Download JNC 2213

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Module Title: Media Ethics and Law
Module Code: JNC 2213
Year: 2
Credits: 15
Brief description of the module, aims and content
The module aims at giving students knowledge relating to the media laws; media ethics &
media regulatory frameworks in Rwanda and around the World. Students will be exposed to
media debates on statutory and self- regulation in a globalized media environment; freedom of
expression, press freedom, public interest and professional code of ethics. Students will also
be made aware of the media regulatory institutions in Rwanda and the challenges they face
given the nature of electronic communication.
Learning Outcomes
A. Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge
and understanding of:
A1: Media laws and ethics guiding media practice and communication work
A2: The regulatory frameworks and agencies responsible for overseeing professional media
practice and communication work
A3: Challenges facing media regulation globally and Rwanda in particular.
B. Cognitive/Intellectual skills/Application of Knowledge
Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:
B1: Make reference to media guiding principles when they need to make ethical decisions or
when faced with ethical dilemmas
B2: Identify the different dynamics that influence news content or what has come to constitute
‘public interest’
B3: Put into consideration the concept of social responsibility of the media when reporting
B4: Explain the need for media regulation and Press freedom
C. Communication/ICT/Numeracy/Analytic Techniques/Practical Skills
Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:
C1: Apply media and communication ethics in their work as media or communication
practitioners
C2: Employ philosophical perspectives on ethics from eminent scholars like Aristotle, Kant,
Mill, Merril and others in making ethical decisions in media and communication practice.
C3: Apply various guides like the Potter Box to making ethical decisions in media and
communication practice.
D. General transferable skills
Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:
2
D1: Carry out their professional work within the legal framework of Rwanda
D2: Observe ethics as spelt out in the Rwanda Journalists and Media Practitioners code of
ethics
D3: Diagnose the challenges involved in media and communication regulation in Rwanda,
given the new trends of converged media platforms, media concentration, electronic
communication and globalization forces.
D4: Assess and critique professional standards observed in the different media outlets on
various issues
Indicative Content
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)
Recap Media – society relationship
Recap Media functions in society
Recap Normative media theories
Rationale for having media ethics
Philosophical perspectives on ethical foundations
Professionalism, journalistic integrity, and media code of ethics
Institutional regulatory frameworks for media in Rwanda
Guides and principles of Making Ethical Decisions
Legal provisions on Press freedom – International level and national level
Laws regulating media and communication practice in Rwanda and their implementation
Ethical and legal dilemmas – Case studies
Assessment Strategy
This will include: Practical exercises; Assignments; Participation and contributions to group
discussion; and Final exam
Assessment Pattern
Component
In-course
or
assessment:
Weighting (%)
Continuing 10
10
10
20
Final
or
Examination 50
Assessment:
TOTAL
100%
Learning objectives covered
Rationale for having media
ethics
Media regulatory institutions
Media and communication
laws
Challenges
in
media
regulation
All objectives