MDIA 3203 - Media Policy and Media Law III

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2023

This course examines the various media law, policy and regulatory frameworks in Australia that affect media establishments and how they enhance or constrain media institutions and the public in their communication activities. It will also examine the media regulatory frameworks of other countries. The course will examine the success or failure of existing media policy and regulations in a technologically dynamic media environment.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MDIA 3203
    Course Media Policy and Media Law III
    Coordinating Unit Media
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites At least 15 units of MDIA undergraduate study
    Incompatible MDIA 2301
    Assessment Quizzes, Case Study Review, Comparative Analysis, Essay, Participation
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Saira Ali

    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1. Understand how Australian media laws and regulations compare with those of other nations
    2. Understand how media policies and regulations enable or constrain effective media environments
    3. Understand the obligations and rights of media practitioners in the execution of their duties
    4. Understand some of the problems and limitations of applying old media laws in new media environments
    5. Become more skilled in critical thinking and case analysis
    6. Become more skilled in evaluating the relevance and appropriateness of regulatory frameworks
    7. Be able to appreciate the complex issues associated with media regulation
    8. Be able to research and evaluate media products and policies
    9. Understand changing media landscapes and their possible legal implications
    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)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1,2,3,4,7,8,9

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    3,4,5,6,7,8,9

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    3,5,6

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    1,3,6,9

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    3,4,5,6,7,8,9
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Required readings for each week will be available via the MyUni course site. You will need to complete these readings each week prior to tutorials.
    Recommended Resources
    Any recommended resources will be made available via the MyUni course site.
    Online Learning
    You will need continual access to MyUni to access course resources and to stay informed about course activities. All assessments will be submitted electronically via MyUni.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course is taught via a mixture of online and face-to-face materials. All lectures will be pre-recorded and made available weekly via MyUni. The tutorials will be held online as well as on-campus. You are expected to view the lectures before tutorials. Attendance at tutorials is an essential part of this course; you may be disadvantaged if you fail to attend at least 80% of classes.
    Workload

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

    Workload - Structured Learning

    Total Hours        

    2 x 1-hour lectures per week 12 hours per semester
    1 x 1-hour tutorial per week 24 hours per week


    Workload - Self-directed Learning

    Total Hours          

    3 hours of readings per week 36 hours per semester
    4 hours research per week 48 hours per semester
    3 hours of assignment preparation per week 36 hours per semester
    TOTAL: 156 hours per semester
    Learning Activities Summary

    No information currently available.

  • Assessment

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

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

    Assessment Summary


    Assessments

    Weighting

    Online Quizzes 20%
    Case Study Review 30%
    Comparative Analysis Essay 40%
    Attendance & Participation 10%
    Assessment Related Requirements
    You must submit all assignments prior to the due date, and meet all university requirements for attendance, in order to be eligible to pass this course.
    Assessment Detail

    No information currently available.

    Submission
    All assignments will be submitted electronically via the MyUni course site.
    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.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.