Dr Judith Sandner

Qualifications

• PhD (Communication & Media Arts), University of Newcastle, 2010
• Bachelor of Arts (Communication Studies), University of Newcastle, 1997
• Bachelor of Arts (Communication Studies)(Honours), University of Newcastle, 1988

Research

Research keywords

• Cultural Identity & Communication Theories
• Film & Literary Representations
• Habitus & the Practice of Cultural Production
• Sensory Evocation & Audience Engagement

Research expertise

Completed a Doctor of Philosophy (Communication) Degree in 2009. Thesis Title: 'Communicating Community: Cultural Production, Habitus & the Construction of a City's Identity'.

As a research higher degree contributing original knowledge to the field of communication studies, the thesis informs teaching and further undergraduate/postgraduate research in the areas of: Meaning-making & Interpretation; Audiences & Production Intent; Media Texts & Representation; Authenticity through Narrative Expression of Cultural Communities; Habitus & Cultural Production.

As a comprehensive analysis of existing media texts it offers media industry professionals valuable insight into theoretical approaches to creative practices. These may include filmmakers, authors screenwriters, poets, novelists as well as electronic mediation practitioners.

As the Faculty of Science & IT is currently moving to facilitate multi-disciplinary research groups my research is well-placed to contribute to this initiative. The thesis incorporates research knowledge particularly relevant to production design, contextual content and audience engagement. Therefore it bridges the disciplines of design, communication and multimedia applications.

Co-supervised a PhD (Communication & Media) submitted in late 2009 which investigated mobile phone technology and identity discourses.

Currently co-supervising a PhD (Communication & Media) on documentary film production and creative practitioner research.

Currently co-supervising a PhD (Communication & Media) on Australian childrens' literature and creative writing processes.

Previously supervised honours research student who investigated perceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and is now employed as a communication adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

Currently Program Convenor for the Bachelor of Communication Honours degree program delivering a research methods and directed readings course to communication, IT, visual communication (design) students.

Fields of Research

Administrative

Administrative expertise

12 years teaching experience with 9 as Course Co-ordinator - duties include; course development: teaching materials (library, readings, blackboard), lectures, assessment design & marking criteria; student consultation and marking assessment work; teaching resources for, supervision of, and consultation with tutors; implementing & managing online course content; email enquiries; insitutional requirements re: course evaluation & CTS, CAR, timetabling, student requests for special consideration & time extensions.

In 2004 I researched, designed and wrote content for a course now offered in the Master of Multimedia Degree Program through the Graduate School of Business. The Course is "CMNS6010 Multimedia Applications in Public Relations and Corporate Communication". Course Modules include: Organisational Communication; Multimedia Technologies & Mediation; Power Relationships & Discourse Analysis; Corporate Identity & Audience; Multifunctional Media Tools; Textual Analysis of Multimedia Design; Multimedia Literacy & Cultural Capital.

Examiner for 5 Communication Honours students.

Teaching

Teaching keywords

• Audience Studies
• Core Communication & Media Theories
• Journalism & Public Relations Discourses
• Theoretical Contexts of Design & Technology
• Visual Communication & Technology for Print
• Web & Digital Applications

Teaching expertise

Communication & Media Theory - core (100 level) theoretical program underpinning Bachelor of Communciation Degree Program; Journalism & Public Relations Discourses & Professional Practice - compulsory 300 level theory for Journalism & Public Relations Majors; Theoretical Contexts for the Application of Design & Technology; Visual Communication Theories; Print & Digital Image & Multimedia Technologies - each a core (100 level) course for the Visual Communication Design Degree Program.