GSC2909

Media Law (6 points)

(ARTS)

Leader: Elizabeth Hart

Offered:
Berwick First semester 2003 (Day)
Gippsland First semester 2003 (Day)
Gippsland First semester 2003 (OCL)
Singapore First semester 2003 (OCL)
Berwick First semester 2004 (Day)
Gippsland First semester 2004 (Day)
Gippsland First semester 2004 (OCL)
Singapore First semester 2004 (OCL)

Synopsis: This unit covers the areas of law that affect journalists in their everyday work, including defamation, contempt of court, confidentiality, copyright and freedom of information legislation. Students learn the extent of legal freedoms and constraints on the publishing industry and the ways some points of professional ethics and the law might come into conflict. The principle of freedom of expression provides a framework for comparing legal rights, freedoms and obligations in various jurisdictions.

Assessment: On campus: Essay (1500 words): 30% + Oral presentation and written paper (1000 words): 30% + Examination (2 hours): 40% + Off- campus: Essay (1500 words): 30% + Critical analysis of case studies (1000 words): 30% + Examination (2 hours): 40%

Contact Hours: 2 hours per week (1- hour lecture, 1- hour tutorial)

Prerequisites: GSC1902, GSC1903

Prohibitions: GSC3909, GSC3903