Course coordinator
Dr Alex Bevan
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
You will undertake original research and produce a publicly accessible digital media product that may examine a significant political, social or cultural issue.
In Digital Project, students investigate and develop a research proposal and innovate a digital media project that brings together the theoretical frameworks and technical skills that they have accrued throughout the Communication degree. The course enables students to synthesise knowledgeﾠand connect theory with practice.ﾠYou will also explore ways of distributing your work via traditional and new-and-emerging media relevant to your proposed audience. This is not a craft-based course intended to teach the technical skills of visual design and production but rather, a course that examines significant political, social andﾠcultural issues through original research via the production of aﾠdigital media product. Students are expected to be familiar with the Adobe Creative Suite or similar audio-visual production software which will beﾠinvolved in completing the assessment tasks (and this will be supported through optional workshops and online tutorials run in association with regular class sessions). The course is an upper-level communications course designed to challenge students to envision and shape their sense of agency and intervention in their media environments.ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students are expected to be familiar with the Adobe Creative Suite or like audio-visual production software.
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
COMU1140
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
COMU3000
Restrictions
Course offering will be cancelled unless a minimum of 20 students enrol.
Course contact
Course staff
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Most lecture material will be on Blackboard Ultra. As a result, attendance of the workshops is required as the main place for consultation on projects, work with peers, and discussion of readings.ﾠ
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
The course aims to understand and addressﾠhow media technologies and platforms are culturally and historically situated through upper level media theory, theory-centred readings,ﾠand reflective, research methodologies in online and tutorial sessionsﾠthat develop creative, flexible thinking and include both individual and peer-assisted modes of learning.ﾠAssessments are designed around a semester-long project that connects upper level media theory toﾠthe project of conceiving a new media technology.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
To produce a self-directed project consisting of original audio-visual work
LO2.
To show verbal and written understandings of key socio-historical influences upon media technologies as platforms and devices
LO3.
To show verbal and written understandings of advanced media theory
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique | Project Proposal | 20% (1000 words) |
23/08/2024 4:00 pm |
| Portfolio, Project | Midterm Project | 35% |
20/09/2024 4:00 pm |
| Presentation, Portfolio, Project | Final Project and Presentation | 45% |
25/10/2024 4:00 pm
Presentations will take place the last two weeks of class in workshops (Weeks 12 and 13). |
Assessment details
Project Proposal
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 20% (1000 words)
- Due date
23/08/2024 4:00 pm
Task description
Students will write a proposal based on one of these options
- Reinvigorate and rebrand an old media technology for contemporary taste culture (i.e. magic lanterns or typewriters)
- Conceive and brand a science fiction platform or media device for contemporary use (i.e. Black Mirror-like technologies). The projected technology should not be completely out of the realm of possibility (i.e., teleportation). It should be plausible as a technology of the future.
The proposal should include background research, an application of the pertinent theories covered in class to date, and user experience research (briefly interviewing a few people either in or outside the course on the proposed technology). The proposal should be written in the format of an academic research essay using formal language. The proposal must include at least five academic references that can be readings from the class. If you have questions about what an academic source is, please see your coordinator or tutor. In short, the information should come from peer-reviewed journals or books.
Word limit: 1000 words
AI/MT Use: This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn on the course Blackboard site.
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.
Midterm Project
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Portfolio, Project
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
20/09/2024 4:00 pm
Task description
Media Project: Students each produce a portfolio of work based on the idea presented in the proposal and in consultation with their tutor. Some examples might be a short promotional video for the project, the first few pages of a website with originally produced images, or a series of 5 images made in Photoshop or InDesign. There is an emphasis on quality over quantity here with media outputs that are original in their content and polished in their presentation, reflecting a substantial amount of time spent in their design. If internet-sourced imagery was used, it has been substantially altered in software programmes alongside original material like prose or originally produced audio. Because we are allowing the use of internet sourced images, we are expecting a particularly advanced skillset in media production, design, and the critical use of media and integration of those images if they are necessary. The project should not however rely on AI produced imagery in a way that jeopardises the project's originality and the student's demonstration of advanced media production skills.
Strategy Statement: The submission should also accompany a strategy statement of 400-500 words answering the following:
- What critical approach did you use in designing your media project? What did you make and why did you make it that way.
