Units
Journalism Ethics and Issues
Unit code: KJB239
Contact hours: 3.5 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
QUT Journalism supports the development of socially responsible, ethical journalists. KJB239 is a core journalism unit. It begins with an overview of western and eastern moral philosophical traditions and moves on to examine current journalistic practice in the context of Australian and international news media operations, regulatory bodies and the stance of professional journalism organisations. Students generate ethical dilemmas and work through them individually, making difficult decisions about issues such as invasion of privacy, protection of sources and conflict of interest. The impact of developing information and communication technologies is also addressed.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
As journalism students you are expected to practice socially responsible and ethical journalism, and to understand ethics as they relate to current journalistic practice. Knowledge of the current codes relevant to media practitioners, key social issues, and an opportunity to explore hypothetical and actual ethical dilemmas form an essential part of professional education and preparation for practice. Managing self-care in potentially traumatic reporting circumstances is also increasingly regarded as a key issue for practising journalists.
Aims
This unit aims to:
- introduce theories of ethical decision-making, and their application;
- overview the development of professional codes of conduct and codes of ethics in the media industry, and in related professions in Australia and selected countries
- address major ethical concerns that confront journalists;
- develop understanding of the journalist?s working environment as well as the public?s perceptions of the media industry;
- provide opportunities to explore personal responses to ethical dilemmas, and to work through examples of applied ethical decision-making;
- develop capabilities of self-care.
- develop your critical analytical abilities.
Objectives
On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Identify and analyse the foundations of professional ethics in relation to journalism practice;
2. Analyse and respond appropriately to the common ethical dilemmas facing journalists in their day-to-day activities.
3. Identify and formulate oral and written responses to emerging journalism issues relevant to national and international practice.
4. Apply the Australian Journalists' Association recommended code of ethics, the Press Council rulings; and the Australian Broadcasting Authorities' code of practice and relevant in-house codes to your professional practice.
5. Identify and analyse the differences between normative systems of ethics and codes of practice in Australia and selected countries.
6. Identify and manage perceived risks to your personal and professional well-being.
Content
The unit addresses content such as the foundations of ethics and applied ethics; systems of (self)-regulation in journalism and the media; current ethical issues in journalism and the media; risk assessment, risk management and practicing self-care in journalism; and developing cultural competencies for reporting, including a recognition of cultural diversity.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
Teaching delivery is via lectures, videos, case studies, personal testimony and tutorial exercises. These can be accessed on the Blackboard site for this unit.
Assessment
LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.
Faculty Assessment Information
To access complete Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information please refer to the Blackboard site for this unit.FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
You will receive formative feedback on your progress in this unit during tutorials and discussions throughout the semester.
Assessment name:
Presentation
Description:
(Formative and summative) You will make an oral presentation on a specific ethical issue in tutorial time and review other students' presentations.
Relates to objectives:
1-6
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Throughout semester
Assessment name:
Examination (Theory)
Description:
(Summative) In class examination. You will sit an unseen paper examination (2 hrs) which will be comprised of (a) a series of short-answer questions on ethical issues in journalism and (b) a case study for analysis.
Relates to objectives:
1-6
Weight:
60%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
End of Semester
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Required Text
Hirst, M and R Patching 2004, Ethics in Journalism: Arguments and Cases, Oxford University Press, Melbourne, Australia.
Risk assessment statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with the unit.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 26-Sep-2012
