ATS2874 · Consumer cultures

Overview

Digital technologies are changing the ways we shop and consume goods and services today. Contemporary consumption is faster and more convenient than ever but it is also marred by concerns over commodification, automation, data privacy, labour rights and environmental harm. In this unit you will explore contemporary consumption as a dynamic, digitally mediated system of relations, values, practices and interests, which have significant social and environmental impacts. Using concepts from critical consumer research and cultural and media studies, you will examine diverse examples of consumer media and technology, including e-commerce, retail tech, branding and influencers. You will learn about consumption as an ordinary and everyday practice that can also be a site of activism, ethics and social change. You will be guided to develop and carry out your own media research on an aspect of consumption and its impacts.

Areas of study: Communications and media studies Media Public relations

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Analyse the role of digital media and technologies in contemporary consumption grounded in relevant consumer, cultural and media studies scholarship;
2. Apply approaches from consumer, cultural and media studies to the design of a research project on consumer culture;
3. Formulate and communicate effectively appropriate research questions and arguments on how consumer culture is constituted and impactful.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per teaching period typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.