Course coordinator
Dr Lujain Shafeeq
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
You will acquire the skills for integrated design, production and distribution of media content. The course incorporates text, audio, visual, interactive and graphic design elements.
This course is about designing media to achieve a social goal. It is a practice-led course in which you will apply theoretical concepts to real-world issues and produce multimedia artefacts for specific audiences.ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed studens are in the second year of either a communications or journalism program and have mastered basic writing and multimedia production skills.ﾠ
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
BCommun and BJ students: COMU1130, COMU1140, JOUR1112 or WRIT1200
BA Professional Writing and Communication students: WRIT1200, COMU1140
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Lujain Shafeeq
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Whilst every effort is made to place students in their preferred activity, it is not always possible for a student to be enrolled in their tutorial of choice. If you require assistance, please ensure that you email timetabling.commarts@enquire.uq.edu.au from your UQ student email with:
- Your name
- Your student ID
- The course code
- A list of three tutorial preferences (in order of preference)
- Reason for the change – e.g. timetable clash, elite athlete status, SAP
Teaching staff do not have access to change tutorials or help with timetables; all timetabling changes must be processed through the Timetabling Team.
Aims and outcomes
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 15.0px; font: 13.0px Helvetica; color: #333333; -webkit-text-stroke: #333333; background-color: #ffffff} span.s1 {font-kerning: none}
This course introduces the principles of researching and designing communication. There is an emphasis on understandingﾠaudiences and creating media for them. Students are encouraged to tackle social issues as a way of exploring the possibilities of media design.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation |
Design critique
|
10% |
At the first tutorial (Week 2), you will be assigned a presentation week. Presentations will take place in tutorials in Weeks 4-11. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Media design brief | 30% |
15/09/2025 4:00 pm |
| Portfolio | Design portfolio | 60% |
10/11/2025 4:00 pm |
Assessment details
Design critique
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
At the first tutorial (Week 2), you will be assigned a presentation week. Presentations will take place in tutorials in Weeks 4-11.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03
Task description
Select and critique a piece of media design in light of the principles and practices discussed in course lectures and readings. Prepare and deliver a two-minute talk in class.
At the first tutorial (Week 2), you will be assigned a presentation week. During class in that week, you will present and discuss your design example in light of the concepts addressed in the learning materials from the previous week.
Lecture topics, related workshops, and a possible focus for critiques are outlined in the Assignment Brief on Blackboard.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Present in class.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
This is an in-class assessment item and students are NOT able to apply for an extension via the Unitask portal. It may be possible to present in an alternative week but you must seek approval from your tutor and provide the normal documentation needed for an extension .
Late submission
Late submission is not possible for this piece of assessment.
Media design brief
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
15/09/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03
Task description
Each student should research a social issue from a media design perspective and develop a project brief. This should include:
- A summary of the issue;
- Description of the communities, individuals and organisations involved and/or impacted;
- Overview of how the issue is currently and has previously been communicated;
- Opportunities for media design, including engagement.
The brief should be based on evidence collected through primary and secondary research. It should include evidence from existing documents and media artefacts as well as original material gathered via interviews, observations and analysis of data.
Any claims made or ideas proposed in the brief should be supported by evidence. This might include:
- quotations from an interview or document;
- photographs of a location or event;
- images of professional campaigns or grassroots initiatives;
- statistics or findings from a report.
Risk
Your project must fall within the scope of the School’s generic risk assessment guidelines. Any activities outside of these parameters must be approved via the University’s Risk Assessment process. Students must not pursue projects that carry political, social, or health risks.
This will be discussed in class.
Students should use a mix of desk-based and field reporting methods.
Please see the Assignment Brief for further guidance, including structure, submission requirements, and grading.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn.
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Design portfolio
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Portfolio
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
10/11/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Each student should develop a media design portfolio that addresses a social issue. The portfolio has four parts:
- Design rationale: 1,000 words;
- Website content: 500 words plus two original images with captions;
- Website wireframe: A4;
- Poster: A4.
All components should be collated into a single PDF file for submission.
Design rationale
The rationale should explain how you aimed to design meaningful communication about a social issue for a specific public. It should detail how and why decisions were made about content and form and should refer to course readings and other relevant sources to support your decisions. Do not cite lecture notes.
See the Assignment Brief for a suggested structure.
Website content
Produce the main content for a single web page about the social issue. The content may be journalistic or strategic in nature and may consist of a single story or multiple, smaller components. Include two original still images [photographs or graphics, no video] with captions. Include headlines.
Please note, stories and images must be original. No third-party material should be used for this component.
See the Assignment Brief for further guidance.
Wireframe
Design a single web page about the issue. The page should accommodate your original content (text and images) and indicate opportunities for interaction and engagement. It can be for desktop or mobile.
Do not include the main text and images on the wireframe. Use the wireframe to communicate how the content will be organised and how a user can engage with the issue. Use lines, shapes, labels, icons, and short annotations to explain the layout and functionality of the page.
