The University of Newcastle

Faculty of Education and Arts

School of Humanities and Social Science
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/school/hss/

Callaghan
Office hours: 9am 5pm
Room: MC127 McMullin Building
Phone: +61 2 4921 5175 or 5172
Fax: +61 2 4921 6933
Email: Humanities-SocialScience@newcastle.edu.au
Web: www.newcastle.edu.au/school/hss/

CULT 1050
MEDIA, CULTURE & SOCIETY
Course Outline
Course Co-ordinator: Dr Shane Homan
Room:
GP-29
Ph:
02 49216787
Fax:
02 49217402
Email:
Shane.Homan@newcastle.edu.au
Consultation hours: Tuesday 10-12 am
Semester
Unit Weighting
Contact Hours

Semester 1 - 2006
10
Lecture for 2 hours per week and Tutorial for 1 hour per week for the
Full Term
Assumed Knowledge N/A

Brief Course Description

Media, Culture & Society analyses the complexity of our ways of seeing' the world by
providing a widescreen, interdisciplinary framework for the understanding of the media
messages we receive, the cultural values they contain, and the social relations upon
which they rely. It is an approved course in the Bachelor of Communication, a
component of the Media and Cultural Studies Major in the Bachelor of Arts and
Bachelor of Social Science, and a free elective offering in several other degree
programs in the University.

Course Outline Issued and Correct as at: Week 1 Semester 1 2006

CTS Download Date: 9/2/06

Learning Materials/Texts

1. Course text: OShaughnessy, M. & Stadler, J. (2005) Media and Society: an

introduction. Third edition, South Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
2. Key readings placed in short loans in Auchmuty Library.
3. Blackboard / Lecture notes; and further readings list.
Course Objectives

On successful completion of this course, students will:

1.

Have a sound theoretical, conceptual and methodological knowledge as a basis

for the study of media, culture and society.

2.

Be able to demonstrate an ability to analyse critically the media's role as an

agent of both social order and change.

3.

Understand how the media represent important aspects of contemporary

society, and how culture and power combine in the making of everyday life.

4.

Be in a position to proceed to further courses in Media and Cultural Studies,

Communication and related academic fields.

Course Content

Media, Culture & Society is concerned with the media's role in shaping much of our
'common sense' about the world. The course:
1.

Introduces students to a range of theories, concepts and methods for analysing

the interaction between media institutions and texts, cultural values and
ideologies, and social structure and behaviour.

2.

Critically examines media representations of social inequality and power.

3.

Assesses aspects of everyday life and popular culture (like sport and 'celebrity'
journalism) through the media lens.

4.

Analyses the media's role in debates about social issues such as the control of
youth culture and the effects of screen violence.

Assessment Items

Assignment

Due Date

1. In-Lecture Exam I

20%

Week 6

2. Essay (2000 words)

40%

Week 10

3. In-Lecture Exam II

30%

Week 12

School of Humanities and Social Science

4. Tutorial participation

10%

CULT1050 TIMETABLE
Lecture
Wednesday
Tutorial
Wednesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Thursday
Thursday
Thursday
Wednesday
Wednesday

9:00 - 11:00
11:00 - 12:00
11:00 - 12:00
9:00 - 10:00
11:00 - 12:00
12:00 - 1:00
12:00 - 1:00
12:00 - 1:00
90:00 - 10:00
11:00 - 12:00
10:00 - 11:00
11:00 - 12:00
5:00 - 6:00
2:00 - 3:00

[GP1-1]
[GP2-16]
[GP3-16]
[GP3-18]
[GP3-20]
[GP1-30]
[GP3-16]
[GP3-20]
[GP2-14]
[GP2-16]
[GP3-16]
[GP3-24]
[GP3-20]
[GP3-16]

Essential Criteria in Assessment

This course contains compulsory components or assessment items that must be
satisfactorily completed in order for a student to receive a pass mark or better for the
course. These essential elements are described in the CTS. They are:
(1) The attendance and completion of both in-lecture exams.
(2) The completion of the 2000 word essay.
(3) Satisfactory attendance at and participation in weekly tutorials. Attendance
records will be kept for all tutorials; students will be graded according to
evidence of ability and willingness to discuss topics and readings. Students can
obtain feedback on their participation performance during the semester from
their tutor.
Online Tutorial Registration:
Students are required to enrol in the Lecture and a specific Tutorial time for this course
via the Online Registration system:

http://studinfo1.newcastle.edu.au/rego/stud_choose_login.cfm

Registrations close at the end of week 2 of semester.

