Media Ethics and Law

Catalog description

The material will introduce you to the history of ethics and sources of our American legal system. We will examine how the law and ethical action are chosen and evolve through resolution of a dilemma - a choice between countervailing interests. Foundational principles, expressed in our charter documents, carry through those areas of law which are most critical to media: We'll examine fundamentals of law, of First Amendment, libel, privacy, open government, copyright and commercial speech. Consequently, this course's content will be relevant in every other Communication course you take between now and your completion of your degree program.