Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Media Law
Credit Points: 12.00
Course Coordinator: Lola Akin Ojelab
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 99256063
Course Coordinator Email: lola.akinojelabi@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: City Campus
Course Coordinator Availability: Appointment by email
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
Pre-requisites:
054012 LAW2580 - Becoming a Lawyer in a Globalised World
054033 LAW2601 – Torts Law
054028 LAW2596 – Principles of Criminal Law and Procedure
054908 LAW2632 – Introduction to Contract Law
Course Description
In this course you will study law as it applies to media activities in Australia and internationally including legal protection of privacy and breach of confidence, freedom of information, free speech, regulation of content and confidential information and professional liability. Overall, you will explore the legal issues encountered by journalists, public relations and communication practitioners in the performance of their work, including when using online platforms and learn how to communicate legally and ethically.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
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On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
CLO 1: Apply media law principles to complex legal problems.
CLO 2: Evaluate the legal framework including codes of ethics that impact on the work of communication professionals.
CLO 3: Conduct legal research as it pertains to media law.
CLO 4: Critically analyse regulation of public communication including on online platforms.
Overview of Learning Activities
In this course you will be encouraged to be an active learner. Your learning will be supported through various in-class and online activities comprising individual and group work. These may include listening/watching asynchronous lectures; engaging in online learning activities including discussion boards; completing prescribed readings; completing assignments which may include legal memoranda, essays, legal-problem solving; sourcing, researching and analysing specific information; presenting work to an audience which may include industry partners; producing written work and collaborating with peers on set tasks or projects.
Overview of Learning Resources
Various learning resources are available online through MyRMIT Studies\Canvas. The lecture notes and workshop notes are posted on Canvas. Resources are also available online through RMIT Library databases and other facilities. Visit the RMIT library website for further details. Assistance is available online via our chat and email services, face to face at our campus libraries or via the telephone on (03) 9925 2020. Additional resources and/or sources to assist your learning will be identified by your course coordinator and will be made available to you as required during the teaching period.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment Task 1: 20% Written Task
Linked CLOs: 1, 2
Assessment Task 2: 30% Written Task
Linked CLOs:1, 2, 3
Assessment Task 3: 50% Exam
Linked CLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4
Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or in online forums through individual and group feedback on practical exercises and individual consultation