The Responsible Communicator (12230.1)

Every day, we are surrounded by thousands of messages that influence what we believe and how we act. This unit challenges you to assess the credibility of media and information, think critically about the role of power and representation in media and society, and apply responsible communication practices in professional settings.

In this unit, you will explore what it means to be a responsible communicator - understanding ethical and legal responsibilities, recognising misinformation and bias, engaging with diverse perspectives, applying inclusive communication practices, and making evidence-based communication decisions. You will also examine how emerging technologies shape the credibility of information and consider when and how these tools should be used ethically in professional communication.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Explain the range and importance of ethical and legal responsibilities for professional communicators;
2. Evaluate the credibility of media and information, recognising misinformation, bias, and power dynamics, and identify techniques for countering them;
3. Engage with diverse voices, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and practices, employing inclusive and culturally responsive communication in professional and interpersonal contexts; and
4. Use research and credible sources to inform ethical decision-making and evidence-based communication outputs.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
4. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing - communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

11081 Producing Credible Communication

Assumed knowledge

None.