Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Media and Communications)
Unit outlines will be available through Find a unit outline two weeks before the first day of teaching for 1000-level and 5000-level units, or one week before the first day of teaching for all other units.
Media and Communications
The Media and Communications stream within the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Advanced Studies requires 102 credit points from the Media and Communications program table and either 30 credit points from the Media and Communications Advanced Coursework table or 48 credit points from the Media and Communications Honours table.
Media and Communications program
Achievement of the program in Media and Communications requires 102 credit points from this table including:
(i) 48 credit points of major in Media Studies
(ii) 12 credit points of 1000-level program core units
(iii) 6 credit points of 2000-level program core unit
(iv) 6 credit points of 3000-level program core unit
(v) Students with a WAM of 70 or above can choose to complete the Honours track, which requires 48 credit points of 4000-level core units of study as listed in the Media and Communications Honours table.
(vi) All other students must complete 30 credit points of 4000-level advanced coursework units of study as listed in the Media and Communications Advanced Coursework table.
Media Studies major*
A major in Media Studies requires 48 credit points from this table including:
(i) 12 credit points of 1000-level major core units
(ii) 18 credit points of 2000-level major core units
(iii) 12 credit points of 3000-level major core units
(iv) 6 credit points of 3000-level Interdisciplinary Project units
*This major is only available to students in the combined Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Law degree. Where eligible students withdraw from the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Media and Communications) program after completing 144 credit points towards the Bachelor of Arts, exit is with a Media Studies major.
Units of Study
1000-level units of study
Major core
MECO1001 Introduction to Media Studies
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Please refer to the unit of study outline for individual sessions https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 2x1hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Assessment: 1x1200wd essay (30%), 1x1800wd essay (40%), 1x1.5hr exam (30%). Please refer to the unit of study outline for individual sessions https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Available to BA/BAdvSt (Media and Communications), BA/BLaws (Media Studies major), and to Digital Cultures major/minor students only.
This unit offers an introduction to the history and theory of media and communications studies. Students will gain a foundation in key concepts, methodologies and theorists in the field. They will also explore the interdisciplinary roots of media and communications studies and acquire basic research skills. By the end of the unit students should be familiar with major shifts in the history and theory of media and communications studies and with basic concepts and methodologies in the field.
MECO1002 Media 4.0: Work and Policy
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Please refer to the unit of study outline for individual sessions https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x1hr lecture/week, 1x2hr tutorial/week Assessment: 1x1300wd equivalent media work profile (30%), 1x1200wd equivalent literature review quiz (30%), 1x2000wd research essay (40%). Please refer to the unit of study outline for individual sessions https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Available to BA/BAdvSt (Media and Communications) and to BA/BLaws (Media Studies major) students only.
This unit explores media policy, industry change, and work practices. Within this framework, it explores concepts of labour and practical responses to workplace dynamics. Students will review their digital media footprint and develop professional branding strategies.
Program Core
MECO1003 Principles of Media Writing
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Please refer to the unit of study outline for individual sessions https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x1hr lecture/week, 1x2hr seminar/week Prohibitions: MECO2002 Assessment: 1x2000wd reporting package (40%), 1x1600wd media portfolio (40%), 1x900wd news analysis presentation (20%). Please refer to the unit of study outline for individual sessions https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Available to BA/BAdvSt (Media and Communications), and to BA/BLaws (Media Studies major) students only.
This unit will give students foundational skills in information gathering and writing for media, with a focus on news and journalistic styles. Students will be introduced to the principles of interviewing and journalistic research.
MECO1004 Introduction to Media Production
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x1hr lecture/week, 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x 500wd equivalent Create and design personal blog (10%), 1x 500wd equivalent Publish an audio slideshow (10%), 1x 500wd equivalent Publish an online video (20%), 1x 500wd Reflective online journal (10%), 1x 2500wd equivalent Publish major media project (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Available to BA/B Advanced Studies (Media and Communications) and BA/BLaws (Media Studies major) students only
This unit provides an introduction to the theory and practice of media production. It combines a holistic investigation of contemporary media practices with an exploratory first-hand account of media production techniques. Students will have the opportunity to create mixed media production using a variety of technologies. They will create a major media piece by the end of the semester and will also reflect critically on their practice.
