COMM 5660
MASS MEDIA ETHICS
Spring 2015, T-TH 10:45-12:05, OSH 103
Dr. David J. Vergobbi
LNCO 2866, 581-3294
david.vergobbi@utah.edu. Do not use Canvas e-mail.
OFFICE HOURS: Monday 3:00-4:00, Tuesday 12:15-1:30, or by appointment
READINGS: No textbook. We will use a plethora of on-line readings via our Canvas
site. Do not automatically print out all the readings listed under COMM 5660. We’ll be
selective of the posted readings. Follow the syllabus. I’ll alert you to change.
GOALS: This course focuses on ethical questions involved in the production of news,
advertising, public relations, and entertainment programming. The course has several
goals. First: to introduce the student to the major ethical issues confronting media
practitioners. Second: to develop the students’ analytical capabilities, teaching students
to recognize ethical questions when they arise and to develop their ability to effectively
resolve ethical conflicts. Third: to stimulate the student to consider his or her responsibilities to both the media institution he/she serves and to society in general, and to develop
a strong, personal philosophy of and commitment to media ethics. Fourth: to help
students develop their personal ethical decision-making models.
ACCOMMODATIONS POLICY: I make no content accommodations for this class.
ORGANIZATION: See the following schedule. This reading intensive and discussionbased course pivots upon critical and analytical thinking. By exchanging reasoned/
supported argument and opinion, by questioning those statements and beliefs, and by
entertaining the positions of fellow participants, we shall learn from each other via our
discussion. I therefore expect each class member to have read all the designated readings
and to have prepared answers on all assigned problems, for preparation and participation
are essential to the class discussion format.
To stimulate discussion and assure participation, I call upon students regularly and at
random to describe and interpret assigned material. This class, however, is an open
discussion, which means I expect you to initiate the debate. And, because discussion
sometimes becomes heated, I expect proper respect for each other at all times.
Class sessions will generally include a mix of lecture, in-class problems, and discussion.
Again, this is a reading-intensive class, in which we’ll engage and apply the material during class sessions. The course takes a commitment to make it work and for you to excel.
COMM 5660: MEDIA ETHICS
DR. VERGOBBI
SPRING 2015
ATTENDANCE and TARDINESS: If you cannot attend every session well
prepared, drop the class. As per university standards, I expect regular attendance at
all class meetings. By registering for this class you have thus contracted to be here, and
I expect you to accept and fulfill that responsibility. If you’re not in class, you can’t
participate, and participation is a major grade factor. I will take roll.
To demonstrate how serious I view attendance and how important I believe in-class
learning is—and to motivate you—attendance is equivalent to essays, questions,
discussion leading, free speech events, and participation. You earn these points: six
points for each class attended. However, miss five classes (2.5 weeks) and you fail the
course. Make no mistake. I’m not rewarding seat time. I respect students who take
seriously their responsibility, so I reward the intellectual engagement necessary to
complete this course.
I do not tolerate tardiness. Late arrivals are disruptive and, simply, impolite. I arrive at
class ten minutes early to take roll. I will begin class precisely at 10:45. Be present by
then to make the roll and earn your points.
Documented death, family tragedy, and medical conditions can excuse an absence. Do
not talk to me about employment. If you registered for the class, I assume you have
made arrangements to be here, and I expect you to be present.
University Attendance Policy (Student Handbook, U of U Home Page):
“The University expects regular attendance at all class meetings. You are not
automatically dropped from your classes if you do not attend. You must
officially drop your classes by the published deadline to avoid a “W” on your
record.
“You are responsible for satisfying the entire range of academic objectives,
requirements and prerequisites as defined by the instructor. If you miss the first 2
class meetings, or if you have not taken the appropriate requisites, you may be
required to withdraw from the course.
“If you are absent from class to participate in officially sanctioned University
activities (e.g. band, debate, student government, intercollegiate athletics),
religious obligations, or with instructor’s approval, you will be permitted to make
up both assignments and examinations.”
