DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION

STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

FREDONIA, NEW YORK

INSTRUCTOR

Ted Schwalbe

Office: McEwen 316

Telephone: 673-3825

Office Hours: 1-2 or by appt.

e-mail: schwalbe@fredonia.edu

course web page: http://www.fredonia.edu/department/communication/schwalbe/cm420.htm

ABOUT THE COURSE

This course will introduce students to the study of legal and ethical issues in the media. Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of these issues and the ability to analyze the important legal and ethical issues involved with the mass media industry.

COURSE GOALS

· Develop a basic understanding of the American legal system

· Develop a basic understanding of legal research

· Develop an understanding of and ability to apply basic concepts of media law

· Develop a working knowledge of the principles and concepts of ethical theory in order to develop an expertise in moral reasoning with regard to ethical problem solving in the media

REQUIRED TEXTS

1. Don R. Pember, Mass Media Law, 2003/2004 edition

2. Broadcasting and Cable Magazine - available on-line at www.broadcastingcable.com

Reserved Readings

Additional readings and articles may be put on web page.

Useful Web Sites

www.law.cornell.edu, www.findlaw.com, www.uscourts.gov, www.law.emory.edu, www.mel.lib.mi.us, www.rcfp.org/rcfp/, www.fcc.gov, www.aclu.org

Very useful - www.fredonia.edu/library/databases.htm then click on Lexis-Nexis

Ethics Web Page - excellent.com.utk.edu/~mdharmon/ethicsmain.html

Textbook's legal resource guide - www.mhhe.com/socscience/mass/pember/legal.mhtml

Student study guide - usercode=media, password=pember

ATTENDANCE

You are expected to attend all classes. 2 points will be deducted from your final average for each unexcused absence (1 point for late). Verifiable and legitimate absences in which I am notified ahead of time will not result in lost points. You are responsible for all worked missed as well as handing in any assignments due.

You are expected to participate in class discussions and activities. A portion of your final grade reflects participation. You will be expected to have read assigned material prior to class.

All assignments are due at the beginning of class assigned. Late penalties=10 points off if handed in same day after class. Not accepted any later.

ACADEMIC HONESTY

As the University Catalog states, academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Examples are given in the catalog. Any instance will result in a zero grade for that assignment. A second occurrence will result in a failing grade for the course and possible expulsion from the University.

GRADING

Exams – 4 32%

Final Exam 15%

Participation 10%

Assignments 28%

Term Paper 15%

Final grades will be based on your composite average.

A 90+ C 70-74

A- 87-90 C- 67-70

B+ 84-87 D+ 64-67

B 80-84 D 60-64

B- 77-80 D- 57-60

C+ 74-77 F <57

GENERAL COURSE OUTLINE AND READING

TOPICS TEXT READINGS

I. Introduction to the American Legal System

A. Lawmakers and Policymakers 1

B. The Court System

C. Legal Research

II. Introduction to Ethics

A. Media Ethics

B. Basic Ethical Theory

1. Historical Perspectives on Ethics

2. The Potter Box

III. The First Amendment and Freedom of Speech

A. The First Amendment 2,3

B. Prior Restraint

C. Obscenity 13

IV. Protection from Freedom of Speech

A. Defamation of Character 4-6

1. Libel and Slander

2. Defenses Against Defamation

B. Privacy 7,8

V. News

A. Getting Information 9

B. Free Press/Fair Trial 11,12

C. Source Protection - Shield Laws 10

D. Ethical Issues in News

1. Business Pressures

2. Truth telling and Objectivity

3. Social Justice

4. Sources and Reporters

5. Privacy

VI. Advertising

A. Regulation of Advertising 15

B. Ethical Issues in Advertising

1. Special Audiences

2. Truth telling

3. Public Relations

VII. Entertainment

A. Copyright Laws 14

B. Content Regulation

C. Ethical Issues in Entertainment

1. Violence

2. Offensive Material

3. Censorship

4. Profits and Public Trust

VIII. Special Regulations for Broadcasting 16

A. Licensing

B. Content

DISCLAIMER - Any elements of this syllabus are subject to change by the instructor.

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