COM 302 Assignments
Term Paper:
The term paper should be on a media law issue relevant to this course. Typically the student will analyze a current case or a current issue. For example, a student might look at a case involving a negative online review where the person posting is being sued by the business. Students could analyze the case (and decision if applicable) and explore the cases' implications for media law. In terms of issue analysis, the student could raise the question of whether or not there should be a federal shield law and explore the implications for media law. Either approach (or a combination of the two) is valid. Topics must be approved by the instructor. Students will expected to describe and analyze the current state of their topic. This will raise both legal and ethical issues. Both dimensions should be explored with the legal dimension receiving the majority of the attention. Topics must be approved by the instructor. The due date for topic approval is in the course outline.
Another way to think about topics is to pose a question. Examples might be - should there be a federal shield law? Or, can a person be held liable for a threat made through social media? Then, using what you've learning in class and doing research on your topic, answer the question applying sound media law principles.
In terms of writing, these reports will be expected to meet the same standards as any research paper. In particular, quotations and any facts, figures, opinions, and so on (including charts, tables, diagrams etc.) which are not your own should be attributed to the specific sources in which they were found. You may use any standard reference method so long as you are consistent and thorough (e.g. APA, Turabian, Chicago etc.). The reports should be 6-8 pages in length, typed, double spaced, and should have appropriate margins and page numbers. You should also include a bibliography/footnotes page. As another reminder, your paper should be checked for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and general quality of writing, as these will affect your grade.
You must use at least six sources beyond the textbook for this class. Source material can be drawn from cases, journals, books, trade magazines, newspapers, industry sources, interviews, the Internet and various other materials. The use of popular literature should be used with caution.
Case Presentation:
Students will present a case in class. The presentation should follow the guidelines given in the "How to Brief Decisions" handout. Students should be thorough in their brief and presentation. The brief should be turned via email or sharing an hour before class on the day of presentation. Groups should also turn in a hard copy of the brief. Presentations should be no longer than 10 minutes. Students should also be prepared to answer questions about their case.
Team Case:
The class will be divided into two teams. One team will argue the plaintiff's case, the others the defendant's case. We will be using a copyright case involving Stanley Miller and Disney/Pixar. Packets for each team describing the case will be handed out at a later date. The case will be argued in class with each side presenting its arguments. A separate page gives further details on this aspect of the case.