Related Course/s:

Aims & Objectives:

This unit of study examines the extraordinary growth and changes in the field of communications, with special attention to the convergence of media and telecommunications and the trend towards globalisation. The complex forces for change are analysed, particularly the increasing international trend towards privatisation, mega amalgamation, liberalisation and deregulation. The notion of an electronic culture is discussed, with relationship to established political economy and media and cultural theory.

Teaching Methods:

Lecture and Tutorial

Assessment:

Minor Essay (2000 words) 30%, Research Proposal and Class Presentation 20%, Major Essay (3000 words) 50%

Generic Skills Outcomes:

• Develop the capacity to analyse and critique a broad range of subject literature and texts.
• Develop the capacity to conduct independent research.
• Gain a greater awareness of the role of communications practices and processes in society.

Content:

Almost every developed society is seeking national comparative advantage in communications policy, often expressed in terms of a strategy for an emergent network society or a superhighway policy. Approaches taken by the USA, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia will be analysed, with special reference to international networking, cultural imperialism, globalisation and equity issues.

Alternative international industry approaches, from the different perspectives of parties and government, carriers, suppliers and interest groups, will be examined in the context of comparative policy models. The political policy process and the forces for change will be analysed in terms of lessons and outcomes for Australia.

Reading Materials:

Barr, T, new media.com.au: The Changing Face of Australia's Communications, Allen & Unwin, 2000.
Castells, M, The Information Age: Economy, Society and Culture, vol. 1, The Rise of the Network Society, vol. 2, The Power of Identity, vol. 3, End of Millenium, Blackwells, 1996-8.
Flew, T, New Media: An Introduction, Oxford University Press Melbourne, 2002.
Green, L, Technoculture: From Alphabet to Cybersex, Allen & Unwin, Sydney, 2002.
Hudson, H, Global Connections, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1997.
Negroponte, N, Being Digital, Hodder and Stoughton, New York, 1995.
Nieuwenhuizen, J, Asleep at the Wheel: Australia on the Information Superhighway, ABC Books, 1997.
Wilson, R, Dissanayake, W (eds), Global Local, Duke University Press, 1997.