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.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| 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
Learning outcomes: L01 |
Workshop |
Week 1: Workshop - Getting started
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
Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Workshop |
Week 2: Workshop - Participation in action
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
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Workshop |
Week 3: Workshop - Indigenous engagement
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
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
Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Workshop |
Week 5: Workshop - Participatory media in action
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
Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Workshop |
Week 6: Workshop - Communication and sustainable development
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
Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Workshop |
Week 7: Workshop - Climate change communication and social 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
Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Workshop |
Week 8: Workshop - Local food movements
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
Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Workshop |
Week 9: Workshop - Communication rights and digital inclusion
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
Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Workshop |
Week 10: Workshop - Community media and social change
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
Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Workshop |
Week 11: Workshop - Media freedom
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
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:
- 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.