58201 Communication and Cultural Industries and Practices

Looking back and forth between theory and practice (individually and collectively), this subject examines ways that media, information and communication figure in our everyday practices. It examines the development of the communication and cultural industries and practices with a particular focus on current practices and technologies of convergence, and on ways of theorising and understanding the relationship between producers, texts and audiences. Students are introduced to practice and the roles of communication professionals in different contexts. The subject provides an overview of important historical and political developments within communication and cultural industries, critically interrogating how communication and information products are produced, in what organisational and economic contexts, and for what purposes. The Australian situation is placed in its international context and with reference to the changing roles of digital technologies, public and private sector production/distribution and the role of governments.