Studentmail and Blackboard: www.blackboard.newcastle.edu.au/
This course uses Blackboard and studentmail to contact students, so you are advised
to keep your email accounts within the quota to ensure you receive essential
messages. To receive an expedited response to queries, post questions on the
Blackboard discussion forum if there is one, or if emailing staff directly use the course
code in the subject line of your email. Students are advised to check their studentmail
and the course Blackboard site on a weekly basis.
Written Assignment Presentation and Submission Details
Students are required to submit assessment items by the due date. Late assignments
will be subject to the penalties described below.
Hard copy submission:

School of Humanities and Social Science

Type your assignments: All work must be typewritten in 12 point black font. Leave a
wide margin for markers comments, use 1.5 or double spacing, and include page
numbers.
Word length: The word limit of all assessment items should be strictly followed 10%
above or below is acceptable, otherwise penalties may apply.

Proof read your work because spelling, grammatical and referencing mistakes will be
penalised.

Staple the pages of your assignment together (do not use pins or paper clips).

University coversheet: All assignments must be submitted with the University

coversheet:
www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/academic/general/assess_coversheet.pdf

Assignments are to be deposited in the relevant discipline assignment box:

o Callaghan students: School of Humanities and Social Science Office, Level 1,
McMullin Building, MC127
o Ourimbah students: Room H01.43

Do not fax or email assignments: Only hard copies of assignments will be considered
for assessment. Inability to physically submit a hard copy of an assignment by the deadline
due to other commitments or distance from campus is an unacceptable excuse.
Assignments mailed to Schools are accepted from the date posted.

Keep a copy of all assignments: All assignments are date-stamped upon receipt.
However, it is the students responsibility to produce a copy of their work if the assignment
goes astray after submission. Students are advised to keep updated back-ups in hard
copy and on disk.

Online copy submission to Turnitin

In addition to hard copy submission, students are required to submit an electronic version
of the following assignments to Turnitin via the course Blackboard website:

Essay (2000 words)

Prior to final submission, all students have the opportunity to submit one draft of their
assignment to Turnitin to self-check their referencing. Assignments will not be marked until
both hard copy and online versions have been submitted. Marks may be deducted for late
submission of either version.
Penalties for Late Assignments
Assignments submitted after the due date, without an approved extension of time will
be penalised by the reduction of 5% of the possible maximum mark for the
assessment item for each day or part day that the item is late. Weekends count as one
day in determining the penalty. Assessment items submitted more than ten days after
the due date will be awarded zero marks.
Special Consideration/Extension of Time Applications
Students wishing to apply for Special Consideration or Extension of Time should obtain
the appropriate form from the Student HUBS.

School of Humanities and Social Science

No Assignment Re-submission
Students who have failed an assignment are not permitted to revise and resubmit it in
this course. However, students are always welcome to contact their Tutor, Lecturer or
Course Coordinator to make a consultation time to receive individual feedback on their
assignments.
Remarks
Students can request to have their work re-marked by the Course Coordinator or
Discipline Convenor (or their delegate); three outcomes are possible: the same grade, a
lower grade, or a higher grade being awarded. Students may also appeal against their
final result for a course. Please consult the University policy at:

www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/academic/adm_prog/procedures_appeals_finalresult.pdf

Return of Assignments
Where possible, assignments will be marked within 3 weeks and returned to students
in class. At the end of semester, students can collect assignments from the Student
HUBS during office hours.
Preferred Referencing Style
In this course, it is recommended that you use the use the Harvard in-text referencing
system (similar to the APA system) for referencing sources of information used in
assignments. Inadequate or incorrect reference to the work of others may be viewed as
plagiarism and result in reduced marks or failure.
An in-text citation names the author of the source, gives the date of publication, and for
a direct quote includes a page number, in parentheses. At the end of the paper, a list of
references provides publication information about the source; the list is alphabetised by
authors' last names (or by titles for works without authors). Further information on
referencing and general study skills can be obtained from:

Infoskills:

www.newcastle.edu.au/services/library/tutorials/infoskills/index.html
Further examples of the Harvard system can be found at:

http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/library/biol1030/harvard.html

