Students

ICOM100 – Introduction to International Communication

2014 – MQC2 Evening

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Moderator
Sabine Krajewski
Lecturer in Charge
Ming Ming Diao
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
"We cannot not communicate." (Watzlawick, 1973). This unit introduces a theoretical framework for the study of international communication. It provides students with a toolbox that can be used to critically approach and analyse communication processes and the creation of meaning. The aim of this unit, and of international communication in general, is to create an awareness of the self and the other and to facilitate, analyse and improve communication processes between these entities. Tutorials focus on practical tasks and consist of the application of theory and methodology, the examination of the institutional settings of international communication through case studies, and on issues around advertising, public relations, new media, global media and development communication. Students will practise semiotic analysis, content analysis, case study, and close reading.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Recognise and define different areas of International Communication theory
  • Explain the key theories in various different fields and apply them to International Communication
  • Identify and apply key theories to set texts
  • Construct a position using research methodologies from which to answer a question relevant to International Communication
  • Demonstrate the importance and relevance of academic literacy skills for International Communicaiton

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
1. Participation 10% ongoing
2. Social Media Interview 20% 5pm, Thursday 14th August
3. Paraphrasing and Quoting 10% 5pm, Tuesday, 26th August
4. Semiotic Analysis 25% 5pm, Tuesday, 2 September
5. Critical Essay 35% 5pm, Thursday, 9th October

1. Participation

Due: ongoing
Weighting: 10%

Marks are awarded for active participation in tutorials, and attendance in lectures and tutorials


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Recognise and define different areas of International Communication theory
  • Explain the key theories in various different fields and apply them to International Communication
  • Identify and apply key theories to set texts

2. Social Media Interview

Due: 5pm, Thursday 14th August
Weighting: 20%

Read the 3 articles (readings for week 4 in your reader). Use one of the research questions about social media among young people and create 4 or 5 interview questions about this topic (use opened or semi-opened questions only). Interview fellow students (outside of ICOM100, a handful of people will be sufficient) and summarise your results (300w). Written summary needs to be submitted online by 5pm, Thursday 14th August 2014.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Recognise and define different areas of International Communication theory
  • Explain the key theories in various different fields and apply them to International Communication
  • Identify and apply key theories to set texts
  • Construct a position using research methodologies from which to answer a question relevant to International Communication

3. Paraphrasing and Quoting

Due: 5pm, Tuesday, 26th August
Weighting: 10%

This assignment consists of 2 parts. Part one (identifying direct quotes and paraphrased ideas) can be completed any time after week 2 where tutorials are dedicated to paraphrasing, quoting and referencing. It should take you only 30 minutes to complete. The second part (paraphrasing ideas from an article in week 6) can be completed any time before 9th April. This assignment consisted 2 parts should be submitted online by 5pm, Tuesday, 26th August.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Recognise and define different areas of International Communication theory

4. Semiotic Analysis

Due: 5pm, Tuesday, 2 September
Weighting: 25%

Choose one of the advertisments provided and analyse how it is constructed and how meaning is created. Analyse if the advert "works" internationally or not, and give reasons for your evaluation. Using relevant references and providing a reference list are compulsory (around 1,000 words). Due by 5pm, Tuesday, 2nd September 2014.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Recognise and define different areas of International Communication theory
  • Explain the key theories in various different fields and apply them to International Communication
  • Identify and apply key theories to set texts

5. Critical Essay

Due: 5pm, Thursday, 9th October
Weighting: 35%

Make sure to look at the essay writing guidelines on iLearn. You will have a choice of 3 topics to write an essay of 1,500 - 2,000w. When you do your research to answer the essay question of your choice, make sure to go beyond the reader in looking for material, such as books and academic journal articles. Use in text citations and attach a list of references. At least four peer-reviewed journal articles are required. Due by 5pm, Thursday, 9th October 2014.

 

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Recognise and define different areas of International Communication theory
  • Explain the key theories in various different fields and apply them to International Communication
  • Identify and apply key theories to set texts
  • Construct a position using research methodologies from which to answer a question relevant to International Communication
  • Demonstrate the importance and relevance of academic literacy skills for International Communicaiton

Delivery and Resources

There are three timetabled contact hours each week. Students are also expected to complete readings from the ICOM 100 reader each week. These are extensive. Students whose English is well developed should schedule approximately three hours for this task. In addition students are expected to follow current developments relevant to Introduction to International Communication and gather additional materials, allow another hour per week for reading quality newspapers and watching broadcasts. Total workload therefore is 9 hours per week including lectures and tutorials. Students whose English language skills are still developing should allocate additional time.

