Course: MAC 413 ETHICS OF MASS COMMUNICATION (2 CreditsCompulsory)
Course Duration: Two hours per week for 15 weeks (30hours) as taught in the
2011/2012 session
Lecturer: Azeez, A.L;
Ph.D Communication Studies (UK);
M.Sc. Mass Communication (Lagos);
M.A International Law and Diplomacy (Lagos);
B.Sc. Mass Communication (Lagos);
NCE Language (Ilesha).
Department of Mass Communication,
Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences,
University of Ilorin,
Ilorin, Nigeria.
E-mail:
azeez_ogo_oluwa@yahoo.com azeez.al@inilorin.edu.org
Office Location: Ground floor, Room3, Educational Technology Centre,
University of Ilorin, Ilorin Nigeria.
Consultation Hours: Tuesday, 12-4PM
Course Content
An appraisal and critical analysis of different theories of mass communication. Their
application to the media industry in Nigeria. Significance phenomena and principles of
mass communication nature, perspectives, analysis and effect of mass communication.
Course Description
This course is an examination of the ethical principles of human conduct, with
particular regard to the professions and practice of mass communication. Basic types
and theories of ethics will be analyzed as a basis for evaluating the content of codes of
media ethics and mechanisms for ensuring, enforcing or enhancing professional ethical
standards. Specific incidents and cases involving media ethics will be looked at and
discussed. The course is to underscore the pervasiveness of ethics in communication, as
a whole, and in mass communication, in particular.
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Course Justification
The primary aim of this course is to help students build a solid foundation in ethical
arena that will make it easier for them to deal with ethical questions, make sound
ethical judgments and take rational or right actions when they start practicing mass
communication either as journalists, public relation officers or advertising practitioners.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Ground themselves in the basic ethical standards pertaining to messages of mass
communication and the behaviors of medial professionals;
2. Understand the ethical dilemmas in the practice of mass communication;
3. Develop ethical competence;
4. Develop skills for observing and judging the ethical performance of diverse
mass communication practitioners;
5. Stimulate their moral imagination;
6. Imbibe a sense of moral obligation and personal responsibility.
Course Requirements
Students are expected to adhere strictly to the following:
1. Full participation in all course activities is a core determinant of overall
performance. Students are therefore expected to attend all lectures and practical
sessions, partake in all class discussions, quizzes, individual/group assignments
and the mid-semester test.
2. A minimum of 75% attendance qualifies students for writing the end of
semester examination in this course.
3. Lateness to class should be avoided as much as possible.
4. All written assignments must be word processed and sources consulted properly
cited.
5. Deadlines should be strictly observed. Late assignments will attract penalties.
6. Each student is expected to have a personal yahoo mail account into which
course information may be sent by the lecturer.
7. It is compulsory for all students to participate in all the practical and online
discussion sessions.
Methods of Grading
Students’ final grades will be evaluated based on all course activities broken down as
follows:
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Criteria
Online Participation
Assignments/quizzes
Tests
Final examination
TOTAL
Score (%)
5
15
10
70
100
Course Delivery Strategy
To achieve the objectives of this course, the lecturer will make use of the traditional
face to face mode of class room teaching. To enhance knowledge gained in the class
room, the class will also go on a tour of a local radio station so as to have a feel of
broadcasting as it is practiced on the field.
Week 1: Human Conduct and its Three Main Roots
Objective: This session opens the course by exposing students to the basic concepts
and basis of Human conduct which includes religion, ethics and law
First hour
A look at the REAL (Religion, Ethics and Law) conjunction
The Nexus of Religion, Ethics and Law
Society and Moral Anchor- Morality and Society
Second Hour
Principles of Moral Virtues
Ethical Dilemma, Ethical Questions
The Social Compact and Moral Duties
Study Questions
1. What is the relationship between Religion, Ethics and Law?
2. Describe the nexus of Religion, Ethics and Law?
3. What is the relationship between society and Morality?
4. What are the moral virtues of society?
5. Define and illustrate a moral dilemma?
6. Differentiate between moral dilemma and moral question.
Reading List
1. Day, A. Loius (2003) Ethics in Media Communication: Cases and
Controversies (4th ed.). Belmont, California: Wadsworth. Pp33. ISBN 0-53456235-3
2. Chinyere, Okunna (1995) Ethics of Mass Communication. Enugu: New
Generation Books.
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3. Lee, L. Thayer (ed.) (1989) Ethics, Morality and the Media. New York:
Hastings House.
Week 2: Meaning and Etymology of Ethics
Objective
The purpose of this topic is to acquaint students with the origin of the word ethics, also
students will be exposed to the various categories and classifications of ethics.
First hour
The Meaning of Ethics
Etymology of Ethics
Second Hours
Ethics as a Branch of Philosophy
Types or Categories of Ethics
Instinct and Ethics
Study Questions
1. Give two major definitions of ethics with their authors
2. What is the etymology of ethics?
3. What is the essence of ethics?
4. How does ethics relate to philosophy?
5. List and explain the categories of ethics
Reading List
1. Day1, A. Loius (2003) Ethics in Media Communication: Cases and
Controversies (4th ed.). Belmont, California: Wadsworth. Pp33. ISBN 0-53456235-3
2. Chinyere4, Okunna (1995) Ethics of Mass Communcation. Enugu: New
Generation Books.
Week 3: Essence of Ethics
Objective
This session examines the importance of ethics by critically explaining some basic
factors that surrounds ethics.
