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Course Outline

INT203 Power, Politics and the Media

Course Coordinator:Shannon Brincat (sbrincat@usc.edu.au) School:School of Law and Society

2025Semester 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

 Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Online

 Online You can do this course without coming onto campus.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

Politics and the media are closely entwined. In this course you will be introduced to the power of the media, its ability to influence populations, and how political forces attempt to use the media for their own power across the world. The impact of political advertising, media ownership, social media, surveillance, media laws, war reporting, and popular culture are investigated across a comparison of states. You will engage in TV and film analysis, alongside examining the rise of social and networked media. You will contemplate what the role of the media should be for free societies and how the media can serve the public good today.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Weekly online learning materials (e.g. videos, readings, activities, discussion board) 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Weekly in-person two-hour tutorial/workshops 2hrs Week 1 10 times
Online
Learning materials – Weekly online learning materials (e.g. videos, readings, activities, discussion board) 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Weekly online tutorial/workshop 2hrs Week 1 10 times

Course Topics

Media in history; Production of media; Media Theory; Ownership and Regulation of the media; Media and democracy; Media and propaganda; Media in advertising & surveillance; Media and security, war, terrorism; Popular Culture of media, TV and film analysis; Media in memes & cartoons

 

Mature Content

Sex/Sexual references, Violence, Adult themes

What level is this course?

200 Level (Developing)

Building on and expanding the scope of introductory knowledge and skills, developing breadth or depth and applying knowledge and skills in a new context. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally, undertaken in the second or third full-time year of an undergraduate programs.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Apply theories of media, communication, and politics to real world events and problems. Knowledgeable
Empowered
Problem solving
2 Investigate and evaluate the impact of media on politics, and, the influence of politics on media. Creative and critical thinker
Engaged
Information literacy
3 Critically analyse the nature and value of current international media, sources, and news items. Creative and critical thinker
Communication
Information literacy
4 Critically compare and contrast different media sources, evaluate content, and identify issues, themes, and biases. Empowered
Ethical
Communication
Information literacy
5 Communicate effectively to appropriate audience and apply referencing conventions. Knowledgeable
Empowered
Ethical
Communication
Problem solving
Information literacy

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Not applicable

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

INT270 and INT370

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Early feedback is provided in Portfolio from the second week. Students will be given direct oral and written feedback on their work and their preparation and participation in the tutorial related to readings and content in classes each week.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Report Individual 30% 
1500 words
 Week 7 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Essay Individual 50% 
2000 words
 Week 13 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Portfolio Individual 20% 
150 words approx. per week over 10 weeks
 Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) In Class
All - Assessment Task 1:Media Analysis report
Goal: 
You will research and analyse two news items of your choice (on the same story/theme/issue but from different sources) and complete a report critically comparing and contrasting these items.
Product: Report
Format: 
The report is written as a formal academic paper consistently applying a referencing style (Harvard, Oxford, or Chicago preferred) and containing a List of References (LOR).The news items (whether articles, reports, editorials, TV spots) must be included with your report, either in print or as a link.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Breadth of research on media sources; understanding and application of relevant literature.
 1 2 4
2 
Critical comparison of news items (analysis and synthesis)
 1 4
3 
Application of theories (communication/media and related concepts)
 1
4 
Written communication
 4 5
5 
Academic referencing
 3 5
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving, Organisation, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 2:Essay
Goal: 
You will undertake research and write an essay that explores a media and politics issue in depth.
Product: Essay
Format: 
Academic product
2000 words
Particular attention will be focused on the inclusion of empirical data to support points and arguments made, integration of arguments with theories of media/communication, and, on the critical analysis and synthesis of materials in the essay.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
​Research and discussion of the relationship between politics and the media. Breadth of research, understanding and application of relevant literature
 2 3
2 
Evaluation of the impact of media on politics. Comprehensiveness of argument in response to question.
 1 2 3
3 
Application of theory of media and communication; use of evidence; range of sources and evidence; quality of sources and evidence
 1 4
4 
Critical evaluation and analysis of media sources (compare and contrast). Critical analysis; critical and lateral thinking; engagement with sources, theories and different viewpoints
 1 2 4
5 
Structure of essay; language /written expression; Written communication and language
 1 3 5
6 
Referencing and citations
 5
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 3:Preparation and Participation Portfolio
Goal: 
You will complete a written portfolio documenting your engagement with readings, learning materials, tutorials, discussions, activities and answering all questions as required.
Product: Portfolio
Format: 
Format: 
From weeks 1 - 10, you will have an in-class evaluation of your tutorial engagement: 
 
Preparation for each tutorial will require: 
 
reading the required readings for the week; 
watching the online learning materials; 
completing written summaries and/or question/answer (150 words approx) each week and emailing these to the lecturer prior to the tutorial; reflecting about the issues highlighted for discussion in the class. 
 
Discussions will take place in the tutorial which will give you the opportunity to be heard and participate in a range of learning activities. Your discussions should be informed by the readings and online materials.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
​Application of theory, philosophy, knowledge of media and politics
 1 2 3 4
2 
Analysis of readings and case study materials
 1 2 3 4
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving, Organisation, Information literacy

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

Not applicable

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:
(a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%; and
(b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submissions may be penalised up to and including the following maximum percentage of the assessment task’s identified value, with weekdays and weekends included in the calculation of days late:
(a) One day: deduct 5%;
(b) Two days: deduct 10%;
(c) Three days: deduct 20%;
(d) Four days: deduct 40%;
(e) Five days: deduct 60%;
(f) Six days: deduct 80%;
(g) Seven days: A result of zero is awarded for the assessment task.
The following penalties will apply for a late submission for an online examination:
Less than 15 minutes: No penalty
From 15 minutes to 30 minutes: 20% penalty
More than 30 minutes: 100% penalty

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au
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