2000-level units of study
Major core
MECO2601 Media Production: Radio and Podcasting
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Please refer to the unit of study outline for individual sessions https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x1hr lecture/week, 1x2hr seminar/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in Media and Communications including MECO1004 Prohibitions: MECO2001 Assessment: 1x1000wd listening analysis (verbal and written components) (15%), 1x2min narration (original written and recorded work) (15%), 1x3-5min recorded interview (25%), 1x7-9min + 500wd final audio project (35%), participation (10%). Please refer to the unit of study outline for individual sessions https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Practical field work: Students are encouraged to participate in community radio opportunities, including SURG: Sydney University Radio Group. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Available to BA/BAdvSt (Media and Communications), and to BA/BLaws (Media Studies major) students only.
This unit introduces students to the theories and practices of radio broadcasting and podcasting. They will explore audio research and spoken content along with the principles of sound design. Students will learn to plan, produce and distribute their own audio segments using a range of tools and technologies from the accessible through to the professional, and in the process will develop an understanding of the relationship between theory and critical practice.
MECO2603 Public Relations
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Please refer to the unit of study outline for individual sessions https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x1hr lecture/week, 1x2hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in Media and Communications Prohibitions: MECO2003 Assessment: 1x2000wd communication plan (30%), 1x1000wd PR tactics presentation (30%), 1x1500wd take-home exercise (30%), tutorial participation (10%). Please refer to the unit of study outline for individual sessions https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Available to BA/BAdvSt (Media and Communications), and to BA/BLaws (Media Studies major) students only.
This unit of study introduces students to strategic public relations: the use of effective communication to build mutual understanding and positive relationships between organisations (or individuals) and their publics. Students learn to develop a public relations campaign using appropriate strategies and tactics, and objective measurement metrics. Core topics include: media relations, issues management, crisis communication, communication plans, public relations strategies and ethical practice.
MECO2604 Telling Stories with Data
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Please refer to the unit of study outline for individual sessions https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x1hr lecture/week, 1x2hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in Media and Communications Assessment: 1x5min presentation and report including 1000wd equivalent submission (30%), 1x1500wd information analysis (30%), 1x2000wd equivalent data story and visualisation (40%). Please refer to the unit of study outline for individual sessions https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Available to BA/BAdvSt (Media and Communications), and to BA/BLaws (Media Studies major) students only.
In this unit students will explore theories and practices of information and data mediation within contemporary media and communications industries. Students will be introduced to key concepts and debates about the relationship between data and information, the uses and misuses of information, and the development of data journalism. From this theoretical base students will learn industry relevant practice in information verification and data storytelling using public databases and data visualisation tools.
Program Core
MECO2602 Media Production: Video
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2 hr lecture/week for nine weeks, 1x2hr workshop/week Prerequisites: 18 credit points at 1000 level in Media and Communications including MECO1004 Assessment: 1x 1200wd equivalent 80 second TV News story (25%), 1x 2300wd equivalent 6-minute factual video (50%), 1x 1000wd Take home mid semester exercise (25%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Available to BA/B Advanced Studies (Media and Communications), BA/BLaw students only
This unit introduces students to the history, theory and practice of video production. The unit will equip students with practical skills in planning and researching a video, as well as skills in digital camera operation, video recording, lighting, sound and digital non-linear video editing. The unit emphasises factual, non-fiction video.
3000-level units of study
Major core
MECO3603 Media, Law and Ethics
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 18 credit points at 2000 level in Media Studies or 6 Senior credit points in Media and Communications Prohibitions: MECO3003 Assessment: 1x2000wd Essay (45%), 1x1.5hr (1700wd equivalent) exam (35%), 1x800wd online posting (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Available to BA/B Advanced Studies (Media and Communications), BA/BLaw students only
This unit will introduce students to the area of media, law and ethics through discussion of key legal, ethical, and cultural issues relevant to journalism and the professional fields of public communication. Students will be given an introductory survey of the main ethical theories in Western thought to establish a framework within which to examine specific ethical issues that relate to media. They will also be introduced to those aspects of the law that impinge on the work of media professionals.
