Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Arts and Humanities

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Popular Media

• Unit Code

  CCC1106

• Year

  2016

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

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Description

This unit develops skills for critical analysis of a broad range of media, including traditional and online popular culture. Students will look beyond superficial enjoyment of the media to read the layers of meaning and consider different messages and intended audiences.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded CMM1101

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Apply these critical terms when analysing a variety of forms of popular media.
2. Demonstrate literacy skills in a variety of forms of media, including on-screen, online and print media.
3. Explain key critical terms and concepts from a range of theoretical approaches.
4. Understand some of the debates around new media and its impact on society.
5. Understand the role of the media in global culture, including its role in the marginalisation of particular groups and normalisation of particular ideologies.

Unit Content

1. Consider how reality is constructed through media using language, images and ideology.
2. Engage in contemporary debates around developments in media technology, form and consumption.
3. Introduction and application of theories of semiotics, narrative structure and binary oppositions.
4. Introduction to ideology and its impact on media.
5. Viewing and analysis of a range of media, including film and television, advertising, photography, online and print media and social networking sites.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures, screenings and tutorials.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• ^ Branston, G. & Stafford, R. (2010). The media student's book. (5th ed.). Abingdon, England & New York, NY: Routledge.
• McQuail, D. (2005). McQuail's mass communication theory. (5th ed.). London, UK: Sage Communications.
• Bowman, P. (2012). Culture and the media. Basingstoke, UK: Palgrave Macmillan.
• McKee, A. (2003). Textual analysis: A beginner's guide. London, UK: Sage Communications.
• Devereux, E. (2007). Understanding the media. (2nd ed.). London, UK: Sage Commuinications.
• Green, L. (2010). The internet: An introduction to new media. Oxford, UK: Berg.
• Hall, S. (1997). Representation: Cultural representation and signifying practices. London, UK: Sage Communications.
• Kidd, W. (2012). Culture and identity. (2nd ed.). Basingstoke, UK: Palgrave Macmillan.
• O'Shaughnessy, M., Stadler, J. (2012). Media and society. (5th ed.). Melbourne, Australia: Oxford University Press.
• Casey Benyahia, S. (2013). Media studies: The essential resource. (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Taylor and Francis.

Journal References

• Media International Australia Note: Available through the ECU Library website.
• Wired Note: Available through the ECU Library website.
• Australian Journal of Communication Note: Available through the ECU Library website.

Website References

• ABC Radio National: Future Tense http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/futuretense/
• M/C Media and Culture http://www.media-culture.org.au/

^ Mandatory reference

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