Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Maya Ranganathan
Contact via maya.ranganathan@mq.edu.au
Y3A 156
TBA on ilearn page
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Credit points |
Credit points
4
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MIntComm or MIntRel or MIntCommMIntRel or MIntBusMIntComm or MIntPubDip
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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 provides students with an overview of the theoretical framework that informs research in the discipline of International Communication. It takes them through discourse analytical methods that are employed to understand contemporary communication and to make projections of future trends. It aims to provide hands-on experience in research methodologies to enable students to take a scientific and analytical approach to Communication during the course of their study and in future career paths. The critique of various discourse scenarios from across the world will draw upon established theories and methods propounded by Norman Fairclough and Frederick Jameson, among others.
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Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Readings are available online in the library website (Choose 'unit readings' and type in MECO800). Readings/activities are to be done ahead of the tutorials which are seminar hours.
All written assessments are to be uploaded on Turnitin. In case of technical issues, Convenor may please be alerted with screenshot of the issue. The test is to be done online during the time it is open.
Assessment tasks are aligned to the unit Learning Outcomes. 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
You are required to attend all seminars. As participation in the process of learning is linked to and underpins the unit Learning Outcomes, you will need to apply for special consideration to cover any missed class (if classes have been missed for more than three consecutive days).
Weekly access of ilearn is mandatory. All announcements will be made in ilearn. Marks will be uploaded to ilearn grade book.
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
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Design a research plan | 20% | No | 7 September, 5 p.m |
Online test | 30% | No | Week 9 |
Present a project proposal | 40% | No | Weeks 11,12 and 13. |
Active participation | 10% | No | Week 1-12 |
Due: 7 September, 5 p.m
Weighting: 20%
In not more than 1000 words, draw up a research plan to investigate any one of the issues listed below. Choose a methodology taught in the unit and establish its appropriateness. The assessment involves identifying the theoretical/conceptual framework, justifying the methodology and detailing the method as applicable to the study of the issue. (Note: ‘methodology’ refers to approach and method, including details of data collection). You are not required to conduct the study or report findings.
1. Political polarization
Political polarisation is increasing in democracies. Draw up a design to investigate how the changing face of the media (includes rise of new communication platforms) has played a role in this increasing political polarization.
You may choose any democracy. You may choose to study media in general or focus on any one media. For example, you might consider how particular TV news channel's biases affect viewers' voting choices, or, how the release of political news stories on social media shapes viewers' perceptions of the facts. The methodology that you choose should help understand how voters are influenced by media content and reach.
2. Diasporic belongingness
Myria Georgiou (2013: 80-99)* argues that media must be understood as spaces where minorities increasingly communicate interests, make claims and mobilize identities. While living in western nations, they also sustain political and cultural connections across boundaries, largely through the media. However, the rise of transnational television calls into question this assertion as they cater to broad categories homogenising populations. Draw up a design to investigate whether transnational television enhance diasporic belongingness or challenge it.
*Georgiou, Myria, 2013, 'Diaspora in the Digital Era: Minorities and Media Representation,' Journal on Ethnopolitics and Minority Issues in Europe, Vol 12, No 4, pp.80-99.
3. Symbols of global culture
Studies have established that 'global culture' has not resulted from gradual spontaneous processes, but is a result of tremendous investments of time, energy and money by transnational corporations. The common theme of global culture is 'consumption'. Devise a research design to identify and understand the symbols of global culture employed in transnational advertisements. (Examples of some symbols of transnational culture - automobiles, advertising, supermarkets, shopping centers, hotels, fast food chains, credit cards, and Hollywood movies. They are used to indicate themes such as happiness, youth, success, status, luxury, fashion, and beauty.)
The following assessment criteria will apply:
1. Appropriateness of the method: choosing the most suitable and effective method
2. Details of methodology: evidence of a clear understanding of the method and applicability in the context of the question
3. References: this refers to both references in-text to appropriate theorists and the format of references appended to the essay
4. Writing: Lucid and clear writing style which is appropriate to academic work
5. Structure: a clear structure that evidences systematic thought
Due: Week 9
Weighting: 30%
The aim of the test is to ensure that the methods dealt with in the unit have been understood adequately to facilitate applicationThree tests each for 10 per cent (totalling 30 per cent) will be held at regular intervals through out the semester. The test will contain multiple choice questions and will open in Week 9 and be available from Monday, 9 a.m - Friday, 5 p.m. 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.
