Lincoln University
Philosophy Program
Department of History, Political Science, Philosophy and Religion
Course Title: |
Media Ethics |
Course number: |
PHL-209-01 |
Credit Hours |
3 |
Prerequisite (s): |
None |
Term: |
Fall 2016 |
Co-Requisite (s) |
|
Course Method |
Lecture and Discussion |
Meeting day and Time: |
MWF 1-1:50 p.m.
|
Instructor: |
Safro Kwame, Ph.D. |
Classroom/lab/Studio Location: |
Grim Hall 306 |
Office location: |
GRIM HALL 310 |
e-mail: |
kwame@lincoln.edu |
Office Hours: |
MWF 3 – 5 p.m.
|
Phone Extension: |
7569 |
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course examines the ethical theories and concepts as they apply to moral issues in media, including truth and honesty, privacy, conflicts of interest, economic pressures and social responsibility, civility, offensive content and freedom, treatment of juveniles, stereotypes and racism, and social justice.
REQUIRED TEXT:
Ward, S. 2011. Ethics and the Media An Introduction, Cambridge, U.K. Cambridge University Press ISBN: 9780521718165.
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Textbook, pen and pencil.
Assessment Criteria & Alignment (usE Numbers only)
Course SLO |
PSLOs (indicate #only) |
ILOs (indicate #only) |
Direct and Indirect Assessment Methods |
CSLO 1 |
PSLO 1 and 6 |
ILO 5 |
Course and homework assignments, Examinations and quizzes, Term papers and reports |
CSLO 2 |
PSLO 2 |
ILO 1 |
Course and homework assignments, Examinations and quizzes, Term papers and reports, Class discussion participation |
CSLO 3 |
PSLO 3 |
ILO 5 |
Examinations and quizzes, Term papers and reports, Class discussion participation |
CSLO 4 |
PSLO 4 and 5 |
ILO 8 |
Course and homework assignments, Examinations and quizzes, Term papers and reports, Class discussion participation |
Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLO):
Upon successful completion of this course the student will: 1. Analyze moral issues and problems in the media. 2. Create clear and cogent oral and written presentations on moral problems related to the media. 3. Critically evaluate arguments and claims about moral problems and issues concerning the media. 4. Apply ethical theories and normative principles to the media.
Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLO):
1. Analyze philosophical and logical problems. (Program SLO 1)
2. Create clear and cogent oral and written presentations. (Program SLO 2)
3. Critically evaluate arguments and claims in philosophical and non-philosophical contexts. (Program SLO 3)
4. Apply philosophical theories and normative principles to current events and broader issues pertaining to the individual and society. (Program SLO 4)
5. Interpret and appraise major texts and philosophical systems in the history of philosophy. (Program SLO 5)
6. Analyze and critique major texts and positions in the areas of epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics. (Program SLO 6)
Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILO):
Effective Communication (ILO 1).
Critical Thinking (ILO 5).
Integrative and Life-Long Learning (ILO 8).
Calculation of Final Grades:
Final Exam 40% |
Midterm Exam 30% |
Paper/Essay 15% |
Class Participation 15% |
GRADING SCALE: (Should follow Department and/or College Template)
Grade |
A |
A- |
B+ |
B |
B- |
C+ |
C |
C- |
D+ |
D |
F |
GPA Points |
4.0 |
3.7 |
3.3 |
3.0 |
2.7 |
2.3 |
2.0 |
1.7 |
1.3 |
1.0 |
0.0 |
% |
100-93 |
92.9-90 |
89.9-88 |
87.9-82 |
81.9-80 |
79.9-78 |
77.9-72 |
71.9-70 |
69.9-67 |
66.9-60.1 |
60 and under |
SCHEDULE OF LEARNING topics covered
See supplement or addendum to syllabus for specifics, updates and changes.
