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IAS113 - Introducing Communications Studies

2024

Sector

Higher Education

Discipline

Communications

Credit Points

Equivalent Units

(COM102)

Prerequisites

Incompatible

Assumed Knowledge

Unit Description

This unit introduces students to the complex and rewarding world of media communication studies. How can you differentiate between advertising and propaganda? Is the media sexist? Does playing computer games make children behave more violently? Are audiences smart or stupid? From moral panic theories to understanding the bizarre worlds of celebrity and fandom, this unit investigates such issues through history, media and communication studies theories. Students will understand contemporary media cultures through introductory semiotics to develop competencies in analysing and interpreting visual and written texts, vital for understanding contemporary media cultures.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.	Analyse, interpret and discuss key theories and issues in contemporary communication and media studies.
2.	Apply foundational semiotic analysis skills through the study of signs and symbols used for meaningful communications.
3.	Evaluate research and review material for analysis.
4.	Evaluate and apply a range of communications studies approaches.

Assessment Overview

	Assessment Task	Value (of total mark)	Related Learning Outcome/s
1.	Weekly tutorial questions and discussion board responses (10 x 100 words)	20%	1 - Analyse, interpret and discuss key theories and issues in contemporary communication and media studies. 2 - Apply foundational semiotic analysis skills through the study of signs and symbols used for meaningful communications. 3 - Evaluate research and review material for analysis. 4 - Evaluate and apply a range of communications studies approaches.
2.	Essay (800 words)	25%	1 - Analyse, interpret and discuss key theories and issues in contemporary communication and media studies. 2 - Apply foundational semiotic analysis skills through the study of signs and symbols used for meaningful communications. 3 - Evaluate research and review material for analysis. 4 - Evaluate and apply a range of communications studies approaches.
3.	Oral presentation (10 minutes)	20%	1 - Analyse, interpret and discuss key theories and issues in contemporary communication and media studies. 2 - Apply foundational semiotic analysis skills through the study of signs and symbols used for meaningful communications. 4 - Evaluate and apply a range of communications studies approaches.
4.	Essay (1,200 words)	35%	1 - Analyse, interpret and discuss key theories and issues in contemporary communication and media studies. 3 - Evaluate research and review material for analysis. 4 - Evaluate and apply a range of communications studies approaches.

Unit Availability

Year	Semester	Att Mode	Location	Learning Method	Timetable*
2024	Semester 1	Internal	Casuarina Campus	OLR
2024	Semester 1	External	External Studies	OLR

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OLR: Internet access is required for this unit as students are required to access study materials provided on-line through Learnline. Please log into Learnline on the first day of each teaching period. For more information about Learnline, please click here.

Critical Dates

Important Dates for Students

Fee Information:
Fees and Payments
Student Services and Amenities Fees
2024 Domestic Unit Fees (PDF)