Students
MMCC8011 – Contemporary Issues in Global Media
2025 – Session 1, Online-scheduled-weekday
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
John Potts
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MMediaComm or MCrInd
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This course canvasses several of the most compelling and contentious issues in global media. With a focus on how developments in media and communication technologies reframe social, cultural, political and economic phenomena, this unit surveys key historical developments to better appreciate and understand contemporary issues in global media. |
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: Explain the underlying theories and concepts that shape contemporary global media issues, demonstrating comprehension of how these factors influence media production, distribution, and consumption on a global scale.
- ULO2: Analyse and assess the impact of contemporary global media issues on various societal, cultural, economic, and political contexts worldwide, applying theoretical frameworks to real-world case studies or examples.
- ULO3: Critically evaluate the ethical implications and challenges posed by contemporary global media issues, considering diverse perspectives and proposing solutions or strategies to address these challenges in a global media landscape.
- ULO4: Communicate complex ideas effectively through various media formats. Develop strong presentation skills, both in written and oral forms, enabling the articulation of creative concepts and project outcomes to diverse audiences.
General Assessment Information
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a
5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written
assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After
the 7th day, a mark of ‘0’ (zero) will be awarded even if the assessment is
submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A
1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical
issue. This late penalty will apply to written reports and recordings only. Late
submission of time sensitive tasks (such as tests/exams, performance
assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs will be
addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor Essay | 30% | No | 28/4/2025 |
| Major Essay | 50% | No | 9/6/2025 |
| Seminar Presentation | 20% | No | 21-28/5/2025 |
Minor Essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 28/4/2025
Weighting: 30%
Students will write a short essay. Please see iLearn for details.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain the underlying theories and concepts that shape contemporary global media issues, demonstrating comprehension of how these factors influence media production, distribution, and consumption on a global scale.
- Analyse and assess the impact of contemporary global media issues on various societal, cultural, economic, and political contexts worldwide, applying theoretical frameworks to real-world case studies or examples.
- Critically evaluate the ethical implications and challenges posed by contemporary global media issues, considering diverse perspectives and proposing solutions or strategies to address these challenges in a global media landscape.
- Communicate complex ideas effectively through various media formats. Develop strong presentation skills, both in written and oral forms, enabling the articulation of creative concepts and project outcomes to diverse audiences.
Major Essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 50 hours
Due: 9/6/2025
Weighting: 50%
Students will write a major research essay. Please see iLearn for details.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain the underlying theories and concepts that shape contemporary global media issues, demonstrating comprehension of how these factors influence media production, distribution, and consumption on a global scale.
- Analyse and assess the impact of contemporary global media issues on various societal, cultural, economic, and political contexts worldwide, applying theoretical frameworks to real-world case studies or examples.
- Critically evaluate the ethical implications and challenges posed by contemporary global media issues, considering diverse perspectives and proposing solutions or strategies to address these challenges in a global media landscape.
- Communicate complex ideas effectively through various media formats. Develop strong presentation skills, both in written and oral forms, enabling the articulation of creative concepts and project outcomes to diverse audiences.
Seminar Presentation
Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 14 hours
Due: 21-28/5/2025
Weighting: 20%
Students will give a seminar presentation. Please see iLearn for details.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain the underlying theories and concepts that shape contemporary global media issues, demonstrating comprehension of how these factors influence media production, distribution, and consumption on a global scale.
- Analyse and assess the impact of contemporary global media issues on various societal, cultural, economic, and political contexts worldwide, applying theoretical frameworks to real-world case studies or examples.
- Critically evaluate the ethical implications and challenges posed by contemporary global media issues, considering diverse perspectives and proposing solutions or strategies to address these challenges in a global media landscape.
- Communicate complex ideas effectively through various media formats. Develop strong presentation skills, both in written and oral forms, enabling the articulation of creative concepts and project outcomes to diverse audiences.
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
Weekly seminars begin in Week 2: Wednesday 11-1 in 10Ha 212. Weekly readings and assessment information are provided in iLearn.
Unit Schedule
MMCC8011
Contemporary Issues in Global Media
Unit Schedule
Seminars: Wed 11 – 1, 10Ha 212
Note: weekly readings are listed in iLearn
Week 2: 5 March – Introduction; The Global Media Landscape
Week 3: 12 March – Covering Contemporary Issues: the News Story and Fact-checking
Week 4: 19 March – Contemporary Issues: Disinformation
Week 5: 26 March – Artificial Intelligence
Week 6: 2 April – Intellectual Property
Week 7: 9 April – Climate Change
MID-SEMESTER BREAK
Week 8: 30 April – Conducting and Editing Interviews for the Media
Week 9: 7 May – Extended Media Writing: News Features and Podcasts
Week 10: 14 May – Other Contemporary Global Issues
Week 11: 21 May – Student Presentations
Week 12: 28 May - Student Presentations
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
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution 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 connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Academic Success
Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
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 2025.03 of the Handbook