments on contemporary debates in digital culture.
Content
This unit will cover a range of topics including:
- Platform governance and economies
- Digital identity
- Cultures and practices on social media
- Algorithmic cultures
- Data privacy and surveillance
- Technological and data sovereignty, including Indigenous data sovereignty
- Environmental sustainability of digital culture
- Gen AI and the future of communication work
- Referencing and evaluating scholarly sources
- Writing an argument
Learning Approaches
This unit is taught via a blended approach that combines elements of online delivery and face-to-face.
Learning activities include lectures and tutorials supported by additional online activities and materials. This approach requires students to complete online activities independently, prior to attending classes. In the internal offerings, classes are conducted face-to-face in collaborative learning spaces; in the online offerings, classes and learning activities are conducted online. Indicative learning experiences in this unit include:
participating in lectures/tutorials
analyse up-to-date digital culture and industry topics in the form of debate
engaging with online learning materials
reading book chapters, scholarly and industry articles
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive feedback on your learning in a variety of ways, including:
- Informal formative feedback will be provided in tutorials,
- Self-assessment tools,
- Peer feedback,
- Formal written or recorded feedback will be received on both formative and summative assessment tasks in addition to the grade on the Criterion Reference Assessment sheet.
Assessment
Overview
In this assessment you will complete three tasks:
1. Presentation - This task draws on key understandings about one of the debates covered in the unit, which can include topics related to digital identity, cultures and practices on digital media practices, and data privacy and surveillance.
2. Debate Research Portfolio - This portfolio expands on the debates covered in this unit. You will take a position and develop an argument over the semester supported by scholarly research. Possible topics for the debate research portfolio include algorithmic cultures, data sovereignty, sustainability and digital technologies, and platform governance.
3. Invigilated Exam - The exam requires students to evaluate two new scholarly sources in person and write a short annotation for each source, plus a mini-conclusion that shows connections and/or gaps between the two sources.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Presentation
You will be assigned to lead a reading discussion, providing the context for the reading and a verbal annotation of the reading. You will help to facilitate the discussion with your peers in the class.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
Assessment: Debate Research Portfolio
You will build a portfolio of written scholarly outputs over the semester with support and ongoing formative in-class feedback from your peers and your tutor. The portfolio will include an annotated bibliography, an essay plan, and a debate research essay.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Invigilated Exam
You will evaluate new scholarly sources introduced during the exam and write short annotations for these sources and a mini-conclusion that shows connections and/or gaps between the sources.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
The examination is invigilated, and you will be required to attend the campus or an assessment centre.
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.
Risk Assessment Statement
For risks associated with using campus buildings or facilities, refer to the Tier 1 General Health and Safety Induction.
You are advised to back-up your digital files on a regular basis to ensure work is not lost if there is a hardware failure. Information about the free file storage provided by QUT for students is available on the Storing your files page.
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.KC86 Graduate Certificate in Digital Communication
- Critique scholarly research in digital communication.
Relates to: ULO2, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio, Invigilated Exam - Collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds using culturally appropriate ways of engaging
Relates to: Presentation, Invigilated Exam - Analyse critical issues in media and communication industries.
Relates to: ULO1, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio, Invigilated Exam - Tailor culturally appropriate communication strategies and content for a variety of audiences and formats.
Relates to: ULO3, Debate Research Portfolio
KC87 Graduate Diploma in Digital Communication
- Critique scholarly research in specialised and contemporary digital communication areas.
Relates to: ULO2, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio - Analyse critical issues in media and communication industries with consideration for diversity.
Relates to: ULO1, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio - Tailor culturally appropriate communication strategies and content for a variety of audiences and formats.
Relates to: ULO3, Debate Research Portfolio
KC88 Master of Digital Communication
- Critique and engage in scholarly research in specialised and contemporary digital communication areas.
Relates to: ULO2, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio - Evaluate critical issues in media and communication industries.
Relates to: ULO1, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio - Tailor and implement culturally appropriate communication strategies and content for a variety of audiences and formats.
