Module Descriptors
LAW FOR JOURNALISTS 1
JOUR40297
Key Facts
Faculty of Arts and Creative Technologies
Level 4
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Paul Gubbins
Email: P.P.Gubbins@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 33
Independent Study Hours: 117
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- ON-LINE TEST weighted at 30%
- EXAMINATION weighted at 70%
Module Details
Module Additional Assessment Details
An Examination weighted at 70% (comprising essay-type questions based on industry-standard test-papers) (LO's 1-4)
In-Course On-Line tests comprising multiple-choice questions based on module elements (e.g. contempt, defamation) weighted at 30% (LO's 1-4)
In-Course On-Line tests comprising multiple-choice questions based on module elements (e.g. contempt, defamation) weighted at 30% (LO's 1-4)
Module Texts
Crone, T., Law and the Media, 4th edition, Focal Press, 2002. Greenwood, W., Welsh, T., McNae's Essential Law for Journalists, Butterworths, 19th edition, 2007.
Hadwin, S,. and Bloy, D. Law and the Media. Sweet and Maxwell, 2007.
Journalism Dept. Journalism Style Guide. Staffordshire University, 2007.
Quinn, F. Law for Journalists. Longman, 2007.
Rudin, R., and Ibbotson, T., An Introduction to Journalism - Essential Techniques and Background Knowledge, Focal Press, 2002.
Smartt, U. (ed), Media Law for Journalists, Sage, 2006.
Hadwin, S,. and Bloy, D. Law and the Media. Sweet and Maxwell, 2007.
Journalism Dept. Journalism Style Guide. Staffordshire University, 2007.
Quinn, F. Law for Journalists. Longman, 2007.
Rudin, R., and Ibbotson, T., An Introduction to Journalism - Essential Techniques and Background Knowledge, Focal Press, 2002.
Smartt, U. (ed), Media Law for Journalists, Sage, 2006.
Module Learning Strategies
Two one-hour lectures per week
One one-hour seminar
One one-hour seminar
Module Resources
Internet
Newspapers/magazines
NCTJ materials
Regulatory guidelines e.g. PCC, Ofcom
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.
Newspapers/magazines
NCTJ materials
Regulatory guidelines e.g. PCC, Ofcom
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.
Module Indicative Content
This module provides journalism students with an overview of legal and ethical issues. 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, the right to privacy. The module also provides information about the regulatory bodies responsible for providing print and broadcast journalists with a professional code of conduct.