JRN 2006 Media Law and Ethics

SubjectCat-NbrClassTermModeDescriptionUnitsCampus
JRN2006150382, 2002EXTMedia Law and Ethics1.00TWMBA
Academic Group:FOART
Academic Org:FOA004
HECS Band:1
ASCED Code:100703

Contents


STAFFING:

Examiner: Craig Burgess
Moderator: Neil Lomas



SYNOPSIS:

This course provides a legal and ethical framework for professional practice in the field of journalism. Students will examine the Australian legal system, defamation law, contempt of court and parliament, and the law of copyright. The study of major developments in moral philosophy will form a foundation on which to analyse specific case studies, with particular reference to the MEAA (Journalists) Code of Ethics.


OBJECTIVES:

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

  • differentiate between code and common law;

  • identify copy that is defamatory, contemptuous, or infringes copyright;

  • describe the principles of ethical decision-making, and;

  • recall and interpret the MEAA Code of Ethics.



    • TOPICS:


    DescriptionWeighting (%)
    1. Australian Legal Systems
    		 5.00
    2. Principles of Defamation
    		 25.00
    3. Principles of Contempt
    		 25.00
    4. Other Legal Issues
    		 5.00
    5. History of Moral Philosophy
    		 5.00
    6. AJA Code of Ethics
    		 15.00
    7. Current Ethical Issues
    		 20.00

    TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

    Books can be ordered by fax or telephone. For costs and further details use the 'Book Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au by entering the author or title of the text.

    Anderson, D.A. 1987, Pitfalls in the Law for Journalists, 3rd edition, Mando Publications, Brisbane.

    Hurst, J. & White, S.A. 1994, Ethics and the Australian News Media, Macmillan, Melbourne.

    Pearson, M. 1997, The Journalist's Guide to Media Law, Allen & Unwin, Australia.




    STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

    ACTIVITYHOURS
    Directed Study80
    Private Study85


    ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

    DescriptionMarks Out ofWtg(%)RequiredDue Date
    CMA TEST30.000.00Y26 Aug 2002
    LAW ESSAY 1500 WORDS30.0030.00Y09 Sep 2002
    ETHICS ESSAY - 1500 WORDS30.0030.00Y14 Oct 2002
    3 HOUR EXAMINATION40.0040.00YEND S2

    OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

    1. Students must submit all items of assessment by the due date.
    2. Use of correct English is essential to Journalism and Media Studies. Spelling, grammar and punctuation will be taken into consideration in marking assignments. Severe deficiencies could mean failure in the course.
    3. Grades will be awarded in this course on the basis of total accumulated points and in accord with Faculty guidelines.
    4. (i) Assignments submitted after the due date, and without prior approval of an extension from the examiner, will be penalised at the rate of 10% per working day up to 5 days, after which a grade of zero will be awarded. (ii) Since it is a requirement of the course that all items of assessment must be submitted, any assignments which are beyond the five working day limit will not be eligible for a grade, but must be of an acceptable standard. The assignments must be submitted by the examination date.