Vergobbi’s Attendance Statement:
CONTACT ME IMMEDIATELY if you “participate in officially sanctioned
University activities.” You have the responsibility to inform me of your status
and provide the proper documentation to “be permitted to make up both
assignments and examinations.” This permission does not operate after-the-fact.
Talk to me now. This concerns any other anticipated and legitimate absences.
COMM 5660: MEDIA ETHICS
DR. VERGOBBI
SPRING 2015
YES, I’m a hardcase concerning attendance—for your benefit. For you to understand
the material and be able to use it, you must be here. But get here and, believe it or
not, we’ll have an enjoyable time in this class. For, you see, I’m a delightful hardcase.
CLASS PARTICIPATION: I expect you to come to class prepared. When evaluating
your in-class participation, I’ll consider such factors as physical presence, evident
knowledge of and preparation for the material being discussed, willingness and eagerness
to participate, willingness to allow others to participate, quality of contributions (e.g.,
insight versus summary, irrelevant sarcasm versus constructive critical sarcasm), general
promptness and respect for one another. “Participation” involves class discussion, small
group problems, and various assignments/activities. I ensure everyone can participate.
Yes, this is a subjective category. But after sixteen weeks together, I understand each of
your personalities and assess accordingly. What I look for is EFFORT. Regardless of
your personality, I can see whether or not you are making an effort to prepare for class
and to engage in the class. Talk with me at any time during the semester if you are
concerned with your participation.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
1. Attendance and participation.
2. Complete and prepare assigned readings.
3. Three discussion points/questions from EACH assigned reading/class session.
Two copies. Students will give Vergobbi one copy at the start of each class.
EACH point/question must be typed and you must state the concept and page you
are addressing in the reading. Each P/Q is worth three (3) points, for a total of
nine (9) points possible per reading. These points add up quickly. Do not shirk
them. We will use these P/Qs for class discussion and application during certain
sessions. My primary point of this assignment is to ensure that you are prepared
and have in some way reviewed the necessary reading material for each session.
4. In teams of four or five, students will absorb an assigned reading and lead a class
session applying its concepts. I’ll discuss the parameters in class.
5. Students will complete three 4-6-page argumentative essays that will test their
knowledge and understanding of the material and how the discipline relates,
applies to, and helps resolve legal and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals and
the mass media. These are in lieu of in-class exams. I’ll discuss expectations and
criteria for a successful essay in class.
A NOTE ON ASSIGNMENTS: I will fully explain your assignments in class with
handouts, Canvas files, and discussion.
GRADUATE STUDENTS: Along with fulfilling most of the standard requirements,
you must meet higher-level requirements, most notably leading one class discussion
[could be a team, depending on number of grad students], out-of-class meetings/readings,
and a 25-page research paper. I’ll discuss requirements with you individually.
COMM 5660: MEDIA ETHICS
DR. VERGOBBI
SPRING 2015
ADA STATEMENT: As per the Americans with Disabilities Act, the University of Utah
seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services and activities for people with
disabilities. If you will need accommodations in the class, reasonable prior notice needs
to be given to the Center for Disability Services, 162 Olpin Union Building, 581-5020
(V/TDD), http://disability.utah.edu/. CDS will work with you and the instructor to make
arrangements for accommodations. All written information in this course can be made
available in alternative format with prior notification to the Center for Disability
Services.
Academic Integrity: http://www.regulations.utah.edu/academics/6-400.html
Attendance: http://registrar.utah.edu/handbook/attend.php
Withdrawals: http://registrar.utah.edu/handbook/withdrawal.php
Spring 2015 calendar: http://registrar.utah.edu/academic-calendars/spring2015.php
GRADING: Attendance……………………………………….…….145 pts.
Participation……………………………………….…..145 pts.
Reading Points/Questions (3 pts. each).………………145 pts.
Discussion-Leader Team…...…………………………145 pts.
Three Essays (145 pts. each).………………………….435 pts.
