This unit is about taking a critical approach to the cultural forces and ideas that surround us. In contemporary society, we live in a web of such forces; A curated exhibition, a political or public information campaign, a well-written book, poem, story or television show, an engaging computer game or an effective film all serve to shape culture. These myriad stories don't simply reflect the world in which we see ourselves, but can also be used to limit what we see and our ability to imagine alternatives. In this unit, we will examine and analyse the ways and means by which cultural products are both shaped and 'read'. From Indigenous storytelling traditions to TED talks, to the algorithms and search personalisation tools that shape our digital lives, we will turn a critical eye upon the narratives that claim and build power over the people who produce and consume them.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the unit students will be able to:
1. Examine the role that cultural narratives play in shaping Australia's past, present and future, with particular reference to global, regional and Indigenous perspectives;
2. Explore how the tools and practices of their chosen professional field can communicate and challenge cultural narratives; and
3. Identify skills and knowledge that are transferable across creative and cultural industries.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.