Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Media Law
Module Code CM508
School School of Communications
Online Module Resources

NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description
To provide students with an outline of the essential features of the legal system. To place these in a social and historical context. To assess critical elements of and issues in law relevant to the media, including the law of defamation, contempt of court, privacy, and media regulation.

Learning Outcomes
1. Appraise and critique the impact of the law on journalism and public debate
2. Critically analyse legal frameworks, provisions and arguments for reform
3. Recognise and assess legal risk associated with defamation, copyright, contempt of court and privacy.
4. Validate the need for sound legal practice in reporting
5. Recognise and assess the relevance of Freedom of Information law.
6. Exercise professional vigilance as a core requirement in reporting, writing and media production
7. Update and deepen their knowledge through further research.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture11Weekly lecture
Library26Reading
Seminars11Weekly seminar
Assignment30Reading and research
Independent learning time47Court visits, research, interviews
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Legal history..
Evidence.

Constitution.
Defamation.

Privacy.
Contempt of Court.

Copyright.
Freedom of Information.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
In Class TestWritten responses40%n/a
Essayn/a60%n/a
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List
  • Yvonne Murphy & Donal McGuinness: 2011, Journalists and the Law, 3rd, Round Hall/Thompson Reuters, Dublin,
  • Martin, Andrea: 2011, Media Law Ireland: Answers to Your Top 100 Media Law Questions, 1st, Oak Tree Press, Cork,
  • Moodle list includes Oireachtas: 0, Defamation Act 2009,
  • 0: Acts of the Oireachtas,
Other Resources
None
Array
Programme or List of Programmes
MAJMA in Journalism
Timetable this semester: Timetable for CM508
Date of Last Revision08-OCT-10
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