Relates to: ULO3, Debate Research Portfolio
KV40 Bachelor of Communication
- Demonstrate capacity to understand and critique the historical, cultural, technological, and regulatory implications of digital media, communication, and news industries.
Relates to: ULO1, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio - Demonstrate capacity to evaluate and apply specialised knowledge (including scholarly research) in digital media, communication, and/or news industries, including the relationship between disciplinary theory, research methodologies, and professional practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio - Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise complex forms of information, including using industry standard tools and data-driven evidence, to inform decision-making and argumentation to solve industry and research problems.
Relates to: ULO3, Debate Research Portfolio - 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: ULO2, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio - Create authentic and professional-quality communication outputs that reflect an application of academic content, critical thinking skills, and social awareness.
Relates to: ULO3, Debate Research Portfolio
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2027, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | CCN112 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | 192 credit points of completed undergraduate study in KV40, OR admission into KC86, KC87, or KC88. |
Overview
This unit introduces you to current and critical debates about the role and impacts of digital technologies on contemporary culture and society. Addressing topics such as algorithmic culture, data sovereignty, digital surveillance, and sustainability, the unit provides a grounding in key issues and debates that underpin digital communication. In the context of these debates, the unit develops your critical-analytical and academic skills to assess, draw on, and contribute to scholarly and evidence-based research. It also explores the emerging discussions and applications on generative AI and the ethical considerations essential for maintaining academic integrity. The ability to consider different perspectives and draw on current research to discuss emerging debates around digital technologies and their impact is crucial for critically informed communication professionals.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Analyse and evaluate the effects and impacts of digital communication technologies upon culture and society.
- Research and apply scholarly literature on contemporary issues in digital culture with convincing and evidence-based arguments.
- Build convincing and evidence-based arguments on contemporary debates in digital culture.
Content
This unit will cover a range of topics including:
- Platform governance and economies
- Digital identity
- Cultures and practices on social media
- Algorithmic cultures
- Data privacy and surveillance
- Technological and data sovereignty, including Indigenous data sovereignty
- Environmental sustainability of digital culture
- Gen AI and the future of communication work
- Referencing and evaluating scholarly sources
- Writing an argument
Learning Approaches
This unit is taught via a blended approach that combines elements of online delivery and face-to-face.
Learning activities include lectures and tutorials supported by additional online activities and materials. This approach requires students to complete online activities independently, prior to attending classes. In the internal offerings, classes are conducted face-to-face in collaborative learning spaces; in the online offerings, classes and learning activities are conducted online. Indicative learning experiences in this unit include:
participating in lectures/tutorials
analyse up-to-date digital culture and industry topics in the form of debate
engaging with online learning materials
reading book chapters, scholarly and industry articles
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive feedback on your learning in a variety of ways, including:
- Informal formative feedback will be provided in tutorials,
- Self-assessment tools,
- Peer feedback,
- Formal written or recorded feedback will be received on both formative and summative assessment tasks in addition to the grade on the Criterion Reference Assessment sheet.
Assessment
Overview
In this assessment you will complete three tasks:
1. Presentation - This task draws on key understandings about one of the debates covered in the unit, which can include topics related to digital identity, cultures and practices on digital media practices, and data privacy and surveillance.
2. Debate Research Portfolio - This portfolio expands on the debates covered in this unit. You will take a position and develop an argument over the semester supported by scholarly research. Possible topics for the debate research portfolio include algorithmic cultures, data sovereignty, sustainability and digital technologies, and platform governance.
3. Invigilated Exam - The exam requires students to evaluate two new scholarly sources in person and write a short annotation for each source, plus a mini-conclusion that shows connections and/or gaps between the two sources.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Presentation
You will be assigned to lead a reading discussion, providing the context for the reading and a verbal annotation of the reading. You will help to facilitate the discussion with your peers in the class.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
Assessment: Debate Research Portfolio
You will build a portfolio of written scholarly outputs over the semester with support and ongoing formative in-class feedback from your peers and your tutor. The portfolio will include an annotated bibliography, an essay plan, and a debate research essay.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Invigilated Exam
You will evaluate new scholarly sources introduced during the exam and write short annotations for these sources and a mini-conclusion that shows connections and/or gaps between the sources.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
The examination is invigilated, and you will be required to attend the campus or an assessment centre.
