module specification

Media ethics is an expansive idiom, trying to illustrate the ‘proper’ modes of behaviour governing all divisions of the modern-day media. Different branches of the media are governed by different ethical standards to which they need to adhere. Media ethics is a complex area of studies due to different media streams can be contradictory in nature. Many of the complications arise from the constant battle between the ethical standards and the media corporations need to increase revenue. Due to the wide differences between different media outlets, there is not any single rule to which to adhere, as while one rule may be sufficient for one media outlet it may be incompatible for a different stream.  

The media sector in which ethical issues have been most prominent relates to the abusive research and reporting methods of some parts of the press, culminating in the controversial Leveson Report in 2012, which is therefore central to this module. This 2,000-page report is the most important tract on media ethics of modern times, and no study of this area would be complete without considering its findings, recommendations and consequences.

MODULE AIMS

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to

• appreciate the history of ethics, and its application in practice to mass media professions;
• critically analyse the laws and legal principles that guide professional practice;
• synthesise personal ethics and professional norms; societal limitations imposed by law, and self-limitations imposed by moral standards and ethical reasoning;
• appraise the balance between freedom and the ethical and legal responsibilities of professional communicators;
• appreciate the moral responsibility of professional communicators to make a positive difference within their sphere of influence;
• critically evaluate current policies and practice in relation to ethics within the media.

No pre-requisites. Not available for Study Abroad.

• History of Press Regulation
• Freedom of the Press
• Freedom of Expression
• Personal Autonomy and Civil Liberties
• Benefits of Self-Regulation
• Unethical Practice by the UK Press
• Sensational Cases (including Princess Diana and Prince Harry)
• The Leveson Enquiry 2011
• The Press Recognition Panel
• The Independent Press Standards Organisation
• The Independent Monitor for the Press
• The Crime and Courts Act 2013

Overview

Students will be taught by a combination of online lectures, interactive online seminars, one-to-one supervision, and self-study of a comprehensive module, with students encouraged to read from specified case law and legal journals. Students will be given the opportunity to discuss theoretical issues as well as practical problem solving.  Students will be supported in undertaking on-line research using electronic law databases and encouraged to use on line legal resources on a regular basis. There is a virtual learning environment containing handbooks, lecture notes, weblinks, discussion groups, study skills materials and assessment criteria. 

Experiential Learning

Students will be encouraged to respond to realistic case-studies relating to the sector, giving written legal opinions to clients in the style of a professional legal advisor. Students will also be able to participate in the extracurricular experiential learning offered within the Law School, including the Pro Bono Clinic and the Mooting Club.

Study Support

Students will have regular access to module tutors by email and by one-to-one video conferences to support their studies. They will also engage with one formative assessment for each module, which will be marked promptly with opportunities for feedback either by email or individual online discussion.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to do the following:

1. Communicate within legal boundaries by demonstrating an ability to identify legal constraints and defences that shape mass media messages.
2. Demonstrate sensitivity to the ethical issues of their practice by becoming familiar with prominent cases that demonstrate ethical issues in the communication industries.
3. Critically analyse the importance and scope of ethics within the media sector.
4. Research and manage legal information from paper and IT resources and present competent legal arguments in writing
5. Synthesise relevant case law and statute, understand and present conflicting arguments and apply the law to problem scenarios relevant to aspects of ethics, values and the media.

The module adopts the assessment strategy principles of GSBL which have been developed in the spirit of ESJ. These are:

1. The School is committed to ensuring that each student should not have more no more than 2 assessment points per 20 credit module.
2. We provide balanced forms of assessment, both in terms of its overall volume (measured in terms of assessment points and output required and the types used.
3. Group activities are part of the learning and teaching strategies but assessment is at the level of the individual. Thus, assessment focused on individual reflections and learning from participating in a group activity.
4. Flexibility/choice in assessment methods will be introduced wherever possible in order to facilitate different learning studies and support personalization

Assessment of the module will be by way of coursework, giving a choice of either a critical analysis of contemporary issues and/or experiential employment-related practical exercises.

In line with our policy on facilitating formative feedback to students, the assessment strategy is designed to provide formative feedback on a piece of contributing summary assessment before another summative component is due to be submitted.

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