Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Maya Ranganathan
Contact via maya.ranganathan@mq.edu.au
Y3A, Hub 147, Room 156
Thursdays noon-1 p.m (email prior for appointment please)
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Credit points |
Credit points
4
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MIntComm or MIntRel or MIntCommMIntRel or MPPP or PGDipPP or MIntBusMIntComm
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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Unit description |
Unit description
This unit introduces students to 'communication' in the Asia-Pacific, a region in which media registers phenomenal growth, defying simple mapping. The potential audience numbers in parts of the region and their ability to influence perceptions call for critical evaluation of communication, in the context of discourses on globalisation. Within the theoretical framework of Edward Said's 'orientalism', Stuart Hall's 'media representations' and Robert Rolandson's 'glocalisation', the unit looks at representations that reflect and simultaneously influence complex political and cultural environments in the region. The unit is aimed at equipping students with the ability to critically evaluate impact of communication in the Asia-Pacific region on various spheres of activity in a globalised world.
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Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Readings are available online in the library website (Choose 'unit readings' and type in ICOM818). Both prescribed and suggested readings/activities are to be done ahead of the lectures/tutorials.
All written assessments are to be uploaded on Turnitin. The test is to be done online.
All assessments must show evidence of acquaintance with and understanding of academic literature. This involves research and referencing beyond online material accessed through a Google search. Students may familiarise themselves with library access by attending the library orientation conducted at the beginning of semester (details in the library website). They are encouraged to seek guidance from subject librarians for accessing resources.
‘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.’
‘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 days) or supply appropriate documentation to your unit convenor for any missed tutorial (if less than three consecutive days).’
Weekly access of ilearn is suggested. All announcements will be made in ilearn. Marks will be uploaded to ilearn grade book. Students may check the comments on written assessments by accessing Turnitin.
Name | Weighting | Due |
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Participation | 10% | Weeks 2-13 |
Critical Analysis | 30% | 23rd March 2016 |
Test | 20% | Week 10 |
Major research essay | 40% | 1st June 2016 |
Due: Weeks 2-13
Weighting: 10%
Students are to contribute to structured tutorial discussions. Marks are for meaningful contributions and insightful observations that reflect reading, critical thought and analysis of contemporary issues and events in the context of the concepts/theories dealt with in the unit. Merely ensuring 80 per cent attendance in tutorials and lectures will unfortunately, not suffice.
Due: 23rd March 2016
Weighting: 30%
Critically analyse literature on media representations of the 'West' and 'the Rest'.
This is an early assessment aimed at providing feedback on student's understanding of scholarly debates surrounding media representations of the Asia-Pacific (part of 'the Rest') and of academic requirements. The essay of 1500 words requires critical analysis of literature relating to media (print and electronic) representations of people, culture, issues and events. At this stage, students are expected to be familiar with accessing library resources and familiarise themselves with referencing formats.
Broadly, the essay requires wide and extensive reading; students must be able to critically evaluate the West-Rest dichotomy, identify existing literature on media representations, be able to categorise them and make logical and succinct arguments on their relevance in the context of recent international events and the state of global media. Arguments must be related to the theoretical and conceptual framework dealt with in the unit. In short, the work must meet academic requirements with regard to structure, content and references and be of a standard acceptable at the Master’s level.
The criteria against which the paper will be graded are:
(Rubric for written assessments posted in ilearn).
Due: Week 10
Weighting: 20%
A multiple-choice to be done in Week 10 on ilearn at students' convenience. Details will be announced in tutorials ahead of the test.
Due: 1st June 2016
Weighting: 40%
Answer any one of the following in 2500 words:
1. Critically analyse mainstream media representations in Australia of the Asia-Pacific region
2. Drawing on the theoretical and methodological insights of Edward Said and Stuart Hall, explore the construction of the 'other' in global television.
3. Examine representations of Asians/Africans in Hollywood in the context of 'orientalism' and western hegemonic representations.
This assessment requires understanding of media analysis methods (for instance, quantitative method like content analysis or qualitative methods like 'framing' and discourse analysis). A critical evaluation of the theories of globalisation, Orientalism and post-colonialism and examination of their relevance in a world connected (or divided) by communication technologies are expected. Academic requirements at the Masters level – research rigour, evidence of extensive reading, systematic analysis and academic writing – must be met. Essay must have an ‘introduction’, contain defined sections and a ‘conclusion’, with a list of references at the end. Generalisations must be avoided and arguments substantiated. In-text references with page numbers in all cases are required.
Broadly, the essay requires choice of an appropriate media form and outlet to study and event(s) or issue to analyse; identifying a region/country/community for analysis; collecting data consistently over a period of at least 15 days; analysing the data systematically using an academically accepted method and presenting the findings in the context of the theoretical and conceptual framework of the unit.
The criteria against which the essay will be graded are:
(See rubrics for written assessments in ilearn).
I hour face-to-face lecture. also recorded and available in Echo 360 on ilearn, followed by 1-hour tutorial. Students to check ilearn regularly for announcements and notes and instructions.
ICOM 818 readings are the prescribed reading for the unit and are available online through the library. Some suggested readings are in library reserve.
Changes since last offering:
Reading material and assessment tasks updated.
