Students are to contribute to tutorial discussions. Marks are for meaningful contributions and insightful observations that reflect reading, critical thought and awareness of contemporary issues. Ability to analyse them in the context of the concepts/theories dealt with in the unit will be regarded highly. Students are required to attend all tutorials.  In case of approved disruptions, participation will be evaluated proportionate to attendance.

Critically analyse literature on media representations of the 'West' and 'the Rest'.

This assessment aims at providing feedback on student's understanding of scholarly debates surrounding media representations of the Asia-Pacific (part of 'the Rest') and their ability to articulate them within an academic context. The essay of 1500 words requires critical evaluation 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 of academic literature relating to media representations. In addition to an in-depth understanding of the theories dealt with in the first four weeks of semester, students must acquaint themselves with academic debates relating to the West-Rest dichotomy. The essay requires them to categorise the material 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 of the unit. Essay 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:

• evidence of clear understanding of the the theories relating to communication and media representations and ability to evaluate their relevance to the Asia-Pacific region,
• evidence of extensive reading as seen in the critique of the theories and in appropriate in-text referencing and bibliography,
• comprehension of the historical background and socio-political environments,
• presentation which includes a clear writing style, good grammar and spelling.

(Rubric for written assessments posted in ilearn).

A  multiple-choice to be done in Week 10 on ilearn at students' convenience. Details will be announced in tutorials ahead of the test.

Answer any one of the following in 2500 words:

1. Critically analyse and evaluate representations of the Asia-Pacific region (and people) by mainstream Australian media.

2. Drawing on the theoretical and methodological insights of Edward Said and Stuart Hall into media representations, explore  constructions of the 'other' in global television.

3. Examine representations of Asians/Africans in Hollywood films in the context of Western hegemony in general and Edward Said's thesis on 'orientalism' in particular.

This summative assessment requires understanding of theories relating to media representations and an ability to apply them to evaluate contemporary media environments. Theories relating to media representations and analysis of media environments in the Asia-Pacific region are part of the unit content. However, evaluation of the scenarios mentioned in the questions requires a knowledge of media analysis techniques (for instance, quantitative method like content analysis or qualitative methods like 'framing' and discourse analysis). Students are expected to choose an established research method to make the evaluation and avoid presenting an analysis based on personal observations. This would ideally involve 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.  Academic standards commensurate with study 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 relevant 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:

• evidence of understanding of key theories and ability to extend them to the region and the issue chosen for study,
• application of appropriate disciplinary-specific research methods,
• comprehension of the historical background and socio-political environments,
• ability to provide alternative perspectives, through in-text referencing and a comprehensive bibliography as also
• presentation which includes a clear writing style, good grammar and spelling.

(See rubrics for written assessments in ilearn).