Students
POL 856 – Politics of Communications Policy
2016 – S1 Evening
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lecturer
Kathe Boehringer
Contact via kathe.boehringer@mq.edu.au
Please email for an appointment
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MPPP or PGDipPP or PGCertPP or MPASR or PGCertPASR or PGDipPASR or GradDipPASR or GradCertPP or GradDipPP or MIntLawGovPP
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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 examines rapidly changing communications developments and their impact on policy-making; on the other hand, the unit critically surveys the political, economic, social and cultural rationales that underpin the federal government’s communications regulatory and industry policies. Consideration will be given to the historical and current role of communications in ‘nation-building’ and national competition strategies, and in the constitution of public opinion. The relationship of media content and institutions to the political process will be canvassed with a particular focus on the role of public broadcasting and ‘new’ media.
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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:
- Understand and apply the main conceptual, theoretical and analytical categories developed and used by communications and media policy scholars, domestically and internationally
- Identify, explain and critically evaluate the ideological assumptions and historical and institutional contexts underlying various stakeholder positions in Australian communications policy debates
- Identify and explain the relationship between communications policymaking and economic, political, socio-cultural and technological transformations
- Identify and assess arguments relating to: the relationship between regulation and free speech; and the media’s role in democracy
- Develop a body of knowledge concerning the ‘politics’ of forming communications policy and the administrative processes and instruments of regulation
- Analyse and evaluate contemporary and projected communications policy reforms in Australia
General Assessment Information
Assignment Submission
All written assignments must be submitted using the “Turnitin Assignments” facility on the iLearn website. This facility includes software which scans the uploaded assignments for plagiarism. Follow the instructions on the screen carefully. Your assignment should be uploaded before midnight on the due date.
In all cases, you should ensure that you keep a copy of the assignment.
Return of marked work
Marked assignments will be returned via the same facility on iLearn. When marks are released, you will need to go back in to the assignment submission box, and open your uploaded assignment. When you click on the “GradeMark” button, you will be able to see the marker’s comments on your work. You can save or print the essay with the comments.
Extensions
Extensions will only be granted in exceptional circumstances, and will require documentary evidence such as a medical certificate to support the request for an extension. You should contact the convenor as early as possible if you think you may need an extension. While we do understand that most students are engaged in paid employment, extensions cannot be granted on this basis alone.
Penalties for late submission
Assignments which are submitted after the due date, without having an extension granted by the convenor, will be penalised, at a rate of 3% of the mark for each week day after the due date. Any paper submitted more than 3 weeks after the due date will not be marked, and the student will be failed for the assignment.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Documentary analysis | 30% | 29 March 2016 |
| Research essay | 40% | 30 May 2016 |
| Take-home examination | 30% | 20 June 2016 |
Documentary analysis
Due: 29 March 2016
Weighting: 30%
This task requires you to analyse one of two current policy documents and present a critical analysis. Further details will be provided on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand and apply the main conceptual, theoretical and analytical categories developed and used by communications and media policy scholars, domestically and internationally
- Identify, explain and critically evaluate the ideological assumptions and historical and institutional contexts underlying various stakeholder positions in Australian communications policy debates
- Identify and explain the relationship between communications policymaking and economic, political, socio-cultural and technological transformations
- Develop a body of knowledge concerning the ‘politics’ of forming communications policy and the administrative processes and instruments of regulation
- Analyse and evaluate contemporary and projected communications policy reforms in Australia
Research essay
Due: 30 May 2016
Weighting: 40%
The research essay asks you to identify a current Australian communications content policy area and discuss regulatory possibilities. Further details will be provided on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand and apply the main conceptual, theoretical and analytical categories developed and used by communications and media policy scholars, domestically and internationally
- Identify, explain and critically evaluate the ideological assumptions and historical and institutional contexts underlying various stakeholder positions in Australian communications policy debates
- Identify and assess arguments relating to: the relationship between regulation and free speech; and the media’s role in democracy
- Develop a body of knowledge concerning the ‘politics’ of forming communications policy and the administrative processes and instruments of regulation
- Analyse and evaluate contemporary and projected communications policy reforms in Australia
Take-home examination
Due: 20 June 2016
Weighting: 30%
The exam will consist of one short essay and some short answer questions. Further details will be provided in week 13.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify, explain and critically evaluate the ideological assumptions and historical and institutional contexts underlying various stakeholder positions in Australian communications policy debates
- Identify and assess arguments relating to: the relationship between regulation and free speech; and the media’s role in democracy
- Analyse and evaluate contemporary and projected communications policy reforms in Australia
Delivery and Resources
Delivery:
Please note that there will be no weekly evening classes for this unit.
