MMMC 4211 Media Law and Ethics Term

Instructor

Class location

Office:

Days and Times

Phone:

Final Examination

Email:



Office Hours: Course Description: A study of the fundamental principles and philosophies of law and ethics and their application to various professions of mass communications. Textbooks: 1. Media Ethics: Key Principles for Responsible Practice, Patrick Lee Plaisance (second edition, Sage, 2014, ISBN 978-1-4522-5808-9) 2. The Law of Journalism and Mass Communication, Joseph Russomanno (Editor), Susan Dente Ross (Editor), Amy L. Reynolds (Editor), (4th Edition, Congressional Quarterly, Inc., 2014, ISBN: 9781452239989) Course Objective: We examine the key ethical and legal principles related to mass communications, including day-to-day legal-ethical dilemmas, big-picture thematic legal-ethical issues, open meeting and records laws, freedom of speech and press, and major legal constructs and court decisions affecting public relations, journalism and advertising. The course is designed to: •

Enhance the student's awareness of the ethical responsibilities of the mass communications professional;



•

Identify the moral dimensions of issues that arise in professional practice;

•

Increase the ability to employ ethical reasoning as a tool for dealing with moral issues;

1



•

Review essential legal tenets involved with First Amendment and media law, including but not limited to issues involving libel, privacy and copyright

•

Provide the understanding necessary to reach and justify ethical decisions that are informed by an applied knowledge of media law and n ethical modes of reasoning

•

Elicit a sense of personal and professional responsibility;

•

Examine the social, political, economic, legal and ethical dilemmas confronted by contemporary media practitioners.

Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: • • • • • • • • •

Use ethical theory & practice to reach ethically based decisions. Recognize the moral and legal dimensions of situations and be able to confront various dilemmas faced by media in an informed manner. Discuss the ramifications of legal and ethical decision-making by practitioners. Analyze the impact of legal decisions related to mass media on society. Demonstrate an understanding of key ethical and legal issues facing journalists and practitioners in advertising, public relations and entertainment media. Formulate strategies and guidelines for confronting legal and ethical challenges in journalism, advertising, public relations and entertainment media. Apply an ethical and legal framework to resolve a mass communication dilemma. Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the First Amendment and its role in society. Understand the role of digital technology and its impact on legal and ethical issues.

Exams and Grades Quizzes 20% Midterm Exam 20% Two Situational Studies (2) 20% (10% each) Case Law paper 10% Final Exam 30% Grading 97% or greater = A+



2



90% – 96.9% = A 87% - 89.9%% = B+ 80% - 86.9% = B 77% - 79.9% = C+ 70% - 76.9% - C 67% - 69.9% = D+ 60% - 66.9% = D