Students
MMCC1040 – Introduction to Media and Mass Communications
2021 – Session 1, Weekday attendance, North Ryde
Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group activities on campus, and most will keep an online version available to those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face-to-face and online activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Dennis Bruining
H10 193D
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
Introduction to media and communications addresses the major transformations and continuities in the media and communications environment. Students learn foundational frameworks that will help them gain a deeper understanding of rapidly changing media industries and practices. Through interdisciplinary, international, and historical frameworks, this unit explores a range of media forms from print, photography, cinema, and broadcast media, to digital technologies and practices. Through the analysis of mediated communications and media change, students develop knowledge of the structures of power that inform complex relationships between audiences and producers. Interrogating the role of media in everyday life, in both local and global contexts, the course offers a vital introduction to media and communications studies. |
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:
- ULO1: analyse how media and communication is shaped by and shapes social, cultural, historical, political and economic processes.
- ULO2: evaluate and distinguish between foundational frameworks and approaches to media audiences, technologies, industries, and practices.
- ULO3: prepare independent academic research in the field.
- ULO4: communicate disciplinary knowledge using appropriate academic discourses.
- ULO5: analyse contemporary ethical implications of media and communications representations.
General Assessment Information
Feedback
Feedback on assessments and student learning and performance will be provided in a range of ways. Students will receive formal individual feedback on their performance in assessments in the form of general comments, rubric, and in-text comments attached to assignments marked in Turnitin. Students will receive feedback by taking a non-graded iLearn quiz at the end of week 4, which allows them to test their knowledge and track their progress in terms of their knowledge of foundational frameworks and approaches to media and communications. They may receive further individual feedback from unit staff in email communication and personal consultations. Marks are made available in the Gradebook function in iLearn.
Late Submission and Special Consideration
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: Extensions and late penalties will be applied per 24hour period. I.e. If the original deadline was Monday 5pm and the student received 2 days extension, the assessment will then be due on Wednesday 5pm. This is to help prepare students for employment contexts.
Students with a pre-existing disability/health condition or prolonged adverse circumstances may be eligible for ongoing assistance and support. Such support is governed by other policies and may be sought and coordinated through Campus Wellbeing and Support Services.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay on selected question | 40% | No | 24/05/2021 (Monday, week 12, 23:59) |
| Independent research and source annotation | 20% | No | 25/04/2021 (Sunday, Week 7) |
| Discipline specific (online) | 40% | No | 29/03/2021 (Monday, week 6, 23:59) |
Essay on selected question
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 45 hours
Due: 24/05/2021 (Monday, week 12, 23:59)
Weighting: 40%
Students select an essay question. Students are required to research, select and use academic sources to support their written argument. The assessment will allow students to reflect upon and utilise the feedback they received from the first assessment task. Refer to iLearn for further information.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- analyse how media and communication is shaped by and shapes social, cultural, historical, political and economic processes.
- evaluate and distinguish between foundational frameworks and approaches to media audiences, technologies, industries, and practices.
- prepare independent academic research in the field.
- communicate disciplinary knowledge using appropriate academic discourses.
- analyse contemporary ethical implications of media and communications representations.
Independent research and source annotation
Assessment Type 1: Annotated bibliography
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: 25/04/2021 (Sunday, Week 7)
Weighting: 20%
This task is designed for students to research, select and annotate academic sources in relation to their selected topic area. Sources must be relevant to the discipline. Refer to iLearn for further information.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- evaluate and distinguish between foundational frameworks and approaches to media audiences, technologies, industries, and practices.
- prepare independent academic research in the field.
- communicate disciplinary knowledge using appropriate academic discourses.
Discipline specific (online)
Assessment Type 1: Poster
Indicative Time on Task 2: 45 hours
Due: 29/03/2021 (Monday, week 6, 23:59)
Weighting: 40%
This assessment allows students to use media in a creative and analytic format to present a complex concept/theory. All sources must be referenced. Refer to iLearn for further information.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- analyse how media and communication is shaped by and shapes social, cultural, historical, political and economic processes.
- evaluate and distinguish between foundational frameworks and approaches to media audiences, technologies, industries, and practices.
- prepare independent academic research in the field.
- communicate disciplinary knowledge using appropriate academic discourses.
- analyse contemporary ethical implications of media and communications representations.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
This unit is delivered through online lectures, as well as on-campus and online tutorials. All unit readings will be made available through the university library and can be accessed online via Leganto. A link to Leganto will be available on the unit's iLearn space. A working internet connection is critical.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). 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
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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.
Unit information based on version 2021.03 of the Handbook