CO 340 Freedom of Speech: Law & Ethics of the Media

Course Material

Summary
On this page you will find the class syllabus along with the required text.

Class Syllabus

CO340 Freedom of Speech: Law & Ethics of the Media Spring 1999

Spaulding 106
Office Hours:
M-W 10:30-12:30
Tu 11:30-12:30
Thurs 9:30-11:30
and by appt.

Required Text:Mass Media Law 1999 edition only by Don R. Pember Published by WCB Brown and Benchmark, Dubuque, Iowa, 1998

In this class we will examine the idea of free speech as it has developed in the United States. Much of the class will be devoted to mass media law, including topics such as libel, invasion of privacy and obscenity. In addition to studying media law we will examine and discuss ethical issues that involve the media. The objective is to develop an understanding of the First Amendment and the role it plays in American society.

Assignments:Reading assignments will be given in class. We will work our way through the text starting with Chapter 1 and progressing in numerical order. Several subjects may require two weeks of discussion and analysis, others may be covered in one or two class sessions. Come to class, participate in the discussions and keep up with the reading. If you miss a class check with the instructor or another member of the class about assignments.

First Hour Exam Wednesday, Feb. 24

Second Hour Exam Wednesday, April 7

Research Papers Due: Friday, April 16

Classes End April 30

ATTENDANCE: Attendance is required for Freedom of Speech. Students are allowed three unexcused absences per semester. More than three unexcused absences will lower the student's final grade for the semester.

GRADES: Grades for Freedom of Speech will be calculated as follows:
Exams - 50%
Papers - 35%
Attendance and Participation - 15%

SUGGESTIONS:Read the chapters in the text as they are assigned. Read each chapter before it is discussed in class, take good notes in class, then read the chapter again after it has been discussed. When reviewing for a test, pay particular attention to the summaries at the end of each chapter.

If you have any questions about any material in the text or discussed in class, be sure to ask the instructor for help -- do so during class or during office hours but don't let your questions go unanswered.

Don't fall behind in your work for this class - it is hard to catch up. Attend class regularly, take good notes, and use your text well.

Research Paper for Freedom of Speech

You will be asked to write one research paper for Freedom of Speech. The assignment is to research in detail a court case that involves First Amendment issues. The class will visit the library early in the semester to identify resources in the library that will help you with this assignment.

Each chapter in the text includes many references to interesting and important court cases. The text will be a useful guide, but you are not limited to cases mentioned in the text.

Term paper topics are due no later than Wednesday, Feb. 10. Please write your name and your topic on a sheet of paper and submit it by that date.

Term paper progress reports are due no later than Wednesday, March 17. Your progress report should give a clear picture of the ground your paper will cover and should include a list of sources you intend to use.

Research papers must be written in the MLA. I expect citations in the paper and a list of works cited at the end. If you are not familiar with the MLA style please see the instructor early in the semester. These papers must be well written. If the writing is unacceptable I will return the paper to you and will not grade it until the writing is satisfactory. Research paper length: 7-10 pages or longer. The papers must be type written or word processed, double-spaced, with type size no larger than 12 point.

How I will grade you this semester: A - Excellent attendance, excellent exams and an excellent paper that is done on time. B - Excellent attendance, good exams and a good paper done on time. C - Fair attendance, adequate exams and an adequate paper done on time. F - Poor exams, poor attendance, poor paper submitted late.