The Media in Australia

Unit Code:HAM105

Credit Points	Duration	Contact Hours	Campus	Prerequisite	Corequisite
12.5 Credit Points	1 Semester	3 Hours per Week	Hawthorn	Nil

Related Course/s:

A unit of study in the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications), Bachelor of Social Science, Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)Bachelor of Arts (Media & Communications), Bachelor of Social Science, Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) and an elective unit of study in the Bachelor of Film and Television.

Aims & Objectives:

This unit of study is an introduction to some of the major historical and contemporary issues in broadcasting as a medium of mass communication, primarily in an Australian context.

Teaching Methods:

Lectures and Tutorials

Assessment:

Major essay, journal, attendance, participation, tests, group assignment work

Content:

This unit of study examines the political context of broadcasting institutions, public and private, and their relationship with other social institutions. Key political, social and ethical issues associated with the media are canvassed, such as the ownership and control of radio, television stations, newspapers and Pay TV, the regulatory climate, accountability in programming, relationships to audiences and journalistic practices and ethics. Vexed issues, such as media freedom and reform, public participation in ownership and programming, regulatory changes in broadcasting, and professional journalistic standards are discussed from a range of perspectives.