Module Descriptors
LAW FOR JOURNALISTS 1 (BLENDED)
JOUR40367
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: 24
Independent Study Hours: 126
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- EXAMINATION - OPEN BOOK EXAMINATION IN EXAMINATION CONDITIONS weighted at 70%
- ON-LINE TEST weighted at 30%
Module Details
Module Additional Assessment Details
An OPEN-BOOK EXAMINATION to be completed on-line 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 Indicative Content
The module provides students with an overview of legal and ethical issues. Current issues pertaining to media law are discussed as they arise. The module looks at the law from the perspective of the journalist and provides students with the knowledge to help protect them from legal action over published or broadcast items. Students are introduced to contempt of court, defamation, including defences, reporting of young people, and handling confidential and copyright material. They are also introduced to wider ethical issues such as freedom of speech, protection of sources and to the increasingly significant area of privacy. The module also provides information about the regulatory bodies responsible for providing print and broadcast journalists with a professional code of conduct.
Module Texts
Banks, D. & Hanna, M., 2009. McNae's Essential Law for Journalists. 20th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Hadwin, S. & Bloy, D., 2007. Law and the Media. London: Sweet and Maxwell.
Maule, D. & Zhongdong, N., 2009. Law Essentials: Media Law. Dundee: Dundee University Press.
Quinn, F., 2009. Law for Journalists. 2nd ed. London: Longman. (Recommended course text)
Hadwin, S. & Bloy, D., 2007. Law and the Media. London: Sweet and Maxwell.
Maule, D. & Zhongdong, N., 2009. Law Essentials: Media Law. Dundee: Dundee University Press.
Quinn, F., 2009. Law for Journalists. 2nd ed. London: Longman. (Recommended course text)
Module Resources
Internet
Newspapers/magazines
NCTJ materials
Regulatory guidelines e.g. PCC, Ofcom
Blackboard VLE is available to support this module. Blackboard includes course handbook, programme of learning, course notes, on-line tests, and information about mandatory and supplementary reading.
Newspapers/magazines
NCTJ materials
Regulatory guidelines e.g. PCC, Ofcom
Blackboard VLE is available to support this module. Blackboard includes course handbook, programme of learning, course notes, on-line tests, and information about mandatory and supplementary reading.
Module Learning Strategies
The module relies on blended learning to deliver its objectives. Strategies include:
Four face-to-face keynote lectures/seminars either to introduce new material or to allow opportunity for discussion, debate, questioning or practical exercises (e.g. police appeal exercise). Total: 8 hours.
On-line question/answer sessions based on recommended reading. Total: 40 hours.
Guided reading based on recommended textbook and supported by appropriate notes available on Blackboard.
Formative, rather that summative, on-line tests delivered via Blackboard.
Four face-to-face keynote lectures/seminars either to introduce new material or to allow opportunity for discussion, debate, questioning or practical exercises (e.g. police appeal exercise). Total: 8 hours.
On-line question/answer sessions based on recommended reading. Total: 40 hours.
Guided reading based on recommended textbook and supported by appropriate notes available on Blackboard.
Formative, rather that summative, on-line tests delivered via Blackboard.