HLPE3542 Media Advocacy and Policy Change

Media plays a key role in shaping public opinion on policy initiatives and the kinds of public policies supported by politicians and government. This topic introduces students to the way the media has influenced the uptake of healthy public policies in Australia and internationally and the kinds of strategies used by social movements to influence public debate on key issues in health promotion. Students will develop their ability to read the media environment and develop strategies for public health advocacy and citizen participation in policy work.

This topic aims to:

• Increase students' knowledge of the way the media is used as a strategy for advancing public health
• Provide students with opportunities to apply these ideas to current public health issues in Australia and internationally
• Develop students' ability to critically assess the media environment and government approaches to healthy public policy

1. Describe media strategies used to advance public health policy in Australia and internationally and the difference they made
2. Critically assess the way specific healthy public policy options are represented in the Australian media
3. Develop a media advocacy strategy focusing on a public health/health promotion issue of concern to them
4. Demonstrate confidence and competence in working with others to create health-enhancing social change
5. Evaluate the role interest groups play in the development of healthy public policy