mac2mle media, law and ethics
MEDIA, LAW AND ETHICS
MAC2MLE
2015
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
In this subject students will investigate the ethical and legal questions that confront journalists on an everyday basis, and the new dilemmas forged by rapidly evolving media technologies. To what extent have the ground rules changed with the explosion of new kinds of media content and platforms? Students explore how privacy, professional liability, conflict of interest, copyright and fair dealing, defamation, and confidentiality are dealt with by the law, through journalist codes of practice, and by media institutions. They will also examine the court system, contempt of court and sentencing. In this subject we will draw on the expertise of a range of experts and media professionals.
SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorPeter Gregory
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites Students must complete 30 credit points of 1st year Journalism, Strategic Communications or Media subjects.
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects JRN2DIJ, JRN3DIJ
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditions Core subject for the Bachelor of Media and Communication (ABMC), Bachelor of Journalism (ABJ) and Bachelor of Journalism Sport (ABJS).
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. A capactiy to evaluate and synthesise arguments about competing "dilemmas" involving ethical and legal issues in journalism practice
- Activities:
- All assessable work, lectures and tutorials,and guest lectures from industry and other relevant professionals.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
02. A specific understanding of how digital journalism is creating new ethical and "best practice" issues
- Activities:
- All assessable work, lectures and tutorials,and guest lectures from industry and other relevant professionals.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
03. An understanding of relevant codes of practice and codes of ethics and their relationship to legal issues that pertain to journalism practice
- Activities:
- All assessable work, lectures and tutorials,and guest lectures from industry and other relevant professionals.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Writing(Writing)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
04. An understanding of the legal issues that journalists and content providers are required to know in order to function with confidence as media professionals and self-publishers.
- Activities:
- All assessable work, lectures and tutorials,and guest lectures from industry and other relevant professionals.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Writing(Writing)
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2015, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorPeter Gregory
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.
TutorialWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Five quizzes (1,000 words equivalent) | 20 | 01, 02 | |
| One 1,500 word essay | 40 | 01, 02, 04 | |
| Online features (1,500 word equivalent). | 40 | 01, 02, 04 |