JOU6122 - Journalism Ethics

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

(1) demonstrate a systematic understanding of journalistic codes of conduct and their application;
(2) Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the roleof ethically informed behaviour in journalistic and editorial decisions;
(3) analyse and critically evaluate specific instances of ethical contestation and infringement in the context of relevant schools of academic and philosophical thought
(4) Synthesise, organise and present knowledge in various written contexts.

Content:

The module will give students and understanding of the regulatory regimes relevant to journalists (including Press Complaints Commission Code of Practice, OFCOM and other relevant codes operated by unions and professional bodies), their application and the areas of conflict around them.

Through the use of practical examples, students will develop their understanding of ethical practice in journalism and their ability to decipher and analyse areas of ethical contestation within the news media.

This practical understanding of ethical and moral decision-making will be complimented with the stufy of relevant academic and philosophical schools of thought, allowing students to develop the broad reference points needed if they are to be effective, relective and ethical practitioners.

Learning and Teaching Information:

a two-hour lecture/workshop format will be used which include a variety of learning activities. Some lecture techniques will be used to deal with theory but students will also take part in a variety of practical exercises designed to develop their skills with regard to dealing with ethical and moral issues in term of editorial decision making.

Lecure/Workshop
Contact hours: 36

Assessment: