MDIA 3207 - Media Industry Transitions

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2018

This course prepares students for transition to professional employment and/or further studies. Students attend a pre-semester induction and the core module prior to taking their preferred independent course pathway. The core module refreshes prior media knowledge of theoretical and regulatory frameworks and research uses in the sector. It introduces: emerging trends and issues in the local sector; workplace cultures; professional self-audits; time-management, observational and negotiation skills; legal and contractual obligations; research and communication strategies for employment; a range of business communication genres; professional profile and presentation techniques and peer-to-peer networking activities. Independent pathway workshops occur mid-semester, followed by individual consultations, and a peer-to-peer workshop in Week 12. Pathway (A) has a Work-Integrated-Learning (WIL) focus, including a self-initiated, flexibly-organised placement of 10-12 days at a host organisation. Students conduct a 'virtual job search', set personalised learning objectives, and gain direct industry experience by working closely with a host supervisor. Students submit in situ progress reports to their academic supervisor; and a Final Report of 4000 words, excluding appendices, which synthesises academic and workplace learning in a business report format of publishable standard. University insurance contracts require pre-start approval by Faculty office. Hosts provide graded student evaluations. Placements are monitored by academic supervisors. Pathway (B) students conduct an individual desktop research project using public domain materials. Two research training workshops cover the design, theoretical positioning and conduct of secondary research; evidence and argument; ethical and legal issues; and the compositional features of a 5000 word research report. Students work under academic supervision to complete their industry study, consolidating and advancing research capabilities developed in advanced-level Media core courses. Research projects proceed following approval from academic staff. They can be designed as a preliminary study for future research.

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Course Details

Course Code	MDIA 3207
Course	Media Industry Transitions
Coordinating Unit	Media
Term	Semester 1
Level	Undergraduate
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	6
Contact	Up to 3 hours per week
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	N
Prerequisites	At least 9 units of Level I Media study, and at least 9 units from the following core Media courses MDIA 2301 Media Policy, Media Law, MDIA 2302 Media Research Methods, MDIA 2306 Media Theory, MDIA 3310 Professional Practice
Restrictions	This course is only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Media
Assessment	Self audit 10%, Academic Supervisors Report 30%, Host Evaluation Report 20%, Final Report or Research Report 40%.

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Michelle Phillipov

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

You will need to attend a combination of core workshops (Week 1-4 and Week 12), plus two additional workshops in Weeks 5 and 6 focused on your specific pathway (Placement or Research Project).

Course Learning Outcomes

1	Manage the transition from undergraduate studies to employment and further study
2	Apply course-taught work integrated learning principles or research training to engage with contemporary industry-related challenges and employment opportunities in the media and communications sector
3	Use appropriately targeted research and/or communication strategies for seeking future employment in the media and communications sector, including in government and non-government organisations
4	Manage personal contact with external bodies professionally, and handle work-related documentation efficiently
5	If on placement, build appropriate relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and with external groups, including clients. If doing research component, assess the limitations of secondary research when approaching particular industry research questions and locate a range of secondary sources to identify and address industry questions
6	If on placement, contribute ethically, meaningfully and professionally in the workplace, both individually and as part of a team. If doing research component, design and conduct an ethically- and methodologically-sound desktop research study on appropriate sector issues
7	Communicate professionally in a range of genres used in the sector, including preparing reports to a professional standard
8	Reflect on, critically assess, consolidate and synthesise academic and industry media education and training
9	Form personalised learning objectives for ongoing professional development

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Deep discipline knowledge informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1 accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)	1, 2, 8, 9
Critical thinking and problem solving steeped in research methods and rigor based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment	1, 2, 3, 4, 8
Teamwork and communication skills developed from, with, and via the SGDE honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning	3, 6, 7
Career and leadership readiness technology savvy professional and, where relevant, fully accredited forward thinking and well informed tested and validated by work based experiences	1-9
Intercultural and ethical competency adept at operating in other cultures comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges	4, 5, 7, 8
Self-awareness and emotional intelligence a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate	1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9

Learning Resources

Required Resources

There is no textbook or course reader for this course. To successfully complete this course, you will need access to MyUni's Media Hub, and to the other required and recommended resources on MyUni.

If undertaking the Placement option: you must not commence your placement until all required forms and paperwork have been completed and signed off and you have secured pre-start approval from the Faculty office and the Course Coordinator.

Online Learning

This course uses MyUni for the provision of course materials, online discussions, assignment advice and help sheets, and other resources. All assignments will be submitted via MyUni.

Learning & Teaching Modes

This course is taught via a combination of 2-hour face-to-face workshops (Weeks 1-4, 5-6 and 12), online discussion and face-to-face consultations, and self-directed learning. Successful engagement in this course requires your attendance at workshops; due to their interactive nature, workshop content will not be recorded. Powerpoint slides and other documents will be provided on MyUni.

