Diploma Preparation Program

In Communication and Culture 1, students will explore the relationship between communication and culture and the role of media in shaping cultural perspectives. They will examine the relationship between author and audience and analyse how representations of individuals, groups, and perspectives are created through deliberate language and stylistic choices across a range of media platforms. The course introduces students to the ethical guidelines of journalism and the role of news media in society, while examining issues such as bias, media ownership, censorship, and the role that rhetoric plays in influencing audiences. Students will develop the knowledge, skills and attributes that characterise academic communication, with a particular focus on academic research, writing, referencing, and the importance of academic integrity in preparation for studying in an Australian university environment. 

In Communication and Culture 2, students will examine how written texts reflect, reinforce, or challenge the dominant social and political narratives of their time. By engaging with the historical and cultural contexts of World War I, World War II, and the Civil Rights Movements of the 1950's, students will explore how cultural attitudes and beliefs underpin texts and invite audiences to take up positions. Through the analysis of relevant case studies, literary, visual, and multi-media texts, students will explore themes of propaganda, prejudice, protest, and persuasion, and the role in which the texts can act as both a product of the time, and a powerful vehicle for social commentary and change. Students will also examine First Nations culture, perspectives, and knowledge systems, and cultural preservations and revitalisation initiatives that protect and celebrate Indigenous heritage. Student will develop key skills in analysis, critical thinking, presenting, and academic research. 

This subject introduces students to digital solutions and the use of interactive multimedia required for higher education and beyond. Students will explore multimedia channels to enhance their academic performance through collaboration, self-reflection, and learning activities. Students will also develop a greater understanding of their citizenship in an increasingly digital world, and will able to engage in critical thought and discussion about key digital issues.