MEDIA, LAW AND ETHICS
MAC2MLE
2018
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 Citzenship Essential. The focus Global Citzenship 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.
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 or coordinator's approval
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 capacity 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:
- Literacies and Communication Skills (Writing,Speaking,Cultural Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills (Writing,Speaking,Cultural Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills (Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills (Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills (Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Personal and Professional Skills (Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Personal and Professional Skills (Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Personal and Professional Skills (Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills (Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
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:
- Literacies and Communication Skills (Writing,Speaking,Cultural Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills (Writing,Speaking,Cultural Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills (Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills (Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills (Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
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:
- Literacies and Communication Skills (Writing,Speaking,Cultural Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills (Writing,Speaking,Cultural Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills (Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills (Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills (Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills (Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Personal and Professional Skills (Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Personal and Professional Skills (Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
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:
- Literacies and Communication Skills (Writing,Speaking,Cultural Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills (Writing,Speaking,Cultural Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills (Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills (Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills (Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills (Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
Subject options
Select to view your study options…
Melbourne, 2018, Semester 2, Blended
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorPeter Gregory
Class requirements
Lecture
Week:
31
-
43
One 1.0 hours lecture per week
on weekdays
during the day
from week 31 to week 43
and delivered via blended.
Tutorial
Week:
31
-
43
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week
on weekdays
during the day
from week 31 to week 43
and delivered via blended.
Unscheduled Online Class
Week:
31
-
43
One 1.0 hours unscheduled online class per week
on weekdays
during the day
from week 31 to week 43
and delivered via online.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment one plan (court story or essay) (500 word equivalent) | Students will work in small teams to plan a court visit. | 10 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |
| One 1500 word essay or court story plus breakout box and reflection (1500 word equivalent) | 40 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| One explainer piece plus reflection (1750 word equivalent) | 50 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |