Master of Arts in International Communication
Unit Descriptions 2008
Each unit generally will require 3 classroom hours per week during the 13 week semester. Some units may be taught as intensive modules. Units with an enrolment of less than 10 students may not be offered.
All ICOM Unit Descriptions (PG programs) 2008 03/07/08
Please note not all units are available in both semesters.
ICOM 811
Communication & Social, Economic & Political Development
This unit examines the process of international communication in the context of social, political & economic development. It includes a study of the literature on communication and development and focuses on ways policies are developed to facilitate change. In addition to the theoretical basis for communication, particular attention is given to the role of the media and its effect on public opinion. Finally, theory and practice come together in a series of group presentations which provide practical experience in the development of arguments in support of national development projects.
ICOM 812
Cross-cultural Communication (30 capacity)
This unit examines the cultural dimensions of globalisation through the representation of different ethnic and cultural groups in media and audiovisual products. Through case studies drawn from a range of media and cultures, it addresses the formation of sub-cultures, global audiences, diasporic communications and alternatives to contemporary international media imagery. Students will acquire knowledge of the social, cultural, political and economic issues that shape representation of different ethnic, linguistic and sub cultural groups.
ICOM 813 ( 18 capacity )
Alternative Video Production (International Communication Flows) (18 capacity)
This unit discusses the process of digital video production assuming students have little or no skills in producing for video. Students gain basic skills of producing, directing, shooting and editing short video stories using small digital media. Lectures, readings and screenings encourage a conceptual link between video production and its use in communication for social change. The unit provides students with experiential and critical understanding of how video is used as a tool for information dissemination and empowerment within the context of non-government, government or international agency settings, as well as its place in global news production. Through intensive production workshops students take a story idea through the stages of researching and writing, shooting, sound recording and editing to completion. As a practical unit, this requires a high degree of professionalism both within class time interacting with peers and during research and location shoots communicating with professionals and members of the public, including responsible use and care of audio visual equipment.
ICOM 814
Development Communication (18 capacity)
The course involves three main parts, all underpinned with relevant case studies. First, it includes a study of the origins, growth and development of the area of human activity traditionally known as Development Communication (often abbreviated to "DevComm"). Second, it involves students, theoretically and practically, in the area of DevComm referred to as "Development Journalism". And third, it includes elements of "Participatory Communication" in theory and practice.
ICOM815 (semester 2 2008 only)
Communication & Power Paradigms (25 capacity)
This unit looks at the nature of power as seen in the Western, Chinese, Indian and Islamic traditions both in theory and in practice. We look also at how culture affects power, language as power and the power of the media especially from a global perspective. The unit encourages constructive, critical thinking about how power is exercised through things like culture, language and the media rather than simply through physical force.
ICOM 817 (semester 2 2008 only)
Transnational Communication (45 capacity)
This unit examines the structures and activities of global and local media and audiovisual industries including film, television, recorded music, advertising and new media. Beginning with an investigation of the economic, social and cultural conditions which are shaping the global spread of media and audiovisual industries, the unit will utilise a range of theoretical perspectives drawn from the fields of communications and cultural studies to assist understanding of transnationalism particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. A range of industry-based case studies, drawn from film, broadcasting, advertising and new media, will be presented to illustrate how transnationalism has become synonymous with debates on globalisation and cultural imperialism. The case studies will also provide a framework for critical debate on the form and nature of transnationalism particularly drawing on contemporary debates generated from critical communications, cultural studies and post-modernism. Students will be able to apply insights gained through theoretical and practical illustrations to develop a case study of an industry, sector or national market relevant to their interests.
ICOM 818
Research Seminar in International Communication (18 capacity)
In this unit students will be intensively exposed to International Communication research projects through examination of published research studies and unpublished dissertations. Students will write critiques of selected research projects. Students will learn and improve analytical and critical skills through (1) discussions of conceptual frameworks and theories used in conducting research in International communication; (2) analysis of different research designs and their methodological logic; and (3) presentation skills. These skills are necessary for students who wish to enrol in ICOM 896 (Dissertation in International Communication) and to pursue PhD studies in International Communication. In addition, students whose work is involved with analytical and critical skills in media and communication industries, as policy makers and strategic planners, will find this course useful.
ICOM 821 (CORE unit)
Intercultural Communication
This unit will cover some of the major theories in intercultural communication, and the application of these theories in various intercultural contexts. Through participating in lectures, course readings, and in-class activities and simulations, the students will have the opportunity to engage how theory and application are related, discuss some of the most frequently encountered intercultural issues, and consider the research process as a means of finding answers and solutions.
ICOM 823
Writing for the Media (Print) (18 capacity)
Writing for Media I (Print) gives a thorough grounding in professional writing skills for the mass media. Theoretical enquiry will explore the historical, organisational and aesthetic contexts of writing for media. This will be used to enhance practical skills. Training in journalism will include news writing, the specialist "round", sports reporting, reviewing, and profile and feature writing. Students will explore the market demands and culture of tabloid and broadsheet dailies, as well as popular and specialist magazines. Developing the capacity to write clear and compelling copy is central to both the print and broadcast strands-a skill essential for good journalism as well as for professional writing in a host of fields and contexts. Most sessions will include a theory lecture, group enquiry and discussion, and practical exercises. Special field-work exercises will also be set to develop experience in meeting deadlines and coping with the unexpected.
ICOM 828
Special Topic (18 capacity)
The Special Project provides candidates with an opportunity to engage in practical work in their chosen field as well as produce a research document showing evidence of critical thinking. Students may either take an internship of a total of 100 hours and a critical commentary of 4000 words or create a media product and a critical commentary of 4000 words.
ICOM 890
Digital Audio/Radio Production (18 capacity)
The course will consist of seminars and workshops. In each week, with the exception of the final four which will be devoted totally to student production, a one-hour interactive lecture will be followed by two hours of student-oriented practical audio/radio production exercises using digital media only. The course aims to provide a variety of professional sound recording and broadcasting production experiences which will help participants understand audio/radio media and perhaps become involved with media production in the future. Many of the skills, such as sound recording, audio/visual media writing and interviewing, will be transferable to other media areas.
ICOM 891
Communication Research Methodologies (30 capacity)
The purpose of this unit is to prepare students for their final research projects in ICOM 818. Students will be instructed in the principal research methodologies used in the field of international communication. These include ethnographic research, case studies, content analysis, delphi method, discourse analysis, documentary research, focus groups, in-depth interviews, projective technique, semiotics studies and survey method.
ICOM 892
Public Diplomacy and International Public Relations ( International Public Relations and Advertising) (30 capacity)
The unit will examine the relationship between media, the state and other international actors. Addressing the issues of “public diplomacy” , “international public relations”, “public affairs” and “media and foreign policy”.
ICOM 893 (semester 2 2008 only)
Popular Cultural Projects (30 capacity)
This unit covers the basics required to design and carry out projects in the area of communication. It will examine project planning theory and provide an opportunity for students to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in designing projects within their chosen area of interest. The unit also investigates a collection of management issues such as local participation, negotiation and writing proposals for funding. The unit also investigates a collection of management issues such as local participation, negotiation and writing proposals for funding.
ICOM 897
New Media in International Communication (18 capacity)
This unit combines to provide an introduction to some of the theoretical concerns of computer mediated communication, with the development of skills in digital media production. This will be conducted as a combination lecture/seminar sessions in parallel with practical workshops. The lecture/seminar sessions will investigate the social, cultural and political implications of the development of the networked computer, as it has become another form of popular media. The practical workshops will aim at developing students' skills in producing sites for the World Wide Web.