Class Meets: •ASSIGNMENT SELECTION & SCHEDULE MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE• |
|
Week 01: |
Chapter 1. What is ethics? |
Week 02: |
Chapter 1. What is ethics? |
Week 03: |
Chapter 2. Analyzing media ethics: methods and aims |
Week 04: |
Chapter 2. Analyzing media ethics: methods and aims |
Week 05: |
Chapter 3. A free press in a media-connected world |
Week 06: |
Chapter 3. A free press in a media-connected world |
Week 07: |
Chapter 4. Reaffirming truth and objectivity |
Week 08: Midterm |
Mid-term Week |
Week 09: |
Chapter 4. Reaffirming truth and objectivity |
Week 10: |
Chapter 5. Minimizing harm and the ethics of images |
Week 11: |
Chapter 5. Minimizing harm and the ethics of images |
Week 12: |
Chapter 6. The ethics of converging journalism |
Week 13: |
Chapter 6. The ethics of converging journalism |
Week 14: |
Chapter 7. Global media ethics. |
Week 15: |
Chapter 7. Global media ethics. |
University ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Lincoln University uses the class method of teaching, which assumes that each student has something to contribute and something to gain by attending class. It further assumes that there is much more instruction absorbed in the classroom than can be tested on examinations. Therefore, students are expected to attend all regularly scheduled class meetings and should exhibit good faith in this regard.
http://www.lincoln.edu/registrar/2014Catalog.pdf
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES STATEMENT:
Lincoln University is committed to non-discrimination of students with disabilities and therefore ensures that they have equal access to higher education, programs, activities, and services in order to achieve full participation and integration into the University. In keeping with the philosophies of the mission and vision of the University, the Office of Student Support Services, through the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Program, provides an array of support services and reasonable accommodations for students with special needs and/or disabilities as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The Services for Students with Disabilities Program seeks to promote awareness and a campus environment in which accommodating students with special needs and/or disabilities is natural extension of the University’s goal.
Any student with a documented disability should contact the Office of Student Support Services.
http://www.lincoln.edu/studentservices/index.html
UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC INTEGRITY STATEMENT:
Students are responsible for proper conduct and integrity in all of their scholastic work. They must follow a professor's instructions when completing tests, homework, and laboratory reports, and must ask for clarification if the instructions are not clear. In general, students should not give or receive aid when taking exams, or exceed the time limitations specified by the professor. In seeking the truth, in learning to think critically, and in preparing for a life of constructive service, honesty is imperative. Honesty in the classroom and in the preparation of papers is therefore expected of all students. Each student has the responsibility to submit work that is uniquely his or her own. All of this work must be done in accordance with established principles of academic integrity.
http://www.lincoln.edu/registrar/2014Catalog.pdf
POLICY ON ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN CLASSROOM:
Use of electronic devices is prohibited unless approved by the instructor for purposes directly related to the course. Texting, searching the internet, recording, taking pictures or videos, talking, and playing games, among other things, are specifically prohibited. During exams, all electronic devices must be turned off.
PHL-209-01 (15238) Media Ethics Syllabus Supplement/Addendum/Revision
Dr. Safro Kwame, 484-365-7569, kwame@lincoln.edu, Office Hours: MWF 3-5 in GH310
Department of History, Political Science and Philosophy and Religion
COURSE SYLLABUS: PHL-209-01 (15238) Media Ethics MWF 1 p.m.
Textbook: Ward, S. 2011. Ethics and the Media: An Introduction, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press
Day |
Date |
Discussion Topic/Learning Opportunities/Homework |
Wed |
08/24/2016 |
Preface |
Fri |
08/26/2016 |
Introduction: the need for a new ethics: Read page 1 before today's class. |
Mon |
08/29/2016 |
The context of media ethics: Read pages 2-3 before today's class. |
Wed |
08/31/2016 |
The structure of the book: Read pages 3-5 before today's class. |
Fri |
09/02/2016 |
The meaning of media: Read pages 5-6 before today's class. |
Mon |
09/05/2016 |
Labor Day: NO CLASS. |
Wed |
09/07/2016 |
Chapter 1. What is ethics?: Read pages 7-8 before today's class. |
