Course coordinator
Associate Professor Pradip Thomas
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
Communication for social change is an emerging frontier, the goal of which is to use communication processes, techniques and media to facilitate social, economic and technological development. In this course, students will be introduced to the traditions of employing communications for social change, to the factors that influence theory and practice, to new and evolving approaches to communication for social change, and to the ethical and moral basis of the differing communication traditions. A key concept explored is the consistency between development paradigms and communication traditions, particularly related to theories of modernisation, dependency, and participatory communication. This course will be taught through case studies, interactive seminars, student led sessions, and analytical essays.
This course will explore the theory and practice of communications for social change. Beginning with the nature of social change and communications in social change, the course will deal with the key theoretical approaches in this field, in particular communication and modernisation, communication and dependence and communication in participatory communications.
This course is a compulsory core course for the Communication for Social Change plan of the Master/GradDip/GradCert in Communication.
Please note that it is mandatory that you complete and submit the three assessments. Failing to complete assessments will result in a fail.
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that students will be able to use standard computer software packages for word processing, data-mining, web browsing, email, etc.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Pradip Thomas
Tutor
Mr Kevin Putera
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
The key objectives of this course will be to introduce students to the various theoretical traditions related to communications for social change (CSC), to both 'traditional' and 'new' theories, explore the contextual factors that influence theory and practice in CSC and to new, evolving approaches to applying communications for social change. At the end of the course, students will have knowledge of, and be able to distinguish between, the different theoretical approaches that characterise communications for social change.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand various theories, methodologies, applications of communication for social change.
LO2.
Critically analyse, discuss and present the different traditions of communication and social change.
LO3.
Describe the theory and practice of communication and social change through case studies.
LO4.
Understand the ethical and moral basis for differing traditions of communication and social change.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique | Essay: Key Shifts in CSC Theory | 30% 2000 words |
9/05/2025 4:00 pm |
| Examination |
In-Class Test
|
30% 450 words |
13/05/2025 8:45 am
In class in Week 11 |
| Essay/ Critique | Essay: A Critique of Participatory Communications | 40% 2000 words |
23/05/2025 4:00 pm |
Assessment details
Essay: Key Shifts in CSC Theory
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 30% 2000 words
- Due date
9/05/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04
Task description
Essay question: 'What have been the key theoretical traditions and shifts in the history of communication and social change?'
1) How do these shifts in the discourse of development and communication and social change reflect the changing nature of political priorities?
2) Would you agree with the view that trends in theoretical innovation in communication and social change have progressively become more inclusive and supportive of justice and equity?
3) Include your own reflections on chapters 3,4,9,10 from the required text written by Melkote & Steeves and Chapter 1 from the required text by Thomas.
4) Use examples to illustrate the practices of communication and social change that reflect shifts in theory.
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 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.
In-Class Test
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30% 450 words
- Due date
13/05/2025 8:45 am
In class in Week 11
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Choose any one of the lectures in this course. Write a 450 word piece based on the following format:
1) Write your name, and student ID number and explain why you chose this particular lecture.
2) Define the lecture that you have chosen. Example: If it is 'digital humanitarianism' – define it?
3) What are some of the key features related to this lecture that were discussed in class?
4) What are some of the challenges and opportunities related to this particular topic/issue?
5) Highlight an example of a project related to this lecture. Example: If it is on 'Participatory Communications', highlight an example from the context that you come from.
6) Complete the presentation with your own reflection on the theme that you have chosen to write about.
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.
Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 75 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Materials | Exam sheets will be provided. Please bring your own pencil/pen. Students will not be able to use laptops, phones etc. Please store these items in your bag. No consultations allowed during the test. |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
The deferred exam will be scheduled for 20 May 2025. Only students who have applied for a deferred exam and had their request approved can sit the deferred exam.
Please note that this will be the only opportunity to complete the deferred exam. If you do not complete the deferred exam at this time you will receive zero marks.
Late submission
Late submission is not possible for this assessment.
Essay: A Critique of Participatory Communications
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 40% 2000 words
- Due date
23/05/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04
Task description
Critically discuss the statement that the 'theory and practice of participatory communication has become the Dominant Paradigm'.
1) Refer to the theory and practice undergirding participatory communications.
2) Deal with the mainstreaming of participatory communications and its consequences.
3) Comment on the key drivers that are needed to enable sustainable participatory communications within the larger context of globalisation and social change.
4) Use examples of participatory communication from the contexts that you are most familiar with.
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 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) | 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.
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.
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 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 1: Introduction to the Required Text & Communication Introduction to Communication for Social Change (CSC) Theory. Introduction to the key texts and to the field of CSC. Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 2: Discourse Theory and Development Application of discourse theory/analysis to an understanding of the theories and practices of development. Learning outcomes: L02 |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 3: Modernisation Theory An introduction to modernisation theory and its links with globalisation theory. Learning outcomes: L02 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 4: Communication, Development, Dependency & Media An introduction to the Dominant Paradigm of Communication & Development and its critique. Learning outcomes: L02 |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 5: Participatory Communications & Social Change An introduction to the theory, practice and politics of participation and the role played by participatory media. Learning outcomes: L02 |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Seminar |
Week 6: Digital Humanitarianism and Social Change Explores the relationship between Digital Humanitarianism and Social Change. Learning outcomes: L03 |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Seminar |
Week 7: Health Communication & Social Change An introduction to Health Communication and Social Change. Learning outcomes: L03 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Seminar |
Week 8: Media Development Institutions and Social Change An introduction to the political economy of media development institutions in CSC. Learning outcomes: L04 |
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
MID-SEMESTER BREAK |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Seminar |
Week 9: Digital Activism and Communication Rights On the relationship between digital activism, communication rights and social change. The lecture will deal with the conflicted nature of digital activism in its relation to communication rights. Learning outcomes: L04 |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Seminar |
Week 10: New Theorising in CSC Explores the place of new thinking, ideas, research initiatives in contemporary CSC theory. Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Seminar |
Week 11: IN-CLASS TEST Please refer to the 'Assessment' section for more information. |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 12: NO CLASSES |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 13: NO CLASSES |
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.
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.