Student Representatives
We are very interested in your feedback and suggestions for improvement. Student
Representatives are the channel of communication between students and the School
Board. Contact details of Student Representatives can be found on the School website.
Student Communication
Students should discuss any course related matters with their Tutor, Lecturer, or
Course Coordinator in the first instance and then the relevant Discipline or Program
Convenor. If this proves unsatisfactory, they should then contact the Head of School if
required. Contact details can be found on the School website.
Essential Online Information for Students
Information on Class and Exam Timetables, Tutorial Online Registration, Learning
Support, Campus Maps, Careers information, Counselling, the Health Service and a
range of free Student Support Services can be found at:

School of Humanities and Social Science

http://www.newcastle.edu.au/currentstudents/index.html

ASSESSMENT
In-Lecture Exams (20% + 30% of total assessment)
There will be 2 closed book, one hour multiple choice exams covering the lectures and
reading material. They will be held in the lecture theatre at the usual lecture time in
week 6 and week 12. The exams will involve judgement of students ability to
understand key media studies concepts, and link media studies theories and debates
derived from textbook and lecture material. Attendance at and completion of both tests
is compulsory. The exams will be marked according to university grading standards
(see table below).

Essay (40% of total assessment)

Length: 2000 Words
Due: Monday, 8 May 2006 (week 10)
Essay Question
Select an Australian television program broadcast in 2006. Briefly outline:
(i) the programs genre and the conventions of its genre
(ii) the ways that the program reinforces or challenges the conventions of its genre
(iii) the uses and forms of language evident in the program
(iv) particular ideologies and discourses evident in the program
You are expected to initially draw upon textbook and lecture material to define key
terms like ideology, discourse and genre. This essay requires some understanding of
how television operates as a particular form of media, with its own history and
contemporary practices of presentation. Your analysis of (a public/commercial, free to
air or pay TV) program can consider how genre, language and discourse are used to
construct meaning for the viewer and producer. Your research must include a minimum
of 3 academic sources (this doesnt include the course text) in addition to other
appropriate material (e.g. newspapers, web sites). The essay will be marked according
to university grading standards (see table below).

Tutorial Participation (10% of total assessment)

Satisfactory attendance at and participation in weekly tutorials is part of the
assessment for this course. Attendance records will be kept for all tutorials; students
will be graded according to evidence of ability and willingness to discuss topics and
readings. Students can obtain feedback on their participation performance during the
semester from their tutor.

School of Humanities and Social Science

WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Week

Week beginning

Lecture Topic & Assessment at a Glance

February 20

Introduction; tutorial classes begin

February 27

Approaches to Media Studies

March 6

Histories, Industries, Audiences

March 13

Language & Representation

March 20

Discourse & Ideology

March 27

In-Lecture Exam I

April 3

April 10

Texts & Contexts

Genres
Mid-Semester Recess: Friday 14 April Friday 28 April

May 1

Gender & the Media

10

May 8

Race, Ethnicity & Representation

11

May 15

Celebrity & Infotainment

12

May 22

In-Lecture Exam II

13

May 29

Local, National or Global Media?

14

June 5

No lecture or tutorial
Queens Birthday Public Holiday: Monday 12 June
Examination period: Tuesday 13 June Friday 30 June

WEEKLY READINGS
WEEK 1 Introduction
20 February
Reading:
OShaughnessy, M. & Stadler, J. (2005) Introduction: the Media-World (chapter 1) in
Media and Society: an introduction. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
WEEK 2 Approaches to Media Studies
27 February
Reading:
OShaughnessy, M. & Stadler, J. (2005) Media Studies (chapter 2) in Media and
Society: an introduction. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
Further Reading:

School of Humanities and Social Science

Sinclair, J. (2006) The media and communications: theoretical traditions in

Cunningham, S. & Turner, G. (eds.) The Media & Communications in Australia.
Sydney: Allen & Unwin.
WEEK 3
6 March

