Students
MECO705 – From Alphabet to Internet
2018 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit convenor
Ilona Hongisto
Contact via by email
Y3A 193F
Wednesdays 2-3pm
Sarah Keith
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
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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 focuses on the critical turns of media theory. The unit explores key concepts and historical contexts relating to a range of media, and elaborates on their materiality and communicative modalities. This unit will provide opportunities for critical reflection and/or creative production relevant to specific disciplinary areas.
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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:
- Gain advanced knowledge of the literature in the field of media theory.
- Evaluate, synthesise and analyse various media texts and practices as well as scholarly literature appropriate to the research topic.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and evaluation of the arguments of others and development of students’ own ideas and arguments in relation to scholarly literature.
- Communicate (either oral or written) a clear and coherent exposition of the theoretical and analytical knowledge and methods utilised in the field of research.
- Apply knowledge and theories to new contexts and multiple media.
General Assessment Information
Late Submission Penalty
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.
Assessment Policy
This unit follows the assessment standards set in the University's Assessment Policy:
https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/assessment
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active participation | 20% | No | weeks 2–12 |
| Short essay | 15% | No | 06/04/2018 |
| Peer feedback | 10% | No | 13/04/2018 |
| Oral presentation | 15% | No | weeks 11–12 |
| Final essay | 40% | No | 08/06/2018 |
Active participation
Due: weeks 2–12
Weighting: 20%
Participation will be assessed based on the student’s active contribution to class discussion. Each student is expected to formulate at least two (2) questions per reading and to bring these questions into the class discussion. In addition, each student is expected to think of and share one (1) practical example inspired by each of the readings. These examples are meant to elucidate the arguments of the readings. In weeks 11 and 12, participation will be assessed based on active engagement with other students’ presentations. This may include questions, comments or comparative examples that reflect on the presentation topics.
Assessment criteria (for a full assessment rubric, please refer to iLearn):
Discussion questions and practical example: Students will be assessed based on the appropriateness of their discussion questions and the applicability of their practical example (evidence of engagement with the unit readings).
Communication: Students will be assessed based on the fluency and clarity of their argumentation, as well as the demonstration of engagement with arguments of others.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Gain advanced knowledge of the literature in the field of media theory.
- Evaluate, synthesise and analyse various media texts and practices as well as scholarly literature appropriate to the research topic.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and evaluation of the arguments of others and development of students’ own ideas and arguments in relation to scholarly literature.
- Communicate (either oral or written) a clear and coherent exposition of the theoretical and analytical knowledge and methods utilised in the field of research.
- Apply knowledge and theories to new contexts and multiple media.
Short essay
Due: 06/04/2018
Weighting: 15%
Students will write a 1000-word essay on the notion of the medium and the practices of (re)mediation. The essays will draw on the readings and discussions from the first six weeks of classes. Students are expected to refer to at least 3 unit readings and link the arguments of the readings to a reflection of their preferred medium. Detailed essay instructions including examples will be provided in week 2.
Submission is via Turnitin.
Assessment criteria (for a full assessment rubric, please refer to iLearn):
Reading and research: Evidence of thorough engagement with unit literature. Demonstration of application of gained knowledge to new contexts and media.
Argument and analysis: Evidence of critical thinking (through evaluating the arguments of others and supporting one’s own position); evidence of relational thinking (through making connections between key ideas from the unit and supporting these connections).
Communication and style: Strategies for communicating ideas and arguments demonstrate imagination and critical reflection. The writing is fluent, language is polished and referencing is complete. The structure supports the argument and offers a clear and balanced exposition of theoretical and practical knowledge.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Gain advanced knowledge of the literature in the field of media theory.
- Evaluate, synthesise and analyse various media texts and practices as well as scholarly literature appropriate to the research topic.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and evaluation of the arguments of others and development of students’ own ideas and arguments in relation to scholarly literature.
- Communicate (either oral or written) a clear and coherent exposition of the theoretical and analytical knowledge and methods utilised in the field of research.
- Apply knowledge and theories to new contexts and multiple media.
Peer feedback
Due: 13/04/2018
Weighting: 10%
Each student will give feedback of a fellow student’s short essay. Feedback sessions will be held in week 7. Students will be given a feedback template that they need to fill out, go through and discuss with the author of the essay. After the feedback session, students will submit the filled out feedback template to the unit convener. Detailed instructions including examples will be provided in week 2.
Submission is via Turnitin.
