MEDIA, LAW AND ETHICS
MAC2MLE
2021
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.
SchoolHumanities and Social Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorBrigid McCarthy
Available to Study Abroad/Exchange StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG
Available as ElectiveNo
Learning ActivitiesAll assessable work, lectures and tutorials,and guest lectures from industry and other relevant professionals.
Capstone subjectNo
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 subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Quota Management StrategyN/A
Quota-conditions or rulesN/A
Special conditionsCore subject for the Bachelor of Media and Communication (ABMC), Bachelor of Journalism (ABJ) and Bachelor of Journalism Sport (ABJS).
Minimum credit point requirementN/A
Assumed knowledgeN/A
Career Ready
Career-focusedNo
Work-based learningNo
Self sourced or Uni sourcedN/A
Entire subject or partial subjectN/A
Total hours/days requiredN/A
Location of WBL activity (region)N/A
WBL addtional requirementsN/A
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
Graduate Capabilities
Intended Learning Outcomes
Subject options
Select to view your study options…
Melbourne (Bundoora), 2021, Semester 2, Blended
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorBrigid McCarthy
Class requirements
Computer LaboratoryWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.00 h 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 h 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 h unscheduled online class per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via online.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Category | Contribution | Hurdle | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Online quizzes (2000 word equivalent) Quizzes undertaken on the LMS throughout the semester. | Quizzes | Individual | No | 40 | SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4 |
Essay or court story plus reflection (1500 word equivalent) Student choose one option and complete along with reflection. | Assignment | Individual | 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. | Other | Individual | No | 30 | SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4 |