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.
Risk Assessment Statement
For risks associated with using campus buildings or facilities, refer to the Tier 1 General Health and Safety Induction.
You are advised to back-up your digital files on a regular basis to ensure work is not lost if there is a hardware failure. Information about the free file storage provided by QUT for students is available on the Storing your files page.
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.KC86 Graduate Certificate in Digital Communication
- Critique scholarly research in digital communication.
Relates to: ULO2, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio, Invigilated Exam - Collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds using culturally appropriate ways of engaging
Relates to: Presentation, Invigilated Exam - Analyse critical issues in media and communication industries.
Relates to: ULO1, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio, Invigilated Exam - Tailor culturally appropriate communication strategies and content for a variety of audiences and formats.
Relates to: ULO3, Debate Research Portfolio
KC87 Graduate Diploma in Digital Communication
- Critique scholarly research in specialised and contemporary digital communication areas.
Relates to: ULO2, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio - Analyse critical issues in media and communication industries with consideration for diversity.
Relates to: ULO1, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio - Tailor culturally appropriate communication strategies and content for a variety of audiences and formats.
Relates to: ULO3, Debate Research Portfolio
KC88 Master of Digital Communication
- Critique and engage in scholarly research in specialised and contemporary digital communication areas.
Relates to: ULO2, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio - Evaluate critical issues in media and communication industries.
Relates to: ULO1, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio - Tailor and implement culturally appropriate communication strategies and content for a variety of audiences and formats.
Relates to: ULO3, Debate Research Portfolio
KV40 Bachelor of Communication
- Demonstrate capacity to understand and critique the historical, cultural, technological, and regulatory implications of digital media, communication, and news industries.
Relates to: ULO1, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio - Demonstrate capacity to evaluate and apply specialised knowledge (including scholarly research) in digital media, communication, and/or news industries, including the relationship between disciplinary theory, research methodologies, and professional practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio - Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise complex forms of information, including using industry standard tools and data-driven evidence, to inform decision-making and argumentation to solve industry and research problems.
Relates to: ULO3, Debate Research Portfolio - 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: ULO2, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio - Create authentic and professional-quality communication outputs that reflect an application of academic content, critical thinking skills, and social awareness.
Relates to: ULO3, Debate Research Portfolio
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2027, Online
| Unit code: | CCN112 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | 192 credit points of completed undergraduate study in KV40, OR admission into KC86, KC87, or KC88. |
Overview
This unit introduces you to current and critical debates about the role and impacts of digital technologies on contemporary culture and society. Addressing topics such as algorithmic culture, data sovereignty, digital surveillance, and sustainability, the unit provides a grounding in key issues and debates that underpin digital communication. In the context of these debates, the unit develops your critical-analytical and academic skills to assess, draw on, and contribute to scholarly and evidence-based research. It also explores the emerging discussions and applications on generative AI and the ethical considerations essential for maintaining academic integrity. The ability to consider different perspectives and draw on current research to discuss emerging debates around digital technologies and their impact is crucial for critically informed communication professionals.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Analyse and evaluate the effects and impacts of digital communication technologies upon culture and society.
- Research and apply scholarly literature on contemporary issues in digital culture with convincing and evidence-based arguments.
- Build convincing and evidence-based arguments on contemporary debates in digital culture.
Content
This unit will cover a range of topics including:
- Platform governance and economies
- Digital identity
- Cultures and practices on social media
- Algorithmic cultures
- Data privacy and surveillance
- Technological and data sovereignty, including Indigenous data sovereignty
- Environmental sustainability of digital culture
- Gen AI and the future of communication work
- Referencing and evaluating scholarly sources
- Writing an argument
Learning Approaches
This unit is taught via a blended approach that combines elements of online delivery and face-to-face.
