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Sociology of Media
Undergraduate | MAQ-SOCX2060 | 2024
Previously MAQ-SOCX279
Gauge the impact new media communication technologies have had on the ways people talk, work and live. Place yourself inside online communities. Examine propaganda communications. Consult the writings of key sociological thinkers in the media field.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 18 weeks
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Sociology of Media
About this subject
On successful completion of this subject, you will be able to
- demonstrate an understanding of debates about communication media and how they shape social life
- identify and discuss key terms in the sociology of the media
- apply critical thinking via different sociological approaches, both theoretical and empirical, to the study of media and society
- utilise research skills through the planning and construction of a major essay in the sociology of the media in order to be competent in the construction and presentation of a cohesive argument
- demonstrate capacity for critical engagement with other students' ideas through structured discussions
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
This subject was previously known as SGY280, SOCX279 Sociology of Media.
This subject examines the consequences of living in a world where mediated forms of communication have replaced many forms of face-to-face communication. Students will undertake a critical study of key topics in the sociology of media and communication in order to acquire knowledge about the social forces surrounding our everyday media use. The unit will examine questions such as: How do new media technologies impact society? How are media shaped by social structures? Is watching television a ritual activity? What kinds of community are possible via the internet? These topics are used to illustrate how key concepts in sociology - such as change, modernity, self, community, and sociability - can be applied to the study of media contexts.
- Research essay (40%)
- Essay plan (20%)
- Online participation (20%)
- Reflection on weekly responses (20%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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- QS Ranking 2024:
- 10
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 10
Entry requirements
Prior study
To help set you up for success before you start this subject, we suggest completing or having equivalent knowledge in:
one of
MAQ-SOCX175 (Not currently available)
MAQ-SGY110 (Not currently available)
- MAQ-SOCX1000-Introduction to Sociology: Understanding contemporary society
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
MAQ-SGY280 (Not currently available)
MAQ-SOCX279 (Not currently available)
Others
NCCW (pre-2020 units) SGY280, SOC279, SOC289, SOCX279
Pre-requisite 40cp at 1000 level or above
NCCW (2020 and onwards)
SOCI2060 Sociology of Media
Additional requirements
- Other requirements -
Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA units offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
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