Skip to menu Skip to content Skip to footer
Course profile

Media and Identity (COMU2150)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Communication & Arts School

This course builds on the concepts of power and media that were introduced in COMU1120, offering focused analyses of the ways that various media forms recreate and represent intersections between individual, social and cultural identity.

This course analyses the ways that gender, race, dis/ability, class and other aspects of individual, social and cultural identity intersect with each other and with various media.

Course requirements

Assumed background

It is preferable that students are in the second year of their degree. Students should bring a respectful attitude and a willingness to challenge their pre-existing ways of understanding identity.

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

COMU2015

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Tutor

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

This course consists of a weekly one-hour lecture and a weekly two-hour tutorial. Lectures will either be delivered live via Zoom with lecture recordings posted to Zoom when available, or lectures will be pre-recorded and available on Blackboard at the scheduled lecture time. Participation in tutorials is expected.

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

This course explores the multiple ways in which identities are continually produced and reproduced via various media and in media representations.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Identify the relationship between various media and intersectional forms of identity.

LO2.

Critically engage with theoretical ideas relating to the social construction of identity and power relations.

LO3.

Understand how ideology and hegemony operate in media.

LO4.

Apply the concepts of intersectionality and standpoint theory to interpretations of various media and media representations.

LO5.

Reflect critically on your own ideas and assumptions about identity, diversity, and difference.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Participation/ Student contribution, Quiz, Tutorial/ Problem Set Ripple Participation
  • Online
15%

29/07/2024 - 21/10/2024

Weekly contribution requirement as outlined on Blackboard.

Presentation Presentation and Written Summary
  • In-person
15%

The week in which you present will be randomly assigned in the first tutorial (Week 2).

A written summary of your key points, arguments, and discussion questions will be submitted via TurnItIn on Blackboard within 24 hours of presenting.

Essay/ Critique Media Analysis 25% 1200 words

6/09/2024 4:00 pm

Essay/ Critique Final Paper 45% 2000-2300 words

25/10/2024 4:00 pm

Assessment details

Ripple Participation

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Participation/ Student contribution, Quiz, Tutorial/ Problem Set
Weight
15%
Due date

29/07/2024 - 21/10/2024

Weekly contribution requirement as outlined on Blackboard.

Other conditions
Peer assessed, Longitudinal.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

Beginning in Week 2 ("Big Ideas Part 1"), students will be required to create and evaluate learning resources using a tool called "Ripple." A full description of the task and grading criteria is available on Blackboard.

A note on the use of AI for this assessment:

This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. This includes generative AI as well as paraphrasing tools.

A note on the use of Machine Translation for this assessment:

Machine translation is permitted for this assignment but it must be acknowledged and cited properly.

Submission guidelines

Online via Blackboard.

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Late submission

Late submission will receive a 0 grade for that week only. Full marks can still be earned for all other weekly contributions.

Presentation and Written Summary

  • In-person
Mode
Activity/ Performance
Category
Presentation
Weight
15%
Due date

The week in which you present will be randomly assigned in the first tutorial (Week 2).

A written summary of your key points, arguments, and discussion questions will be submitted via TurnItIn on Blackboard within 24 hours of presenting.

Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L05

Task description

Please consult the full task description and grading rubric on Blackboard.

  • You will be required to make a 6 to 7 minute, in-person presentation in one of your tutorials. 
  • The week in which you present will be randomly assigned in the first tutorial (Week 2).
  • A written summary of your key points, arguments, and discussion questions will be submitted via TurnItIn on Blackboard within 24 hours of presenting.

A note on the use of AI for this assessment:

This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. This includes generative AI as well as paraphrasing tools.

A note on the use of Machine Translation for this assessment:

Machine translation is permitted for this assignment but it must be acknowledged and cited properly.

Recording of Oral and Practical Assessment:

All presentations will be recorded for marking purposes via recording facilities available where the assessment takes place (eg. ECHO360, Zoom, camera device).

Recordings will be retained by the School of Communication and Arts for at least 12 months from the release of the final grade for the course.

Recordings will be stored in a secure manner and will only be accessed by authorised school staff for the purposes of:

  • Moderation of marking;
  • Provision of feedback to the student(s) recorded; and/or
  • Re-marking following a successful re-mark application.

Submission guidelines

Presentation in class and write-up submission via TurnItIn on Blackboard.

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 cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Please note: this is an in-class assessment item and students are NOT able to apply for an extension via the Unitask portal. Please contact your tutor/course coordinator directly to see if alternative arrangements are available.

Late submission

Late submission is not possible for this piece of assessment.

