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Course profile

Communication for Social Change: Foundations (COMU7102)

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
Postgraduate Coursework
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Communication & Arts School

This course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of communication for social change and engages students in critically analysing the ways in which communication can foster social change.

The course provides an overview of the key theories and principles underpinning communication for social change (CSC) and introduces a range of applications of CSC. Through presentations, readings, exercises and class debates, students will be building skills in recognising and analysing CSC-based initiatives and developing a critical understanding of how CSC is researched and practised. This course provides the foundation for students who have selected the CSC field as specialisation of their Master program, and provides complementary insights into another branch of communication for students who do the Strategic Communication field of study, or any other study program.

Course requirements

Assumed background

This course is designed for postgraduate students who are enrolled in the two-yearᅠMaster of Communication. Students fom other programs who would like to learn about the foundations and applicationsᅠof Communication for Social Change are welcome to enroll in this course, as well. No specific background is required other than the necessary language and computer skills to complete a postgraduate degree.

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 weekly self-directed learning (SDL) modules that are offered on Blackboard, and 2-hour workshops. You are expected to participate actively in the workshops and to do so, you will have to complete the SDL modules prior to coming to the workshop each week, which should take approximately 2-3 hours. Please check Allocate+ for time and venue of the workshops and select a time slot that allows you to participate every session throughout the semester (Weeks 1-12).

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 – eg. 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 at providing studentsᅠwith an understanding of theᅠkey principles and practices underpinning communication for social change (CSC) and engagingᅠthem in critically analysing the ways in which communication can foster social change.ᅠ

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Understand and critically engage with the key theories and approaches that inform the field of communication for social change.

LO2.

Recognise the application of communication methods, media and techniques to foster social change in different contexts.

LO3.

Critically analyse the ways in which communication can be used to leverage social change.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Essay/ Critique Workbook - Participation 30%

2/09/2024 4:00 pm

Essay/ Critique Workbook - Social movements 30%

24/10/2024 4:00 pm

Paper/ Report/ Annotation Report - CSC case study 40%

4/11/2024 4:00 pm

Assessment details

Workbook - Participation

Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
30%
Due date

2/09/2024 4:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03

Task description

The main objective of this assessment is for you to critically engage with the course material of the Participation Block through exercises and reflections that are offered on weekly worksheets in the self-directed learning section on Blackboard, and followed up with discussions during the workshops. A detailed description and marking criteria are provided on Blackboard.

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 the completed workbook electronically through Turnitin on the course Blackboard site (Assessment 1 section). 

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.

Workbook - Social movements

Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
30%
Due date

24/10/2024 4:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03

Task description

The main objective of this assessment is for you to critically engage with the course material of the Social Movements Block through reflections and exercises that are offered on weekly worksheets in the self-directed learning section on Blackboard, and followed up with discussions during the tutorials. A detailed description and marking criteria are provided on Blackboard.

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 the completed workbook electronically through Turnitin on the course Blackboard site (Assessment 2 section). 

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.

Report - CSC case study

Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation
Weight
40%
Due date

4/11/2024 4:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03

Task description

This assessment involves researching and writing a case study about a Communication for Social Change (CSC) initiative from anywhere in the world that you can choose yourself. You will choose your case, analyse it, and write a report. A detailed description and marking criteria are provided on Blackboard.

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 the report electronically through Turnitin on the course Blackboard site (Assessment 3 section). 

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.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

  • ᅠFurther 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

The Required Learning Resources are chapters and papers you will need to read as part of the self-directed learning activities and before coming to the tutorials.

The Recommended Learning Resources are additional books of major importance to the field. You can use these to get a further understanding of the field and to inform your assignments.

A set of additional resources describing CSC projects that can be used for the Case Study assignment is provided on Blackboard.

Students requiring additional assistance with their learning can request assistance from Student Services: http://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/learning.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Week 1

(22 Jul - 28 Jul)

Not Timetabled

Week 1: SDL - Introduction to Communication for Social Change

Self-Directed Learning (Mon-Thu): Introduction to Communication for Social Change - A/Prof. Elske van de Fliert

  • Introduction to the course
  • Introduction to CSC
  • Introduction to participation

Learning outcomes: L01

Workshop

Week 1: Workshop - Getting started

  • Introductions
  • Activity: Visual storytelling
  • Review of introductory materials
  • Getting started on Assessment 1

Learning outcomes: L01

Week 2

(29 Jul - 04 Aug)

Not Timetabled

Week 2: SDL - Module 1: Facilitating participation for sustainable and equitable change