Histories, Industries, Audiences

Reading:
Sreberny-Mohammadi, A (1995) Forms of Media as Ways of Knowing in Downing, J,
Mohammadi, A & Sreberny-Mohammadi, A (eds.) Questioning the Media: A Critical
Introduction. Thousand Oaks: Sage.
WEEK 4 Language & Representation
13 March
Reading:
OShaughnessy, M. & Stadler, J. (2005) Whats in a name? (chapter 4) and Mediation
and Representation (chapter 5) in Media and Society: an introduction. South
Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
Further Reading:
Bowles, K. (2006) Representations in Cunningham, S. & Turner, G. (eds.) The Media
& Communications in Australia. Sydney: Allen & Unwin.
WEEK 5 Discourse & Ideology
20 March
Reading:
OShaughnessy, M. & Stadler, J. (2005) Defining discourse and ideology (chapter 10)
& Where are Discourses and Ideologies Found? (chapter 11) in Media and Society:
an introduction. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
WEEK 6 In-Lecture Exam
27 March
Exam (one hour) and video screening (30 minutes)
WEEK 7
3 April

Texts & Contexts

Reading:
OShaughnessy, M. & Stadler, J. (2005) Texts, Meanings and Audiences (chapter 6)
and Model essay: Semiotic Analysis of an Advertisement (chapter 9) in Media and
Society: an introduction. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
WEEK 8
10 April

Media Genres

Reading:
OShaughnessy, M. & Stadler, J. (2005) Genres, Codes and Conventions (chapter 14)
in Media and Society: an introduction. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
Further Reading:

School of Humanities and Social Science

OShaughnessy, M. & Stadler, J. (2005) Reality TV (pp.280-284) in Media and

Society: an introduction. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
Mid-Semester Recess: 14 28 April

School of Humanities and Social Science

WEEK 9
1 May

Gender & the Media

Reading:
OShaughnessy, M. & Stadler, J. (2005) Feminism, Postfeminism and Ideologies of Femininity
(chapter 20) and Ideologies and Discourses of Masculinity (chapter 21) in Media and Society: an
introduction. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
WEEK 10
8 May

Race, Ethnicity & Representation

Reading:
OShaughnessy, M. & Stadler, J. (2005) Ethnicity, Ideology and the Media (chapter 22) in Media
and Society: an introduction. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
WEEK 11
15 May

Celebrity & Infotainment

Reading:
OShaughnessy, M. & Stadler, J. (2005) Stars and Celebrities (chapter 23) in Media and Society:
an introduction. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
Further Reading:
Turner, G., Bonner, F. & Marshall, P.D. (2000) Celebrity and the Media (chapter1) in Fame
Games: the Production of Celebrity in Australia. Melbourne: Cambridge University Press.
WEEK 12 In-Lecture Exam
22 May
Exam (one hour) and video screening (30 minutes)
WEEK 13 Local, National or Global Media?
29 May
Reading:
OShaughnessy, M. & Stadler, J. (2005) Globalisation and Technological Development (chapter
25) in Media and Society: an introduction. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
WEEK 14
5 June
No lecture or tutorial. Exam results returned.

Course Outline Issued and Correct as at: Week 1 Semester 1 2006

CTS Download Date: 9/2/06

Journals

Media International Australia

Media, Culture & Society
Metro
Television & New Media
European Journal of Communication
Australian Journalism Review
Australian Journal of Communication
Continuum: Journal of Media & Cultural studies

Television

Media Watch: ABC TV, Mondays 9.15 pm

Media Watch web site: www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/

Radio

ABC Radio National The Media Report, 8.30 am, Thursdays

SELECTED REFERENCES
Adams, P. & Burton, L. (1997) Talkback: Emperors of Air. Sydney: Allen & Unwin.
Balnaves, M., ORegan, T. & Sternberg, J. (eds) (2002) Mobilising the audience. St Lucia:
University of Queensland Press.
Barr, T. (2000) newmedia.com.au: the changing face of Australias media and communications.
Sydney: Allen & Unwin.
Bell, P. & Van Leeuwen, T. (1994) The media interview: confession, contest, conversation.
Kensington: University of New South Wales Press.
Bennett, T. & Carter, C. (2001) Culture in Australia: Policies, Publics and Programs. Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press.
Brants, K., Hermes, J. & Van Zoonen, L. (1998) The media in question: popular cultures and public
interests. London: Sage.
Chenoweth, N. (2001) Virtual Murdoch: reality wars on the information highway. London: Secker &
Warburg.
Communications Law Centre (1997) Australian telecommunications regulation: the guide. Sydney:
Communications Law Centre.
Craik, J., Bailey, J. & Moran, A. (eds) (1995) Public voices, private interests: Australia's media
policy. Sydney: Allen & Unwin.
Course Outline Issued and Correct as at: Week 1 Semester 1 2006
CTS Download Date: 9/2/06

