50127 International Communication
UTS: CommunicationCredit points: 8 cp
Result Type: Grade, no marks
Requisite(s): 50106 Media, Information and Society OR 50227 Media, Information and Society
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Handbook description
This subject examines the increasing internationalisation of communication and cultural networks, with particular reference to national media and communication industries and cultural identities. It explores the historical development of debates about social development, cultural imperialism and globalisation, and using case studies from Australia and elsewhere, examines contemporary debates about the impact of electronic media on popular culture and heritage in constructing 'mainstream' and 'minority' identities.
Subject objectives/outcomes
On completion of this subject, students are expected to be able to understand:
- the relationship between communication media and the economic, social, political and cultural transformations taking place around the world
- historical and theoretical debates, and key concepts and issues related to globalising communication networks and media industries
- how communication media operate in an international context and how cultural identities are formed and reformed
- the international environment for communication media in an Australian context.
Contribution to graduate profile
The subject enables students to:
- have a knowledge and critical understanding of the media
- have a knowledge of the historical, philosophical, ethical and cultural foundations and strive, throughout their careers, to promote the important role of professional service of the public
- strive, throughout their careers, to promote the important role of professional and ethical journalism in the service of the public
- seek opportunities to make significant intellectual and creative contributions to the social, political and cultural life of the communities in which they live
- have an understanding of the role of the media in local, regional, national and global contexts
- have an understanding of the relationship of media theory and practice
- have strong research skills to effectively retrieve and analyse information from a range of sources
- develop the ability to be self-reliant and pro-active, flexible and innovative
- have an understanding and commitment to ethical journalism practice.
Teaching and learning strategies
The subject will introduce you to the literature, analytical categories and key research topics in International Communication. The subject also seeks to develop the critical analytical and essay-writing skills that will enable you to evaluate scholarly arguments in this area with confidence. Lectures direct students' attention to significant themes, key research findings, and relevant scholarly literature and/or examples of professional practice. Classes will include small group work that explores, extends and critiques arguments raised in the lectures and the literature as well as student-facilitated discussions of the subject matter. The assessment tasks are linked and designed to provide students with cumulative research and learning activities. Students are individually assessed. Workshops and class writing exercises are designed to assist students' with their three assessment tasks and increase proficiency in drafting clear, reasoned and well-referenced arguments.
Content
The topics in this subject include an introduction to International Communication as an area of study (major themes, international policy initiatives, theoretical approaches and key concepts); International Communication in the Internet Age; The digital divide, Mainstream media industry; International news and the global public sphere, International entertainment and cultural homogeneity; and a review of theories, concepts and debates in International Communication. Theories canvassed include modernisation theory, the theory of cultural imperialism and the postcolonial theory of hybridity in cultural globalisation.
Assessment
Assessment item 1: Lead class discussion
| Objective(s): | a, b, c, d |
| Weighting: | 10% |
| Task: | Students will work in groups of 3-4 and be assessed as a group. Each group is required to develop some aspect of the assigned topic for discussion in class by preparing three class resources. These are: A one-page introductory guide to the set readings to be distributed electronically one week prior to leading the class discussion, A class discussion based on the readings,and A one-page written synthesis of the discussion to be distributed electronically one week after the class. The group may wish to divide up responsibility for each of these three tasks, or complete them as a group. Allocation of topics will preferably take place on the first day of class. The guide will consist of three parts: a one-par invitation to the discussion that offers a reason for taking interest in the topic; three dot points that tell students what to look out for when they read the articles, and 4-5 questions setting out the issues to be discussed in class. |
| Assessment criteria: | Students are assessed on their
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Assessment item 2: Comparing news in Australia and the Global South: A monitoring report
| Objective(s): | c, d |
| Weighting: | 40% |
| Task: | Each student needs to write and submit a 2000 word report, based on a seven-day period of monitoring and comparative analysis of news from one major Australian newspaper and the news service of a country from the global South. |
| Assessment criteria: | Students are assessed on their
|
Assessment item 3: A scholarly essay on one of the following set topics
| Objective(s): | a, b, c, d |
| Weighting: | 50% |
| Task: | Each student needs to write a 2500 word essay on one of the set topics. |
| Assessment criteria: |
|
Minimum requirements
Students are expected to read the subject outline to ensure they are familiar with the subject requirements. Since class discussion and participation in activities form an integral part of this subject, you are expected to attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in classes. If you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence (e.g. illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives.
Indicative references
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