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CSCS001
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Strategic Communication in Society
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Semester
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Sem. 1, 2025
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Assessment Item Name
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Contemporary Issues Editorial
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Weighting
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30%
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Due Date
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Week 7
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Assessment item description
A description of the assessment item is as follows:
For this assessment, you will write an editorial exploring whether the internet functions as a new Public Sphere. Your editorial should present a well-reasoned argument, applying at least two media effects theories (both strong and limited effects) to analyse the role of media in shaping public discourse on a contemporary social issue.
Unlike a traditional essay, an editorial is persuasive and opinion-driven, making a clear argument supported by evidence. You must reference course materials, use real-world examples from news and social media, and include screenshots and direct quotes to support your points.
The objective of this assessment is to critically evaluate the ways that the media has affected and delivered key messages relating to a current social issue. You will use this analysis to decide whether the Internet is becoming a new Public Sphere.
Subject learning outcomes (SLOs) & Language learning outcomes (LLOs)
On successful completion of this assessment item, students should achieve the following outcomes:
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SLO1
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Recognize, analyse and incorporate the social, economic, political and professional contexts for public communication
practice
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SLO2
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Identify current controversies in the literature
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SLO3
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Critically reflect on practice
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SLO6
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Write clearly and effectively for identified tasks and publics
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LLO4
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Effectively write an academic text
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Assessment item brief
For this assessment item you are required to produce the following:
CONTEXT
This Assessment is designed to help you with the process of writing by asking you to author an editorial about a contemporary social issue, analysing the effects the media have had upon it, to decide whether internet technologies are producing a new Public Sphere
You will have submitted the Draft Editorial Outline in Week 4 and you should use the feedback and suggestions for improvement in your final Essay submission.
Public Communication professionals need to be able to create effective communications strategies to achieve their goals: a key to devising these strategies is the ability to research, analyze and plan effectively. To do this requires the skills of critical analysis that come from theoretical roots, as well as devise effective solutions – essay writing helps you to develop these skills
SUPPORT
You will have documented your research in your Research & Reading Portfolio, with feedback along the way from your teacher, and your teacher will give you feedback and suggestions for improvement on your Draft Essay Outline. You will have time in class to undertake peer review activities and ask specific questions of your teacher.
You should also consider investigating the HELPS resources at UTS College for assistance and tips on all aspects of academic study skills, including research and essay writing.
TASK INSTRUCTIONS
You must answer the following question:
Is the Internet a new Public Sphere?
You must answer the following question:
Is the Internet a new Public Sphere?
To do this, follow these steps:
1. Choose a contemporary social issue that has been significantly shaped by digital media.
2. Analyze media coverage using at least two media effects theories—one representing strong media effects
and another representing limited media effects.
3. Gather evidence from news websites, social media platforms, and other online sources.
4. Include screenshots and direct quotes from news articles, tweets, Facebook posts, or other digital
content to illustrate your argument.
5. Support your claims with references to at least nine academic sources, including course materials.
6. Structure your editorial with a compelling introduction, clear argumentation, and a persuasive conclusion.
Using this research, you should construct an argument that answers the question.
To provide more detail to the question:
Does the media treatment and influence on your chosen issue show that the Internet is/is not a new Public Sphere?
Final Reminder: Your editorial should present a clear opinion backed by evidence. Be persuasive,
think critically, and integrate real-world examples to strengthen your argument.
Assessment item submission requirements
For this assessment item you are required to submit the following:
· Length: 1,000-1,250 words, double-spaced.
· Structure: Editorial format (headline, subheadings, engaging tone, persuasive argumentation). See week 3 Between Tutorials for details.
· Sources: Minimum of 9 academic references (APA 7th edition) + real-world media examples.
· Media Integration: At least 3 screenshots of relevant media content (news headlines, social media posts, etc.).
· Submission: Online via Canvas
· Format: PDF or Word Document
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