Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
Throughout the ages social movements have contributed to contesting the order of things. Social movements have appeared and disappeared, been tolerated or crushed, become popular or remained on the margins, and influenced society in the long run or merely created temporary change. This course will explore the differences between traditional and new social movements, the relationship between social movements and the media, and the role of communication in the democratisation process. The contribution and limitations of the media reform movements will be critically analysed, the major theoretical traditions of social movement theory will be explored, and students will gain an in-depth understanding of social movement theories in relation to examples from around the world. This course will be taught through case studies, interactive seminars, student led sessions, and analytical essays.
Beginning with the theories of social movements and new social movements, the course will explore the relationship between social movements and the media. It will also explore the theory and practice of media reform movements, old and new, their organisational structures, movement dynamics, the networks involved in media reform and the objectives of media reform. Seminars will also deal with the reform of media governance institutions and the contested and contentious nature of social movements. Case studies will be used to illustrate the diversity of media reform movements. The course will be taught via seminars and course work. Students will be expected to write an in-class test and submit a written assignment.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
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 course aims to provide an overview of the relationship between theﾠmedia and social movements, specifically exploringﾠsocial movement theories in relation to global media movements.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Critically assess the contribution and limitations of media reform movements.
LO2.
Understand the major theoretical traditions in social movement theory.
LO3.
Have an in-depth understanding of social movement theories and relate these to examples from around the world.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination, Reflection |
In Class Test
|
40% 700 word |
14/10/2025 2:00 pm
|
| Essay/ Critique |
Media Reform = Social Change. Discuss
|
60% 2500 word essay |
28/10/2025 4:00 pm |
Assessment details
In Class Test
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination, Reflection
- Weight
- 40% 700 word
- Due date
14/10/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L03
Task description
In Class Test.
Write a 700 word answer to either one of these scenarios.
Scenario 1:
A new chemicals factory has been approved and will be built close to your neighbourhood. The government is a stakeholder in this project along with the factory owners. A number of people living in this neighbourhood have decided to mobilise and contest this decision specifically because of fears of air and groundwater pollution and its impact on people in the neighbourhood.
Scenario 2:
People living in the community have noticed that the local park is being used by a religious group as a platform to expound their values. There are many locals who have heard this group criticise other religions and say hurtful things of people belonging to faiths other than their own. Their views can be considered fundamentalist.
Both scenarios are based on chapters in the required text by Manuel Castells The Power of Identity. While Scenario 1 is based on Chapter 3 The Greening of the Self., Scenario 2 is based on Chapter 2 The Other Face of the Social: Social Movements Against the New Global Order.
A set of five questions related to the two scenarios will be handed out along with the answer sheet.
Duration: 90 minutes
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 | 5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Materials | No permitted materials. |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
In Class, In Person, Invigilated Test. Laptops, Mobile phones and other devices are prohibited.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
The Deferred test will take place on November 11 during Exam Week - at 10am - 12 noon in Joyce Ackroyd Building Room 208.
Media Reform = Social Change. Discuss
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 60% 2500 word essay
- Due date
28/10/2025 4:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
Do media reform movements contribute towards social change? Have there been successful media reform movements? Using examples from contemporary media reform movements, discuss the pros and cons of media reform and assess what it will take for the media reform movement to become global in scope. What advances in theory characterise/relate to media reform? Your essay will be assessed for your understanding of key concepts related to media reform, the links between theory and practice, illustrations of practice, critique and evidence of research. It will also be assessed for reflective thinking on the theory and practice of media reform.
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
Please submit in 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 Marks | 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
- 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
OﾒSiochru, S. & Girard, B. (2002), Global Media Governance: A Beginnerﾒs Guide, Maryland: USA, Oxford: UK, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Thomas, P. N. (2008), Strong Religion, Zealous Media: Christian Fundamentalism and Communications in India, Sage, New Delhi
www.crisinfo.org
www.wacc.org.uk
www.Article19.org.uk
www.APC.org
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) |
Seminar |
What is a Social Movement? WEEK 1: Why do social movements arise? What are some of its key features? What is the relationship between social media and social movements? What are some of the challenges faced by social movements? Learning outcomes: L02 |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Seminar |
Repertoires of Contention:Protest and Social Change WEEK 2: Exploration of the relationship between protest and social change. What key changes have occurred to the nature of protest? Why is it important to explore the nature of protest? Learning outcomes: L02 |
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Seminar |
Old Theorists, New Theorists & Social Movements Week 3: What are some of the differences between new social movements (NSMs) and old. What role does identity play in NSMs? Do NSMs overstate their case? Learning outcomes: L02 |
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Seminar |
Media Representations of Social Movements Week 4: How does the media typically represent social movements? How do social movements counters the representations of dominant media? Learning outcomes: L03 |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Seminar |
Media Reform Movements and Communication Rights Week 5: Why are media reform movements important in our contemporary world? What are some of the issues related to access to information? What have been some of the main outcomes of the Marrakesh Treaty? Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Seminar |
The F/OSS Movement Week 6: What are some of the objectives of the F/OSS movement? What are some of the key challenges posed by this movement to the proprietorial software industry? What are the challenges that it faces as a movement? Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Seminar |
Case Study of the CRIS Movement Week 7: Is there a need for communication rights movements in our contemporary world? What did CRIS achieve? And what are some of the major limitations of communication rights movements? Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Case-based learning |
The Right to Information Movement (RTI) in India Week 8: Why is there a need for the right to know/freedom to know? What are some of the major challenges faced by the RTI movement? What were some reasons for the relative success of the RTI movement in India? Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Case-based learning |
The Uses of the Media by Neo-Pentecostal Movements Week 9: What are some of the reasons for the rise of religious movements in our world today? How does their use of the media differ from the use of the media by mainstream religious organisations? Learning outcomes: L03 |
Mid Sem break (29 Sep - 05 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
MID-SEMESTER BREAK No Class - Mid-semester Break |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Seminar |
Covid 19, the Media & Social Movements Week 10: How has Covid 19 been reported by global media? What does the experience of Covid19 tell social movements? Does it make sense to make distinctions between old and new social movements in the context of Covid 19? Learning outcomes: L03 |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Seminar |
Week 11- In Class Test In Class Test Sub-activity: In Class Test Learning outcomes: L03 |
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 12 - No Classes |
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
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 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.