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Offered

Berwick First semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit will examine the role of the human body in representation, understanding, and communication. From phenomenological and neurological accounts of the role of the human body in expression and understanding, to debates surrounding the body/machine interface in new communications technologies, the body's often-overlooked role as organiser and facilitator of human action will be explored.

Objectives

Upon completion of this unit, students will:

1. have a broad understanding of the various theoretical frameworks used to discuss the human body
2. have a broad historical overview of the development, evolution, and increasing convergence of these frameworks
3. be capable of providing sophisticating critiques of and comparisons between various accounts of the role of the human body in understanding and expression
4. be able to provide a sophisticated reading of the role played by the human body in communications based on detailed research.

In addition, students enrolled at Masters level will demonstrate a relatively greater level of confidence and mastery over the larger conceptual issues addressed and a greater capacity to produce original arguments derived from them.

Assessment

Literature review and research plan (3000 words): 15%
Seminar presentation (1000 words): 15%
Research essay (5000 words): 70%

Contact hours

One 2-hour seminar per week

Prerequisites

Major in Communication and Media Studies or other approved discipline

Prohibitions

COM4140