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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 Major historical documents and cases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
(5th). Strata Publishing, 2005.
COURSE GOALS:
The goals of this course include the following:
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To
develop student awareness of the philosophical background of American concern
for free expression;
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To develop student
understanding of the American legal system and its part in the development of
1st Amendment law;
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To provide students
with an opportunity to explore contemporary problem areas in freedom of
expression and ethics;
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To develop student
understanding of current rights and responsibilities under the 1st Amendment;
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To assist students
in developing a strong sense of personal communication
ethics and a philosophy of communication.
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 CATA 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"
will 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. Except for medical or other emergency reasons, assignments will not necessarily
be accepted late (unless advance arrangements are made). 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..
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