Democracy and the Public Sphere (9310.2)

Please note these are the 2016 details for this unit
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Democracy and the Public Sphere
Available teaching periods Delivery mode Location
View teaching periods
EFTSL Credit points Faculty
0.125 3 Faculty Of Arts And Design
Discipline Study level HECS Bands
Discipline Of Communication And Media Level 2 - Undergraduate Intermediate Unit Band 2 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021)
Band 4 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021)
Band 4 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan Social Work_Exclude 0905)
The public sphere is the key theoretical concept in the field of political communication. This unit traces the origins of the public sphere concept and its relationship with media and democratic theory. It introduces students to the study of public opinion by examining the multiple and contested understandings of public opinion and the way this is practiced in the rapidly changing contexts of contemporary political communication. Case studies will examine the relationships between media reporting, interest group opinion, policymakers and everyday conversation in shaping public opinion, politics and public policy. Students will consider contemporary critiques of the public sphere theory and its application in contemporary social and political settings.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. demonstrate knowledge of the historical development of the public sphere concept;
2. understand the role of public opinion in a democratic society;
3. critically analyse contested approaches to understanding public opinion formation, change and measurement;
4. apply public opinion theories to a range of contemporary case studies;
5. demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills;
6. demonstrate written and oral communication skills.


Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
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 - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
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 - evaluate and adopt new technology
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development


Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

Restrictions: This unit is not open to students who have passed 8124 Democracy and Public Opinion.

Equivalent units

8124 Democracy and Public Opinion

Assumed knowledge

NONE
Year Location Teaching period Teaching start date Delivery mode Unit convener
Not available

Required texts

Journals available via the University of Canberra library website:

Public Opinion Quarterly

International Journal of Public Opinion

Political Communication

Media International Australia

Australian Journal of Communication

Press/Politics

European Journal of Public Opinion Research

New Media and Society

Media and Society

Key texts for the unit:

Clawson, Rosalee A. & Oxley, Zoe, M. (2008) Public opinion: democratic ideals, democratic practice. Washington: CQ Press

Craig, G. (2004) Media, politics & public life, Sydney, Allen & Unwin.

Dunlop, T (2013): The New Front Page: new media and the rise of the audience. Scribe Publications, Brunswick, Victoria

Economou, N. & Tanner, S. (2008) Media, power and politics in Australia

Gladwell, G (2002) The Tipping Point: how little things can make a big difference. Little, Brown & Company

Glynn, C., Herbst, S. O'Keefe, G. & Shapiro, R. (1999) Public Opinion. Boulder, Westview.

Louw, E. (2010) Media and political process

Hollinsworth, D. (1998) Race and racism in Australia, Katoomba, Social Studies Press. Allan, S. (2010) The Routledge companion to news and journalism, London, Routledge.

Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.

Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.

UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).

UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.

Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.

Participation requirements

None.

Required IT skills

Familiarity with facebook is part of this unit and it is desired that students have a facebook account. If not, an account can be set up for participation in the closed facebook group which will be established on a 'secret' setting.

Work placement, internships or practicums

None.