Media Analysis

Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
25% 1200 words
Due date

6/09/2024 4:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L02, L05

Task description

Choose one media analysis option from the selection provided on Blackboard.

You will be required to draw on the material introduced in the topics: Big Ideas Parts I and II and Celebrity.

Full details are provided on Blackboard under "Assessments".

A note on using generative AI in this assessment:

Detailed instructions on required AI documentation are available on Blackboard and must be followed.

This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI 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 AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. This includes both generative AI and paraphrasing tools.

To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.

A note on the use of Machine Translation for this assessment:

Machine translation is permitted for this assignment but it must be acknowledged and cited properly.

Submission guidelines

Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.

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.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

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.

Final Paper

Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
45% 2000-2300 words
Due date

25/10/2024 4:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

This assessment represents your research and analysis into a specific aspect of media and identity.

A full task description and comprehensive grading rubric are available on Blackboard

A note on using generative AI in this assessment:

Detailed instructions on required AI documentation are available on Blackboard.

This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI 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 AI 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 tools.

A note on the use of Machine Translation for this assessment:

Machine translation is permitted for this assignment but it must be acknowledged and cited properly.

Submission guidelines

Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.

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.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

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) 1 - 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

  • 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

All required and recommended learning resources are linked from Blackboard, where they are organised by date and topic. Please use Blackboard as your point of access to ALL course materials.

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
Clear filters
Learning period Activity type Topic
Week 1

(22 Jul - 28 Jul)

Lecture

Week 1: Introducing Media and Identity

Consult Blackboard for the link to the live lecture (via Zoom)

Course and assessment details, introduction of major theoretical ideas

Learning outcomes: L02

Tutorial

Week 1: NO TUTORIALS

Tutorials start in Week 2.

Week 2

(29 Jul - 04 Aug)

Lecture

Week 2: Big Ideas Part I

Ideology, Hegemony, Power, Gender, Performativity

Learning outcomes: L02, L03

Tutorial

Week 2: Big Ideas Part I

Learning outcomes: L02, L03

Week 3

(05 Aug - 11 Aug)

Lecture

Week 3: Big Ideas Part II

Intersectionality, Standpoint Theory, Situated Knowledge, Exnomimation

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04

Tutorial

Week 3: Big Ideas Part II

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04

Week 4

(12 Aug - 18 Aug)

Lecture

Week 4: NO LECTURE DUE TO PUBLIC HOLIDAY

Tutorial

Week 4: NO TUTORIALS DUE TO PUBLIC HOLIDAY

Week 5

(19 Aug - 25 Aug)

Lecture

Week 5: Celebrity, Media and Identity

Guest Lecturer: Dr Sam Lindop

Learning outcomes: L02

Tutorial

Week 5: Celebrity, Media and Identity

Learning outcomes: L02, L03

Week 6

(26 Aug - 01 Sep)

Lecture

Week 6: Media, Race, & Whiteness

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04

Tutorial

Week 6: Media, Race, & Whiteness

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 7

(02 Sep - 08 Sep)

Lecture

Week 7: NO LECTURE

Tutorial

Week 7: NO TUTORIALS

Week 8

(09 Sep - 15 Sep)

Lecture

Week 8: Media & Gender

Learning outcomes: L02, L03

Tutorial

Week 8: Media & Gender

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05

Week 9

(16 Sep - 22 Sep)

Lecture

Week 9: Media & Transgender Learning Objectives

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04

Tutorial

Week 9: Media & Transgender Learning Objectives

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05

Mid Sem break

(23 Sep - 29 Sep)

No student involvement (Breaks, information)

Mid-Semester Break

Week 10

(30 Sep - 06 Oct)

Lecture

Week 10: (Dis) Ability, Media & Identity

Learning outcomes: L02, L03

Tutorial

Week 10: (Dis) Ability, Media & Identity

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05

Week 11

(07 Oct - 13 Oct)

Lecture

Week 11: Indigenous Identities

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04

Tutorial

Week 11: Indigenous Identities

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 12

(14 Oct - 20 Oct)

Lecture

Week 12: Cyborg Identities, Trans/Posthumanism

Learning outcomes: L02, L03

Tutorial

Week 12: Cyborg Identities, Trans/Posthumanism

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05

Week 13

(21 Oct - 27 Oct)

Lecture

Week 13: Non-Human Animals & Media

Learning outcomes: L02, L03

Tutorial

Week 13: Non-Human Animals & Media

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05

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:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.

Course guidelines

Students are advised to pay special attention to course-specific instructions for the appropriate use and documentation of generative AI, paraphrasing tools, and machine translation. These instructions are outlined in the assessment descriptions on Blackboard .