Online Courses Handbook 2003

303780 v.2 Bachelor of Arts

Introduction
This course is designed for those intending to explore, practically and critically, the questions and opportunities that arise at the intersection of media, information and new communications technologies. It combines a commitment to publicly recognised professional outcomes, scholarly creativity and technological skills with intellectually demanding academic study. Study is undertaken of the history, theory, ethics and criticism of the various practices, institutions and discourses that constitute the field of media, communication and information. Students select one major from - Film and Television, Internet Studies, Journalism, Librarianship and Corporate Information Management, or Media Studies. Minor areas of study may also including subject areas within the school, including - computing, multimedia, photography, cultural heritage, asian languages and culture, art and technology, various social science and cultural studies disciplines.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites
None.

Specific Requirements
While not a formal requirement for entry, students are encouraged to have basic computing skills. The School may provide assistance prior to semester in obtaining those skills. STAT elements considered are E and either V or Q. Those studying the Librarianship and Corporate Information Management major with minimal or no computing experience are expected to undertake a computer bridging course. Those studying the Internet Studies major are expected to have regular, reliable personal Internet access.

Recognition of Prior Learning
Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis. Qualified library technicians are eligible for substantial recognition of prior learning in the Librarianship and Corporate Information Management major.

Duration and Availability
The course is three years full-time duration and may also be available (with prior approval) on a part-time basis. Some units, including the school's core units, are available in a flexible mode and can be studied off-campus or with limited campus attendance - the Librarianship and Corporate Information Management and Internet Studies majors are fully available to external students. Studying in this way requires regular and reliable Internet access. Because some other units involve hands-on production work in radio, print and television journalism, and film and television production, students may need to make a substantial time commitment on-campus, sometimes outside normal business hours.

Course Organisation
As well as major studies (consisting of 8, 12 or 14 units, depending on choice of major), students undertake core studies in media, communication and information (6 units) and select a complementary minor (4 units). In most majors students undertake two electives and, in media studies, an additional minor.

Additional Course Expenses
Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit

Majors, Streams or Other Core Components

301832 v.4 Information Studies Minor 100.0

OR

301122 v.3 Media Studies Minor 100.0

OR

301114 v.3 Journalism Minor 100.0

OR

301129 v.3 Film and Television Minor 100.0

OR

301102 v.3 Internet Studies Minor 100.0

303570 v.2 Journalism Major 350.0

OR

303583 v.2 Media Studies Major 350.0

OR

303575 v.2 Librarianship and Corporate Information Management Major 350.0

OR

303574 v.2 Internet Studies Major 350.0

OR

303579 v.2 Film and Television Major 350.0

450.0

Year 1 Semester 1

12194 v.5 Media, Communication and Information 111 - The Information Age 3.0 25.0

301065 v.3 Media, Communication and Information 101 - Research and Presentation Skills 3.0 25.0

50.0

Year 1 Semester 2

12881 v.5 Media, Communication and Information 112 - The Critical Attitude 3.0 25.0

301066 v.3 Media, Communication and Information 102 - Cross-Cultural Media Project 2.0 25.0

50.0

Year 2 Semester 1

12882 v.5 Media, Communication and Information 211- Law, Policy and Regulation 3.0 25.0

25.0

Year 2 Semester 2

12883 v.5 Media, Communication and Information 212 - Consumers, Audiences, Publics and Users 2.0 25.0

25.0

NB Approved minor sequences in other subject areas are also available.