50300 Communicating the Social

Handbook description

Social, political and historical research finds many audiences and is carried out for many ends. Its communication is always affected by the genre used, the mode of communication, and the reception by its intended and often unintended audiences. Communication is a social practice within a societal and cultural context. Thus, clearly defining the goals of communication, the strategies and methods used, the technologies activated, the definition and analysis of audiences, and an understanding of what audiences do, all form part of the social practice. The subject brings together theory about social communication with practical communication strategy and implementation in a variety of applied social science contexts. It focuses on introduction to electronic communication using simple presentation and website construction programs.

Subject objectives/outcomes

At the completion of this subject, students are expected to be able to:

1. develop an understanding of the ways in which the social is communicated, from academic practices, through mass media, to informal social communication
2. explore the theoretical models and debates which have been used in the development and critique of communicating the social
3. examine specific programs and processes in terms of their goals, methods, impact and outcomes, particularly through an understanding of the nature of audiences, their needs and uses of communication and information
4. provide students with the skills necessary to design and implement a communication strategy, focussing on the use of new media technologies
5. contribute to the preparation of students as professional social science practitioners who understand the importance of and are capable of mobilising appropriate communication strategies and techniques.

Contribution to graduate profile

Graduates will:

• have a broad range of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in social inquiry, research and advocacy
• be able to research and analyse wider social and public issues as well as apply critical analytical perspectives to daily and personal life
• be sensitive to the multiple dimensions of social difference and inequality especially in terms of race and ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic class, sexuality, disability and age
• be able to use communication techniques and strategies effectively to communicate social research to a wide variety of audiences
• have both general and specialised skills in the communication of social inquiry and research (e.g. media strategies, new media, electronic media, public communication, media production, etc.)
• seek opportunities to use their professional skills in researching, reporting, advocacy and change management to achieve a socially just and equal society
• have the knowledge and critical awareness of industries, practices and processes relevant to their professional interests
• be committed to ethical behaviour and practice
• be prepared for lifelong learning and be open to new perspectives on social, political and cultural life.

Teaching and learning strategies

These are lecture/seminar/workshop classes. In class workshops will be offered for MS Powerpoint, image scanning, and Webdesign (using Dreamweaver). Basic skills in using a computer are assumed (word processing, email).

Students will undertake a series of projects online. There will be regular online group work and UTSonline (http://online.uts.edu.au) will be used to facilitate learning and project work. No previous computer design experience is expected.

Content

The subject begins by examining the basic theoretical approaches in the social sciences to communication practices. It then explores the idea of audiences for the social sciences, charting the social, cultural and interpersonal dimensions.

Particular attention is paid to issues of gender, class, institutional setting, race/ethnicity, disability and age. The overall metaphor is that of 'Cyberia', an electronic global environment formed by social processes and social interests.

As a professional subject it focuses on the close symbiosis between theory and practice, drawing in other areas of Social inquiry such as research and policy and advocacy.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Student led web analysis : in groups of four

Assessment item 2: Individual website photography project

Assessment item 3: Group Web Design Project

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.

Attendance is particularly important in this subject because it is based on a collaborative approach which involves essential workshopping and interchange of ideas. Students who attend fewer than ten classes are advised that their final work will not be assessed and that they are likely to fail the subject.

Indicative references

There is no text for the course, though any good handbook on Dreamweaver CS would be a valuable purchase for students considering developing useful skills in webdesign for social inquiry.

All key readings are in the Library e-reserve. The links to sites are very important sources of information, analysis and skill development.

The subject website is available through UTS Online.

Other resources

Computer labs should include webcams and microphones that can capture vision and sound. In lieu of webcams access may be required to low end MiniDV video cams, microphones and tripods.

Lab computers should be able to capture video and sound, and offer simply video editing software such as freeware SZ4.