SCIENCE IN THE MEDIA
STC3SIM
2015
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject is delivered fully on-line. In this subject students will explore the different ways in which science is represented in the media and why scientific findings poses difficulties for journalists and often leads to under-reporting or misrepresentation. Integrating scientific and media perspectives through a case study approach, Science in the Media will offer an overview of scientific method, along with an overview of key elements of media practice -news values, production values, narrative and popular culture formats, along with media market-research methodologies and key concepts in media and communications theory.
School: School of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Lawrie Zion
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 3 - UG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: Must complete 120 credit points of LTU subjects from any faculty or coordinator's approval.
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: STC2SIM
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Investigating Science Communication in the Information Age: Implications for Public Engagement and Popular Media | Recommended | Holliman, R., Whitelegg, E., Scanlon, E., Smidt, S. and Thomas J., (eds) | OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 2008 |
| Readings | Practising Science Communication in the Information Age: Theorising Professional Practices. | Recommended | Hollimahn, R., Whitelegg, E., Scanlon, E., Smidt, S. and Thomas J., (eds) | OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 2008 |
| Readings | The Sciences'Media Connection - Public Communication and its repercussions | Recommended | Rodder, Simone | E-BOOK, DORDRECHT: SPRINGER |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Demonstrate critical analytical understanding of (i) theories of media production values/needs and (ii) scientific method
- Activities:
- Weekly readings/viewings for participation in online tutorial discussions.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
02. Develop the research and practical skills irequired for critical academic writing.
- Activities:
- Participating in online blog/discussion exercises, group presentation and individual written assignment.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
03. Understand/articulate why the uncertainty that is intrinsic to scientific research findings produces problems for news media producers/reporters
- Activities:
- Reading/viewing/listening to weekly media texts discussed in online 'lecture/conversation' in order to participate in online discussion exercises.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Writing(Writing)
04. Ability to work as a team member
- Activities:
- Through collaborative development of a group presentation.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
05. Online time management skills
- Activities:
- Through consistent group participation and meeting assignment deadlines
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
06. Ability to express ideas in a public forum
- Activities:
- Through online discussion exercises
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Speaking(Speaking)
Albury-Wodonga, 2015, Semester 2, Online
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Susan Lawler
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via online.
"1 hour online video"
TutorialWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via online.
"2 hours of online forum and blogging"
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blogging : A weekly blog x 10 (400 words) Top 3 blogs (1200 words) | 25 | 01, 03, 05 | |
| Essay (2000 words) | 50 | 01, 02, 03 | |
| Weekly online discussion (400 words equivalent) | 25 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 |
Bendigo, 2015, Semester 2, Online
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Susan Lawler
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via online.
"1 hour online video"
TutorialWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via online.
"2 hours of online forum and blogging"
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blogging : A weekly blog x 10 (400 words) Top 3 blogs (1200 words) | 25 | 01, 03, 05 | |
| Essay (2000 words) | 50 | 01, 02, 03 | |
| Weekly online discussion (400 words equivalent) | 25 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 |
Melbourne, 2015, Semester 2, Online
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Mary Debrett
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via online.
"1 hour online video"
TutorialWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via online.
"2 hours of online forum and blogging"
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blogging : A weekly blog x 10 (400 words) Top 3 blogs (1200 words) | 25 | 01, 03, 05 | |
| Essay (2000 words) | 50 | 01, 02, 03 | |
| Weekly online discussion (400 words equivalent) | 25 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 |
Mildura, 2015, Semester 2, Online
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Susan Lawler
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via online.
"1 hour online video"
TutorialWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via online.
"2 hours of online forum and blogging"
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blogging : A weekly blog x 10 (400 words) Top 3 blogs (1200 words) | 25 | 01, 03, 05 | |
| Essay (2000 words) | 50 | 01, 02, 03 | |
| Weekly online discussion (400 words equivalent) | 25 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 |
Shepparton, 2015, Semester 2, Online
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Susan Lawler
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via online.
"1 hour online video"
TutorialWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via online.
"2 hours of online forum and blogging"
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blogging : A weekly blog x 10 (400 words) Top 3 blogs (1200 words) | 25 | 01, 03, 05 | |
| Essay (2000 words) | 50 | 01, 02, 03 | |
| Weekly online discussion (400 words equivalent) | 25 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 |