Fri |
09/09/2016 |
The ethical sphere: Read pages 8-16 before today's class. |
Mon |
09/12/2016 |
Theorizing about ethics: Read pages 16-51 before today's class. |
Wed |
09/14/2016 |
Chapter 2. Approaches to media ethics: Read pages 52-54 before today's class. |
Fri |
09/16/2016 |
Understanding media ethics: Read pages 54-59 before today's class. |
Mon |
09/19/2016 |
Approaches to media ethics: Read pages 59-68 before today's class. |
Wed |
09/21/2016 |
Essentials for ethical reasoning: Read pages 68-76 before today's class. |
Fri |
09/23/2016 |
Applying aims and principles: Read pages 76-87 before today's class. |
Mon |
09/26/2016 |
Classwork 1: Quiz on readings and classes. |
Wed |
09/28/2016 |
Chapter 3. Free press and deliberative democracy: Read pages 88-90 before today's class. |
Fri |
09/30/2016 |
Freedom and the turn to ethics: Read pages 90-99 before today's class. |
Mon |
10/03/2016 |
Review. |
Wed |
10/05/2016 |
Comprehensive Midterm Exam. |
Fri |
10/07/2016 |
Midterm Break: NO CLASS. |
Mon |
10/10/2016 |
The need for ethics: Read pages 99-103 before today's class. |
Wed |
10/12/2016 |
Journalism and democracy: Read pages 103-117 before today's class. |
Fri |
10/14/2016 |
Chapter 4. Reaffirming truth and objectivity: Read pages 118-119 before today's class. |
Mon |
10/17/2016 |
Truth and objectivity in journalism: Read pages 119-127 before today's class. |
Wed |
10/19/2016 |
Rise and decline of objectivity: Read pages 127-134 before today's class. |
Fri |
10/21/2016 |
Responding to the challenge: Read pages 134-143 before today's class. |
Mon |
10/24/2016 |
Pragmatic truth and objectivity: Read pages 143-160 before today's class. |
Wed |
10/26/2016 |
Chapter 5. Media harm and offense: Read page 161 before today's class. |
Fri |
10/28/2016 |
Harm in ethics: Read pages 161-164 before today's class. |
Mon |
10/31/2016 |
Contending principles: Read pages 164-170 before today's class. |
Wed |
11/02/2016 |
Restraining principles for media: Read pages 170-185 before today's class. |
Fri |
11/04/2016 |
Media harm: cases: Read pages 185-197 before today's class. |
Mon |
11/07/2016 |
Media offense: Read pages 197-206 before today's class. |
Wed |
11/09/2016 |
Classwork 2: Quiz on readings and classes. |
Fri |
11/11/2016 |
Chapter 6. The new media ethics: Read pages 207-209 before today's class. |
Mon |
11/14/2016 |
Ethical revolutions: Read pages 209-212 before today's class. |
Wed |
11/16/2016 |
Where are we today?: Read pages 212-216 before today's class. |
Fri |
11/18/2016 |
Shape of a future ethics: Read pages 216-223 before today's class. |
Mon |
11/21/2016 |
Thanksgiving Recess: NO CLASS. |
Wed |
11/23/2016 |
Thanksgiving Recess: NO CLASS. |
Fri |
11/25/2016 |
Thanksgiving Recess: NO CLASS. |
Mon |
11/28/2016 |
Toward an open ethics: Read pages 223-244 before today's class. |
Wed |
11/30/2016 |
Chapter 7. Global media ethics: Read pages 245-271 before today's class. |
Fri |
12/02/2016 |
Review and Epilogue. |
Wed |
12/7/2016 |
Final Exam scheduled for Wednesday 7th December 2016 at 1 p.m. See Registrar's Exam Schedule for changes. You cannot take it earlier than scheduled or with another class. |
Calculation of Final Grades: Mid-term grade will be determined by a mid-term exam and semester grade determined by final examination (40%), midterm exam (30%), term paper comparing and evaluating any three of the readings listed on the syllabus, not just from the textbook, and applying those readings to a current event that took place this year (15%) and class participation/presentation (15%) minus absences or lack of attendance and/or poor participation -- unless stated otherwise on supplementary details. Unless you officially withdraw or formally request an incomplete (in writing) and submit appropriate documentation before the end of the semester, you will receive a passing or failing grade based on performance and attendance.
There is no makeup for classwork, quizzes, or extra-credit.
Grading Scale: A=100-93, B=92-82, C=81-72, D=71-60, F=59-0 or for difficult exams A=100-80%, B=70-60%, C=50-40%, D=30-20%, F=10-0%. (+/- determined by curve.) Note: Each unauthorized use of an electronic device in class -- including the use of a mobile or cell phone -- may count as an absence or, in the case of class exercises (such as exams, tests and quizzes), an act of academic dishonesty (cheating) and sanctioned appropriately. It may result in failure in a project or course.
Class/Course Website: https://philosophydepartment.tripod.com/ or kwame.50webs.com/ or http://kwame.atspace.com/ Moodle: http://lincoln.mrooms.net/
To check your grade on the computer or internet, go to any one of the websites listed above and follow the instructions there. Note that some of the websites may be down and not updated.