JRN 2006 Media Law and Ethics

SubjectCat-NbrClassTermModeDescriptionUnitsCampus
JRN2006250392, 2003EXTMedia Law and Ethics1.00TWMBA
Academic Group:FOART
Academic Org:FOA004
HECS Band:1
ASCED Code:100703

Contents


STAFFING:

Examiner: Craig Burgess
Moderator: Dianne Jones



PRE-REQUISITES:

Pre-requisite: JRN1000


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, 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, St Leonards.




    STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

    ACTIVITYHOURS
    Directed Study80
    Private Study85


    ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

    DescriptionMarks Out ofWtg(%)RequiredDue Date
    CMA TEST100.000.00Y25 Aug 2003
    LAW ESSAY 1500 WORDS100.0030.00Y15 Sep 2003
    ETHICS ESSAY - 1500 WORDS100.0030.00Y20 Oct 2003
    3 HOUR EXAMINATION100.0040.00YEND S2

    IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

    1. Attendance requirements:
      It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
    2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
      To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assessment item.
    3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
      If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval, then a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the assignment will apply for each of the first FIVE working days late, after which a zero mark will be given.
    4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
      To be assured of a passing grade, students must demonstrate, via the summative assessment items, that they have achieved the required minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by: (i) satisfactorily completing the examination and assignments; and (ii) obtaining at least 50% of the total weighted marks for all summative assessment items.
    5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
      The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks (or grades) obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
    6. Examination information:
      The exam for this course is a RESTRICTED EXAMINATION, and candidates are allowed access to : * writing materials (non-electronic and free from material which could give the student an unfair advantage in the examination); * course text books; * English language textbooks.
    7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
      Any deferred or supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the next examination period.
    8. University Regulations:
      Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6 Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/SECARIAT/calendar/Part5/ or in the printed version of the current USQ Handbook.

    ASSESSMENT NOTES

    9.(a) The due date for an assignment is the date by which a student must despatch the assignment to the USQ. The onus is on the student to provide proof of the despatch date, if requested by the Examiner. (b) Students must retain a copy of each item submitted for assessment. This must be produced within five days if required by the Examiner. (c) In accordance with University's Assignment Extension Policy (Regulation 5.6.1), the examiner of a course may grant an extension of the due date of an assignment in extenuating circumstances such as documented ill-health. (d) Students who have undertaken all of the required assessments in the course but who have failed to meet some of the specified objectives of the course within the normally prescribed time may be awarded the temporary grade: IM (Incomplete-Makeup). An IM grade will only be awarded when, in the opinion of the examiner, a student will be able to achieve the remaining objectives of the course after a period of non-directed personal study. (e) Students who, for medical, family/personal, or employment-related reasons, are unable to complete an assignment or sit for an examination at the scheduled time, may apply to defer an assessment in the course. Such a request must be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation. One of the following temporary grades may be awarded: IDS (Incomplete - Deferred Examination; IDM (Incomplete Deferred Make-up); IDB (Incomplete - Both Deferred Examination and Deferred Make-up).

    OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

    1. 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.