COMM11005 Introduction to Communication & Culture

This course looks at the relationship between communication and cultural practices. Communication, especially in the media, helps to shape the cultural practices of our society and thus our attitudes and values. It even contributes to our sense of identity; that is, our sense of ‘who we are’. At the same time the cultural context determines the kind of communication that takes place. We can properly understand ‘communication’ and ‘culture’ only in relation to one another. The course provides an understanding of how communication of any kind ‘works’. Its main aim is not to teach techniques of practical communication but to help you understand human communication in a more profound way by looking at how meaning is created. The insights, concepts and terms learned in this course can be applied in a range of other courses in communication and cultural studies and related fields. Although it is not a formal prerequisite, it is recommended that Bachelor of Communication students complete Cultural Industries before enrolling in this course.