Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Media Futures

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: Joel Stern

Course Coordinator Phone: Available via email only

Course Coordinator Email: j.stern@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 9, Level 4

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment via email


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Requisite Courses 

Successful completion of COMM2628 Media 5. 

Note: it is a condition of enrolment at RMIT that you accept responsibility for ensuring that you have completed the prerequisite/s and agree to concurrently enrol in co-requisite courses before enrolling in a course. 

For your information go to RMIT Course Requisites webpage. 

OR 

Alternatively you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course. Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. Further information: Credit at RMIT 


Course Description

In a rapidly changing world that is increasingly affected by climate change, conflict, and other local and global "wicked problems”, media researchers and practitioners have a vital role to play. This course explores an important and pressing question for media creators and the creative industries more broadly: how can we use our critical thinking, problem-solving and practical skills to positively impact the future?  

In Media Futures you will work together or individually on projects that address an issue of public concern in local and global contexts. You will have the opportunity to build on your portfolio and the skills you have developed during your degree, and apply speculative thinking and future literate techniques to your creative practice.  


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes 

This course contributes to the following BP221 program learning outcomes: 

  • Apply a body of theoretical and practical knowledge and specific skills in media and communication in your professional practice or future study
  • Communicate using diverse formats and strategies to audiences within and external to your discipline 
  • Work with others in a range of roles and contexts, demonstrating cultural, environmental and social awareness and ethical and reflective practice
  • Identify, evaluate and critically analyse cultural, historical and theoretical practices which contextualise your professional practice and further study. 


Course Learning Outcomes 

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

    1. Investigate and analyse how media is currently used to help solve “wicked problems” in local and global contexts.
    2. Produce creative projects to showcase critical, innovative and future-focused use of media.
    3. Apply your creative and conceptual skills and knowledge to both individual and group problem-solving.
    4. Critically reflect on your own creative work and career goals, and the future of media more broadly, in the context of a rapidly changing world. 


Overview of Learning Activities

Your learning is enabled through range of a learning activities that may include; Seminars, Presentations, Guest speakers, Workshops, lectures, problem solving sessions. 


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through the course Canvas site. A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning. 

There are services and resources available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the RMIT student website. 

 

The RMIT Library offers extensive resources and study support services for students. These include:

Students should contact Student Connect for information about available learning support to enhance their academic success. 

Learning Lab 

If you need help with academic language and learning skills (including English expression) please consult Learning Lab in the RMIT Library. https://emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/ 

School of Media and Communication Technical Services:  

You are entitled to access the resources available in the School of Media & Communication Technical Stores and to book sound and video suites located in buildings 8, 9, 10 and 12. Security swipe card access is required to access these spaces. For equipment loan requests, studio bookings and enquiries please refer to: https://rmiteduau.sharepoint.com/sites/TechPoint/SitePages/Equipment-Loans.aspx 

Australian Film Institute Research Collection  

Both the RMIT Central Library and the Australian Film Institute Research Collection (AFIRC) @ RMIT - located inside the Central Library - are important resources for this course. Students are also actively encouraged and guided to utilise the vast array of cinema-related material available online, as well as the large DVD collection and streaming options held by the Central Library. 

The AFI Research Collection is a specialist film and television library that is housed within the Central Library on our city campus (Level 2). It is one of the most significant film and TV studies research collection in Melbourne - and probably the best collection of Australian cinema-related research materials available anywhere. This is a research library which means that materials cannot be borrowed and need to be looked at in the library (but this is an advantage as it means materials are generally always available to access). Librarians at the AFIRC can assist you both online and on campus at the library. They can provide one-on-one research consultations to help guide your research and provide a wealth of expertise.


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and your development against the program learning outcomes. 

Assessment may include reports, projects and presentations, individually and in groups. Assessment will cover both theoretical and practical aspects of your learning. You will be able to develop your work in relation to your own specific areas of interest in your professional practice.  

Assessment Tasks 

Assessment 1: Proposal (20%). Linked CLOs 1, 4. 

Assessment 2. Solving Wicked Problems with Media (Group Project) (30%). Linked CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4. 

Assessment 3: Speculate Media Final Project (50%) Linked CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4. 

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks. 

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more. 

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.