304410 (v.2) Journalism 510 - Media Law

Area:

Department of Media and Information

Credits:

25.0

Contact Hours:

3.0

Lecture:

1 x 1 Hours Weekly

Tutorial:

1 x 2 Hours Weekly

Syllabus:

An analysis of Australian law governing publication, especially in the field of journalism. The law of defamation, confidentiality, privacy, freedom of information, censorship, contempt of court, court reporting, and copyright and an examination of printand broadcast regulatory institutions. Special attention will be paid to law reform issues. Completion of the unit will enable students to better explore the limits of free speech.

Unit Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit, students will have- A knowledge and understanding of Australian law relevant to publication, with emphasis on the law relating to the practice of journalism. A knowledge and understanding of the law relating to journalism which has aroused debate and reform interest. An acquaintance with court reporting techniques, procedures and protocol. An ability to think and write critically about the impact of the law on journalism. An ability to practice in journalism mindfulof the principles of free expression.

Text and references listed above are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information.

Unit References:

J210/510 Reading materials places in Robertson Library (Curtin, Bentley) in Closed Reserve section.

Unit Texts:

Armstrong, M., Lindsay, D. and Watterson, Ray. (1995), Media Law in Australia. (third edition). South Melbourne, Oxford University Press. Fernandez, J. J210/510 Media Law Handbook. Perth, Black Swan. Butler, D. and Rodrick, S. (1999), Australian Media Law. Pyrmont, New South Wales, LBC Information Services.

Unit Assessment Breakdown:

End of semester examination 35%, Report based on coverage of court/parliamentary proceedings 20%, Research essay 20%, Tutorial participation 10%, Tutorial presentation 15%. This is by grade/mark assessment. An aggregate mark of fifty per cent or more forthe semester normally signifies a pass, but a fail can be recorded regardless of the aggregate. In other words, a student can fail a unit even if they secure fifty per cent or more, if he or she fails to complete all assignment components, by the due dates or extended dates. To pass the unit, it is not compulsory to pass each component individually, but the final mark must lead to an overall pass mark in the unit.

Year	Location	Period	Internal	Area External	Central External
2004	Bentley Campus	Semester 2	Y