C10236v1 Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Information and Media)

Note(s)

This new course will be available for enrolment in 2008.

Overview

This course has been specifically designed to respond to the new demands created by the increasing convergence of information, media and communication, design, and the creative arts by integrating these elements in the curriculum. The course uses a 'learning through making' approach which is creative, collaborative and critical. The broad range of skills and knowledge needed for creative information practice is reflected in the portfolio students develop throughout the course.

This interdisciplinary course prepares students for work in a variety of creative information design and management roles. Students develop an understanding of the interrelationships between people, information and communication technologies, as well as practical skills in areas such as web design and architecture, media research and writing information and media content for diverse audiences. Students develop a portfolio of products including blogs, podcasts, websites, databases and audience and user analyses. The course also provides students with an opportunity to develop a secondary specialisation to complement core studies and also to undertake an optional professional placement.

Course aims

The course aims to enable students to:

• design and develop information and media content and structures using a wide variety of processes and technologies for diverse audiences in the workplace and society
• develop a critical understanding of the interplay of people, information and media, culture and technologies
• develop multidisciplinary knowledge of societal, political, historical and cultural traditions and institutions in the Australian and global context
• understand how knowledge and information are constructed, represented and used by individuals and groups
• use advanced approaches to seek, analyse and evaluate information for use by individuals and organisations
• work collaboratively and strategically to manage projects and implement creative solutions to information problems in the workplace and the broader community
• experience a range of professional roles and practices which are the foundation of creative information practice
• communicate effectively in interpersonal settings, in writing and in a variety of media
• develop reflective capabilities that underpin innovative information practice and lifelong learning, and
• have an understanding of and a commitment to ethical information practice, community engagement and social responsibility.

Career options

Career options include work as web designers, information architects, media researchers, information managers, content developers or content managers, librarians, database designers, collection developers, project managers and in many other roles.

Additional assumed knowledge

HSC English and computer literacy.

Additional recognition of prior learning

Arrangements for recognition of prior learning for study undertaken at other institutions will be negotiated during 2007.

Course duration and attendance

The course is offered on a three year, full-time basis.

Course structure

A total of 144 credit points is allocated to the course: 68 credit points for Disciplinary Strand subjects, 44 credit points for Professional Strand subjects and 32 credit points for Elective Studies subjects.

Industrial training/professional practice

Students contribute to the development of their professional portfolio thoughout the course, have opportunities for industry placements and undertake a final capstone project for a client.

Course completion requirements

Honours

Professional recognition

The Faculty is seeking professional recognition of the course by the Australian Library and Information Association.

Other information

Further information is available from the Faculty Student Centre on: