Module Descriptors
LAW AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS FOR JOURNALISTS 1
JOUR40251
Key Facts
Faculty of Arts and Creative Technologies
Level 4
15 credits
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 48
Independent Study Hours: 102
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- CLASS-TEST weighted at 50%
- CLASS-TEST - SECOND CLASS TEST weighted at 50%
Module Details
Module Additional Assessment Details
A two hour class test in Law [Learning Outcomes 1,2 & 3]
A two hour class test in Public Affairs [Learning Outcomes 1,2 & 4]
Both the class tests will provide students with a valuable insight into the NCTJ professional examinations in Law and Public Affairs, and provide crucial feedback to tutors and students as to the areas where students need to improve in order to pass those professional examinations
A two hour class test in Public Affairs [Learning Outcomes 1,2 & 4]
Both the class tests will provide students with a valuable insight into the NCTJ professional examinations in Law and Public Affairs, and provide crucial feedback to tutors and students as to the areas where students need to improve in order to pass those professional examinations
Module Indicative Content
This module provides journalism students with an overview of legal and ethical issues and introduces them to the structures and operations of British central government. Current issues in the press will be discussed as they arise. The module looks at the law from the perspective of the journalist and provide students with the knowledge to help protect them from legal action over published or broadcast items. They will learn about the laws of defamation and contempt of court as well as wider ethical issues such as freedom of speech and the right to privacy. The module provides information about the regulatory bodies responsible for providing print and broadcast journalists with a professional code of conduct. The module also introduces students to the constitution, the role and operation of parliament, the legislative process, the cabinet, elections and the European Union.
Module Learning Strategies
A weekly two hour lecture/workshop in Law,
A weekly two hour lecture/workshop in Public Affairs
A weekly two hour lecture/workshop in Public Affairs
Module Resources
Internet
Newspapers/magazines
NCTJ materials
Regulatory guidelines e.g. PCC, Ofcom
Newspapers/magazines
NCTJ materials
Regulatory guidelines e.g. PCC, Ofcom
Module Texts
Greenwood, W., Welsh, T., McNae's Essential Law for Journalists, Butterworths, 17th edition, 2003. Note: Do not use an earlier edition. Essential purchase.
Crone, T., Law and the Media, 4th edition, Focal Press, 2002.
Arlidge, Eady and Smith on Contempt, Sweet and Maxwell, 2nd edn,1999.
Carter Ruck, P. and Starte, H. N. A., Carter-Ruck on Libel and Slander, Butterworths, 5th edn, 1997.
Rudin, R., and Ibbotson, T., An introduction to Journalism - essential techniques and background knowledge, Focal Press 2002.
R. Fenney, Essential Central Government, LGC Information, 2000
Budge, I., Crewe, I., McKay, D. and Newton, K. The New British Politics, Longman, 2003
Crone, T., Law and the Media, 4th edition, Focal Press, 2002.
Arlidge, Eady and Smith on Contempt, Sweet and Maxwell, 2nd edn,1999.
Carter Ruck, P. and Starte, H. N. A., Carter-Ruck on Libel and Slander, Butterworths, 5th edn, 1997.
Rudin, R., and Ibbotson, T., An introduction to Journalism - essential techniques and background knowledge, Focal Press 2002.
R. Fenney, Essential Central Government, LGC Information, 2000
Budge, I., Crewe, I., McKay, D. and Newton, K. The New British Politics, Longman, 2003