Social Media Audiences and Algorithmic Cultures

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
MDIA 1017
Course ID icon
Course ID
208366
Campus icon
Campus
Adelaide City Campus West, Adelaide City Campus East
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of Comm, Media and Jour
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Cameron McTernan
Course level icon
Course level
1
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes

Course overview

As an introductory course for the major, Social Media Audiences and Algorithmic Cultures explores social media platforms from a historical, technological and social perspective, considering influence, capabilities, use, and possible futures. The course draws upon overlapping concepts and theory from media studies, sociology, psychology and computer science to understand audience behaviour, content and platform technologies. Students will develop skills in critically analysing digital content, the online presence of social actors, and broader cultural trends on social media. These knowledges and skills will help students become effective content experts and researchers of social media and its audiences.

  • Theories
  • Cultures
  • Communities

Course learning outcomes

  • Articulate how social media platforms and campaigns impact politics, activism, culture and communities
  • Critically evaluate social media practice as it relates to ethical action and social responsibility as a professional and citizen
  • Evaluate the use of social media and strategic communication for political and social issue campaigning purposes, applying logical, critical, and creative thinking
  • Demonstrate skills in using social media as a resource for learning and in practice

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 27/03/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 13/03/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 10/04/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 08/05/2026

Class details

Adelaide City Campus West

Class number
Class number 27726
Section
Section TU01
Size
Size 20
Available
Available 4
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
25 Feb - 15 Apr Wednesday 11:10am - 2pm Adelaide City Campus West Jeffrey Smart, JS5-11
6 May - 3 Jun Wednesday 11:10am - 2pm Adelaide City Campus West Jeffrey Smart, JS5-11
Class number
Class number 27727
Section
Section TU02
Size
Size 20
Available
Available 19
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
23 Feb - 13 Apr Monday 11:10am - 2pm Adelaide City Campus West Barbara Hanrahan, BH4-09
4 May - 1 Jun Monday 11:10am - 2pm Adelaide City Campus West Barbara Hanrahan, BH4-09
Class number
Class number 27728
Section
Section TU03
Size
Size 20
Available
Available 12
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
27 Feb - 17 Apr Friday 3:10pm - 6pm Adelaide City Campus West Barbara Hanrahan, BH4-18
8 May - 5 Jun Friday 3:10pm - 6pm Adelaide City Campus West Barbara Hanrahan, BH4-18
Class number
Class number 27729
Section
Section TU04
Size
Size 20
Available
Available 18
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
27 Feb - 17 Apr Friday 8:10am - 11am Adelaide City Campus West Barbara Hanrahan, BH4-18
8 May - 5 Jun Friday 8:10am - 11am Adelaide City Campus West Barbara Hanrahan, BH4-18
Class number
Class number 27730
Section
Section TU05
Size
Size 20
Available
Available 16
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
27 Feb - 17 Apr Friday 11:10am - 2pm Adelaide City Campus West Jeffrey Smart, JS5-11
8 May - 5 Jun Friday 11:10am - 2pm Adelaide City Campus West Jeffrey Smart, JS5-11

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A

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