Key facts

UNE unit code: COMM101

*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - On Campus
  • Trimester 1 - Online
  • Trimester 3 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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The media is a rapidly evolving global industry. To future proof your career in the changing media climate, you need a range of skills and an ability to adapt.

In this unit you will focus on screen media, it being the most diverse and prevalent media we are exposed to in everyday life.

You will explore the creative language of film and television and learn a range of terms for studying genres and the art of storytelling in audio-visual media.

You will analyse feature films and television, and the changing content and ways of watching television.

This unit will give you the foundation of methods and skills necessary for researching and studying screen media in varied forms and contexts.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 1Online
Trimester 3Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

There are no requisites for this unit.

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Fincina Hopgood
Fincina HopgoodSenior Lecturer in Screen Studies - Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education; School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate knowledge of a range of screen media, genres and techniques;
  2. demonstrate understanding of, and ability to apply, critical terms and approaches for analysing screen representations in their cultural contexts;
  3. gather and evaluate information through structured research to inform screen analysis; and
  4. 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.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Assessment 1No10%All offerings

Two quizzes

No. Words:

  • Each quiz is 250 (equivalent).

Total: 500 (approx.)

Assessment 2Yes40%All offerings

Screen Analysis Exercise

No. Words: 1500

Assessment 3 - Assurance TaskYes50%All offerings

Essay followed by a ten-minute viva voce

Students must pass the Assurance Task in order to pass the unit.

No. Words

  • Essay 1500
  • Viva Voce 300 (equivalent)

Total: 1800 (approx.)

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.

Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

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Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

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