Media Ethics

In this course, students examine a range of legal and ethical issues that arise in the media and learn to apply moral reasoning to complex questions. Examining case studies from the professional world and surveying ethical theory. Students consider such questions as the media's responsibilities to the public, the pressures exerted by government and business, and the daily dilemmas media professionals encounter, such as source confidentiality and going undercover for a story. Students also learn the basics of libel and other significant media law. Students participate in vigorous debates and write several papers in which they argue for a particular ethical decision.