Overview

This unit examines the relationship between science, technology and culture with a particular emphasis on communications and screen-based technology. It draws on key theoretical paradigms such as disruptive innovation, Actor Network Theory, and participatory media.

Requisites

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Pathways Teaching 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
23-February-2026
29-May-2026
Last self-enrolment date
08-March-2026
Census date
24-March-2026
Last withdraw without fail date
14-April-2026
Results released date
09-June-2026
Pathways Teaching 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
22-June-2026
25-September-2026
Last self-enrolment date
05-July-2026
Census date
21-July-2026
Last withdraw without fail date
11-August-2026
Results released date
06-October-2026
Pathways Teaching 3
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
19-October-2026
29-January-2027
Last self-enrolment date
01-November-2026
Census date
17-November-2026
Last withdraw without fail date
15-December-2026
Results released date
09-February-2027

Unit learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  1. Examine and identify the role of today’s media and media industries from a socio-historical perspective
  2. Construct and justify logical arguments about the relationship between science, technology and culture
  3. Critique received views through the application of key theoretical concepts
  4. Apply the critical distance and historical perspective necessary to anticipate future shifts in Science, Technology and Culture

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
Live Online
(Lecture)		 2.00  12 weeks  24
On-campus
(Tutorial 1)		 2.00  12 weeks  24
On-campus
(Tutorial 2)		 2.00  12 weeks  24
Unspecified Activities
(Independent Learning)		 6.50  12 weeks  78
TOTAL     150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
EssayIndividual 40% 1,2,3,4 
Innovation PostedIndividual 20% 1,2,3,4 
TestIndividual 40% 1,2,3 

Content

  • Theoretical Frameworks for Understanding Science & Technology
  • Influence of the Printing Press
  • Mobile Media
  • Broadcast and Convergence
  • Participatory culture
  • Technology and evolution

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.