Key facts
UNE unit code: COMM389
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
There is a new, exciting field of industry practice that uses screen media for human rights awareness and advocacy. As human rights issues continue to be exposed across the world, this medium becomes more and more important.
In this unit you will use an interdisciplinary approach that blends screen and media studies with history, philosophy and international law. You will examine the portrayal of human rights issues in cinema, television and online platforms from Australia and other countries.
By exploring new developments in screen studies research and production with links to film festivals, activism and social change, this unit offers you a dynamic learning experience that is engaged with the wider world.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of a range of human rights issues;
- demonstrate understanding of a range of screen media forms, genres and techniques;
- critically analyse how various forms of screen media are used to represent human rights issues;
- gather and evaluate research materials to inform independent analysis of a case study; and
- communicate ideas and arguments coherently, using appropriate disciplinary forms and conventions of academic writing.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | No | 10% | All offerings | Online Quiz No. Words: 500 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Written report No. Words: 1500 |
| Assessment 3 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Research Essay No. Words: 2500 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Watching Human Rights: The 101 Best Films
ISBN: 9781612051413
Gibney, M., Routledge , 2014
Text refers to: All offerings
Human Rights Film Festivals: Activism in Context
ISBN: 9781137454232
Tascón, S, Palgrave MacMillan 2015
Text refers to: All offerings
Activist Film Festivals: Towards a Political Subject
ISBN: 9781783206346
Tascón, S., and Wils, T., Intellect 2016
Text refers to: All offerings
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