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This course provides an introductory guide to current debates in mass communication and media studies and to the thinking and research that communications researchers and critics have brought to bear on them. This is an introductory paper that does not assume any prior knowledge.
Note: The course has been reorganised slightly to deal with the shortened semester and mid-semester break, and the lack of tutorial teaching rooms following the February 22 earthquake. Apart from removing two lectures, we are confident that these changes do not reduce the scope or integrity of the course. This is a new adventure in academic learning, so it will be a memorable semester!COMS101 is your introduction to the the academic study of media and communication. The courseestablishes the major concepts, theories and tools we use to study media texts, industries, technologies,and audiences. COMS101 lays the foundation for further specialised studies in our programme and beyond.COMS101 is a stage I course and does not assume any prior knowledge. It is taught through two lectures and a tutorial each week. You are expected to attend each of these classes, and doing so will ensure you get most from the course. Attendance will be taken in tutorials, and this will be a component of your final grade. Please respect your lecturers and fellow students by turning up on time to the classes and contributing as required.
By the end of the course, you should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge and skills:knowledge: you should be able to- understand the value of media literacy- recognise the continuities and discontinuities between 'old' and 'new' media forms- recognise the critical possibilities of media analysis- describe how media construct versions of the real- identify the understanding of audiences underlying arguments about media- define what is meant by the ideological role of media- recognise the role of media in producing and circulating ideas about identity, culture, and nation- produce arguments over media concentration and global ownership- identify arguments for a free media and individual choice- identify the ownership of NZ media- identify processes in the construction of newsskills: you should be able to- research media issues using books, journals, and online sources- analyse a media text- write a well structured academic essay confidently and with clarity- discuss the ideals and processes shaping the media- discuss the link between media and democracy- explain impacts of ownership on media- discuss the challenges of expanding media perspectives- interpret media content in terms of production processes, audiences, and technologies- relate critical theories of society to media content- read media critically using semiotics and discourse theories
We also strongly recommend taking an Essay Writing course, run by the Learning Skills Centre (in the UCSA Building). More details are available at: http://www.lps.canterbury.ac.nz/lsc/lsc-course-LSEE.php (this link is also on Learn)
Zita Joyce
Bronwyn Beatty , Muhammed Musa , Donald Matheson , Sue Tait and Tessa Houghton
Bronwyn Beatty , Amy Bowie and Geniesa Tay
Branston, Gill and Roy Stafford (2010). The Media Students' Book (5th ed.) London and New York:Routledge.This is available from UBS, and costs $82, or about $74 with your 10% student discount.You can access UBS from University Drive from March 14.
Library portalLearn Course Reader Referencing for Media & Communication Using EndNote for referencing Writing guides for Media & Communication
Domestic fee $595.00
International fee $2,588.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Language, Social and Political Sciences .