General Information
This subject examines changes to the global media environment to help you prepare to become a knowledge worker who will work in the rapidly changing professional employment market. Some of the most profound changes have occurred in global communication networks, digitalisation of media, mobile content creation and delivery, human-machine interaction, virtualisation, artificial intelligence, big data, and video, sound and text democratisation. These global media trends are examined in their social context drawing on interdisciplinary studies that include humanities, arts, social sciences, and business. You will learn about these and you will create professional public media content to demonstrate your digital knowledge and skills.
-
Details
Academic unit: Faculty of Society & Design Subject code: COMN12-302 Subject title: Digital Media and Society Subject level: Undergraduate Semester/Year: January 2025 Credit points: 10.000 -
Delivery & attendance
Timetable: https://bond.edu.au/timetable Delivery mode: Standard Workload items: - Tutorial: x12 (Total hours: 12) - Weekly Tutorial
- Personal Study Hours: x12 (Total hours: 84) - Recommended Study Hours
- Forum: x12 (Total hours: 24) - Weekly Forum
Attendance and learning activities: Assessment items draw on a range of in-class exercises, activities, discussions, and games designed to promote active, engaged, and authentic learning. Attendance and participation in classes will enhance performance on assessments and improve the shared experiences of all members of the class. -
Resources
Prescribed resources: Books
- Mary T. Chayko (2020). Superconnected: The Internet, Digital Media, and Techno-Social Life. 3rd, Sage Publications, Incorporated
Journals
- Brand, J. (Ed.) (2019). Multiple Articles. Digital Media and Society Resource List
iLearn@Bond & Email: iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications.
Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student.
To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au
| Academic unit: | Faculty of Society & Design |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | COMN12-302 |
| Subject title: | Digital Media and Society |
| Subject level: | Undergraduate |
| Semester/Year: | January 2025 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Standard |
| Workload items: |
|
| Attendance and learning activities: | Assessment items draw on a range of in-class exercises, activities, discussions, and games designed to promote active, engaged, and authentic learning. Attendance and participation in classes will enhance performance on assessments and improve the shared experiences of all members of the class. |
| Prescribed resources: | Books
Journals
|
|---|---|
| iLearn@Bond & Email: | iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au |
Enrolment requirements
| Requisites: |
Nil |
|---|---|
| Assumed knowledge: |
Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge.
|
| Restrictions: |
Nil |
Assurance of learning
Assurance of Learning means that universities take responsibility for creating, monitoring and updating curriculum, teaching and assessment so that students graduate with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need for employability and/or further study.
At Bond University, we carefully develop subject and program outcomes to ensure that student learning in each subject contributes to the whole student experience. Students are encouraged to carefully read and consider subject and program outcomes as combined elements.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Program Learning Outcomes provide a broad and measurable set of standards that incorporate a range of knowledge and skills that will be achieved on completion of the program. If you are undertaking this subject as part of a degree program, you should refer to the relevant degree program outcomes and graduate attributes as they relate to this subject.
Subject Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject the learner will be able to:
- Describe key concepts and theories used to debate the merits of emerging media in verbal and written communication.
- Distinguish competing perspectives commonly held about emerging media for the health of society in verbal and written communication.
- Produce online publications such as a blog and a podcast within specified word counts and deadlines.
- Synthesize digital media concepts and their professional applications for public dissemination in a professional context.
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Assessment
The University acknowledges that Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools are an important facet of contemporary life. Their use in assessment is considered in line with students’ development of the skills and knowledge which demonstrate learning outcomes and underpin study and career success. Instructions on the use of Gen-AI are given for each assessment task; it is your responsibility to adhere to these instructions.
-
Assessment details
Type Task % Timing* Outcomes assessed Assignment Quality Blog Co-authored with Generative Artificial Intelligence 50.00% Week 6 1,2,3,4 Assignment Quality Podcast Co-produced with Generative Artificial Intelligence 50.00% Week 12 1,2,3,4 - * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
-
Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria
High Distinction 85-100 Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. Distinction 75-84 Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. Credit 65-74 Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. Pass 50-64 Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. Fail 0-49 Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
| Type | Task | % | Timing* | Outcomes assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Quality Blog Co-authored with Generative Artificial Intelligence | 50.00% | Week 6 | 1,2,3,4 |
| Assignment | Quality Podcast Co-produced with Generative Artificial Intelligence | 50.00% | Week 12 | 1,2,3,4 |
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
Assessment criteria
| High Distinction | 85-100 | Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 75-84 | Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. |
| Credit | 65-74 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. |
| Pass | 50-64 | Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. |
| Fail | 0-49 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. |
Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
Study Information
Submission procedures
Students must check the iLearn@Bond subject site for detailed assessment information and submission procedures.
Policy on late submission and extensions
A student who has not established a basis for an extension in compliance with University and Faculty policy either by 1) not applying before the assessment due date or 2) by having an application rejected due to failure to show a justifiable cause for an extension, will receive a penalty on assessment submitted after its due date. The penalty will be 10% of marks awarded to that assessment for every day late, with the first day counted after the required submission time has passed. No assessment will be accepted for consideration seven calendar days after the due date. Where a student has been granted an extension, the late penalty starts from the new due date and time set out in the extension.
Academic Integrity
Bond University‘s Student Code of Conduct Policy , Student Charter, Academic Integrity Policy and our Graduate Attributes guide expectations regarding student behaviour, their rights and responsibilities. Information on these topics can be found on our Academic Integrity webpage recognising that academic integrity involves demonstrating the principles of integrity (honesty, fairness, trust, professionalism, courage, responsibility, and respect) in words and actions across all aspects of academic endeavour.
