Pember, Don (2001). Mass Media Law (2001-2002 Edition), NY: McGraw-Hill.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the major legal, ethical and policy issues related to the mass media. This will be done by exposing students to primary documents and cases as well as to methods of analysis. Upon completion, students should be able to explain in broad context, existing media law and policy and be able to critique and analyze future laws and policies. Students should also be able to articulate the ethical issues that are relevant to media conduct.

Participation is important and is part of your grade. Students are expected to have read the required chapters for each class session and be prepared to discuss its contents. A lack of preparation not only hurts your grade it also takes away from the quality of the in-class discussion and makes the learning experience less enjoyable for your classmates. Attendance is also part of your participation grade. Excessive absences and/or tardiness will be reflected in that generally, three or more unexcused absences will result in a minimum one grade lower participation grade.

Projects are due at the beginning of the class period noted in the course outline. Late projects or missed exams will not be accepted without a legitimate excuse such as medical illness or emergency. If you have a situation that may present difficulties in turning a project in on time or making an exam date the proper procedure is to discuss this with me before the due date. I'm flexible and understanding when students talk with me before an assignment or exam is due. I'm much less flexible if a student tries to explain their situation after the due date has passed. In short, if you think you're going to have a problem turning in an assignment on time, talk with me before the due date. The same also applies to attendance. Excused absences are at my discretion. I am far more likely to grant them when students let me know ahead of time (when possible) or contact me as soon as possible after the missed class.

Student work will be evaluated according to the guidelines laid out in the 2001-2002 Bethel College catalog (see p. 25). To receive an "A," work should be "exceptional". "B" work is considered "good," and "C" "work "satisfactory" and so on. Handouts/explanations will be provided with the criteria for the take home exam, case presentation, team case and term paper. If you have any questions about these assignments, ask!

Accessibility: Please contact the instructor as soon as possible if disability-related accommodations are needed. Accommodations are set up through the Office of Disability Services. (Contact Kathy McGillivray, director of Disability Services) A letter from the Disability Services office is needed to obtain accommodations.

The Bethel policy on academic honesty applies in this course. (see pp. 27-28 in the 2001-2002 Bethel College catalog)

Points will be awarded for the course as follows:

Links to handouts:

Assignments

Briefing

Case

Final grades will be based on the cumulative number of points earned on the assignments noted above. Accumulated points will be divided by the total points available (225) to arrive at a percentage for the course. Grades will be assigned based on the following scale: