Students in groups of 3-5 (depending on the total numbers in the tutorial class) will conduct the tutorial class by addressing the question for the week mentioned in ilearn in the week's block. The activity will begin 5 minutes past the tutorial hour and last for 40 minutes in total. This means that the group will stop 10 minutes prior to the next hour. The exercise includes explaining and exploring the concepts dealt with in the week’s Readings while critically examining the issues related to the question (listed in ilearn page under the week's block).  It is worth noting that the readings do not contain answers the question. The unit readings deal with concepts that are to be applied to the question, which will deal with media and policy environments in particular countries. This means that the presentation is more than a summary of readings. It is an application on the concepts to specific situations and is designed to simulate roles that graduate students are likely to play in their chosen career paths in communication.

Group members will divide amongst themselves the tasks that cover explanation of the concepts and their application. The content will be marked on 10. The remaining 10 marks will cover manner of presentation, including visual aids used.

The group will submit to the tutor a summary of the presentation of 500 words only with a list of references, prior to the presentation. This will carry 5 marks. Apart from a summary of the presentation, the tasks undertaken by each member of the group must be specified clearly and signed by the members to indicate agreement. (The significance of the tasks undertaken will be evaluated on 2.5 marks of the 5) This summary will also be used by the tutor for the evaluation of the presentation.

The total time allotted is 40 minutes,  including the time for questions and answers/class activity and interaction. Class interaction must be facilitated. It can take the form of questions to the class, group discussions, debates, game shows etc. The focus must be on involving the class in an exercise that would facilitate greater understanding of the content. Marking rubrics will be available in ilearn at the start of semester. 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:

The team will be graded on

1. Content, both relating to the concepts for the week and the ways in which they are applied to address the question. This is also applicable to the 500-word summary. 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.

Individuals will be graded on

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.

5. The tasks undertaken by each member as listed in the summary and agreed upon by other members of the group.

In summary, 12.5 of the marks is for individual performance and the rest for group activity.

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 work environments. 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. This is an online test that will open in Week 13. It is time-bound. Thus although it will be available in Week 13, students will have to finish it at one sitting in the time specified prior to the test. Owing to the nature of the assessment, requests for alternate arrangements or for repeating the tests are not possible.

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 1500 words:

1. Identify an important international event or issue (since January 2016) which has been covered in detail by a range of media outlets. 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. Much of the discussion around new media technologies revolve around the democratic potential of new media. In the light of academic debates surrounding global media and new technologies and recent international events (not earlier than January 2016) relating to employment of new technologies on a global level evaluate the concept of ‘free media’. The expression 'free media' implies both easy accessibility and freedom of expression implicit in the technologies.

Some of the issues that you may want to think about are: Is new media really 'free'? How absolute or restricted is the 'freedom of expression' that the new technologies facilitate? 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.  Please note that 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. As you are aware, several critiques have also questioned its validity.  Explore the role played by global television in representations of ongoing conflicts. Evaluate the consequences of conflict reportage in global television 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.

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 available 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.

Late submissions

Tasks 10% or less. No extensions will be granted. Students who have not submitted the task prior to the deadline will be awarded a mark of 0 for the task, except for cases in which an application for Disruption to Studies is made and approved.

Tasks above 10%. 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.

All written assessments are to be uploaded in Turnitin at least 5 minutes ahead of the time due on due date. Kindly wait for acknowledgement of upload. Submissions by email will unfortunately not be entertained. Nor will excuses of technical errors.

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).