12881 (v.5) Media, Communication and Information 112 - The Critical Attitude

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Area:	Department of Media and Information
Credits:	25.0
Contact Hours:	3.0
Lecture:	1 x 1 Hours Weekly
Tutorial:	1 x 2 Hours Weekly
Prerequisite(s):	12194 (v.5) Media, Communication and Information 111 - The Information Age or any previous version AND 301065 (v.3) Media, Communication and Information 101 - Research and Presentation Skills or any previous version
Syllabus:	Two modules, A World of Meanings and Unravelling Meanings. The first module introduces and explores the post-structuralist view of language, while the second module introduces and explores postmodern epistemology and the challenges that it poses for media and information professionals. The role of the self in this work on meaning and knowledge is considered. The self is both the locus of the critical attitude - the practitioner, the doer of critical reading and evaluation - but is, conceptually 'undone' or destabilised by the post-structuralist and postmodern approaches we take. Your critical attitude will be sharpened and refined and be tempered by a recognition of the problem of being a knowing subject, especially in professional employment in the fields of media/meaning and knowledge/information to which you are headed.
Unit Outcomes:	On successful completion of this unit, students will have- An understanding of how meaning is produced, with particular reference to the function of language, intertextuality and discourse. An understanding of the foundations of contemporary thinking about knowledge, with particular reference to the development of postmodern approaches to knowledge. Developed practical skills in applying these understandings of meaning and knowledge to describing, interpreting and analysing a variety of texts, discoursesand genres.
Text and references listed above are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information.
Unit References:	No prescribed references.
Unit Texts:	Schirato, Tony. and Yell, Susan. (2000), Communication and Cultural Literacy: An Introduction (second edition). St Leonards, Allen and Unwin. School of Media and Communiaction. (2003), MCI 112 Unit Reader. Bentley, Curtin University of Technology.
Unit Assessment Breakdown:	Participation - class and online discussion 20%, Preliminary critical analysis 25%, Reading logs 20%, Revised critical analysis and commentary 35%. This is by grade/mark assessment.
Year Location Period Internal Area External Central External 2004 Bentley Campus Semester 1 Y   Y 2004 Bentley Campus Semester 2 Y   Y 2004 Joondalup Campus Semester 1 Y     2004 Joondalup Campus Semester 2 Y     2004 Lim Kok Wing Inst Malaysia Semester 1 Y     2004 Lim Kok Wing Inst Malaysia Semester 2 Y