This course examines the implications of media and communications technologies for personal, interpersonal, public and political life. The course begins with theoretical perspectives from sociology, science and technology studies (STS) and media/communications studies. These are used to explore how existing social structures have been, and continue to be, altered and reinforced by innovations and revolutions in media and communications technologies. It also examines how such technologies have developed within, and changed in response to, social changes. The content spans issues of power, publics, economic systems, regulation, political structures, media institutions, interpersonal relationships, and identity processes.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- apply sociological research methods to investigate how emergent media technologies reflect and shape social life;
- identify the ways emergent media technologies affect diverse populations;
- compare, contrast, and evaluate major theoretical debates about emergent media technologies from sociology and other disciplines; and
- critically reflect on their learning in relation to the content of the course.
Indicative Assessment
- 10 x Weekly reading summaries, 1% each for a total 10% (100 words each for a total 1000 words) (10) [LO 2,3]
- Tutorial participation (10) [LO 2,3,4]
- Emergent Media Independent Research Project 5,000 words (80) [LO 1,2,3]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:a) 35 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures, and 11 hours of tutorials; and
b) 95 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Not applicable
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $3960 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $5820 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.