The following assessment criteria will apply:
Correct understanding of methods: 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.
Due: Weeks 11,12 and 13.
Weighting: 40%
This is a group assessment. There are two components to this assessment: oral presentation for 20 marks and written submission for 20 marks. The oral presentation will be done in the tutorial classes in weeks 11 and 12. The written submission for all groups is due on 6th November 2018, 5 p.m, on Turnitin.
Teams are required to present a research project proposal on an issue of significance in the disciplinary areas of comunication and media studies. The topic must be new and contemporary. Events related to the topic must preferrably be on-going and should NOT have occurred earlier than January 2017. The issue chosen for study must concern large sections of population, must engage global attention and must be part of public discourse, or, in other words be worthy of research.
Project proposal must contain 1. Title/research question 2. Aims and objectives 3. Background and significance 4. Methodology and 5. Bibliography. Method must be qualitative and chosen from one of the methods taught in the unit. This assessment does not require application of the method. It must however contain all details of the method, including details of how it could be applied. The proposal must make clear how the method is appropriate to the study of the issue, the period of data collection and the parameters of analysis and a timeline. Team members are to work together with each taking up responisbility for one section of the proposal.
The oral submission in Weeks 11 and 12 seminar hours will be assessed on the following criteria:
Content: significance of research topic, viability of research, clear articulation of aims and objectives, appropriate references, detailed methodology and a well constructed Bibliography
Coherence: the different sections are stitched together well and flow easily without contradictions, making it easy to understand
Use of time: the individual members share the time allotted and work in tandem with other members
Manner of presentation: Eye contact, gestures, volume, enunciation, good grammar and vocabulary
Visual aids
Written submission: Each team member is to write approximately 1200 words. All sections to be collected and uploaded onto Turnitin by one member of the team. It will be assessed on the following criteria:
Research viability
Significance of the topic
Methodology
Clarity of ideas and incorporation of feedback
Relevance and significance of the works listed and details in the Bibliography
Grammar and spelling
Rubrics will be available in ilearn
Due: Week 1-12
Weighting: 10%
The two hour weekly seminars will involve a range of activities designed to explore the academic research process and methods. Students' participation will be graded on the level of engagement witnessed in the seminars. They include participation in discussions facilitated by the lecturer, general questions asked during the seminar hours and involvement in set activities. Constructive feedback to proposals during the presentations in weeks 11 and 12 will count towards the marks. Participation is expected to be well considered and relevant to the unit of study. Rubrics in ilearn.
Students are expected to attend library orientation and contact subject librarian for access to resources. All details pertaining to the weekly lectures, class activities and assessment tasks will be made available on ilearn. Students to check their student email regularly.
Week 1
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Introduction to academic research and the unit content and requirements Seminar hours devoted to understanding the significance of academic research |
Week 2
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Difference between quantitative and qualitative research methods and their applicability to understand contemporary communication issues. The academic research process will be discussed in the seminar hours. |
Week 3
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Semiotic analysis Group exercises on semiotic analysis in communication studies in the seminar hours. |
Week 4 |
Marxist analysis Discussions in the seminar hours on Marxist approach to understand issues relating to power |
Week 5 |
Critical Discourse Analysis Seminar hours will deal with Fairclough's exposition of CDA
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Week 6
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Critical Discourse Analysis Multi-modal analysis and new media research Exercises in the seminar hours on ways in which new media content pose challenges to academic research and means to overcome them.
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Week 7
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Library workshop on 'generating ideas for research'. Attendance is compulsory. |
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RECESS |
Week 8 |
Discussion in the seminar hour on significant research issues and coming up with a research idea. |
Week 9
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Interpreting qualitative data Exercises on interpreting data based on a theoretical and methodological framework |
Week 10
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Writing the research proposal |
Week 11 |
Presentations of project proposals |
Week 12 |
Presentations of project proposals |
Week 13 |
No lectures or tutorials. Project proposal submission due this week. |
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:
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).
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 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.
MMCCS Session Re-mark Application http://www.mq.edu.au/pubstatic/public/download/?id=167914
Information is correct at the time of publication
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
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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.
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Assessment questions, weightage have been changed.
A group assessment has been introduced to facilitate working together as teams, in simulation of work environments.