SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC COURSE SYLLABUS

Mass Communication 4003 Media Law and Ethics (Spring Semester 2018) TR 11:00 a.m.-12:20 p.m. Overstreet Hall, Room 302 Weeks in length – 16 Class meetings per term – 30 Hours per class meeting – 1.3 Credit hours awarded – 3

Instructor Data James E. Reppert Associate Professor of Mass Communication Director of Mass Media Harton Building, Room 231 Voice: (870) 235-4258 E-mail: [email protected] Electronic Submission of Assignments: [email protected] Twitter: @ProfJReppertSAU Website: https://sites.google.com/site/profjamesreppertsau/

Office Hours Monday, Wednesday, Friday / 1:00-3:00 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday / 2:00-4:00 p.m. (Also by appointment)

Credit Hour Description For every course credit hour of a 15-17 week semester, the typical student should expect to spend approximately 45 clock hours per term of concentrated attention on course-related work, including but not limited to time engaged in class, as well as out-of-class time spent reading, reviewing, organizing notes, preparing for upcoming quizzes/exams, problem solving, developing and completing projects, and other activities that enhance learning.

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University Mission Statement The mission of Southern Arkansas University is to educate students for productive and fulfilling lives in a global environment by providing opportunities for intellectual growth, individual enrichment, skill development, and meaningful career preparation. The University believes in the worth of the individual and accepts its responsibility for developing in its students those values and competencies essential for effective citizenship in an ever-changing, free, and democratic society. Further, the University encourages and supports excellence in teaching, scholarly, and creative endeavors, and service.

College Mission Statement A liberal education is the best preparation for life and for students’ future careers in a modern changing global society. The College of Liberal and Performing Arts seeks to foster students’ ability to think critically, become tolerant of diversity, adhere to ethical values, communicate effectively, and become responsible citizens. In addition, the college seeks to inculcate in each student an appreciation of literature, music, theatre, and art, and to provide the campus and region with opportunities for participation in these disciplines.

Learning Goals and Course Content To accomplish the University’s mission to educate students, the general education curriculum and all program curricula provide learning opportunities that assist students in attaining the following University Learning Goals and Objectives: Specific to Mass Communication 4003 – Briefs and Final Project 1. Effective Communication Our graduates can communicate effectively. Effective communication embraces oral, visual, and language arts, including the ability to listen, speak, read, and write. It includes the effective use of various resources and technology for personal and professional communication. • Our students can write effectively. • Our students can effectively deliver an oral presentation. 2. Critical Thinking Our graduates can think critically, solve problems, and make informed decisions. Critical thinking is the ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information and ideas from multiple perspectives. It includes the accurate use of terminology, information literacy, the application of scholarly and scientific methods, logical argument, and the capability for analysis and problem solving. • Our students use appropriate quantitative skills in making decisions. • Our students demonstrate an ability to think critically and creatively to analyze and solve problems.

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3. Information Literacy Our graduates can use technology effectively in their fields. Information literacy is the ability to determine the nature of required information, to access it effectively and efficiently, and to evaluate it critically. It includes the responsible, legal, and ethical use of information.

4. Content Knowledge Our graduates have content knowledge in their chosen fields and the necessary skills to be successful. Content knowledge is discipline and degree specific.

Catalog Description Prerequisite: Senior standing or permission of instructor. A study of state and national laws pertaining to mass media and of the ethical guidelines for media personnel. Ethical case studies in news media.

Reading Materials No textbook is required. All students are required to open Twitter accounts and follow the instructor on Twitter.

Purpose/Objective To acquaint students with critical legal questions and contemporary ethical issues that can potentially impact their careers as Mass Media professionals. Traditional and nontraditional news and information venues will be examined, including the role of social media in redefining journalism as data management. A variety of Websites and videos detailing relevant topics, case studies and personalities will be utilized.

Grading Criteria A total of 300 points can be earned from this course. Semester grades are determined in the following manner: 270-300/A; 240-269/B; 210-239/C; 180-209/D; and 0-179/F.

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Student Assignments Responsibilities include various analytical and writing tasks. Ten Law and Ethics Briefs (Google Blogger); Final Project (posted to Google Blogger); Attendance/Class Participation. Proper time management is essential to success in researching and writing course assignments. The instructor reserves the right to refuse late assignments.