Assessment criteria (for a full assessment rubric, please refer to iLearn):
Evaluation and reflection: Evidence of critical thinking through evaluating the arguments of others. Demonstration of reflection through relational thinking (through making connections between the readings and other media examples).
Communication: Demonstration of thorough engagement with the work of others. Evidence of supportive feedback: clear and justified indication of positive aspects and those that could be ameliorated.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Evaluate, synthesise and analyse various media texts and practices as well as scholarly literature appropriate to the research topic.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and evaluation of the arguments of others and development of students’ own ideas and arguments in relation to scholarly literature.
- Communicate (either oral or written) a clear and coherent exposition of the theoretical and analytical knowledge and methods utilised in the field of research.
Oral presentation
Due: weeks 11–12
Weighting: 15%
Students will prepare 15-minute in class presentations on their chosen topic. Although the choice of topic is free within the overall frame of the unit, students are required to engage with academic literature and media-related practices. The aim of the presentation is to prepare students for their final essay by laying out their research topic, research question, research materials and key literature. The presentation should give a clear indication of their field of research; including a tentative argument, context, as well as problem areas and possible solutions. Detailed instructions including examples will be provided in week 8.
Assessment criteria (for a full assessment rubric, please refer to iLearn):
Demonstration of critical thinking: Students will be assessed based on how they canvas their field of research in the presentation.
Evaluation and application of knowledge: Students will be assessed based on their ability to apply gained knowledge and theories to new contexts and media.
Communication and clarity of presentation: Students will be assessed based on how they convey and defend their ideas in the presentation; including the use of visual aids, structure and time-management.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Evaluate, synthesise and analyse various media texts and practices as well as scholarly literature appropriate to the research topic.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and evaluation of the arguments of others and development of students’ own ideas and arguments in relation to scholarly literature.
- Communicate (either oral or written) a clear and coherent exposition of the theoretical and analytical knowledge and methods utilised in the field of research.
- Apply knowledge and theories to new contexts and multiple media.
Final essay
Due: 08/06/2018
Weighting: 40%
Students will write a 3000-word research essay on the relationship of media and history. The essay should build on the unit readings, the short essay, peer feedback, the oral presentation and class discussions. The essay should have a clearly articulated research question, an argument that is developed and supported throughout the essay, as well as a structure that supports the argument. The essay should engage with the unit readings as well as include independent readings. A minimum of six (6) academic references is required. Detailed essay instructions including examples will be provided in week 8.
Submission is via Turnitin.
Assessment criteria (for a full assessment rubric, please refer to iLearn):
Reading and research: Evidence of thorough engagement with unit literature and independent readings. Demonstration of advanced knowledge of the research field and application of knowledge to new contexts and media.
Argument and analysis: Well-articulated and well-supported argument; evidence of critical thinking (through evaluating the arguments of others and supporting one’s own position); evidence of relational thinking (through making connections between key ideas from the unit and wider literature, and supporting these connections).
Communication: Strategies for communicating ideas and arguments demonstrate imagination and critical reflection. Chosen examples and case studies are original, and they are related to other examples in innovative ways.
Style and Referencing: Fluent writing, polished language and complete referencing are required. The structure must support the argument and offer a clear and balanced exposition of theoretical and practical knowledge.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Gain advanced knowledge of the literature in the field of media theory.
- Evaluate, synthesise and analyse various media texts and practices as well as scholarly literature appropriate to the research topic.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and evaluation of the arguments of others and development of students’ own ideas and arguments in relation to scholarly literature.
- Communicate (either oral or written) a clear and coherent exposition of the theoretical and analytical knowledge and methods utilised in the field of research.
- Apply knowledge and theories to new contexts and multiple media.
Delivery and Resources
Classes begin in week 2.
Please note the University's Late Submission Penalty: Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.
Please note MMCCS's re-mark policy: http://www.mq.edu.au/pubstatic/public/download/?id=167914
Unit schedule and required readings: All the unit readings are accessible online through the library's multisearch function.
Week 1: No class No readings
Week 2: The history of communication No readings.
Week 3: The medium McLuhan, Marshall (1994/1964), “The Medium is the Message” in Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man. The MIT Press, 7–21.
Week 4: Mediation and remediation Grusin, Richard & Jay David Bolter (2000) ‘Mediation and remediation’ in Remediation: Understanding New Media. Cambridge, Mass: The MIT Press, pp. 52–63.
