IA3101 - Media and Race Relations

Credit points:	03
Year:	2011
Student Contribution Band:	Band 1
Administered by:	School of Indigenous Australian Studies

Available to all undergraduate degree students.

This subject will explore race relations between different cultural groups within Australia, past and present. Contemporary migration and refugee issues will be explored in terms of media reporting and impact on attitudes and relationships in society. The role the media play in improving race relations within Australia, as well as, the protocols and ethics appropriate to reporting will be taught. The question of objectivity within this context, the ownership of stories and access to information will be examined. Students will be introduced to issues and notions through online learning including the discussion board and e-mail, digital medium and reading materials. Therefore it is essential that students have access to the World Wide Web to complete this subject, students who do not have access to e-mail must notify the subject coordinator.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a sound understanding of the ABA Guidelines on the Portrayal of Indigenous Australians and ethnic minority groups;
• Examine the Protocol Guidelines for reporting on Indigenous issues and apply these within diverse media settings;
• Critically analyse the media and describe the process by which the media creates myths and meanings about Indigenous Australians and ethnic minority groups;
• Describe the history of the media role in influencing popular belief about racial and ethnic community relations and identify the political contexts of current debates within contemporary society.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments, and to reason and deploy evidence clearly and logically;
• An understanding of the economic, legal, ethical, social and cultural issues involved in the use of information;
• The ability to select and organise information and to communicate it accurately, cogently, coherently, creatively and ethically;
• The acquisition of coherent and disciplined sets of skills, knowledge, values and professional ethics from at least one discipline area;
• The ability to read complex and demanding texts accurately, critically and insightfully.

Availabilities
External, Study Period 1
Census Date 24-Mar-2011
Coord/Lect:	Assoc. Professor Jacinta Elston.
Method of Delivery:	WWW - LearnJCU
Assessment:	assignments (30%); discussion board participation - analysis of set readings (20%); major essay (50%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.