Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit provides students with an opportunity for a critical engagement with contemporary scholarship on the legal context of news production in the Australian and Anglo-American contexts. Topics covered include the historical and geographical development of doctrines of freedom of the press, the law of defamation and contempt, professional confidentiality, freedom of information, copyright, censorship and freedom of expression and racial vilification.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge and capacity to make effective usage of the academic literature in the jurisprudence and law of journalism
2. Demonstrate an ability to research, discuss and analyse relevant scholarly issues in a clear, concise and rigorous way
3. Collaborate constructively with fellow students in learning and discussion processes, including online forums
4. Produce their written work to deadline making effective use of the conventions of scholarly presentation (references, bibliography, etc)
5. Work independently and in groups to achieve their learning outcomes
6. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the strengths, limitations and socio-professional implications of scholarly practice in the law of journalism.

Assessment

Minimum requirement: attendance and participation as specified in the Unit Guide for the mode of delivery
Minor project (1500 words): 30%
In-class Invigilation (500 words): 20%
Major Project (2500 words): 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Peter Gregory

Contact hours

One 1-hour lecture per week + One 1-hour tutorial per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Journalism studies
Journalism

Prerequisites

JCS2601

Prohibitions

JRN2909/JRN3909