Humanities and Social Sciences

School of Communication, Arts and Critical Enquiry

Media Studies Program

What is Media?

The media are where many individuals and groups make sense of their worlds.

We believe that media professionals should be able to think critically, and have a sound understanding of the media industries in which they work. Consequently, the Media Studies Program has developed a unique approach that combines a study of the media with the development of practical media and communications skills.

What is Journalism?

Journalists produce much of the content of the media. Good journalists draw on highly developed skills in writing, research, interviewing and critical thinking, as well as a sound knowledge of the society and culture in which they operate. As well as examining the social and cultural roles of journalism, our students develop practical skills in writing and research across all the current and emerging media forms where journalism skills are used.

Teaching:

La Trobe pioneered the teaching of media studies in Australia and our program has a reputation for innovative, student focused teaching of a high quality. Our staff come from backgrounds in the media industries, journalism and teaching. Our syllabus offers a comprehensive balance of theory and practice.

Research:

Members of the Media Studies program are involved in a range of research projects in Australia and internationally, including audience research, policy research, textual analysis, documentary production, fiction script writing and ongoing journalism and screen production practice.

Career opportunities:

Our graduates are employed in a range of media organisations, schools, government agencies and other universities in Australia and overseas.

Community engagement:

The program runs a successful public lecture series, with past lecturers including Gay Alcorn (Editor, The Sunday Age), Graeme Samuel (Chair of the ACCC) and Professor Graeme Turner. Staff from the program have played a key role in the development of the Media Studies curriculum in Victorian schools. Staff are regular guests and presenters on radio and television and write regularly for Australian and international newspapers and magazines, as well as participating in the Writers Festival and other public events in the intellectual and community life of Australia.

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At a time of unprecedented change in the media, it is crucial that our teaching strategies are developed with the input of industry professionals. To this end, Journalism coordinator Dr Lawrie Zion is pleased to announce the formation of a Curriculum Advisory Panel.

The members of the panel have been chosen for their professional expertise in a range of media platforms, including print, television, radio, and online. They will be consulted to provide feedback to new initiatives undertaken within the Bachelor of Journalism degree program, including the development of new subjects, and of our new Master of Global Communications degree, which is being offered for the first time in 2009.

Dr Lawrie Zion, Journalism Coordinator.

CURRICULUM ADVISORY PANEL MEMBERS

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