Self-Directed Learning (Mon-Thu): Module 1: Facilitating participation for sustainable and equitable change - A/Prof. Elske van de Fliert

  • Participatory action
  • Participatory methods

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Workshop

Week 2: Workshop - Participation in action

  • Review of Module 1 materials
  • Exercises participatory methods

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 3

(05 Aug - 11 Aug)

Not Timetabled

Week 3: SDL - Module 2: Indigenous perspectives and social change

Module 2: Indigenous perspectives and social change - Mr Francis Nona

  • Australian history
  • Indigenous perspectives and the media
  • A personal story

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Workshop

Week 3: Workshop - Indigenous engagement

  • Review of Module 2 materials
  • Exercise: Deficit discourse
  • Case: Power and empowerment

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 4

(12 Aug - 18 Aug)

Not Timetabled

Week 4: SDL - Module 3: Participation, power and culture

Module 3: Participation, power and culture - A/Prof. Elske van de Fliert

  • Participation and power
  • Participation and culture
  • Case: Stakeholders and power dynamics in bush fire management – Dr Skye Doherty

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Workshop

Week 4: NO WORKSHOP DUE TO PUBLIC HOLIDAY

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 5

(19 Aug - 25 Aug)

Not Timetabled

Week 5: SDL - Module 4: Participation and media production

Module 4: Participation and media production - A/Prof. Elske van de Fliert

  • Principles of participatory media production
  • Participatory video (cases)
  • Co-design of media for bush fire management – Dr Skye Doherty

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Workshop

Week 5: Workshop - Participatory media in action

  • Review of Modules 3 and 4 materials
  • Case: Participatory video 'Kabaddi for Empowerment’

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 6

(26 Aug - 01 Sep)

Not Timetabled

Week 6: SDL - Module 5: Particip6ation and the Sustainable Development Goals

Module 5: Participation and the Sustainable Development Goals - A/Prof. Elske van de Fliert

  • Nations United: Urgent Solutions for Urgent Times
  • Do you know all 17 SDGs?
  • Spectrum of players

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Workshop

Week 6: Workshop - Communication and sustainable development

  • Review of Module 5 materials
  • Case: Health equality through community health workers
  • Assessment 1 and 2

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 7

(02 Sep - 08 Sep)

Not Timetabled

Week 7: SDL - Module 6: Social movements and social change

Module 6: Social movements and social change - A/Prof. Pradip Thomas

  • Introduction to social movements
  • Communication rights movements

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Workshop

Week 7: Workshop - Climate change communication and social movements

  • Review of Module 6 materials
  • Case: Drag, gender norms and queer movements

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 8

(09 Sep - 15 Sep)

Not Timetabled

Week 8: SDL - Module 7: The food sovereignty movement

Module 7: The food sovereignty movement

  • The global food sovereignty movement - Dr Daniel Cruz
  • Brisbane food sovereignty initiatives – Ms Jodie Martire

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Workshop

Week 8: Workshop - Local food movements

  • Review of Module 7 materials
  • Case: Local food sovereignty movement in India
  • Assessment 3

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 9

(16 Sep - 22 Sep)

Not Timetabled

Week 9: SDL - Module 8: Communication rights

Module 8: Communication rights - A/Prof. Pradip Thomas

  • Communication rights - history
  • Language rights

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Workshop

Week 9: Workshop - Communication rights and digital inclusion

  • Review of Module 8 materials
  • Case: Inclusion and digital literacy

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)

Not Timetabled

Week 10: SDL - Module 9: Community radio

Module 9: Community radio - A/Prof. Pradip Thomas

  • Community radio - global
  • Community radio - local

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Workshop

Week 10: Workshop - Community media and social change

  • Review of Module 9 materials
  • Case: Community radio and empowerment of indigenous communities

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 11

(07 Oct - 13 Oct)

Not Timetabled

Week 11: SDL - Module 10: Free and open-source software movement

Module 10: Free and Open Source Software movement - A/Prof. Pradip Thomas

  • Free and open-source software movement – introduction
  • FOSS – commons

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Workshop

Week 11: Workshop - Media freedom

  • Review of Module 10 materials
  • Activity: FOSS case studies
  • Assessment 2 and 3

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 12

(14 Oct - 20 Oct)

Seminar

Week 12: Panel discussion - CSC in theory and practice

CSC in theory and practice - A dialogue with all lecturers and tutors

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Workshop

Week 12: Workshop - Connecting the dots

  • Student panel session: CSC in professional communication fields
  • Course evaluation

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 13
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:

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