ATS1280 Understanding the media
Faculty of Arts
ATS1280 Understanding the media is a level 1, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Arts, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Caulfield and Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Caulfield, Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 4 tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before ATS1280
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After ATS1280
No unit lists ATS1280 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.
Enrolment rules
Prohibition: ATS1278, AZA1280
Overview
The media play a central role in all aspects of contemporary life. In this unit you will consider the field of media studies by investigating a variety of media forms - from film and radio to video games and social media - with a particular focus on the technological and industrial circumstances that have produced them. You will be encouraged to reflect upon the role of communication technologies in your own lives and analyse your own experiences as media consumers and producers.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Caulfield | On campus |
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Reflective writingWritten15%
- Oral presentationPresentation15%
- EssayWritten30%
- EssayWritten40%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Identify and explain the economic, technological and cultural influence of the media in their own and others' lives;
- 2
Analyse a selection of different approaches to the study of media;
- 3
Analyse and critically reflect upon areas of industry and community life where the study of the media is applicable and relevant;
- 4
Work collaboratively to formulate and present solutions to research questions.
Workload and teaching
- Lectures12 hours
- Tutorials24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.
Where it fits
ATS1280 is part of 2 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Daniel Black
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Daniel Black
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for ATS1280?
ATS1280 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is ATS1280 offered?
In 2026, ATS1280 runs in Semester 2 at Caulfield and Clayton.
How much work is ATS1280?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does ATS1280 have an exam?
No. ATS1280 has 4 assessment tasks and no exam.
Which majors and minors include ATS1280?
ATS1280 is part of Communications and media studies.