10

Cunningham, S. & Turner, G. (eds) (2000) The Australian TV Book. Sydney: Allen & Unwin
Cunningham, S. & Turner, G. (eds) (2006) The Media & Communications in Australia. Sydney:
Allen & Unwin.
Cunningham, S. & Jacka, E. (1996) Australian television and international mediascapes.
Melbourne: Cambridge University Press.
European Advisory Observatory (2001) Television and media concentration: regulatory models on
the national and the European level. Strasbourg, France.
Flew, T. (2002) New media: an introduction. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
Hartley, J. (1996) Journalism and modernity: journalism, media, popular culture.
London: Arnold.
Linden, R. (1997) Whose News? The Power of the Media in Australia. Port Melbourne:
Heinemann.
Lumby, C. (1997) Bad girls: the media, sex and feminism in the '90s. Sydney: Allen & Unwin.
Lumby, C. (1999) Gotcha: life in a tabloid world. Sydney: Allen & Unwin.
McQuail, D. (2000) McQuail's mass communication theory. London: Sage.
ORegan, T. (1996) Australian national cinema. London & New York: Routledge.
OSullivan, T., Dutton, B. & Rayner, P. (1994) Studying the media: an introduction. London & New
York: Arnold.
Potts, J. (1989) Radio in Australia. Kensington: New South Wales University Press.
Rowe, D. (2000) Media and popular culture in Jureidini, R. & Poole, M. (eds) Sociology: Australian
connections. Sydney: Allen & Unwin, pp.308-327
Schultz, J. (1998) Reviving the fourth estate: democracy, accountability and the media. Melbourne:
Cambridge University Press.
Silverstone, R. (1999) Why study the media? London & Thousand Oaks, California: Sage.
Sinclair, J., Jacka, E. & Cunningham, S. (1995) New patterns in global television: peripheral vision.
New York: Oxford University Press.
Stockwell, S. & Scott, P. (2000) All media guide to fair and cross-cultural reporting: for journalists,
program makers and media students. Nathan, Qld: Australian Key Centre for Cultural and Media
Policy.
Taylor, L. & Willis, A. (1999) Media studies: texts, institutions and audiences. Malden: Blackwell
Publishers.
Thompson, K. (ed.) (1997) Media and cultural regulation. London & Thousand Oaks, California:
Sage.
Course Outline Issued and Correct as at: Week 1 Semester 1 2006
CTS Download Date: 9/2/06

11

Tiffen, R. (1989) News and power. Sydney: Allen & Unwin.

Turner, G., Bonner, F. & Marshall, P.D. (2000) Fame Games: the production of celebrity in
Australia. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Waterhouse, R (1995) Private Pleasures, Public Leisure: A History of Australian Popular Culture
Since 1788. Melbourne: Longman.
Westfield, M. (2000) The gatekeepers: the global media battle to control Australia's pay TV.
Sydney: Pluto Press.
Grading Guide
Grading guide
49% or less

Fail
(FF)

50% to 64%

Pass
(P)

65% to 74%

Credit
(C)

75% to 84%

Distinction
(D)

85% upwards

High
Distinction
(HD)

An unacceptable effort, including non-completion. The student has not

understood the basic principles of the subject matter and/or has been unable to
express their understanding in a comprehensible way. Deficient in terms of
answering the question, research, referencing and correct presentation
(spelling, grammar etc). May include extensive plagiarism.
The work demonstrates a reasonable attempt to answer the question,
shows some grasp of the basic principles of the subject matter and a basic
knowledge of the required readings, is comprehensible, accurate and
adequately referenced.
The work demonstrates a clear understanding of the question, a capacity to
integrate research into the discussion, and a critical appreciation of a
range of different theoretical perspectives. A deficiency in any of the
above may be compensated by evidence of independent thought.
The work is coherent and accurate.
Evidence of substantial additional reading and/or research, and evidence of
the ability to generalise from the theoretical content to develop an
argument in an informed and original manner. The work is well
organised, clearly expressed and shows a capacity for critical analysis.
All of the above, plus a thorough understanding of the subject matter based on
substantial additional reading and/or research. The work shows a high level
of independent thought, presents informed and insightful discussion of
the topic, particularly the theoretical issues involved, and demonstrates a
well-developed capacity for critical analysis.

Course Outline Issued and Correct as at: Week 1 Semester 1 2006

CTS Download Date: 9/2/06