This assessment task has two parts: a group presentation and an individual reflection.

PART 1: GROUP PRESENTATION (15%)

Students will prepare a 10-minute presentation in groups of three. Each group is assigned a specific week and their presentation will develop on the theme and readings of that particular week. In the presentation, the groups introduce a media event, text or a phenomenon that in their view aligns with the theoretical approaches presented in that week's readings. The presentation is not a summary of the arguments made in the readings, but a reflection on how those ideas apply to the media around us. The chosen event, text or phenomenon must belong to Australian media. 

The aim of the presentation is to:

1. Analyse Australian media (the chosen case study can be from a range of media: radio, film, television, magazines, newspaper, social media etc.).

2. Explicate why a particular media event, text or phenomenon is interesting from the point of view of identity (as well as that week's specific theme).

3. Identify and use appropriate academic arguments in relation to media.   

The presentation consists of: 

1. 10 minutes of time. Pay extra attention to timing your presentation. You will be cut off after 10 minutes.

2. A visual aid - such as powerpoint - with which you present your findings to the class.

3. A structure. Do not try and say everything there is to say about your chosen case. Choose key ideas and structure your presentation around them. Remember to introduce the media example properly and provide concluding remarks. 

4. Three group members. Each member of the group must be present and contribute to the presentation. 

5. Individual report (template provided in iLearn) on the group working process. To be submitted via Turnitin before the presentation.  

Assessment criteria for AT1/ Part1: 

The applicability of the media example to the week's topic and readings. Groups are expected to explicate why and how the media event, text or phenomenon applies to the arguments covered in the readings. 

Media analysis. Groups will be assessed based on their ability to analyse the details and scope of their chosen example. 

Clarity of the presentation. The presentation will be assessed based on the clarity of its delivery. This includes the structure of the presentation, legibility of powerpoint slides and other (audio-)visual support as well as keeping to the timeframe. Groups must submit their powerpoint slides to their tutor in class on the day of presentation.   

PART 2: INDIVIDUAL REFLECTION (20%) 

Students will write a 500 word individual reflection on the topic of the group assignment. The reflection should not be a simple summary of the presentation: it should build on what was said in class. What other avenues are there to explore? How would another theoretical approach change your take on the media case? How does your group's chosen example relate to other media cases?     

Use the reflection template provided in iLearn. 

Due date is 7 days after the group presentation (weeks 4–13). 

Submission is via Turnitin.     

Late submissions: Students who submit late work without an extension will receive a penalty of 10% per day. This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for Disruption to Studies is made and approved. 

Assessment criteria for AT1/ Part2: 

Analytic reflection. Students will be assessed based on their ability to engage critically with their own work. Critical engagement is not equivalent to judging, it is an analytic practice of evaluating and comparing how chosen theoretical approaches work in relation to media. 

Media analysis. Assessment will focus on the students ability to demonstrate an understanding of how identities are constructed in the media.    

Writing and structure. Individual reflections will be assessed according to the clarity of expression and a clear, logical and coherent structure. Adequate referencing will also be important.  

On week 7, students will take an online quiz on the materials (unit readings, lectures, media examples) of the first six weeks of classes. The quiz consists of multiple choice questions and it is available on iLearn. Students are welcome to consult their notes, unit readings and other materials while taking the quiz. The quiz will take place during the time allocated to the lecture on Wednesday 14.09. from 11am to 12noon. If you cannot take the quiz at this time, contact the unit convenor for alternative arrangements before the scheduled quiz day. Only one attempt at the quiz is allowed.  

The final essay focuses on professional reviews of the films, TV shows, and other media pieces presented during the course (a list of these will be available on iLearn). Students will choose one example, source at least three (3) reviews of that piece and write an essay on how the reviews approach and articulate the identity politics of the piece. The reviews must be written by a professional critic and they must be from a reputable media source. In other words, user comments on Rotten Tomatoes or similar sites are not acceptable as reviews. In addition to the reviews, students must refer to at least three (3) academic sources, of which two (2) must be from the unit reader.  

Essay question: How do the reviews of X approach and articulate its identity politics? 

Maximum word length is 2000 words (including references). 

Use the essay template in iLearn. 

Submission is via Turnitin. 

Late submissions: Students who submit late work without an extension will receive a penalty of 10% per day. This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for Disruption to Studies is made and approved. 

Assessment criteria:  

Reading and research: evidence of critical engagement with set course materials (unit readings and the media examples; evidence of independent reading of appropriate academic material; evidence of thorough research (newspapers, magazines, online sources, media resources, archives)  

Argument and analysis: well-articulated and well-supported argument; evidence of critical thinking (through taking a position in relation to key ideas from the course, and supporting this position); evidence of relational thinking (through making connections between key ideas from the course and wider literature (such as the three reviews), and supporting this position. 

Writing and structure: clear, logical and coherent structure; clarity of expression; appropriate referencing.