Office Hours:
12:30-1:45 p.m. MW, 6-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, and by appointment. Feel free to send me E-mail anytime with questions about the class.

Books:
Journalism Ethics by John Merrill
Media Ethics by Christians, Fackler, Rotzoll, & McKee

Course description:
The course will investigate the process of making ethical choices in mass media fields and the principles on which those decisions are based. Because of their protection by the First Amendment and their role in informing citizens in a democracy, mass media professions should demand the highest of standards. However, the mass media face a credibility crisis today because the public perceives many mass media as not adhering to ethical standards. This course will provide the tools to identify and analyze ethical issues that face modern-day media. Through an understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of ethical theories and the array of ethical guidelines, students will learn to apply various decision-making strategies to ethical problems. Although the course is officially called "Journalism Ethics," it will be expanded to consider ethical issues in a variety of mass media fields, such as public relations, web communication, advertising, and the entertainment industry. However, as one of the oldest mass media, understanding the guiding ethical principles of journalism will lay the groundwork for analyzing ethical behaviors in other media.

Course format:
The class will be primarily discussion and lecture. You should prepare for each class by reading the chapter(s) assigned. We will explore a variety of methods of ethical decision making, and each class will apply the readings to "real world" case studies. The cases will be analyzed as if we are professionals within that medium, not as audience members. Although your personal ethical standards will be involved in evaluating the cases, it should be remembered that the course focuses more on internal professional ethics issues and the norms of media professions, rather than external media effects. We will analyze cases from the textbooks, as well as cases provided by the instructor.

Grading:
Midterm exam: 30 percent
Short paper case analysis commentary & presentation: 20 percent
Final paper: 40 percent
Class participation/Attendance: 10 percent

Grading criteria for written assignments and course in general: (I expect you all to produce the best written work of which you are capable.)

90 - 100 ("A") On the written assignments, this means the paper is clear, organized coherently, and well-written. It is an effective discussion of the topic. It has no spelling, grammar, format, or accuracy errors. In terms of the course, this means you have almost perfect attendance, scores in this range on the test, and have good questions and discussion in class.

80 - 89 ("B") On the written assignments, the paper is cohesive and well-organized, although it may have some minor spelling or grammatical errors. The discussion covers almost all of the important information and follows proper format. In terms of the course, this means you have good attendance, scores in this range on the test, and have good questions and discussion in class.

70 - 79 ("C") On the written assignments, the paper is disorganized and contains many minor errors. The discussion missed some pertinent information or does not follow proper format. In terms of the course, this means you have poor attendance, scored in this range on the tests, and have not participated in class discussions.

Below 69 ("F")* The paper contains major factual error(s) related to the topic. The information presented is completely incorrect. The paper does not meet the requirements in page length, focus, or format. In terms of the course, this means you have not turned assignments, missed more classes than you have attended, scored in this range on the test, and have not participated in class discussions. If you are caught cheating in any way, you will automatically receive an F in the course.

("FX")* This is an administrative failure for non-attendance or failure to withdraw. If you do not withdraw from the course by Towson's preset deadlines for the semester and stop attending the class, this is the grade you will receive.

("I") Incomplete. At Towson University, students may only receive an Incomplete with verifiable medical reasons or documented circumstances beyond their control (Towson University Graduate Catalog, p. 12).

Guidelines for all assignments
* NO late papers will be accepted after the last day of classes for the semester.
* Late papers will lose points for each day they are late.
* Do not plagiarize, fabricate, or submit work you have done for another class.

Academic Dishonesty:

I do not tolerate plagiarism or fabrication of any kind. You should adhere to the University's policy on academic integrity (Towson University Graduate Catalog, p. 18). If you are caught breaking this policy, you will be prosecuted to the full extent that the policy allows. You should adhere to the highest possible standards of ethical behavior for this class.

* All assignments must be typed in the form requested and should contain your name, the date, and the assignment topic in the upper left-hand corner. (No folders or binders are necessary for assignments. Just staple the pages together.)

* Proofread and correctly edit your papers!

Participation:
If you regularly contribute to discussions, you receive 90-100 points for the 10% participation part of the grade. If you moderately contribute, you receive 70-89 points. And if you never or rarely contribute or have numerous absences, you will receive a 69 or below. Prolonged serious illnesses or hospitalization will be considered individually.