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Topics in Journalism |
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A
free press can of course be good or bad, but, most certainly,
without freedom it will never be anything but bad. . . . Freedom
is nothing else but a chance to be better, whereas enslavement
is a certainty of the worse.
~Albert
Camus |
There
is no more important struggle for American democracy than
ensuring a diverse, independent and free media. Free Press
is at the heart of that struggle.
~Bill
Moyers |
The
theory of the free press is not that the truth will be presented
completely or perfectly in any one instance, but that the
truth will emerge from free discussion.
~Walter
Lippman |
 Course Outline
| Course |
Topics
in Journalism |
|
Prerequisites |
ENGL
2100 or above |
|
School |
College
of Arts and Sciences |
|
Department |
Department
of Languages, Literature and Philosophy |
|
Meetings |
This
Course is a Hybrid Course: 1/2 F2F, 1/2 Online |
|
Catalog
Description |
A seminar
on the impact of the First Amendment. Emphasis
on rights and responsibilities of journalists, censorship,
media control, propaganda and other current issues. Prerequisite:
Each student must attain at least one of the following prior
to enrolling: (a) a score of at least 380 SAT Verbal and
40 or above on the TSWE (Test of Standard Written English)
or 20 on the verbal section of the ACT; or (b) a passing
score on the Compass in English and in reading; or (c) exit
learning support English and learning support reading successfully.
A composition course focusing on skills required for effective
writing in a variety of contexts, with emphasis on exposition,
analysis, and argumentation, and also including introductory
use of a variety of research skills. |
Course Goals
|
Today's
media is one of the most powerful and influential industries
in America. Cross-media ownership, conglomerates, and vertical
corporate integration has placed more and more of this power
and influence into fewer and fewer hands. New studies have
shown that Americans spend more time using media each year
than they do sleeping. How will all this affect the future
of our political landscape, our social and ethical values,
and our responsibilities as journalists? This course is designed
to explore just such questions as these by studying the historical,
constitutional, and social contexts that shaped the media of today,
and then examine the role journalists will play in shaping
the future of this growing industry.
There will be three major areas in which you will work this
semester. First, you will read. You will read textbooks. You
will read constitutional case law. You will read supplemental historical essays.
Second, you will write
a final critical analysis essay that demonstrates your knowledge of First Amendment case law and your facility to apply such laws in current cases. Finally, you will take tests (2). The tests
are designed to help you to see where you still need work,
and to let you know the progress you're making in learning
the elements of media. The class is demanding. You will need to show a firm grasp of the major case law surrounding the First Amendment clause of the Bill of Rights. You will need to demonstrate your ability to apply that knowledge in simulated cases. The readings are dense and heavy--but the implications for the future of freedom of speech in America are such that each of us will need to have a deep understanding and appreciation of this central right if we are to insure that it is still here for future generations. |
Course Outcomes
- To
develop an analytical and critical eye towards the social
and political ramifications of the First Amendment in our society today
- To
develop a firm grasp of the history and development of
the First Amendment
- To
understand the laws and regulations governing the
media and citizens
- To
understand and be able to apply First Amendment standards in a variety of situations
|
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Course
Requirements
Attendance
is required and necessary since this is a participation-oriented
class. More than four absences are grounds for failure.
There will be times in the semester when you really need
the days off, so don't miss class without good reason.
If you know you are going to miss a class, let me know.
You are responsible for finding out what you missed and
what assignments are due for the next class. If you miss
a class, FIRST, ask your classmates, then feel free
to ask me. Missed assignments will not be excused because
of absences. Athletes: any special arrangements for athletes
must be made with the professor at least two week prior
to the event.
Do not come late to class. If you arrive more than 10 minutes
late, for any reason, you will be marked as absent. Likewise
for leaving class early. Also, three times tardy equals
an absence. Late attendance and absences will affect your
participation grade. If you miss more than four (two, TR)
classes, you will not receive an "A" for your
participation grade.
You
are expected to be prepared for every class. This means
completing all reading and writing assignments on time.
Failure to do so will greatly affect your participation
grade. |
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