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2021/22 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

COMM1350 Introduction to Media Law and Regulation

20 creditsClass Size: 48

Module manager: John Sinclair
Email: J.Sinclair@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2021/22

Pre-requisites

COMM1305Introduction to Journalism

Module replaces

COMM1345 Journalism News Skills

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module introduces students to key concepts in media law and the way in which journalists report within legal and regulatory constraints. It also provides students with further practice in news production – researching and reporting stories which have a legal or ethical dimension. During the module students will attend a visit to a law court to observe the legal system in action.

Objectives

This module builds on COMM1305 to introduce students to key concepts in media law relating to England and Wales. Students will learn how to report new stories within legal and regulatory contraints. The role of regulatory and self-regulatory bodies will also be explored.

Learning outcomes
1. Demonstrate an understanding of ethics, law and regulation relevant to the practice of journalism and apply this in the production of journalistic work.
2. Apply knowledge of relevant media law and regulation in the production of news reports.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of key legal and regulatory bodies that are important to journalists.

Skills outcomes
Legal reporting skills, research skills, news writing skills.


Syllabus

Teaching in lectures will cover law, regulation and ethics and also provide students with an introduction to key institutions relevant to journalism – such as courts and media regulators.
Workshops will provide an opportunity for the exploration of key concepts, legislation and media policy. Students will also receive hands-on experience in research and writing news stories that have a legal or ethical dimension and will receive formative feedback.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Workshop26.0012.00
Lecture111.0011.00
Practical112.0022.00
Private study hours155.00
Total Contact hours45.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Private study

During private study students will be expected to complete reading tasks in preparation for practical workshops. They will also study independently in revising for their written exam and unseen practical exam - revising key aspects of legislation, common law and regulatory codes.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

The hands on approach to teaching on the module provides students with frequent opportunities for formative feedback in terms of their legal reporting and research skills. Students will have the opportunity to sit a ‘mock’ law exam in their workshop classes and will be provided with feedback on this in time to support their preparation for the exam. Students will also receive formative feedback on practice law reports completed in-class.

Methods of assessment


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Online Time-Limited assessment1 hr 30 mins40.00
Online Time-Limited assessment3 hr 00 mins60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)100.00

The standard exam is a PFP element and, as such, must be passed for credits to be awarded. This is a requirement of the accrediting body (the Broadcast Journalism Training Council)

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 30/06/2021 13:36:38

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