MEDA100 to MEDA212

MEDA100 Introduction to Media Production                                                                                         10 cp

Prerequisites Nil

Teaching Organisation Seminars and Workshops.

This unit introduces students to a range of audio and video production techniques and their associated specialised language.

MEDA 101 Introduction to Theories of the Media                                                                                 10 cp

Prerequisites Nil

Teaching Organisation Lectures and tutorial group discussions with a viewing and analysis of selected videos and reports of surveys.

The unit introduces an examination of the rationale for and nature of the media in western democracies. Issues related to what functions the commercial and public service media play in society, the official structure they operate in and how various media forms do what they do, are considered.    In addition, the study introduces a system for analysing the nature of both the electronic and print media with a particular reference to Australian media.

MEDA200 Audio Production                                                                                                                 10 cp

Prerequisites MEDA100 Introduction to Media Production

Teaching Organisation Lectures, tutorials and workshops.

This unit allows students to specialise in the area of audio production. Areas explored may include sound for non-music radio, film and video (including animation), and the stage.

MEDA201 Video/Film Production                                                                                                         10 cp

Prerequisites MEDA100 Introduction to Media Production

Teaching Organisation Lectures, tutorials videotape and film.

This unit enables students to specialise in video production. Drama and documentary forms will be explored via portable video and multi-camera studio production methods.

MEDA202 2D Computer Animation 1                                                                                                    10 cp

Prerequisites Nil

Teaching Organisation Lectures, workshops and seminars.

This unit introduces a study in 2D computer-generated animation production. Through the course of twelve weeks participants will examine a range of concepts and fundamental skills relevant to the production of short film projects. These projects will cover both sound design and image products, which will extend into other applications for television, video and the Internet.

MEDA203 3D Computer Animation 1                                                                                                    10 cp

Prerequisites MEDA202 2D Computer Animation 1

Teaching Organisation Lectures, workshops and seminars.

This unit introduces a study in the production of 3D computer-generated animation. The program will explore the use of a range of basic skills related to common algorithms and techniques for the creation of short 3D computer animated films and storyboards. The unit will also provide opportunity to extend the film editing and sound design techniques established with 2D computer animation production.

MEDA206 Radio Documentary                                                                                                              10 cp

Prerequisites MEDA200Audio Production or MEDA201Video/Film Production

Teaching Organisation Lectures, tutorials and workshops.

This unit will introduce students to the medium of the radio documentary. Examples of radio documentaries broadcast by the ABC will be used as a basis for informing the student’s own documentary productions. Students will be encouraged to offer their final production to an appropriate community radio station for broadcast.

MEDA207 Radio Drama                                                                                                                        10 cp

Prerequisites Media students: MEDA200 Audio Production

Drama students: A drama production unit at second level (to be decided)

Teaching Organisation Lecture, seminar, tutorial, workshop.

This unit introduces students to the history, art and practice of radio drama. Although much of the time allocated will be spent on production, students will have the opportunity to hear radio drama performances and to develop background knowledge about the form. Students will be encouraged to offer their final production to an appropriate community radio station for broadcast.

MEDA208 Television and Film Documentary                                                                                        10 cp

Prerequisites MEDA201Video/Film Production or MEDA206 Radio Documentary

Teaching Organisation Lectures, tutorials, screenings and workshops.

This unit will give students the opportunity to research and produce their own documentaries for the screen. Students will be encouraged to enter their final productions in a relevant short film festival.

MEDA209 Film and Television as Text                                                                                                 10 cp

Prerequisites MEDA100 Introduction to Media Production or MEDA101 Introduction to Theories of the Media

Teaching Organisation Lecture, seminar, tutorial, workshop, video-screening.

Screen-based media texts form the subject of this unit, which will use a variety of techniques to subject selected texts to analysis and criticism. The unit aims to broaden students’ understanding of ways of analysing, understanding and describing screen-based media texts and their cultural contexts.

A series of television dramas will be critically examined for their production conventions, their use of the television medium and their aesthetics. Through a series of production exercises and assignments students will be able to explore the dramatic and creative production possibilities of the screen medium.

MEDA210 Television and Film Drama                                                                                                  10 cp

Prerequisites Media students: MEDA201 Video/Film Production

Drama students: A drama production unit at second level

Teaching Organisation Lectures, tutorials and workshops.

This unit will provide the opportunity for students to work in a production team to script and produce short drama pieces for video. Examples of film and video productions that are in the public domain will be used to inform this process. Students will be encouraged to consider entering their final production in an appropriate short film festival.

MEDA211 Regulation Policy and the Australian Media                                                                        10 cp

Prerequisites One media theory unit at 100 level

Teaching Organisation 3 hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent of lectures and tutorials. These may include a selection of workshop exercises, group discussions and presentations from media industry representatives.

This unit examines the Australian governments’ management of electronic and print media from the introduction of radio, television and Internet services. Topics address government regulation policies and the matters arising from these.   Both the justification for, and the nature of government intervention in the media industry through a system of regulation and licensing will be examined. In this setting an examination of the question of what constitutes media censorship will be explored.

MEDA212 New Media Services                                                                                                             10 cp

Prerequisites One media theory unit at 100 level

Teaching Organisation 3 hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent of lectures and tutorials. These may include a selection of workshop exercises, group discussions and presentations from media industry representatives.

Introduces a study of new electronic media services introduced into Australia since 1992 and the government policy issues they raise. Particular attention will be given to the development of subscription and on-line services delivered by satellite and cable systems. The unit will focus on the part played by government and its regulatory agents in establishing new legislation, management structures and regulatory policies.