Electronic Media Law and Policy

COMM 447/547 :: Spring 2004

Professor: Dr. Jeffrey Jones

Office: BAL 614

Office Phone: 683-6267

E-mail: jpjones@odu.edu

Office Hours:

Class Hours:

Assignments:

Tests:

There are three in-class tests, which are 1 ¼ hour, closed book, no-note exams. Each test will be comprised of multiple choice, essay and short answer questions on the material for that unit. Paper will be provided.

Specialty Report and Presentation:

As you are probably aware, the advent of digital technology has had an enormous impact not just on hardware and software of communication technologies, but also in realm of technology policy. From privacy and access to information to free speech and copyright, older laws, policies, and court precedents are being rewritten, challenged, or modified on a daily basis. As such, each of you will be assigned the task of educating yourself on a specific issue, keeping abreast of the policy changes associated with the issue, and then educating the class. You will be queried throughout the semester during class as to what is happening in your area, and your work will culminate at the end of the semester with a report and class presentation. More information to follow, but educating yourself on the issues by reviewing articles and information at the following link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/technology/techpolicy/

Class Participation:

Beyond the usual expectations of coming to class prepared to discuss the day’s assignment, your class participation grade includes two additional requirements: your preparation and answer to questions about cases in the Case Law book, and your preparation and answer to questions about news and developments related to your specialty issue (see description above).

Evaluation:

Test 1 20 %

Test 2 20 %

Test 3 20%

Specialty Report and Presentation 25 %

Class Participation 15 %

CLASS POLICIES:

Communication:

it is expected that you use your e-mail account as you would a telephone and answering machine. That is to say, I regularly communicate with the class via e-mail. If you do not check your e-mail daily, you must get in the habit of doing so as not to miss important announcements, changes and additions in the course.

Late Work:

Papers should be submitted at the beginning of class on the date they are due. Papers submitted after the due date and time will be deducted one-letter grade per calendar day (note: calendar day, not class day).

Attendance:

Roll will be taken. You are allowed 3 absences (excused or unexcused). After that, you will receive a one-letter grade deduction per absence. Roll is taken at the beginning of class, so late arrivals may not be counted. The instructor is not responsible for your accounting after roll is taken. Be forewarned, though, that every unexcused absence hurts your participation grade.

Excused absences include only the following:

· Illness that requires medical treatment (must provided written documentation of doctor or health clinic visit)

· Death in immediate family (must provide obituary)

· Official college sponsored activity (must provide note from college personnel)

Documentation of absence must be provided on the first class meeting after your return. Please contact me prior to the absence.

Grades:

The following grade scale applies to all written work: A+ = 98; A = 95; A- = 92; A-/B+ = 90; B+ = 88; B = 85; B- = 82; B-/C+ = 80; etc. I will be glad to discuss your grades during office hours only (not before or after class or in the halls), but I don’t consider grades negotiable. I will, however, be glad to give you additional verbal comments if my written comments are insufficient to your understanding my assessment. I also require a 24-hour waiting period between when you receive your grades and when I will discuss them with you.

Readings: (should you choose not to purchase the books in the college bookstore, all are available for 2-hour check-out at the Reserve Desk of the Library).

Zelezny, John D. 2004. Communications Law: Liberties, Restraints, and the Modern Media, 4^th ed.

Zelezny, John D. 2004. Cases in Communications Law: Liberties, Restraints, and the Modern Media, 4^th ed.

Schedule:

Tues. Jan. 12: Class Introduction

Thur. Jan. 30: Ch. 1, American Legal System

Tues. Feb. 4: Ch. 2, Free Speech

Thur. Feb. 6: Ch. 2, Free Speech

Tues. Feb. 11: Ch. 3, Defamation—Common Law

Thur. Feb. 13: Ch. 4, Defamation—First Amendment Limitations

Tues. Feb. 18: Ch. 4, Defamation—First Amendment Limitations

Thur. Feb. 20: Ch. 5, Privacy

Tues. Feb. 25: Ch. 5, Privacy

Thur. Feb. 27: Ch. 6, Copyright and Trademark

Tues. Mar. 4: Ch. 6, Copyright and Trademark

Thur. Mar. 6:

******Spring Break*******

Tues. Mar. 18: Ch. 7, Access to Information

Thur. Mar. 20: Ch. 8, Reporting on the Judiciary

Tues. Mar. 25: Ch. 9, Protecting News Sources

Thur. Mar. 27: Ch. 10, Regulation of Advertising

Tues. Apr. 1: Ch. 11, Sexually Oriented Speech (Obscenity)

Thur. Apr. 3: Ch. 11, Sexually Oriented Speech (Obscenity)

Tues. Apr. 8: Ch. 12, Television Regulation

Thur. Apr. 10: Ch. 12, Television Regulation

Tues. Apr. 15: Ch. 12, Television Regulation

Thur. Apr. 17: Ch. 13, The Internet

Tues. Apr. 22: Ch. 13, The Internet

Thur. Apr. 24: Ch. 13, The Internet

Tues. Apr. 29:

Thur. May 1: Presentations

Tues. May 6: Presentations

Thur. May 8: Presentations