COMM 318 - Media Law and Ethics

Units: 4
Explores ethical and legal questions in the context of digital and traditional media from a variety of theoretical perspectives. Examines foundations of freedom of speech and press. Topics include censorship, libel, access to information, copyright, invasion of privacy, electronic speech.

Possible Instructional Methods: On-ground.
Grading: A-F grading only.
Course Typically Offered: Fall & Spring

Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Explain and discuss a range of ethical orientations to media making in the 21st century;
Explain and discuss the foundations of press laws and press freedom in the United States;
Analyze case examples involving free press, censorship, privacy, and libel in historic and contemporary U.S. settings;
Develop and defend arguments about the implications of media law on stakeholders;
Justify the application of one or more ethical approach to decision making in media cases;
Explore and discuss case studies involving ethical and legal dilemmas in journalism.