Students in groups of 3-5 (depending on the total numbers in the tutorial class) will lead the tutorial class by addressing the question for the week mentioned in ilearn in the week's block. The activity will begin 5 minutes past the tutorial hour and last for 40 minutes in total.

The exercise includes explaining and exploring the concepts dealt with in the week’s Readings/lecture while critically examining the issues related to the question (listed in ilearn page in the respective week block). The readings do not contain answers to the question; the concepts drawn from the readings are to be employed in answering the question. Soft copy of a 500-word summary of the presentation with a list of references is to be uploaded on Turnitin; a hard copy is to be handed over to the tutor prior to the presentation. This summary will be used by the tutor as a guide for the evaluation of the presentation. Failure to submit it prior to presentation will lead to loss of marks.

The content of the presentation and the 500-word summary will be marked on 10; the remaining marks are for manner of presentation, including visual aids used, time management and co-ordination. 

The total time allotted to the team (regardless of the number of members) is 40 minutes,  including the time for questions and answers/class activity and interaction. Class interaction must be facilitated. It can take the form of questions to the class, group discussions, debates, game shows etc.  Marking rubrics will be available in ilearn at the start of semester. It is the student’s responsibility to be in contact with other members of the group and arrange to work together. Tutors will not be able to provide contact details nor facilitate meetings. The tutor may in their role as moderator, put questions to the team members during presentation, clarify and steer discussions.

The following criteria will be used for grading:

The team will be graded on

1. Content, both relating to the concepts for the week and the ways in which they are applied to address the question. Academic definitions of terms as against commonsensical explanations will be required. Clarity, credibiltiy of the sources used, citation in slides and appropriate examples will be taken into account. Online references from Wikipedia and Youtube clips and definitions from dictionaries (Oxford, Webster etc) will not be considered highly.  Academic references are required. The suggested referencing format is Harvard or in-text referencing style.

2. Original research: critical evaluation of contemporary media content. The analysis must be based on more than easily available Youtube clips and online sources and show evidence of critical thought.

3. Coherence: The different sections are well-connected and easy to follow.

Individual members will be graded on the following criteria:

3. Manner of presentation: creative delivery, clear expression and professional discourse, and judicious use of available time.  A very short presentation will be marked down as also one that exceeds time.

4.  Visual aids: formatting in slides and other visual aids, grammar and spelling, referencing in slides or other material distributed in class.

5. Methods to involve class participation. This may take the form of discussion questions, debates, quizzes or any other activity that stimulates thought and discussion. Emphasis is on contribution to learning.

In summary, 10 marks is for group activity and 15 for individual contribution.

The aim of the test is to ensure that the concepts dealt with in the readings and the lectures have been understood adequately to facilitate application in work environments.  Three tests each for 10 per cent (totalling 30 per cent) will be held at regular intervals through out the semester. The tests will contain multiple choice questions and will open after the tutorial classes in the week and stay open for four days.  The test is time-bound. As it cannot be individually calibrated, time has been fixed taking into account the interests of students requiring more time . Students will have to finish it at one sitting in the time specified prior to the test. Failure to complete a test requires application for special consideration. Alternate arrangements will have to be discussed with the tutor and maynot be made till the end of the semester.

The following assessment criteria will apply:

Correct understanding of the concepts: A summary of the concepts as in the readings and as explained in the lectures.

Knowledge of theorists: Reference to key theorists mentioned in the readings and lectures.

Summative assessment: 35 per cent

Answer one of the following questions in not more than 1500 words

1. Media globalisation has led to perceptions of cultural imperialism. Explore the desirability and efficacy of media policy to address the issue.
2. The fourth estate role of media has become unviable given the prevalent economic and organisational factors and journalistic practices. Explain if and how media policy can ensure that media uphold the fourth estate principles?
3. Discuss how an understanding of the histories of information and communication technologies policies can contribute to our understanding of the social shaping of technology. In the context of increase in ‘fake news’, ‘alternative facts’ and political campaigns on social media, is there a need for specific policy in liberal democracies to address the issue?

You may take a case study approach or make a general argument providing appropriate examples in your answers to the above questions. Whatever the approach, evidence of reading and research and inclusion of the concepts (at least 3 concepts) dealt with in the unit, are required. The essay must meet academic requirements appropriate to a 300-level unit (This means that it must rise above a common-sensical elaboration and show evidence of academic reading and insight).

The essay may be structured thus: 

Introduction

Begin the essay with a brief theoretical reflection on the various perspectives and academic debates relevant to the issue. Then select a specific aspect - a particularly contentious debate or a set of contradictions or tensions and place it in the context of media policy. Mention the concepts that will guide the arguments.

Analysis

Choose an appropriate case study or, if you are making a general argument, appropriate examples. Place it/them in the framework of the theories mentioned in the ‘introduction’ explore the various aspects, particularly the ways in which media policy addresses or fails to address contradictions or tensions. While you are not expected to conduct original research in the form of interviews or data collection, you are required to draw on academic literature (check the library database and not google) and discuss the issue analytically.

Conclusion

Assess whether and/or how policy provides (or, can provide) a solution to the challenges or fails to do so and end with your suggestions.

The essay will be graded using the following criteria:

1. Argument, substantiation and discourse: clear understanding of the concepts, references to appropriate research, credible sources. Clarity is an important requirement. This refers to effective use of discipline-specific and appropriate language.

2. Coherence and organisation: precision and interconnectedness of theory, concept and analysis. The concepts dealt with in the unit must be extended to the argument and exploration of issues.

3. Style and grammar: Clear use of language without spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.

Active participation is assessed by a student’s engagement in the tutorials. They include participation in discussions facilitated by the lecturer/tutor as also during presentations, general questions asked during lectures or tutorials and involvement in set activities. Participation is expected to be well considered and relevant to the unit of study.