MEDC 5350: Media Organization and Regulations

Course Description

The student examines the legal structure of the media communications industry. The course focuses on the formation, rationale, and implications of policies that form the basis of media law and regulation.

Prerequisites

MEDC 5000 Media Communications

Incoming Competencies

Students should possess graduate level writing skills and be able to research, present, and discuss various media issues. Also, as for all Internet courses, students must be disciplined and self-motivated.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Find and accurately describe U.S. Supreme Court decisions applicable to mass communications issues.


• Explain the legal freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and explain how these freedoms apply to the practices of advertising, broadcasting, journalism and public relations;


• Explain and apply rules for access to government meetings and records;


• Explain the following legal concepts and to apply them to the practices of advertising, broadcasting, journalism and public relations: copyrights and enforcement; trademark creation and enforcement; defamation, privacy torts, and defenses; fair trial and free press; contract creation and enforcement; agency/principal relations;


• Explain and identify the regulations under the FTC, FCC, and SEC that restrict the practices of advertising, broadcasting, journalism, and public relations;


• Identify and articulate situations in the practices of advertising, broadcasting, journalism, and public relations that require consultation with an attorney;


• Identify conflicts between legal and ethical obligations in the practices of advertising, broadcasting, journalism, and public relations;


• Understand and master writing skills necessary for preparation of written analysis, reports, and case studies including English grammar, punctuation, sentence construction, word choice, and syntax;

Required Textbooks and Course Materials

Please go to MBS Direct to find the appropriate textbooks and other materials for this course.

Please be aware when purchasing your textbooks that the International versions of the text may differ from the Domestic (North American) version required for your course.

Course Activities

• Reading
• Participation in online discussions
• Group work
• Written assignments
• Midterm and final exam

University Policy Statements

This course is governed by the University's policies, as published in the University catalog. They can also be found online at http://www.webster.edu/gradcatalog/policies.shtml.

Any student caught cheating or committing plagiarism may fail the class and be subject to further disciplinary action.

This syllabus may be revised at the discretion of the instructor without the prior notification or consent of the student.

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