Week 5: Mediating the invisible Fallon, Kris (2016) ‘Data Visualization and Documentary’s (In)visible Frontiers’ in Documentary across Disciplines, edited by Erika Balsom and Hila Peleg, Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, pp. 294–312
Takahashi, Tess (2017) ‘Data Visualization as Documentary Form: The Murmur of Digital Magnitude’ in Discourse, Volume 39, Number 3, Fall 2017, pp. 376–396.
Week 6: Networks of mediation Dijck, José van (2012) ‘Engineering Sociality in a Culture of Connectivity’ in The Culture of Connectivity. Oxford: Oxford University Press, chapter 1, pp. 3–23.
Week 7: Peer review sessions No readings
Recess
Week 8: Media archaeology Strauwen, Wanda (2013) ‘Media Archaeology: Where Film History, Media Art, and New Media (Can) Meet’ in Julia Noordegraaf et al (eds.) Preserving and Exhibiting Media Art: Challenges and Perspectives. Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press, pp. 59–79. http://www.oapen.org/search?identifier=530353
Week 9: Media, history, nostalgia Jameson, Fredric (1991) ‘Surrealism Without the Unconscious’ in Postmodernism, or, the Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism. Durham: Duke University Press, pp. 67–96.
Week 10: Media, utopia, presence Huyssen, Andreas (1995) ‘Memories of Utopia’ in Twilight Memories: Marking Time in a Culture of Amnesia. New York: Routledge: pp. 85–101.
Baron, Jaimie (2013) ‘The archive affect: The archival fragment and the production of historical “presence”’ in The Archive Effect: Found footage and the audiovisual experience of history. London: Routledge, pp. 109–137.
Week 11: Student presentations No readings
Week 12: Student presentations No readings
Week 13: Essay consultation No readings
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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
- Gain advanced knowledge of the literature in the field of media theory.
- Evaluate, synthesise and analyse various media texts and practices as well as scholarly literature appropriate to the research topic.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and evaluation of the arguments of others and development of students’ own ideas and arguments in relation to scholarly literature.
- Apply knowledge and theories to new contexts and multiple media.
Assessment tasks
- Active participation
- Short essay
- Peer feedback
- Oral presentation
- Final essay
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
- Gain advanced knowledge of the literature in the field of media theory.
- Evaluate, synthesise and analyse various media texts and practices as well as scholarly literature appropriate to the research topic.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and evaluation of the arguments of others and development of students’ own ideas and arguments in relation to scholarly literature.
Assessment tasks
- Active participation
- Short essay
- Peer feedback
- Oral presentation
- Final essay
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
- Gain advanced knowledge of the literature in the field of media theory.
- Evaluate, synthesise and analyse various media texts and practices as well as scholarly literature appropriate to the research topic.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and evaluation of the arguments of others and development of students’ own ideas and arguments in relation to scholarly literature.
- Communicate (either oral or written) a clear and coherent exposition of the theoretical and analytical knowledge and methods utilised in the field of research.
- Apply knowledge and theories to new contexts and multiple media.
Assessment tasks
- Active participation
- Short essay
- Peer feedback
- Oral presentation
- Final essay
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
- Gain advanced knowledge of the literature in the field of media theory.
- Evaluate, synthesise and analyse various media texts and practices as well as scholarly literature appropriate to the research topic.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and evaluation of the arguments of others and development of students’ own ideas and arguments in relation to scholarly literature.
- Communicate (either oral or written) a clear and coherent exposition of the theoretical and analytical knowledge and methods utilised in the field of research.
- Apply knowledge and theories to new contexts and multiple media.
Assessment tasks
- Active participation
- Short essay
- Peer feedback
- Oral presentation
- Final essay
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
- Demonstrate critical thinking and evaluation of the arguments of others and development of students’ own ideas and arguments in relation to scholarly literature.
- Communicate (either oral or written) a clear and coherent exposition of the theoretical and analytical knowledge and methods utilised in the field of research.
Assessment tasks
- Active participation
- Short essay
- Peer feedback
- Oral presentation
- Final essay
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
- Demonstrate critical thinking and evaluation of the arguments of others and development of students’ own ideas and arguments in relation to scholarly literature.
- Communicate (either oral or written) a clear and coherent exposition of the theoretical and analytical knowledge and methods utilised in the field of research.
Assessment tasks
- Active participation
- Short essay
- Peer feedback
- Oral presentation
- Final essay