TOTAL
1,015 pts.
Other random opportunities for extra points will appear throughout the semester during
class sessions, including on-time points. Be prepared and you’ll reward yourself.
I calculate final course grades by a curve based upon the highest student score.
I do not record scores on Canvas. BUT you can ask me how you are doing at any time. I’m
always happy to visit with you.
NOTE: Academic honesty, including plagiarism or cheating, results in an automatic
zero for any class. You know this but, come on, this is the ethics class.
COMM 5660: SCHEDULE
DR. VERGOBBI
SPRING 2015
Schedule is fluid and discussion-driven. Or, things can change. Classes will operate off assigned
readings. Substitutes are possible. Prepare readings, questions & self, and you’ll do well.
WEEK ONE:
Jan. 13, Orientation and Acquaintance. We will use the entire period.
Jan. 14, READING: “Why Study Ethics?” – Jaksa & Pritchard
WEEK TWO:
Jan. 20, Jaksa & Pritchard continued.
Jan. 22, READING: “An Introduction to Ethical Decision Making,”
-- Patterson & Wilkins
WEEK THREE:
Jan. 27, READING: “Personal Conscience and Ethical Obligation,” – Josephson
ESSAY ONE DISTRIBUTED
Jan. 29, READING: “Applying Kidder’s Ethical Decision-Making Checklist to
Media Ethics” – Baker
WEEK FOUR:
Feb. 3, Influences
Feb. 5, ESSAY ONE DUE, discussed and applied
WEEK FIVE:
Feb. 10, READING: “Universal Ethical Standards?” – Strentz
Feb. 12, READING: “Ethical Learnings from Borat on Informed Consent for
Make Benefit Film and Television Producers” – Cenite
Manipulation
WEEK SIX:
Feb. 17, READING: TEAM ONE
“Sports Journalism as Moral and Ethical Discourse” – Oates & Pauly
Feb. 19, Temptation
WEEK SEVEN:
Feb. 24, Further Temptation
Feb. 26, READING: TEAM TWO
“An Ethical Exploration of Free Expression and the Problem
of Hate Speech” – Slagle
WEEK EIGHT:
Mar. 3, READING: TEAM THREE
“Newsgathering and Privacy: Expanding Ethics Codes to Reflect Change
in the Digital Media Age” -- Whitehouse
ESSAY TWO DISTRIBUTED
Mar. 5, Fairness & Bias
COMM 5660: SCHEDULE
DR. VERGOBBI
SPRING 2015
WEEK NINE:
Mar. 10, READING: TEAM FOUR [Only if seven teams needed.]
“Dursley Duplicity: Morality & Psychology of Self-Deception” – Hsieh
Mar. 12, ESSAY TWO DUE, discussed and applied
SPRING BREAK: March 14-22
WEEK TEN:
Mar. 24, Truth
[Must attend both days to secure available points.]
Mar. 26, More Truth [Must attend both days to secure available points.]
WEEK ELEVEN:
Mar. 31, READING: TEAM FIVE
“Mocking the News: How The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Holds Traditional Broadcast News Accountable” – Painter & Hodges
April 2, Falsehood & Accountability
WEEK TWELVE:
April 7, READING: TEAM SIX
“ ‘If I Break a Rule, What Do I Do, Fire Myself?’ Ethics Codes of
Independent Blogs” – Perlmutter & Schoen
April 9, Accountability & Responsibility
WEEK THIRTEEN:
April 14, READING: TEAM SEVEN
“Blogger Engagement Ethics: Dialogic Civility in a Digital Age”
[re: public relations] – Langett
ESSAY THREE DISTRIBUTED
April 16, Power
WEEK FOURTEEN:
April 21, READING:
“Towards an Open Ethics: Implications of New Media Platforms for
Global Ethics Discourse” – Ward & Wasserman
April 23, Values
WEEK FIFTEEN:
April 28, ESSAY THREE DUE Course & essay discussed and applied. Be here.