- How does your work speak to some of the media theories covered in the course?
- What changes has the idea undergone since the proposal?
Any academic references should use the APA style.
AI/MT Use: This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via the course Blackboard site.
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 Project and Presentation
- Mode
- Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Presentation, Portfolio, Project
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
25/10/2024 4:00 pm
Presentations will take place the last two weeks of class in workshops (Weeks 12 and 13).
Task description
The final assessment consists of three components:
Media Portfolio: Students are expected to hand in a media portfolio however it must be different from that of the midterm. Parts of the midterm portfolio can be borrowed or carried over but they must undergo extensive revision in consultation with the tutor. The portfolio should reflect upper level communications and media theory skills. The substance of the portfolio should be discussed with the tutor in order to leave room for creativity while also making sure enough media is made. Some examples of acceptable outputs might include a documentary-style video on the project, one complete podcast episode on the project and the issues it raises, one prototyped app, one full website or a series of 10 images. All media are to be edited and polished with attention to typography and other design aspects. Prose should be original and carefully written.
If internet-sourced imagery was used, it has been substantially altered in software programmes alongside original material like prose or originally produced audio. Because we are allowing the use of internet sourced images, we are expecting a particularly advanced skillset in media production, design, and the critical use of media and integration of those images if they are necessary. The project should not however rely on AI produced imagery in a way that jeopardises the project's originality and the student's demonstration of advanced media production skills.
Strategy Statement: A completely rewritten strategy statement should be turned of 400-500 words answering the same questions but in a different way that shows the progress from the proposal through to the midterm
- What critical approach did you use in designing your media portfolio? What did you make and why did you make it that way.
- How does your portfolio speak to some of the media theories covered in the course?
- What changes has the idea undergone since the midterm?
Lightening Presentation: In addition, students will give very short presentations of their projects at a “lightening presentation” session at the end of the semester to be presented live in the last two weeks of workshops (Weeks 12 and 13). Each presentation should last no longer than 3-4 minutes and it should summarise the project for their workshop peers.
AI/MT Use: This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
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
Statement and project: Submit via the course Blackboard site.
Presentations: Will take place the last two weeks of class in workshops (Weeks 12 and 13).
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.
Please note, students are NOT able to apply for an extension for the in-class presentation component of this assessment. Please contact your tutor/course coordinator to see if alternative arrangements are available.
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.
Late submission is not possible for the presentation component of this assessment.
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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
It is required that you regularly monitor the Blackboard site and your student email as these are very important means of communication, particularly with regard to assessment.
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 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Workshop |
Week 1: NO WORKSHOPS Workshops start in Week 2. Start thinking of a proposal idea in advance of the first workshop. |
Not Timetabled |
Week 1 Online Module: Introduction Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Workshop |
Week 2: Workshop Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Not Timetabled |
Week 2 Online Module: Utopia Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Workshop |
Week 3: Workshop Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Not Timetabled |
Week 3 Online Module: Hardware Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Workshop |
Week 4: Workshop Public Holiday Wednesday. Wednesday tutorial will be rescheduled. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Not Timetabled |
Week 4 Online Module: Software Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Workshop |
Week 5: Workshop We will be conducting UX research that goes into the proposal Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Not Timetabled |
Week 5 Online Module: Space Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Workshop |
Week 6: Workshop Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Not Timetabled |
Week 6 Online Module: Nostalgia Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Workshop |
Week 7: Workshop Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Not Timetabled |
Week 7 Online Module: Identity Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Workshop |
Week 8: Workshop Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Not Timetabled |
Week 8 Online Module: Users Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Workshop |
Week 9: Workshop Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Not Timetabled |
Week 9 Online Module: The Body Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Mid Sem break (23 Sep - 29 Sep) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-Semester Break |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Workshop |
Week 10: NO WORKSHOPS Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Not Timetabled |
Week 10 Online Module: Industry & Infrastructure Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Workshop |
Week 11: NO WORKSHOPS Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Not Timetabled |
Week 11 Online Module: Dystopia Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Workshop |
Week 12: Workshop - Presentations Final presentations. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Not Timetabled |
Week 12: NO ONLINE MODULE |
|
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Workshop |
Week 13: Workshop - Presentations Final presentations. |
Not Timetabled |
Week 13: NO ONLINE MODULE |
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 - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.