MEDIA, LAW AND ETHICS

MAC2MLE

2020

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. This subject addresses La Trobe's Global Citizenship Essential. The focus Global Citizenship is on how we live in an interconnected world. People need to be able to recognise the global context of concepts, act across cultures and boundaries, and work with diverse communities - now and in the future.

School: Humanities and Social Sciences (Pre 2022)

Credit points: 15

Subject Co-ordinator: Brigid McCarthy

Available to Study Abroad/Exchange Students: Yes

Subject year level: Year Level 2 - UG

Exchange Students: No

Available as Elective: No

Learning Activities: N/A

Capstone subject: No

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites: Students must complete 30 credit points of 1st year Journalism, Strategic Communications or Media subjects or coordinator's approval

Co-requisites: N/A

Incompatible subjects: N/A

Equivalent subjects: N/A

Quota Management Strategy: N/A

Quota-conditions or rules: N/A

Special conditions: Core subject for the Bachelor of Media and Communication (ABMC), Bachelor of Journalism (ABJ) and Bachelor of Journalism Sport (ABJS).

Minimum credit point requirement: N/A

Assumed knowledge: N/A

Career Ready

Career-focused: No

Work-based learning: No

Self sourced or Uni sourced: N/A

Entire subject or partial subject: N/A

Total hours/days required: N/A

Location of WBL activity (region): N/A

WBL addtional requirements: N/A

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

Graduate Capabilities

COMMUNICATION - Communicating and Influencing

COMMUNICATION - Cultural Intelligence and Global Perspective

COMMUNICATION - Digital Capability

DISCIPLINE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Creativity and Innovation

INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Research and Evidence-Based Inquiry

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Adaptability and Self-Management

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Ethical and Social Responsibility

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Leadership and Teamwork

Intended Learning Outcomes

01. Demonstrate an understanding of the legal framework that journalists and content providers are required to know in Australia in order to function as media professionals and self-publishers.

02. Demonstrate an understanding of relevant codes of practice and codes of ethics that journalists and media professionals are required to know to practice in Australia.

03. Develop the capacity to evaluate and synthesise arguments about competing dilemmas involving ethical and legal issues in journalism and media practice.

04. Demonstrate an understanding of Australian copyright law and how to apply it effectively in journalism and media practice.

Melbourne (Bundoora), 2020, Semester 2, Blended

Overview

Online enrolment: Yes

Maximum enrolment size: N/A

Enrolment information: N/A

Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Brigid McCarthy

Class requirements

Computer LaboratoryWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.00 hour computer laboratory per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.

LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.00 hour lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.

Unscheduled Online ClassWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.00 hour unscheduled online class per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via online.

Assessments

Assessment element	Comments	Category	Contribution	Hurdle	%	ILO*
Online quizzes (2000 word equivalent)Quizzes undertaken on the LMS throughout the semester.	N/A	N/A	N/A	No	40	SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4
Essay or court story plus reflection (1500 word equivalent)Student choose one option and complete along with reflection.	N/A	N/A	N/A	No	30	SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4
One explainer piece plus reflection (1750 word equivalent)Explainer article relating to legal and ethical issues in media and journalism.	N/A	N/A	N/A	No	30	SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4