GSC2910

Journalism Ethics (6 points)

(ARTS)

Leader: Elizabeth Hart

Offered:
Berwick Second semester 2003 (Day)
Gippsland Second semester 2003 (Day)
Gippsland Second semester 2003 (OCL)
Singapore Second semester 2003 (OCL)

Synopsis: This unit covers the areas of professional ethics that govern journalism in Australia and in other countries. Topics include fairness and accuracy, media bias, invasion of privacy, conflict of interest, media stereotypes, self-regulation, and reporting on minorities. Students learn the extent of ethical constraints and freedoms and the tensions that arise among media owners, media regulators, journalists, and the public in reporting of news. The challenges of globalisation and of rapid technological change provide a framework withing which to consider trends and dilemmas in journalism ethics in the 21st century.

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% + Research paper (1000 words): 30% + Examination (2 hours): 40%

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

Prerequisites: GSC1902, GSC1903

Prohibitions: GSC3903, GSC3910