SYLLABUS FOR MASC 3100 (Media Ethics) Spring '07
MASC 3100: Media Ethics, Spring 2007, MWF 2-3:40, Bg 119
Note: The course ends March 9
Instructor: Louise Mengelkoch Office Hours: TTh 1-5 and by appointment
Office: Bg 214 Phone: 755-335
LMengelkoch@bemidjistate.edu Course Blog: www.masc3100.blogspot.com
In this course we will study philosophy as it applies to the ethics of what we do as media professionals. Through a combination of case studies, classroom discussion and historical context, we will make decisions about what is the “right” thing to do when the going gets rough in the media world. These are not easy questions, and the answers are not always simple. But such training is essential for being ready at a moment’s notice to be able to apply principles that you have thought about, discussed and are ready to apply to the everyday life of a communicator.
Required Readings:
*New York Times daily edition: subscriptions available through the campus bookstore
*Reserve readings and videos as assigned
Assignments:
1. Daily quiz questions (knowledge-based and/or critical-thinking based): 60 pts. Attendance is critical to success in this area. These quizzes cannot be made up except in the case of a documented medical emergency or documented, BSU-sanctioned activity.
2. New York Times ethics project: up to 40 pts.
Write a research paper about a media ethics issue, using the New York Times as your primary source. Use APA documentation style. Length: 2000 words. Due 5/9. I expect at least 30 citations and 50 sources. No late papers will be accepted except in the case of a documented emergency.
6. Extra credit: up to 5 pts.
Opportunities will come up during the semester. Points will be assigned on a variable basis.
Schedule of topics, readings and assignments:
Week 1: An introduction to ethical decision making and ethics “pre-test”
Week 2: Art and Entertainment (all media forms)
Week 3: Journalism (all media forms, including photojournalism)
Week 4: Public Relations and Advertising (all media forms)
Week 5: Cyberspace: a special case
Week 6: Media ethics during a time of war
Week 7: Putting it all together
Final: Monday, May 14, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
At this time I will return your research papers and you will take an ethics “post-test.”
Note: The course ends March 9
Instructor: Louise Mengelkoch Office Hours: TTh 1-5 and by appointment
Office: Bg 214 Phone: 755-335
LMengelkoch@bemidjistate.edu Course Blog: www.masc3100.blogspot.com
In this course we will study philosophy as it applies to the ethics of what we do as media professionals. Through a combination of case studies, classroom discussion and historical context, we will make decisions about what is the “right” thing to do when the going gets rough in the media world. These are not easy questions, and the answers are not always simple. But such training is essential for being ready at a moment’s notice to be able to apply principles that you have thought about, discussed and are ready to apply to the everyday life of a communicator.
Required Readings:
*New York Times daily edition: subscriptions available through the campus bookstore
*Reserve readings and videos as assigned
Assignments:
1. Daily quiz questions (knowledge-based and/or critical-thinking based): 60 pts. Attendance is critical to success in this area. These quizzes cannot be made up except in the case of a documented medical emergency or documented, BSU-sanctioned activity.
2. New York Times ethics project: up to 40 pts.
Write a research paper about a media ethics issue, using the New York Times as your primary source. Use APA documentation style. Length: 2000 words. Due 5/9. I expect at least 30 citations and 50 sources. No late papers will be accepted except in the case of a documented emergency.
6. Extra credit: up to 5 pts.
Opportunities will come up during the semester. Points will be assigned on a variable basis.
Schedule of topics, readings and assignments:
Week 1: An introduction to ethical decision making and ethics “pre-test”
Week 2: Art and Entertainment (all media forms)
Week 3: Journalism (all media forms, including photojournalism)
Week 4: Public Relations and Advertising (all media forms)
Week 5: Cyberspace: a special case
Week 6: Media ethics during a time of war
Week 7: Putting it all together
Final: Monday, May 14, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
At this time I will return your research papers and you will take an ethics “post-test.”
posted by Louise Mengelkoch at
7:06 PM
