Media and Democracy
UndergraduateMUR-COM2092027
Course information for 2027 intake
Media can inform citizens, shape opinion and hold power to account. Study ownership, regulation, misinformation and digital platforms. Build media literacy for more ethical communication.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Enrol by
- 18 July 2027
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 14 weeks
- Start dates
- 26 July 2027
- Price from
- $2,257
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Media and Democracy
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- Critically analyse the relationship between the media, politics and democracy.
- Explain and define freedom of expression and press freedom.
- Explain the impact of media on information ecosystems in specific socio-political contexts.
- Identify and critically assess credible information, distinguishing it from misinformation and disinformation in digital and traditional media.
- Demonstrate familiarity with journalistic discourse across diverse platforms.
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
This subject examines the vital role of media in advancing democracy, focusing on how professional communications and journalism informs citizens, shapes public opinion, and holds power to account. The unit explores the complex relationship between media and politics, the impact of media ownership and regulations, freedoms of information and expression, and how societies manage misinformation. Students will critically assess media practices and the impact of digital platforms on democratic processes, and gain the media literacy skills to navigate the media ecosystem responsibly, preparing them to be informed and ethical media communicators.
Please Note: All students studying at Murdoch University will need to complete the compulsory unit, Murdoch Academic Passport (MAP100), which only takes 2-3 hours to complete online. Find out more: http://goto.murdoch.edu.au/MurdochAcademicPassport.
Assessment in this subject includes an exam. Majority of OUA students will be required to complete their final exam remotely online (Remote eExam) via myMurdoch Learning (LMS), using Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor. You will require a device meeting the minimum standards with a webcam, microphone, and stable internet connection and perform a one-time installation of ‘Respondus LockDown Browser’ using the unique Murdoch link. You are required to complete the mandatory practice quiz before the start of the exam period to ensure a smooth experience on the day. More information regarding Respondus can be found on the Remote eExam page: https://goto.murdoch.edu.au/RemoteExams
- Meme critique (20%)
- Research project proposal presentation (20%)
- Presentation of research findings (30%)
- Final Invigilated Exam (Remote eExam using Respondus) (30%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Core
- MUR-COM-DEG-2027 - Bachelor of Communication
Others
To enrol in this subject, you must have passed a minimum of 12 credit points at 100-level (first year level).
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
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.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateMUR-COM-DEG