MECO3605 Issues in Global and Digital Media
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x1hr lecture/week, 1x2hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 18 credit points at 2000 level in Media and Communications or 6 Senior credit points in Media and Communications Prohibitions: MECO3005 Assessment: 1x2000wd Essay (40%), 1x1000wd equivalent Tutorial presentation (20%), 1x1500wd class test (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Available to BA/B Advanced Studies (Media and Communications), BA/BLaw students only
The unit examines the social, political and economic dynamics of media and communication in global settings. It considers the interplay among the global,regional and local in communication systems as well as the role that new technologies play in contemporary formations of global media. It assists students in consolidating their critical understanding of the factors that play the greatest role in shaping the globalisation of informational capitalism.
Program core
MECO3606 Media Production: Advanced Media Writing
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x1hr lecture/week, 1x2hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 18 credit points at 2000 level in Media and Communications and MECO1003 or 6 senior credit points in Media and Communications Prohibitions: MECO3006 Assessment: 1x500wd column (20%), 3x300wd equivalent participation (10%), 1x300wd equivalent feature pitch (10%), 1x400wd equivalent peer review (10%), 1x2500wd long feature (40%), 1x250wd publication analysis (5%), 1x250wd email pitch (5%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Available to BA/B Advanced Studies (Media and Communications) students only
MECO3606 aims to further develop students' writing, research and interviewing skills. The course is framed around the exploration of different feature genres of journalism that have developed in the print media (magazines and newspapers) and are now evolving online. We will explore various types of feature journalism via close reading and student writing. The unit aims not just to teach students how to write in various journalistic genres, but to think about journalism critically and creatively in order to respond to the challenges the profession is facing in the 21st century..
Interdisciplinary project unit of study
If you are completing two majors and both of your majors are from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, please select the Interdisciplinary Impact unit of study for your first major, and the Industry and Community Project unit of study for your second major.
If you are completing two majors but only one of your majors is from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, please select the Interdisciplinary Impact unit of study for that major.
If you are completing one major only and that major is from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, please select the Interdisciplinary Impact unit of study for your major.
FASS3999 Interdisciplinary Impact
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Please refer to the unit of study outline for individual sessions https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Intensive December,Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1hr lecture/performance event week for 5 weeks 2hr workshop per week for 10 weeks 2hr online learning modules for 5 weeks Prerequisites: Completion of at least 90 credit points Assessment: 1x1000wd disciplinary mapping exercise (20%), 1x1500wd / 10 min team presentation (30%), 1x2000wd critical reflection (35%), participation and engagement (15%). Please refer to the unit of study outline for individual sessions https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Block mode
Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Intensive December
Interdisciplinarity is a key skill in fostering agility in life and work. This unit provides learning experiences that build students' skills, knowledge and understanding of the application of their disciplinary background to interdisciplinary contexts. In this unit, students will work in teams and develop interdisciplinarity skills through problem-based learning projects responding to 'real world problems'.
MECO3999 Interdisciplinary Impact
This unit of study is not available in 2022
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Intensive December,Semester 1,Semester 2 Prerequisites: Completion of at least 90 credit points Prohibitions: Interdisciplinary Impact in another major Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Intensive December
Interdisciplinarity is a key skill in fostering agility in life and work. This unit provides learning experiences that build students' skills, knowledge and understanding of the application of their disciplinary background to interdisciplinary contexts. In this unit, students will work in teams and develop interdisciplinarity skills through problem-based learning projects responding to 'real world problems'.
MECO3998 Industry and Community Project
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Intensive February,Intensive July,Semester 1,Semester 2 Prerequisites: 72 credit points Corequisites: Interdisciplinary Impact in any major Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This interdisciplinary unit provides students with the opportunity to address complex problems identified by industry, community, and government organisations, and gain valuable experience in working across disciplinary boundaries. In collaboration with a major industry partner and an academic lead, students integrate their academic skills and knowledge by working in teams with students from a range of disciplinary backgrounds. This experience allows students to research, analyse and present solutions to a realworld problem, and to build on their interpersonal and transferable skills by engaging with and learning from industry experts and presenting their ideas and solutions to the industry partner.