These approaches are designed to equip you with professional skills and confidence you need as you transition from your undergraduate studies to employment and/or further study. You will engage reflexively with your learning, synthesise academic and professional knowledge, and replicate business communication practices. Your learning in workshops will be supported by in-class peer activities, guest lectures, online content and research training seminars. You will also receive support from an academic supervisor through online discussion and face-to-face consultations.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

STRUCTURED LEARNING	TOTAL HOURS
2 x 1-hour workshops per week over 7 weeks	14 hours per semester
1 hour online activity (or equivalent) per week over 8 weeks	8 hours per semester
4 hours milestone assignment work per week over 4 weeks	16 hours per semester

SELF DIRECTED LEARNING	TOTAL HOURS
10 hours reading and preparation per week	120 hours per semester
10 hours research per week	20 hours per semester
3 hours assignment preparation each week	36 hours per semester

TOTAL WORKLOAD

312 hours per semester

Learning Activities Summary

Week 1	Introduction; Assessment overview; Industry placements and research projects; Self audits; Setting personalised learning objectives
Week 2	The local and national mediascape - digital disruptions and new players; Community, commercial and public media; International comparisons; The portability of digital and creative literacies
Week 3	Industry peer group work; Scoping different parts of the sector; Personal and professional challenges; Placement and research opportunities
Week 4	Career readiness skills; Workplace cultures; Communication styles; Peer-to-peer activities
Week 5	Placement option: Placement support; Assignment advice Research project option: Industry research; A suitable research question; Designing a research study; Locating and using relevant sources; Group presentations
Week 6	Placement option: Placement support; Assignment advice; Industry guests (TBC) Research project option: Research design support; Group presentations
Week 7	Placement or Research component
Week 8	Placement or Research component
Week 9	Placement or Research component
Week 10	Placement or Research component
Week 11	Placement or Research component
Week 12	Final plenary workshop: sharing research insights and workplace experiences

Specific Course Requirements

If undertaking the placement option: you will be required to complete relevant paperwork and secure formal approval before commencing your placement. Please note that some organisations (such as government agencies and community organisations) may require a police check (or similar) prior to the commencement of a placement; if so, this will be undertaken at the student's own expense.

Small Group Discovery Experience

This course combines industry and peer mentoring, small group activities (e.g. sharing approaches to placement, business intelligence, methods of research design) and self-directed work.

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

If undertaking the Placement option:

Assessment Task	Task Type	Due	Weighting	Learning Outcome
Reflective analysis	Formative and summative	Week 3, Friday 5pm	10%	1, 2, 8, 9
Progress report	Formative and summative	Day 6 of Placement	20%	1-9
Host evaluation report	Summative	Within 7 days of completion of Placement	20%	2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Participation and professionalism	Summative	Ongoing	10%	1, 4, 7
Final report	Summative	Week 13, Friday 5pm	40%	1-9

If undertaking the Research Project option:

Assessment Task	Task Type	Due	Weighting	Learning Outcome
Reflective analysis	Formative and summative	Week 3, Friday 5pm	10%	1, 2, 8, 9
Progress report	Formative and summative	Week 8, Friday 5pm	20%	1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Research findings presentation	Summative	Presented in Week 12 workshop	20%	2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Participation and professionalism	Summative	Ongoing	20%	1, 7, 8
Final report	Summative	Week 13, Friday 5pm	40%	1-9

Assessment Related Requirements

This course is designed to assist you to manage the transition from your undergraduate studies to employment and further study. You will need to take responsibility for your learning in this unit, and will be expected to be self-directed in securing and managing your Placement (including ensuring at all required paperwork, including the Host Evaluation Report, is submitted in a timely manner) or in designing and managing your Research Project.

Assessment Detail

If undertaking the Placement option:

1. Reflective analysis
600-word reflection on career skills, strategies and goals; setting of three personal learning objectives to guide learning across the semester (template provided on MyUni).

2. Progress report
1000-word progress report to be submitted on Day 6 of Placement. Report should cover: activities and experiences on Placement so far; key challenges and opportunities experienced; reflection on relationship between theory and practice; and reflection on progress in relation to your personal learning objectives.

3. Host Evaluation Report
University template provided for placement hosts to complete confidentially within 7 days ofthe conclusion of the Placement.

4. Participation and professionalism
Active engagement and participation in workshops; professional conduct and communication; effective and professional management of Placement obligations and course requirements, including conduct of virtual employment search, professional compliance with contractual regulations and obligations, and management of the submission of the Host Evaluation Report.

5. Final report
A researched and self-reflexive 4000-word report (excluding appendices), prepared to a professional standard appropriate to the sector in which the Placement was undertaken, outlining the key learnings from the Placement.

If undertaking the Research Project option:

1. Reflective analysis
600-word reflection on career skills, strategies and goals; setting of three personal learning objectives to guide learning across the semester (template provided on MyUni).

2. Progress report
1000-word report on research progress. Report should cover current progress on research design, the research question, the chosen methodology, and a reflection on progress in relation to your personal learning objectives.

3. Research findings presentation
Groups of 3-6 will give a presentation (up to 5-10 mins) in the Week 12 workshop, detailing key findings and industry insights. Groups will be selected in the Week 5 or 6 workshop and will be based around shared industry interests.

4. Participation and professionalism
Active engagement and participation in workshops; professional conduct and communication, including teamwork skills; effective and professional management of research obligations and course requirements.

5. Final report
A 5000 word report, (excluding references) of the findings of the desktop research study. It should be written in accessible language and in a professional format appropriate to the sector under analysis. The report should cover: context; significance; the research question; the literature search; methodology; findings; limitations and conclusion.

Submission

Most assignments will be submitted via the course's MyUni site. There will be some exceptions (such as the Host Evaluation Report for Placement students) that will need to be emailed directly by the host supervisor; details will be provided in class and on MyUni.

Feedback will be provided in the form of rubrics, comments on assignments, peer feedback, in class and one-on-one consultations, and (in the case of Placement students) via workplace learning.

Marked assignments will be returned within 4 weeks of submission. This course follows the Faculty of Arts' policies concerning extensions, late submisson of assignments, and lateness penalties.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

Student Feedback

The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
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Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator