Students
MMCC2016 – Sex, Death and Politics: Media Representations
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
Chris Muller
Contact via chris.muller@mq.edu.au
Office 160; 10 Hadenfeld Avenue
Monday 1:30-2:30pm (online) and per appointment (on campus)
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
40cp at 1000 level or above
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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 is about the common (yet often scandalous) dilemmas or big issues we confront or have to ethically decide upon in our everyday lives. For example, why do we, or would we, decide to have an affair or a one night stand? Why do we decide to have kids, or not? Why do we decide to work, or be educated? Why do we decide it is important to prolong human life, or not (euthanasia)? Why do we choose to eat or not eat animals? Selecting from topics such as health, environment, science, to adultery, marriage, abortion, euthanasia, religion, war, sport, and work, this unit will draw on a number of key thinkers, ethical and practical approaches, and media representations, to debate how and why we make the decisions we do, why we think some decisions are more important than others, and how our decisions are influenced by media and politicians, religion and society, family and friends. |
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, identify, and communicate broad and specific arguments in contemporary media, cultural, political, and ethical debates.
- ULO2: evaluate various media representations that contribute to cultural, social, and ethical values.
- ULO3: apply theoretical arguments underpinning contemporary issues and debates to specific ethical decision making in everyday life.
- ULO4: apply team and individual problem solving and enquiry based learning to contemporary social, cultural, and ethical issues and debates.
- ULO5: reflect critically on the impact and consequence of one's arguments on others, while respecting the difference of counterarguments.
General Assessment Information
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 Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Position Paper | 35% | No | Week 6 or semester break (9/4/2021) depending on topic |
| Team Debate | 35% | No | Weeks 8 - 12 |
| Self-Reflective Essay | 30% | No | Week 12 or 13 depending on date of debate |
Position Paper
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 38 hours
Due: Week 6 or semester break (9/4/2021) depending on topic
Weighting: 35%
Students will choose a class topic and write a position paper in the form of an essay that develops a particular argument. The essay needs to respond to a clearly identified case study / media representation of a particular topic and build on course reading, analysis of relations of power and individual research. Refer to iLearn for further information.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- analyse, identify, and communicate broad and specific arguments in contemporary media, cultural, political, and ethical debates.
- evaluate various media representations that contribute to cultural, social, and ethical values.
- apply theoretical arguments underpinning contemporary issues and debates to specific ethical decision making in everyday life.
- apply team and individual problem solving and enquiry based learning to contemporary social, cultural, and ethical issues and debates.
Team Debate
Assessment Type 1: Debate
Indicative Time on Task 2: 35 hours
Due: Weeks 8 - 12
Weighting: 35%
Students will be assigned a team, which will focus on a particular topic from the weekly lectorials. Students will be randomly assigned to one side of the argument and will develop, debate and defend a specific position. Debates will happen in scheduled class hours where possible. Refer to iLearn for further information.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- analyse, identify, and communicate broad and specific arguments in contemporary media, cultural, political, and ethical debates.
- evaluate various media representations that contribute to cultural, social, and ethical values.
- apply theoretical arguments underpinning contemporary issues and debates to specific ethical decision making in everyday life.
- apply team and individual problem solving and enquiry based learning to contemporary social, cultural, and ethical issues and debates.
- reflect critically on the impact and consequence of one's arguments on others, while respecting the difference of counterarguments.
Self-Reflective Essay
Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Week 12 or 13 depending on date of debate
Weighting: 30%
Students will write a scholarly essay on the nuances and complications that arose when arguing for a specific position before an audience of peers. Refer to iLearn for further information.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- analyse, identify, and communicate broad and specific arguments in contemporary media, cultural, political, and ethical debates.
- evaluate various media representations that contribute to cultural, social, and ethical values.
- apply theoretical arguments underpinning contemporary issues and debates to specific ethical decision making in everyday life.
- apply team and individual problem solving and enquiry based learning to contemporary social, cultural, and ethical issues and debates.
- reflect critically on the impact and consequence of one's arguments on others, while respecting the difference of counterarguments.
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 comprises of an interactive two-hour lectorial, which has been adapted for online delivery. Teaching for this unit starts in week 2 (week starting on 1st of March). Up to the semester break you will be introduced to a range of topics and pressing societal issues through interactive lectures and debate activities in smaller groups. Following the semester break, there will be two interactive sessions in which you are introduced to the principles of effective public speaking and you will be able to practice these skills with your peers to build toward your team debate presentations. For the remaining weeks, you will be participating in team debate sessions.
This unit is supported by an extensive reading list on Leganto and a range of additional resources for individual study. Lectures will be available as recordings and the classes are supported by worksheets and debate questions that can be accessed via iLearn.
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 2021.02 of the Handbook