Course coordinator
Dr Natalie Collie
Please email Nat with any questions about the course or to arrange a consultation.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
You will examine regulations, laws and ethical issues that impact on communication practitioners and journalists. The course covers a broad range of fields within modern democracies including free speech, privacy, contempt, defamation, copyright, freedom of information and confidentiality.
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to media regulation, law, and ethical frameworks essential for professionals engaged in the fields of journalism, advertising, broadcast, and digital media. The course is organised into three modules. The first module will explore regulatory approaches, principles, and issues related to legacy media (e.g., broadcasting, print) and new media (eg social media platforms). The second module will delve into specific laws and principles related to freedom of expression, freedom of information, whistleblower protection, defamation, privacy, and intellectual property. In Module 1 and 2, our goal will be both to understand the basics of media regulation and law in Australia and to apply a comparative lens to understand relevant laws in a global context. The final module will focus on the role of ethics for communication and media professionals. This module will also study classical ethical theories of duty-based ethics, consequentialism, and virtue ethics. The rationale for assessment in this course is based on evidence-based principles for effective learning in higher education.ﾠ
ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
This is a Level 2 undergraduate course and students are assumed to have completed one year of studies in journalism and/or communication. In addition to an active interest in current events, students are also assumed to have a working knowledge of the major media organisations operating in Australia, their platforms and outputs.
DO NOT ENROL IN THIS COURSE IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST SEMESTER AT UQ.ﾠﾠ IT IS FOR SECOND AND THIRD YEAR STUDENTS ONLY.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
COMU3800
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Natalie Collie
Tutor
Ms Elizabeth Cranley
Mr Anthony Biancotti
Dr David Forrest
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Whilst every effort is made to place students in their preferred activity, it is not always possible for a student to be enrolled in their tutorial of choice. If you require assistance, please ensure that you email timetabling.commarts@enquire.uq.edu.au from your UQ student email with:
- Your name
- Your student ID
- The course code
- A list of three tutorial preferences (in order of preference)
- Reason for the change – e.g. timetable clash, elite athlete status, SAP
Teaching staff do not have access to change tutorials or help with timetables; all timetabling changes must be processed through the Timetabling Team.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to equip students with practicalﾠknowledge, understanding and experience of media ethics, law and regulation sufficient forﾠentry level positions in the media and communication industries.ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
understand the principles of self-regulation, co-regulation and statutory regulation in the Australian media and communication industries;
LO2.
recognise the application of laws relating to intellectual property, privacy, national security and defamation to the media and communication industries in Australia and other jurisdictions;
LO3.
critically evaluate the application of ethics, regulations, and the law to specific circumstances and cases in the media and communication industries, particularly in Australia;
LO4.
act ethically as a practitioner in journalism and professional communication.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Short report: Social media mis-information, dis-information & regulation case study | 25% 1200 words |
19/08/2024 4:00 pm |
| Role play/ Simulation | Media law guide | 35% 1400 words |
30/09/2024 4:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
Assessment details
Short report: Social media mis-information, dis-information & regulation case study
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 25% 1200 words
- Due date
19/08/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04
Task description
Research an example of online dis-/mis-information. Prepare a report presenting your findings. You will need to include an analysis of the role of social media in the case and a proposal for how it could be better regulated to address the issue.
Refer to Blackboard for further details about what to include in the report, how it should be formatted, and how it will be assessed.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn.
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Media law guide
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- 35% 1400 words
- Due date
30/09/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04
Task description
You are working as a training coordinator of the Human Resources department at a digital news platform. The Chief Learning Officer has tasked you with developing training materials regarding relevant laws. These training materials should serve as a resource for training new staff members in understanding and complying with these laws. As a pilot for their training program, you need to develop the training materials for one of the areas listed below:
- Freedom of Information
- National Security
- Whistle-blower Protection and Shield Laws
- Contempt
- Defamation
- Privacy
- Intellectual property
You can choose to develop the training material for a jurisdiction you are interested in (e.g., GDPR in the EU; Defamation Law in China; FOI in Australia).
Please refer to Blackboard for further details about how to complete this assignment and how it will be assessed.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn.
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Final exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
This assessment will test your understanding of the course content: media regulation, law, and ethics.
The examination will include a combination of multiple choice and short answer questions.
Please refer to Blackboard for further details on how to prepare for the exam.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
- Where fractional marks occur in the calculation of the final grade, a mark of x.5% or greater will be rounded up to (x+1)%. A percentage mark of less than x.5% will be rounded down to x%.
- Where no assessable work is received, a Grade of X will apply. ﾠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- Writing and Style: The precise and accurate use of language is central to law, ethics and regulation. The assessment criteria for this course takes into consideration the correct spelling of words, and the proper use of syntax and grammar. If your written English requires improvement, you can complete this free course in grammar and style developed by The University of Queensland: https://www.edx.org/course/english-grammar-and-style
- Further information regarding the assessment, including marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
- Marks Cannot Be Changed After Being Released: Marks are not open to negotiation with course staff. If you wish to discuss the feedback you have received, you should make an appointment to speak with the Course Coordinator.
- Assessment Re-mark: If you are considering an Assessment Re-mark, please follow the link to important information you should consider before submitting a request.
- Integrity Pledge: Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Modules.ﾠIn uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.
- Withholding marks prior to finalisation of grades: Per UQ Assessment Procedures – Release of Assessment Item Marks and Grades: The final assessment item and the marks for the assessment item are to be released only after the final grade for the course has been released.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Learning resources for this course are provided on Blackboard.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Lecture |
Week 1 Lecture: Media regulation & legacy media |
Tutorial |
Week 1: NO TUTORIALS Tutorials start in Week 2. |
|
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Week 2 Tutorial: Introduction and assessment overview Media regulation and legacy media |
Lecture |
Week 2 Lecture: Regulating social media Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
|
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Week 3 Tutorial: Regulating social media Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Week 3 Lecture: Regulating AI Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
|
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Week 4: NO TUTORIALS DUE TO PUBLIC HOLIDAY Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Week 4 Lecture: Media law: Freedom of Information and National Security laws Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Week 5 Tutorial: Module introduction and assessment overview FOI and National Security laws Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Week 5 Lecture: Media law: Whistleblower Protection and Shield Laws Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Tutorial |
Week 6 Tutorial: WBP & Shield Laws Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Week 6 Lecture: Media Law: Open Justice, Contempt and Suppression Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Tutorial |
Week 7 Tutorial: Open Justice, Contempt, Suppression Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Week 7 Lecture: Media Law: Defamation Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Tutorial |
Week 8 Tutorial: Defamation Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Week 8 Lecture: Media law: Privacy Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Tutorial |
Week 9 Tutorial: Privacy Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Week 9 Lecture: Intellectual Property; Introduction to Media Ethics' Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
|
Mid Sem break (23 Sep - 29 Sep) |
Not Timetabled |
Mid-Semester Break |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Tutorial |
Week 10: NO TUTORIALS Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Week 10 Lecture: Media Ethics: Deontology Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
|
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Tutorial |
Week 11 Tutorial: Deontology Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Week 11 Lecture: Media ethics: Consequentialism Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
|
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Tutorial |
Week 12 Tutorial: Consequentialism Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Week 12 Lecture: Media ethics: Virtue ethics Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
|
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Tutorial |
Week 13 Tutorial: Virtue ethics Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Week 13: NO LECTURE |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.