JOUR 2603 - Media Ethics and Social Responsibilities
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 41422,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Trevor Ivan
Email: tjivan@ysu.edu
Course Description
2603. Media Ethics and Social Responsibilities. Examination of ethical standards and moral theories and their practical application in professional mass communication through case studies. Students will learn to become active critics of media professionals. 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| No textbook required in this course |
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Day | Date | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tue | 8/25 | Course introduction, policies and expectations; making everyday decisions | |
| Thu | 8/27 | Modern information environment | |
| Tue | 9/1 | Free speech and press principles | |
| Thu | 9/3 | Qualities of ethical news and information | |
| Tue | 9/8 | History of ethical thought and reasoning | |
| Thu | 9/10 | Ethical principles and reasoning in a communication and media setting | |
| Tue | 9/15 | Facts & accuracy (Unit 1) | |
| Thu | 9/17 | Unit 1 case study discussion | Written case brief due from each group. Journal 1 due Sunday, September 20 by 11:59 p.m. on Blackboard (individual assignment) |
| Tue | 9/22 | Privacy issues (Unit 2) | |
| Thu | 9/24 | Unit 2 case study discussion | Written case brief due from each group. |
| Tue | 9/29 | Anonymity vs the right to know (Unit 3) | |
| Thu | 10/1 | Unit 3 case study discussion | Written case brief due from each group. |
| Tue | 10/6 | Conflicts of interest (Unit 4) | |
| Thu | 10/8 | Unit 4 case study discussion | Written case brief due from each group. Journal 2 due Sunday, October 11 by 11:59 p.m. on Blackboard (individual assignment) |
| Tue | 10/13 | Review for midterm | |
| Thu | 10/15 | Midterm Exam during class (closed book and closed note) | |
| Tue | 10/20 | Introduce final project | |
| Thu | 10/22 | Final project planning and work day | |
| Tue | 10/27 | Coverage of anti-social behavior & offensive content (Unit 5) | |
| Thu | 10/29 | Unit 5 case study discussion | Written case brief due from each group. |
| Tue | 11/3 | Minors as the subject and viewers of news coverage (Unit 6) | |
| Thu | 11/5 | Unit 6 case study discussion | Written case brief due from each group. Journal 3 due Sunday, November 8 by 11:59 p.m. on Blackboard (individual assignment) |
| Tue | 11/10 | Responsible Coverage (Unit 7) | |
| Thu | 11/12 | Unit 7 case study discussion | Written case brief due from each group. |
| Tue | 11/17 | Final project work day | |
| Thu | 11/19 | Final project work day | |
| Tue | 11/24 | Final project work day | |
| Thu | 11/26 | Thanksgiving Day~No class | |
| Tue | 12/1 | Final project group presentations | |
| Thu | 12/3 | Final project group presentations | |
| Tue | 12/8 | No formal meeting during the final exam period. | Final Exam (take-home) due by 11:59 p.m. on Blackboard |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.