last updated 3/18/2013

Course Description:  A study of the foundations of freedom of expression and communication ethics in our society. Major historical documents and cases pertaining to freedom of expression and communication ethics will be reviewed. Development of 1st Amendment law and the continuing tension between freedom and social control will be examined. Contemporary issues discussed will include: what constitutes speech, artistic freedom, censorship, control of media content, media and personal communication ethics, obscenity, media regulation, legal restraints on expression, and "speech codes."   

Required Text:     

T. L. Tedford and D.A. Herbeck. FREEDOM OF SPEECH IN THE UNITED STATES (6th).  Strata Publishing, 2009.

COURSE GOALS:  The goals of this course include the following:

1. To develop student awareness of the philosophical background of American concern for free expression;

2. To develop student understanding of the American legal system and its part in the development of 1st Amendment law;

3. To provide students with an opportunity to explore contemporary problem areas in freedom of expression and ethics;

4. To develop student understanding of current rights and responsibilities under the 1st Amendment;

5. To assist students in developing a strong sense of personal communication ethics and a philosophy of communication.

6. To provide students with a forum for considering "Life after Monmouth."

COURSE POLICIES: 

Students are responsible for all assigned reading material whether or not it is discussed in class and all lecture and discussion material whether or not duplicated by readings. Since this is a senior seminar for students who are majors or minors in COMM or Public Relations, a PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE is expected of class members. Naturally, students will attend all classes (or offer explanations without prompting).

     Since everyone here will be a communication professional, a high level of participation in discussion is expected and required. "Underclass sloppiness" should be replaced by adequate and consistent preparation and quality performance. Lack of professional behavior such as unexplained absences, late submission of or missing work, etc. will likely result in a substantial lowering of the course grade beyond what might be expected based on assignment weighting below.  I expect everyone to be an informed participant in class discussion and to have read and thought about the course readings prior to class time.  Although there will be class periods in which course material will necessitate lecturing to present concepts and theories, I prefer class discussions and activities to pure lectures.  this class tends to be fun when we can talk discuss and debate our views on what are major issues in our society -- but you have to share your thoughts and respond to others.
   Except for medical or other emergency reasons, assignments will not necessarily be accepted late (unless advance arrangements are made). The use of electronic devices during class meetings without permission is not acceptable.  Enrollment in this course constitutes an agreement by the student to permit the instructor to keep and maintain on file all submitted work for the course. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY CAN RESULT IN FAILING THIS COURSE and will be reported to the Academic Dean.

GRADED ASSIGNMENTS * (and approximate weight of each):
* Missed assignments or low/poor participation and attendance may be grounds for significant lowering of a course grade beyond the weights shown on this table..