See the Assignment Brief for further guidance.
Poster
Design a poster that addresses the social issue. The poster should have a single, clear message and should be designed for a public space. Do not create an infographic.
The poster should be visually arresting and informative. It may include text and images, or just text or images. Choices about colour, typography and images should be informed by the issue, audience and design principles. The poster should be designed so it can be read from five metres away.
You may use third-party images to support your design. Third-party material must not form a substantive part of the design. Any material must if necessary must be available under a Creative Commons licence and properly cited.
Risk
Your project must fall within the scope of the School’s generic risk assessment guidelines. Any activities outside of these parameters must be approved via the University’s Risk Assessment process. Students must not pursue projects that carry political, social, or health risks.
This will be discussed in class.
Students should use a mix of desk-based and field reporting methods.
See the Assignment Brief for further guidance on the use of third-party material, software, how to organise your document and grading.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn.
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
- Where fractional marks occur in the calculation of the final grade, a mark of x.5% or greater will be rounded up to (x+1)%. A percentage mark of less than x.5% will be rounded down to x%.
- Where no assessable work is received, a Grade of X will apply. ﾠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- File management: Students are responsible for the security and integrity of their work, includingﾠmedia files and field notes. Students should back up their work to an external hard drive or cloud service.ﾠExtensions will not be granted due to lost or damaged files. ﾠ
- Fieldwork: Each student must read and comply withﾠthe School of Communication and Arts Generic Risk Assessment for Fieldwork.ﾠ
- Copyright:ﾠStudents are expected to use original material. Theyﾠmust not breach copyright laws and must not use images or any other media produced by someone else without their permission.ﾠ
- Further information regarding the assessment, including marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
- Marks Cannot Be Changed After Being Released: Marks are not open to negotiation with course staff. If you wish to discuss the feedback you have received, you should make an appointment to speak with the Course Coordinator.
- Assessment Re-mark: If you are considering an Assessment Re-mark, please follow the link to important information you should consider before submitting a request.
- Integrity Pledge: Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Modules.ﾠIn uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.
- Withholding marks prior to finalisation of grades: Per UQ Assessment Procedures – Release of Assessment Item Marks and Grades: The final assessment item and the marks for the assessment item are to be released only after the final grade for the course has been released.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Students are expected to complete weekly online modules and prepare for workshops by gathering data and completing tasks as required.
Technical training in media equipment and software is delivered by the MaPS team, separate from course activities. Refer to the JACtech site for details: https://jactech.com.au
Additional training is available via LinkedIn Learning online courses: https://web.library.uq.edu.au/library-services/training/linkedin-learning-online-courses
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 1 Lecture: Media Design Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 1: NO TUTORIALS Tutorials start in Week 2. |
|
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 2 Lecture: Issues and Publics Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 2 Tutorial: Identifying media design issues Sign up for design critique. Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 3: NO LECTURE DUE TO PUBLIC HOLIDAY |
Tutorial |
Week 3: NO TUTORIALS DUE TO PUBLIC HOLIDAY |
|
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 4 Lecture: Research for Media Design Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 4 Tutorial: Issues and publics Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 5 Lecture: Creative Judgement Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Week 5 Tutorial: Research for Media Design Learning outcomes: L02 |
|
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 6 Lecture: Community and engagement Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Week 6 Tutorial: Creative judgement Learning outcomes: L02 |
|
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 7 Lecture: Communicating meaning Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Week 7 Tutorial: Engagement strategies Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 8 Lecture: Designing content Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Week 8 Tutorial: Communicating meaning Learning outcomes: L02 |
|
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 9 Lecture: Principles of composition Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Week 9 Tutorial: Designing content Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Mid Sem break (29 Sep - 05 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-Semester Break |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 10 Lecture: Designing pages and posters Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Week 10 Tutorial: Principles of Composition Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 11 Lecture: Typography and colour Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Week 11 Tutorial: Designing pages and posters Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 12: NO LECTURE |
Tutorial |
Week 12 Tutorial: Typography and Colour Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Lecture |
Week 13: NO LECTURE |
Tutorial |
Week 13 Tutorial: Final guidance on Design Portfolio Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
Course guidelines
Communication Expectations
While you are a student at UQ, all communication must be conducted according to the UQ Student Code of Conduct. The UQ Library has a helpful Communicate and collaborate online module.
- Email is the primary way for you to send messages to, and receive information from, the School and our staff.
- You must use your UQ email address (not a private address) to communicate with staff.
- You should add a clear subject line, including course code, and a 2-3 word statement.
- You can send email at any time, however, please do not expect responses outside normal working hours (Monday to Friday from ~8am to ~5pm).
- Emails that constitute bullying, harassment or discrimination against staff contravene the Student Code of Conduct. Emails like this will be reported to the University, and the matter will be pursued as misconduct.