Subject details

This subject provides you with the knowledge and analytical tools that will enable you to investigate and analyse newspapers as 'texts' in their historical context, and to use newspapers as historical sources.

After successfully completing the subjects students will have developed a solid knowledge in the following key areas:

  • understanding the history of newspapers
  • understanding the emergence of newspapers as a powerful political, social and cultural platform
  • develop a deeper historical understanding of the modern world
  • develop an understanding of journalism as a profession and its place in the modern world
  • analysing newspapers as a cultural artefact
  • analysing newspapers as a cultural institution.
  • Students will also develop skills in:
  • textual, cultural and historical analysis
  • the application of theoretical concepts and knowledge
  • advanced written expression in academic research essays
  • academic and digital literacy
  • independent learning, including independent research strategies
  • advanced research and investigation skills, including the capacity to explore and organise information from primary sources
  • critical thinking
  • referencing using the appropriate method.

  • Topics

    • Intro - providing an historical & analytical frame
    • British newspaper from roughly 1880 to the WWI
    • Australian press up to the 1970s

  • Study resources

    • Instructional Methods

      • Disscusion forum/Discussion Board
      • Online assignment submission

    • Online Materials

      • Resources and Links
      • Printable format materials
      • Online Assessment

Entry Requirements

Others

You must complete Level 1 Journalism, History or Communications studies before starting this subject.

Special requirements

No special requirements

Learn about the role of the newspaper in the history of modern Western society. You will focus on the emergence of mass circulation and new forms of journalism in the second half of the nineteenth century. The role of the English critical weeklies and more radical alternative newspapers will also be examined. The development of Australian newspapers and their function from colonial times through Federation to the contemporary period will also be a major area of study.

You will explore historical topics and events such as: commercialisation of the press; political opinion; cultural authority; structure and ownership of the press; historical analysis of aspects of newspapers; relationship between mainstream and radical press; journalism as a profession and the effects of commercialisation on journalism.

This subject provides you with an opportunity to explore one of the most important and influential cultural forms of the modern world - the newspaper.

  • Assignment 1 - Essay 1 (40%)
  • Assignment 2 - Essay 2 (40%)
  • Assignment 3 - Online Discussion (20%)

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.

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Related degrees

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Arts

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Communication