Mar 29, 2024  
2023-2024 Cowley College Academic Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Cowley College Academic Catalog

MCM2415 MEDIA ETHICS & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COURSE PROCEDURE


 

MCM2415 MEDIA ETHICS & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 

3 Credit Hours

Student Level: 

This course is open to students on the college level in the Sophomore year upon successful completion of MCM2411, Mass Media and Society.

Catalog Description: 

MCM2415 - Media Ethics and Social Responsibility (3 hrs.) 

This course explores ethical issues in gathering, processing, and disseminating media content. When professionals in the media confront tough choices, more than one option may seem appropriate. The goal of this course is not to teach what is “right” and what is “wrong”, but instead students learn to process right and wrong, and make better decisions.

Course Classification: 

Lecture

Prerequisites: 

A completion with a grade of C or better in MCM2411 Mass Media and Society. Permission from the instructor.

Core Outcomes: 

The learning outcomes and competencies detailed in this course meet, or exceed the learning outcomes and competencies specified by the Kansas Core Outcomes Project for this course, as sanctioned by the Kansas Board of Regents.

Controlling Purpose: 

The purpose of this course is to both prepare future media professionals with the critical thinking skills needed to navigate the decision making they will face in the field. The secondary purpose is to provide similar skills to the media consumers when discerning the outcomes of the news gathering process.

Learner Outcomes: 

Upon completion of the course, the student will:  

  • Identify various moral issues associated with media in the world today 

  • Analyze these issues and make an informed decision based on ethical theory 

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of diversity and cultures in relation to media 

  • Demonstrate the ability to think critically, creatively, and independently

Unit Outcomes for Criterion Based Evaluation: 

The following outline defines the minimum core content not including the final examination period.  Instructors may add other material as time allows.

UNIT 1: Introduction to Ethics in Media  

Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to

  • Describe three major theoretical approaches in integrity and ethics 

  • Apply ethics logic to media case studies 

  • Explain the ethical duties media creators have to society 

  • Identify and apply theoretical approaches

UNIT 2: The Potter Box  

Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to  

  • Describe the steps of making ethical decisions in media using the Potter Box 

  • Explain how the Potter Box is used to help see all sides and make an ethical decision  

  • Use the Potter Box in a case study

UNIT 3: Strategically Communicating 

Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to  

  • Identify the responsibilities of media and the ethical scope of media design, delivery, and consumption  

  • Describe ethical dilemmas in media 

  • Define the concepts of integrity and ethics  

UNIT 4: Ethics and the Law 

Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to  

  • Identify and analyze issues involving media integrity, ethics and the law applying legal standards and ethical theory   

  • Explain and evaluate solutions 

  • Describe potential challenges they may face in the future and a process to resolve them

Projects Required: 

Varies, refer to syllabus.

Textbook: 

Contact Bookstore for current textbook.

Materials/Equipment Required: 

None

Attendance Policy: 

Students should adhere to the attendance policy outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.

Grading Policy: 

The grading policy will be outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.

Maximum class size: 

Based on classroom occupancy

Course Time Frame: 

The U.S. Department of Education, Higher Learning Commission and the Kansas Board of Regents define credit hour and have specific regulations that the college must follow when developing, teaching and assessing the educational aspects of the college.  A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally-established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester hour of credit or an equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time.  The number of semester hours of credit allowed for each distance education or blended hybrid courses shall be assigned by the college based on the amount of time needed to achieve the same course outcomes in a purely face-to-face format.

Refer to the following policies: 

402.00 Academic Code of Conduct 

263.00 Student Appeal of Course Grades 

403.00 Student Code of Conduct

Disability Services Program: 

Cowley College, in recognition of state and federal laws, will accommodate a student with a documented disability.  If a student has a disability which may impact work in this class and which requires accommodations, contact the Disability Services Coordinator. 

DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. FOR THE OFFICIAL COURSE PROCEDURE CONTACT ACADEMIC AFFAIRS.