Lectures will be recorded each week and posted on the iLearn site using the Echo lecture facility.
All students, internal and external, are expected to attend two compulsory on-campus sessions of four hours each. The dates for these sessions are
Sunday 10 April 9.30am to 1.30pm in W6B 350
Sunday 5 June 9.30am to 1.30pm in W6B 350
Resources:
This unit has a unit webpage which is accessible only to currently enrolled students. Online units can be accessed at: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au
There is no text book for this unit.
All required readings will be accessible electronically via the Macquarie University Library iShare system. Links will be posted on the iLearn site.
You may also order a print-on-demand copy of the readings by contacting the Printery. Go to http://www.mq.edu.au/business_and_community/printery/macquarie_lighthouse_press/ and click on Student Material (on demand).
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
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.
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/
Results
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.
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://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.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Identify and assess arguments relating to: the relationship between regulation and free speech; and the media’s role in democracy
- Analyse and evaluate contemporary and projected communications policy reforms in Australia
Assessment tasks
- Documentary analysis
- Research essay
- Take-home examination
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand and apply the main conceptual, theoretical and analytical categories developed and used by communications and media policy scholars, domestically and internationally
- Identify, explain and critically evaluate the ideological assumptions and historical and institutional contexts underlying various stakeholder positions in Australian communications policy debates
- Identify and explain the relationship between communications policymaking and economic, political, socio-cultural and technological transformations
- Identify and assess arguments relating to: the relationship between regulation and free speech; and the media’s role in democracy
- Develop a body of knowledge concerning the ‘politics’ of forming communications policy and the administrative processes and instruments of regulation
- Analyse and evaluate contemporary and projected communications policy reforms in Australia
Assessment tasks
- Documentary analysis
- Research essay
- Take-home examination
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand and apply the main conceptual, theoretical and analytical categories developed and used by communications and media policy scholars, domestically and internationally
- Identify, explain and critically evaluate the ideological assumptions and historical and institutional contexts underlying various stakeholder positions in Australian communications policy debates
- Identify and explain the relationship between communications policymaking and economic, political, socio-cultural and technological transformations
- Identify and assess arguments relating to: the relationship between regulation and free speech; and the media’s role in democracy
- Develop a body of knowledge concerning the ‘politics’ of forming communications policy and the administrative processes and instruments of regulation
- Analyse and evaluate contemporary and projected communications policy reforms in Australia
Assessment tasks
- Documentary analysis
- Research essay
- Take-home examination
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Identify, explain and critically evaluate the ideological assumptions and historical and institutional contexts underlying various stakeholder positions in Australian communications policy debates
- Analyse and evaluate contemporary and projected communications policy reforms in Australia
Assessment tasks
- Documentary analysis
- Research essay
- Take-home examination
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Identify and explain the relationship between communications policymaking and economic, political, socio-cultural and technological transformations
- Identify and assess arguments relating to: the relationship between regulation and free speech; and the media’s role in democracy
- Analyse and evaluate contemporary and projected communications policy reforms in Australia
Assessment tasks
- Documentary analysis
- Research essay
- Take-home examination
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Identify and explain the relationship between communications policymaking and economic, political, socio-cultural and technological transformations
- Identify and assess arguments relating to: the relationship between regulation and free speech; and the media’s role in democracy
- Analyse and evaluate contemporary and projected communications policy reforms in Australia
Assessment tasks
- Documentary analysis
- Research essay
- Take-home examination