Week 1
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Theoretical framework: Orientalism Prescribed reading: 1. Edward Said 1977, 'The scope of Orientalism,' Chapter 1 in Orientalism, London: Penguin. Suggested readings (as relevant): 1. Daniel Martin Varisco, Reading orientalism: said and the unsaid, 2007. (Provided as e-book) 2. Edward W. Said Moustafa Bayoumi, The Edward Said reader, Andrew Rubin 2000. (Hard copies in library reserve) NO TUTORIALS THIS WEEK. TIME TO BE USED FOR LIBRARY ORIENTATION. |
Week 2
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Theoretical framework: Cultural representations Prescribed reading: 1. Stuart Hall, 1997, 'The spectacle of the 'other', Chapter 4 in Representation: Cultural Representations and Signifying Practices, Stuart Hall (ed.), London: Sage, pp. 225-277. Suggested reading: 1. Shani Orgad, 2012, 'Media representation and the global imagination: a framework,' Chapter 1 in Media Representation and the Global Imagination, Cambridge: Polity Press. Tutorials begin this week. |
Week 3
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(Theoretical framework: Globalisation) Prescribed reading: 1. Roland Robertson, 2012, 'Globalisation or glocalisation?' Journal of International Communication, 18:2, 191-208, DOI: 10.1080/13216597.2012.709925. Suggested reading: 1. Paula Chakravartty and Yuezhi Zhao, 2008 , 'Introduction: Toward a transcultural political economy of global communications,' in Global Communications, New York: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, pp. 1-19. |
Week 4
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Middle-East Prescribed reading: 1. Ehsan Bakhshandeh, 2014, 'How mainstream Iranian newspapers portray the West,' The Journal of International Communication, 2014. Vol. 20, No. 2, 184–199, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13216597.2014.948034 Suggested reading: 1. Mary Page, Carrie Winstanley 2010, Writing Essays For Dummies, UK: John Wiley and Sons. (Hard copy in linrary reserve) CRITICAL ANALYSIS FOR 30 PER CENT DUE THIS WEEK
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Week 5
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South Asia Prescribed reading: 1. Adrian Athique, 2012, 'Introduction: a global approach to Indian media,' Chapter 1, Indian Media, Cambridge: Polity Press, pp. 1-11. Suggested reading: 1. Ranganathan, M, 2015, 'Sting journalism: a sign of the times,' in Usha M Rodrigues and Maya Ranganathan, Indian News Media: from observer to participant, Sage: New Delhi, pp. 65-94 |
Week 6
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South-East Asia Prescribed reading: 1. George, Cherian, 2012, Freedom from the Press: journalism and state power in Singapore, Singapore: NUS Press, pp.183-223. Suggested reading: 1. Gomez, James, 2000, Self-censorship: Singapore's shame, http://www.academia.edu/225107/Self-Censorship_Singapores_Shame |
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RECESS |
Week 7 |
Central Asia Prescribed reading: 1. Rosalind Marsh, 2013, 'The Concepts of Gender, Citizenship, and Empire and Their Reflection in Post‐Soviet Culture,' The Russian Review, 2013, Vol.72(2), pp.187-211. Suggested activity: Watch documentary 'The Secrets of Russia's propaganda machine', 2014, Journeyman Pictures. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8AIE7eWtSY. |
Week 8
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East Asia Prescribed reading: 1. David Shim and Dirk Nabers, 2013, ‘Imaging North Korea: Exploring its visual representations in international politics,’ International Studies Perspectives, August 2013, Vol.14 (3), pp.289-306. Suggested activity: Watch 'Inside North Korea: Four Corners documentary' 17 Feb 2014. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wklRc1t-dtU. |
Week 9
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Africa Prescribed reading: 1. Last Moyo, 2011, ‘The CNN defect’, Journal of International Communication, 17:2, 121-138, DOI: 10.1080/13216597.2011.589365. |
Week 10
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Australia Prescribed reading: 1. Foster, Nena, Kay Cook, Sarah Barter-Godfrey and Samantha Furneaux, 2011, 'Fractured multiculturalism: Conflicting representations of Arab and Muslim Australians in Australian print media,' Media, Culture & Society, 33(4) 619–629 Suggested activity: Watch SBS series 'Living with the enemy' http://www.sbs.com.au/programs/article/2014/08/24/episode-4-islam ONLINE TEST FOR 20 PER CENT DUE THIS WEEK |
Week 11
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The Neighbourhood Prescribed reading: 1. Evangelina Papoutsaki and Usha Sundar Harris, 2008, 'Unpacking' islandness in South Pacific Islands Communication' in Evangelina Papoutsaki and Usha Sundar Harris (eds) South Pacific Islands Communication, AMIC Asian Communication Series, pp.1-12. 2. Rodanthi Tzanelli, 2014, ‘Heritage entropy? Cinematic pilgrimage in New Zealand,’ in Heritage in the Digital Era: Cinematic Tourism and the Activist Cause, Oxon: Routledge, pp.23-61. |
Week 12
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De-westernising media education Prescribed reading: 1. Breit, Rhonda, Levi Obijiofor and Richard Fitzgerald, 2013, ' Internationalization as De-Westernization of the Curriculum: The Case of Journalism at an Australian University,' Journal of Studies in International Education May 2013 vol. 17 no. 2 pp. 119-135. FINAL ESSAY FOR 40 PER CENT DUE THIS WEEK
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Week 13
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REVISION IN LECTURE AND TUTORIAL
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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
New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/
Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.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.
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Additional information
MMCCS website https://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/faculties_and_departments/faculty_of_arts/department_of_media_music_communication_and_cultural_studies/
MMCCS Session Re-mark Application http://www.mq.edu.au/pubstatic/public/download/?id=167914
Information is correct at the time of publication
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
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The tutorial hour has been reduced to one hour from two. Readings and activities have been tailored to suit the changed structure. The suggested activity is to be done at students' convenience before the lecture. The test is to be done in the week due at their own time online.