Staff are required to report suspected misconduct. This includes all types of plagiarism, cheating, collusion, fabrication or falsification of data/content or other misconduct relating to assessment such as the falsification of medical certificates for assessment extensions. The longer term personal, social and financial consequences of misconduct can be severe, so please ask for help if you are unsure.
If your work is subject to an inquiry, you will be given an opportunity to respond and appropriate support will be provided. Academic work under inquiry will not be marked until the process has concluded. Penalties for misconduct include a warning, reduced grade, a requirement to repeat the assessment, suspension or expulsion from the University.
Feedback on assessment
Feedback on assessment will be provided to students according to the requirements of the Assessment Procedure Schedule A - Assessment Communication Procedure.
Whilst in most cases feedback should be provided within two weeks of the assessment submission due date, the Procedure should be checked if the assessment is linked to others or if the subject is a non-standard (e.g., intensive) subject.
Accessibility and Inclusion Support
Support is available to students where a physical, mental or neurological condition exists that would impact the student’s capacity to complete studies, exams or assessment tasks. For effective support, special requirement needs should be arranged with the University in advance of or at the start of each semester, or, for acute conditions, as soon as practicable after the condition arises. Reasonable adjustments are not guaranteed where applications are submitted late in the semester (for example, when lodged just prior to critical assessment and examination dates).
As outlined in the Accessibility and Inclusion Policy, to qualify for support, students must meet certain criteria. Students are also required to meet with the Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor who will ensure that reasonable adjustments are afforded to qualifying students.
For more information and to apply online, visit BondAbility.
Additional subject information
Students are urged to bring tablet computers, laptops, and smartphones to class. Learning to manage digital tools for professional and creative expression is an important part of the experience and learning outcomes in this subject and will contribute to a competitive advantage for its engaged students.
Subject curriculum
-
An Introduction to Superconnected Digital Media
In this unit, we discuss what 'new media' are and how they relate to social, political, and economic structures of society by making us 'superconnected.'.
SLOs included
- Describe key concepts and theories used to debate the merits of emerging media in verbal and written communication.
-
Influences of Technological and Social Change
In this unit, we talk about new media and explore whether we change our media or it changes us by focussing on the concept of technological determinism.
SLOs included
- Describe key concepts and theories used to debate the merits of emerging media in verbal and written communication.
- Distinguish competing perspectives commonly held about emerging media for the health of society in verbal and written communication.
-
The Spread of New Media and New Ideas
In this unit, we discuss digital media from the perspectives of history and economy, and we explore how innovations are adopted in society and how they permeate culture.
SLOs included
- Describe key concepts and theories used to debate the merits of emerging media in verbal and written communication.
- Distinguish competing perspectives commonly held about emerging media for the health of society in verbal and written communication.
-
The Process of Digitisation and Convergence
In this unit, we explore the digitisation of human communication using the lenses of ethical and legal implications, and we demonstrate that convergence is as cultural as it is technological.
SLOs included
- Describe key concepts and theories used to debate the merits of emerging media in verbal and written communication.
- Distinguish competing perspectives commonly held about emerging media for the health of society in verbal and written communication.
-
You as a Knowledge Worker in the Knowledge Economy
In this unit, we explore the place of digital media in the knowledge economy from the perspectives of political economy and media. We begin an intense interest in Social Networking and knowledge work.
SLOs included
- Describe key concepts and theories used to debate the merits of emerging media in verbal and written communication.
- Distinguish competing perspectives commonly held about emerging media for the health of society in verbal and written communication.
-
The Participatory Culture of Citizen Audiences
Journalism and Public Relations work with the collective will of interactive and participatory audiences. In this unit, we talk about the emergence of interactivity, audience control, and participation and a newly active citizenry.
SLOs included
- Describe key concepts and theories used to debate the merits of emerging media in verbal and written communication.
- Distinguish competing perspectives commonly held about emerging media for the health of society in verbal and written communication.
- Synthesize digital media concepts and their professional applications for public dissemination in a professional context.
-
Networks and Collective Intelligence
Computers are more than number-crunchers, they are communication tools that allow billions of us to exchange ideas. Computers have arguably allowed humans to move beyond the idea of a global village to become a collective network and an inter-connected hive of intelligence.
SLOs included
- Describe key concepts and theories used to debate the merits of emerging media in verbal and written communication.
- Distinguish competing perspectives commonly held about emerging media for the health of society in verbal and written communication.
- Synthesize digital media concepts and their professional applications for public dissemination in a professional context.
-
Community, Democracy, and Security
As physical communities blend with virtual communities, security, privacy, and intellectual property require new knowledge and behaviours. In this unit, we explore the challenges of community, security, and intellectual property.
SLOs included
- Describe key concepts and theories used to debate the merits of emerging media in verbal and written communication.
- Produce online publications such as a blog and a podcast within specified word counts and deadlines.
-
Communication with Mobile, Cloud, Blockchain, AI, Robotics, VR and Future Technologies
In this unit, we examine the role of innovations now affecting the personal, social, and professional spheres of human experience.
SLOs included
- Describe key concepts and theories used to debate the merits of emerging media in verbal and written communication.
- Produce online publications such as a blog and a podcast within specified word counts and deadlines.
-
Hyping the Digital Divide
We complete the subject with a discussion of the juxtaposition of hype and the digital divide. In this unit, we explore potential futures for digital media and society.
SLOs included
- Describe key concepts and theories used to debate the merits of emerging media in verbal and written communication.
- Produce online publications such as a blog and a podcast within specified word counts and deadlines.
- Synthesize digital media concepts and their professional applications for public dissemination in a professional context.