The expected student workload per week for this unit comprises of:

Lectures: 2 hours (6pm-8pm on Thursdays)

Tutorial:  1 hour (8pm-9pm on Thursdays)

Reading:                    3 hours

Assignments              3 hours averaged across the semester

Total:                          9 hours

Unit Schedule

Week/Friday of the Week

Lecture

Tutorial

Due date

Week 1

 

17 July

 

Introduction

In this lecture we will

look at the course

outline and make final

adjustments according

to students' input.

Tutor and student introductions, course guide, assessment and orientation. Paraphrasing workshop – how to summarise a message and integrate it into your own text. You may complete the paraphrasing assignment from today onwards.

 

Group allocation and iLearn training

 

 

Week 2

 

24 July

 

Toolbox 1: What is

communication? In this

session we will

concentrate on

communication models.

Communication models;

international

communication flows

 

Week 3

 

31 July

 

Toolbox 2: The creation

of meaning

We continue examining

communication

processes and focus on

the creation of meaning.

Semiotic interpretation of

A poster

 

 

Week 4

 

7 August

Mediated

Communication: Social Media

This week is dedicated

to the analysis of

social media usage.

International contexts

add another dimension

to mediated

communication.

Facebook, Anonymity, and the Crisis of the Multiple Self

 

Week 5

 

14 August

 

International advertising

campaigns and PR

Case study: United Colors of Benetton

Summary of Social Media Interview due:

5pm, Thursday, 14th August

Week 6

 

21 August

 

Advertising AIDS

This week we will

explore the

state/marketing interface

by analysisng

international

communication about

AIDS.

Global communication

about AIDS

 

Week 7

 

28 August

 

Global Media Flows

This week is dedicated

to international media

flows and contra-flows

of visual media.

Case study:

Heterogeneous global audiences.

We will look at

communication as

mainstream commercial

commodity vs

alternative,

anti globalisation

communication

strategies.

Paraphrasing and quoting due: 5pm, Tuesday, 26th August

 

Week 8

 

4 September

 

Non-verbal

communication in

international settings

Cultural differences in

non-verbal

communication

Experimenting with signs.

Semiotic analysis

due:  5pm, Tuesday, 2nd September

 

Week 9

 

11 September

 

Global media and public

sphere

This session will

introduce Habermas'

concept of the public

sphere and lead to a

discussion about space

for public sphere within the new media

Accessibility and usage

- unlimited

communication online?

 

Week 10

 

18 September

 

The notion of the nation

state vs multicultural

societies

Everyday

communication in

international cities

 

 

Week 11

 

25 September

 

International

communication and

language

Different languages can

be one of the biggest

obstacles in

international

communication. We will

look at the role of

English as lingua franca

and explore how useful

the ability to speak a

foreign language is in

international

environments such as

business, education,

and politics.

 

The circles of language

(group exercise)

 

Week 12

 

2 October

 

 

 

International Negotiation

This lecture is about the

purposes of effective

international

communication

 

Case study on

international business

negotiation

 

 

 

Week 13

 

9 October

Unit Review

Unit Review

1,500 -2,000w.

essay due: 5pm, Thursday, 9th October

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy  http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Explain the key theories in various different fields and apply them to International Communication

Assessment tasks

  • 1. Participation
  • 2. Social Media Interview
  • 4. Semiotic Analysis

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Recognise and define different areas of International Communication theory
  • Explain the key theories in various different fields and apply them to International Communication
  • Identify and apply key theories to set texts
  • Construct a position using research methodologies from which to answer a question relevant to International Communication
  • Demonstrate the importance and relevance of academic literacy skills for International Communicaiton

Assessment task

  • 1. Participation

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Recognise and define different areas of International Communication theory
  • Explain the key theories in various different fields and apply them to International Communication
  • Identify and apply key theories to set texts

Assessment tasks

  • 4. Semiotic Analysis
  • 5. Critical Essay

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Recognise and define different areas of International Communication theory
  • Explain the key theories in various different fields and apply them to International Communication
  • Identify and apply key theories to set texts

Assessment tasks

  • 1. Participation
  • 2. Social Media Interview
  • 5. Critical Essay

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify and apply key theories to set texts
  • Construct a position using research methodologies from which to answer a question relevant to International Communication

Assessment tasks

  • 2. Social Media Interview
  • 3. Paraphrasing and Quoting
  • 5. Critical Essay

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Construct a position using research methodologies from which to answer a question relevant to International Communication

Assessment tasks

  • 2. Social Media Interview
  • 4. Semiotic Analysis

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Explain the key theories in various different fields and apply them to International Communication
  • Construct a position using research methodologies from which to answer a question relevant to International Communication
  • Demonstrate the importance and relevance of academic literacy skills for International Communicaiton

Assessment tasks

  • 1. Participation
  • 2. Social Media Interview
  • 3. Paraphrasing and Quoting
  • 4. Semiotic Analysis
  • 5. Critical Essay

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Construct a position using research methodologies from which to answer a question relevant to International Communication

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Assessment task

  • 2. Social Media Interview