Related Course/s:

A unit of study in the Journalism and Politics and Public Policy Majors.

Aims & Objectives:

After completing this unit of study students should have developed an understanding of:

• The role of the mass media in advanced industrial societies;
• How the media reports national and international politics;
• How contempory political elites operate in media environments;
• The debate about the impact of the media on mass political attitudes.
  Students should also have developed their skills in research and communication.

Teaching Methods:

Lectures and Tutorials

Assessment:

Tests, Class presentation, 2500 word essay.

Generic Skills Outcomes:

Students will develop their ability to:

• Undertake independent research.
• Evaluate contrasting views on controversial issues.
• Provide full, accurate and verifiable documentation of their claims.
• Communicate ideas clearly and effectively.
• Undertake advocacy in relation to both government and the mass media.

Content:

This unit of study explores the political influence of the media and political and economic elites through a critical examination of the 'Propaganda Model' developed by Chomsky and Herman. This involves examining how news is produced, arguments about bias, and about the extent to which the media shape political attitudes. It includes case-studies of coverage of national Australian and international political events.

Reading Materials:

Street, J, Mass Media, Politics and Democracy, Palgrave, Basingstoke, 2001.