Learning activities include lectures and tutorials supported by additional online activities and materials. This approach requires students to complete online activities independently, prior to attending classes. In the internal offerings, classes are conducted face-to-face in collaborative learning spaces; in the online offerings, classes and learning activities are conducted online. Indicative learning experiences in this unit include:
participating in lectures/tutorials
analyse up-to-date digital culture and industry topics in the form of debate
engaging with online learning materials
reading book chapters, scholarly and industry articles
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive feedback on your learning in a variety of ways, including:
- Informal formative feedback will be provided in tutorials,
- Self-assessment tools,
- Peer feedback,
- Formal written or recorded feedback will be received on both formative and summative assessment tasks in addition to the grade on the Criterion Reference Assessment sheet.
Assessment
Overview
In this assessment you will complete three tasks:
1. Presentation - This task draws on key understandings about one of the debates covered in the unit, which can include topics related to digital identity, cultures and practices on digital media practices, and data privacy and surveillance.
2. Debate Research Portfolio - This portfolio expands on the debates covered in this unit. You will take a position and develop an argument over the semester supported by scholarly research. Possible topics for the debate research portfolio include algorithmic cultures, data sovereignty, sustainability and digital technologies, and platform governance.
3. Invigilated Exam - The exam requires students to evaluate two new scholarly sources in person and write a short annotation for each source, plus a mini-conclusion that shows connections and/or gaps between the two sources.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Presentation
You will be assigned to lead a reading discussion, providing the context for the reading and a verbal annotation of the reading. You will help to facilitate the discussion with your peers in the class.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
Assessment: Debate Research Portfolio
You will build a portfolio of written scholarly outputs over the semester with support and ongoing formative in-class feedback from your peers and your tutor. The portfolio will include an annotated bibliography, an essay plan, and a debate research essay.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Invigilated Exam
You will evaluate new scholarly sources introduced during the exam and write short annotations for these sources and a mini-conclusion that shows connections and/or gaps between the sources.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
The examination is invigilated, and you will be required to attend the campus or an assessment centre.
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.
Risk Assessment Statement
For risks associated with using campus buildings or facilities, refer to the Tier 1 General Health and Safety Induction.
You are advised to back-up your digital files on a regular basis to ensure work is not lost if there is a hardware failure. Information about the free file storage provided by QUT for students is available on the Storing your files page.
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.KC86 Graduate Certificate in Digital Communication
- Critique scholarly research in digital communication.
Relates to: ULO2, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio, Invigilated Exam - Collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds using culturally appropriate ways of engaging
Relates to: Presentation, Invigilated Exam - Analyse critical issues in media and communication industries.
Relates to: ULO1, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio, Invigilated Exam - Tailor culturally appropriate communication strategies and content for a variety of audiences and formats.
Relates to: ULO3, Debate Research Portfolio
KC87 Graduate Diploma in Digital Communication
- Critique scholarly research in specialised and contemporary digital communication areas.
Relates to: ULO2, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio - Analyse critical issues in media and communication industries with consideration for diversity.
Relates to: ULO1, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio - Tailor culturally appropriate communication strategies and content for a variety of audiences and formats.
Relates to: ULO3, Debate Research Portfolio
KC88 Master of Digital Communication
- Critique and engage in scholarly research in specialised and contemporary digital communication areas.
Relates to: ULO2, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio - Evaluate critical issues in media and communication industries.
Relates to: ULO1, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio - Tailor and implement culturally appropriate communication strategies and content for a variety of audiences and formats.
Relates to: ULO3, Debate Research Portfolio
KV40 Bachelor of Communication
- Demonstrate capacity to understand and critique the historical, cultural, technological, and regulatory implications of digital media, communication, and news industries.
Relates to: ULO1, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio - Demonstrate capacity to evaluate and apply specialised knowledge (including scholarly research) in digital media, communication, and/or news industries, including the relationship between disciplinary theory, research methodologies, and professional practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio - Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise complex forms of information, including using industry standard tools and data-driven evidence, to inform decision-making and argumentation to solve industry and research problems.
Relates to: ULO3, Debate Research Portfolio - 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: ULO2, Presentation, Debate Research Portfolio - Create authentic and professional-quality communication outputs that reflect an application of academic content, critical thinking skills, and social awareness.
Relates to: ULO3, Debate Research Portfolio