This unit of study explores the institutions, industries and texts that comprise the media, and how they can be conceptualised. The unit focuses on contemporary Australian and international issues, and explores some of the challenges of digital media. Using topical examples, it places emphasis on understanding media's role in society, culture and our life. Topics to be covered include: visual culture; advertising and consumer culture; media ownership and regulation; journalism; celebrity and the public sphere; the nature and impacts of new economic and industrial relationships in media; media in war and conflict situations; minorities and media; and 'culture jamming'.

Unit details

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Students enrolled in course code ABAB and LBLA must complete at least 72 credit points (equivalent to 6 units) in Year 1 before undertaking any Level 2 units.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Develop a greater understanding of the complex inter-relations between media, culture and society, and the key role media plays in a democratic society;  
  2. Identify and investigate key issues in the discipline of media communication studies and explain their contemporary relevance;  
  3. Explore the important role of media communication in the socio-cultural and economic spheres, and in professional, personal and social life; and  
  4. Apply critical thinking and conceptualisation skills to a range of issues related to the study of media communication, especially digital and visual forms of communication.  


Assessment type Description Grade
Exercise Short media exercise 10%
Assignment Interactive oral presentation 20%
Essay Written paper on aspect of the media 30%
Assignment Short answer assignment 40%