Students in groups of 2 will take the lead in conducting the tutorial class. A 3rd member may be added to the team by the tutor if total numbers in class warrant it. The activity will begin 5 minutes past the tutorial hour and end at half past the hour with the rest of the tutorial time allotted to other activities. The exercise involves explaining and exploring the concepts dealt with in the week’s Readings, critically examining issues raised in the lecture IN THE CONTEXT OF THE COUNTRIES SPECIFIED in the question for the week. (The questions are listed in the 'Unit schedule' and repeated in ilearn).  It is   worth noting that the readings prescribed for the week do not deal with the countries mentioned in the question. Unit readings deal with concepts. Students are to apply the concepts to the countries.

Group members will divide amongst themselves the tasks that cover explanation of the concepts and the extension of the concepts to the countries. For example, in Week 3 the group that chooses to ‘lead the class’ is required to explore the effects of end of Cold War on media and communications policies in the two countries specified. This requires extensive research of media environments and policies in the context of the paradign shifts in policy post end of Cold war. 

The total time allotted is 30 minutes,  including 10 minutes for questions and answers/class activity designed by the group to enhance understanding of the concepts. Marking rubrics will be available in ilearn at the start of semester. Failure to present on an agreed date will result in an 'F' grade unless application for disruption to study has been made prior to date of presentation with supporting documentation and has been granted by the tutor/convenor. It is the student’s responsibility to be in contact with other members of the group and arrange to work together. Tutors will not be able to provide contact details.

The following criteria will be used for grading:

1. Content, both relating to the issue dealt with in the week and the way in which it has been applied to the countries specified. Clarity is an important component. Credibiltiy of the source on which arguments are based and citation in slides will be taken into account. Online references from Wikipedia and Youtube clips will not be considered highly. The suggested referencing format is Harvard. Consistency in referencing is required.

2. Original research: critical evaluation of contemporary media content. The analysis  must be based on more than easily available Youtube clips and online sources and show evidence of critical thought.

3. Manner of presentation: creative delivery, clear expression and professional discourse, and judicious use of available time.  A very short presentation will be marked down as also one that exceeds time.

4. Methods to involve class participation. This may take the form of discussion questions, debates, quizzes or any other activity that stimulates thought and discussion. Emphasis is on contribution to learning.

The 20 per cent will be divided thus: 10 per cent common to members of the group and 10 per cent for individual performance. Of the above, members will be graded individually on points 3 and 4.

The aim of the tests is to ensure that the concepts dealt with in the readings and the lectures have been understood adequately to facilitate application in the final essay. Students will be expected to define, explain theories and concepts drawn from  the week’s ‘Readings’ and the lectures. Tests may contain multiple choice questions or questions requiring short answers of 100-150 words, or both. Four or 5 such tests will be held at the discretion of the tutor in the tutorial time after the presentations. Each test will be for a total of 10 marks. The best 3 performances will be added up to make up the 30 marks.  The total marks for this assessment is 30 per cent which means that if a student attends less than three tests, the marks for the missed tests will be taken as zero. Owing to the nature of the assessment, requests for alternate arrangements or extra tests are not possible. Applying for disruption of study may allow for attendance consideration only and not for re-scheduling of a 'surprise' test.

THIS IS A PEER ASSESSMENT EXERCISE aimed at developing students' autonomy, maturity and critical abilities. The answer sheets (that will contain student numbers and not names) will be marked by fellow students in the tutorial class based on a marking scheme made available in class. Each paper will be marked by at least 3 other students who also give their feedback on the performance. All papers will be returned in a fortnight after the test, in class.

The following assessment criteria will apply:

Correct understanding of the concepts: A summary of the concepts as in the readings and as explained in the lectures. Appropriate examples that explain the concept further.

Knowledge of theorists: Reference to key theorists mentioned in the readings and lectures.

Clarity: Clear use of language that aids effective communication.

Select any ONE of the following questions to answer in 2000 words:

1. Identify an important international event or issue (since January 2015) which has been covered in detail by a range of media outlets in different countries. Select two different versions of the same event/issue (from two different countries) and explore content in the context of the media policies in the countries. This will require you to have an understanding of the political and social issues of the countries in the historical and contemporary contexts and the ways in which they have impacted upon media functioning and policies. The analysis must take into account at least three concepts dealt with in the unit as also draw on scholarly work on the media environments and policies in the countries.
2. In the light of academic debates surrounding global media and new technologies and recent events relating to employment of new technologies on a global level (e.g., Assange, Snowden) evaluate the concept of ‘free media’ and its impact on media policy. Does access to information equate to 'freedom of expression'? This requires exploration of new technologies in the context of at least three concepts from the unit. The question deals with global media, and not national or regional/local media. However, national or regional policies in particular countries may be explored to establish their impact on global information flow .
3. The CNN theory states that television has usurped the function of governments in setting the agenda as also taking a lead in dictating international relations. Critiques have questioned its validity in all cases.  Explore the role played by global television in representations of conflicts and evaluate the consequences in the context of at least three concepts from the unit. The conflicts must be international (in other words must have repercussions for a large region) in which television has played an important role.
4. You can develop your own research, but you must have devised a question, and this question must be appraised by the convenor (Dr Maya Ranganathan) prior to Week 8. The answers must reflect unit content and also wider scholarly reading.  Answers to questions that have not been approved by the Convenor will be graded 'F'.

The research essay must be constructed and presented in an academic format (arguments within a theoretical framework, background and with references). Research essay is to reflect critical understanding and reading and incorporate concepts beyond those used in ‘lead the class’ exercise. It must meet the requirements of a 300-level unit and a capstone. Marking rubric will be uploaded onto ilearn at the start of semester.

The essay will be graded using the following criteria:

1. Argument, substantiation and discourse: clear understanding of the concepts, original research, appropriate citation, critical thought and examples. Clarity is an important requirement. This refers to effective use of discipline-specific and appropriate language.

2. Coherence and organisation: precision and interconnectedness of theory, concept and analysis. The concepts must be extended to the argument and exploration of issues.

3. Style and grammar: Clear use of language without spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.

Assessment tasks are aligned to the unit Learning Outcomes. Timely submission of assessment tasks is a unit requirement or penalties apply. 10% per day (including weekends) will be deducted for all late submissions unless Disruptions to Studies (including a request for an extension) is approved prior.

All essays are to be uploaded online to Turnitin. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that all relevant portions of the essay (list of references, appendix etc.) have been uploaded and collect the acknowledgment as proof of upload. No claims of technical issues, wrong/mistaken upload will be entertained.

Students in the class are expected to not only listen attentively (texting and social networking activity will be noted by tutors) to  presentations, but also participate in discussions. Marks for participation will be decided based on meaningful contributions to class discussions that reflect reading and research. Marks cannot be claimed for mere attendance. A rubric will be posted on ilearn.

 You are required to attend all tutorials. As participation in the process of learning is linked to and underpins the unit Learning Outcomes, you will need to either apply for Disruptions to Studies to cover any missed tutorial (if the disruption is greater than three consecutive tutorials) or supply appropriate documentation to your unit convenor for any missed tutorial (if less than three consecutive tutorials).