Topics First Amendment Speech and Press Freedoms Free Speech and Fairness, Rights of Reporters Transparency and Accountability Journalism Credibility, Fact-Checking, Plagiarism, Fabrication Truthfulness, Privacy, Responsibility Libel, Truth, Privilege, Fair Comment Fair Trial, Courtroom Access, Shield Laws Invasion of Privacy Accuracy, Integrity, Credibility, Bias Philosophical Principles of Media Ethics Global Media Press Freedom Freedom of Information Requests, Public Records Electronic Media Regulation Manipulation and Misrepresentation Journalism Education Websites Hidden Agendas, Sourcing, On and Off the Record Balance, Objectivity, Honesty, Sensitivity Online and Social Media Publishing Laws Emotional Distress and Physical Harm State Press Associations

Teaching Strategies Lecture/Discussion Multimedia Audiovisuals Demonstration Student Participation Video

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Student Assessment Demonstration Exhibits Critiques Projects Multimedia Video

Instructor Comments There is no magic formula for academic success in this or any college course. Intellectual curiosity matters. Not being satisfied with mediocrity means taking additional time to rewrite or analytically hone assignments. However, that is only the beginning. Expanding one’s knowledge of subject matter in any field is a lifelong process. Such dynamism can be enhanced through the extensive use of interactive links for assignments. Limitless research possibilities allow each student to pursue his or her academic potential. This type of work ethic is more conducive to long-term professional achievement.

Class Attendance Policy Regular and punctual class attendance is expected from each student. An individual who is absent from a class should contact the instructor. If a student is absent from a class more than the equivalent of one week of instruction, those absences will be reported to the associate dean of students. The dean will then send the student a notice of pending action. The student is advised to contact the instructor as soon as this notice has been received. Ten calendar days after the report is submitted by the instructor during a regular semester or after seven calendar days during a summer session, a student may be dropped from the class for excessive unexcused absences at the request of the instructor. If this occurs, a grade of WF (Withdrawal with Failure) will be given for the course. Alternatively, instructors who remove a student for nonattendance may, at their discretion, assign a grade of WN (Withdrawn for Nonattendance).

Excused Absences of Students Students are required to notify the instructor of any absences they have for due cause. A student is responsible for notifying the instructor as soon as possible when the reason for an absence is known in advance. A student forfeits the right to make-up credit for failing to meet this requirement, though the instructor may, for good cause, choose to allow for make-up credit. Notification by administrative or instructional staff of a student’s absence, either before or after the absence, does not relieve the student of the responsibility for personal notification.

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Academic Integrity Policy The mission of Southern Arkansas University empowers all members of the University community to develop and encourage learning environments that create, expand, acquire, share, evaluate, and communicate knowledge. Academic integrity at SAU is an organizational and individual responsibility for maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity. This policy focuses on the academic integrity in course-related work, its basis and context is applicable to all. Any act of dishonesty in academic work constitutes academic misconduct and is subject to disciplinary action. Acts of dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism and cheating. For detailed information on academic integrity, read pages 39-43 of the SAU 2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog.

Disability Support Services It is the policy of Southern Arkansas University to accommodate students with disabilities, pursuant to federal law, state law and the University’s commitment to equal educational opportunities. Any student with a disability who needs accommodation should inform the instructor at the beginning of the course. Students with disabilities are also encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Support Services, which is located in the Reynolds Center, room 216, telephone number (870) 235-4145.

Projects Law and Ethics Briefs (Blog), 200 points Ten research and writing assignments (posted to Google Blogger, 400-500 words each) highlighting contemporary case studies and issues in Mass Media. Each brief is designed to enhance research, analytical and multimedia skills in Media Law and Ethics. Appropriate interactive references are encouraged for inclusion, including assignment-related readings posted on the instructor’s Website (Twitter and Facebook accounts). Final Project, 50 points Wild Card – A detailed course-specific topic of the student’s choice (posted to Google Blogger), approved by the instructor. Appropriate interactive references are encouraged for inclusion, including assignment-related readings posted on the instructor’s Website (Twitter and Facebook accounts). Due Thursday, May 3 (Final Exam Week, 10:00-11:50 a.m.)

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Attendance/Class Participation, 50 points Individual effort at forwarding trenchant analyses of course issues and assisting peers with constructive criticism of assignments Spring Semester 2018 Total, 300 points

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