Description
First Hour
Value and Duty
Defining Values and Attitudes
Second Hour
Requirements of a System of Ethics
Institutional Autonomy and Social Responsibility
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Study Questions
1. What is the difference between value and attitude?
2. How does value and attitudes relate to ethics?
3. What are the requirements of a system of ethics?
4. How does the concept of social responsibility relate to ethics?
5. Mention three basic moral values of your society
Reading List
1. Day1, A. Loius (2003) Ethics in Media Communication: Cases and
Controversies (4th ed.). Belmont, California: Wadsworth. Pp33. ISBN 0-53456235-3
2. Chinyere4, Okunna (1995) Ethics of Mass Communcation. Enugu: New
Generation Books.
3. Clement4, James (1980) Mass Media Codes of Ethics and Councils: A
Comparative International Study of Profession Standards. Paris: UNESCO.
Week 4: Ethics in Interpersonal Communication and Mass Communication
Objective
The purpose of this topic is to look at the relationship between ethics and mass
communication
Description
First Hour
Ethics and Interpersonal Communication: Precepts and Practices
Ethics and Mass Communication: An Institutional Framework
Second Hour
The Quintessential Product and Task of the Mass Media and Relation of Ethics
Bases of Mass Communication Ethics
Users of the Mass Media and their Power Quotients
Study Question
1. What are the basic precepts of interpersonal communication?
2. What do we mean by integrity, credibility and civility?
3. What is the Quintessential Product and Task of the Mass Media?
4. How does the task relate to ethics of mass communication?
5. Who are the major stakeholders in mass media and what are their roles in mass
communication ethics?
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Reading List
1. Day1, A. Loius (2003) Ethics in Media Communication: Cases and
Controversies (4th ed.). Belmont, California: Wadsworth. Pp33. ISBN 0-53456235-3
2. Chinyere4, Okunna (1995) Ethics of Mass Communcation. Enugu: New
Generation Books.
3. Kieran4, Matheu (ed.) (1989) Media Ethics. London: Routledge.
4. Belsey4, Andrew and Chadwick, Ruth (eds.) (1992) Ethical Issues in Journalsim
and the Media. London: Routledge.
5. Frost, Chris4 (2007) Journalism Ethics and Regulation (2nd Edition). London;
Longman.
Week
5:
Terminological
Nuances
and
Distinction
pertaining
to
Mass
Communication Ethics
Objectives
This session is designed to exposing students to various mass communication ethics.
Also, students will have an adequate knowledge of the impact of mass communication
ethics.
Description
First Hour
Terminologies of Ethics of Mass Communication
Second Hour
Purposes and Significance of Mass Communication Ethics: Towards Ethical
Competence
Study Questions
1. What are the main terminologies of ethics of mass communication?
2. What is the main significance of ethics in mass communication?
3. What are the distinction pertaining to mass communication ethics
4. Describe how ethics, as one of the basic roots of human conducts, relates to
societal norms.
5. Mass media are themselves manufacturing companies. What do they produce;
who are the main actors in the companies; and how does their operation relate to
ethics?
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Reading List
1. Day1, A. Loius (2003) Ethics in Media Communication: Cases and
Controversies (4th ed.). Belmont, California: Wadsworth. Pp33. ISBN 0-53456235-3
2. Chinyere4, Okunna (1995) Ethics of Mass Communcation. Enugu: New
Generation Books.
3. Mark3, Simmons (1990) Conduct and Character: Readings in Moral Theory.
Belmont, California: Wadsworth.
4. Thomas4, W. Cooper (1989) Communication Ethics and Global Change. New
York: Longman.
5. John2, C. Merrill and Ralph, D. Barney (eds.) (1975) Ethics and the Press. New
York: Hastings House.
Week 6: Ethical Theories
Objective
Students should at the end of this topic describe what ethical theory and the factors that
preempt it. Also they should be able to categorize ethical theories.
Description
First Hour
What is Ethical Theory and what drives it?
Second Hour
Categorization of Ethical Theories
A Special Focus on Kantian Ethical Theory
Evaluation of Ethical Theory
Study Questions
1. What is meant by ethical theories?
2. Mention two broad categories of theories of ethics
3. What is the major difference between dentological and teleological theories of
ethics?
4. Mention the main sub categories of theories under the teleological theory of
ethics
5. Explain the contribution of Immanuel Kant to the development of Dentological
theory of ethic
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Reading List
1. Day1, A. Loius (2003) Ethics in Media Communication: Cases and
Controversies (4th ed.). Belmont, California: Wadsworth. Pp33. ISBN 0-53456235-3
2. Chinyere4, Okunna (1995) Ethics of Mass Communcation. Enugu: New
Generation Books.
3. Belsey4, Andrew and Chadwick, Ruth (eds.) (1992) Ethical Issues in Journalsim
and the Media. London: Routledge.
4. Frost, Chris4 (2007) Journalism Ethics and Regulation (2nd Edition). London;
Longman.
Week 7: Responsibility in Mass Communication
Objective
At the end of this lecture, it is expected that students will display adequate knowledge
of some fundamentals ethical responsibilities of guarding the various fields of mass
communication.
First Hour
Truthfulness and Fairness
Accuracy and Correction of Errors
Second Hour
Objectivity, Interpretation and Balance
Fairness and Privacy
Sources and Reliability
Bribes, Brown Envelopes, Corruption and Conflict of Interest
Study Questions
1. What are the main responsibilities of journalists for maintaining truthfulness,
accuracy and fairness?
2. How could journalists achieve accuracy in their works?
3.
How could journalists reconcile the conflicts between free press and morality?
4. Critically evaluate the concept of brown envelope in Nigerian journalistic
parlance
5. How does ethics relates the principle of balance and objectivity?
Reading List
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1. Day1, A. Loius (2003) Ethics in Media Communication: Cases and
Controversies (4th ed.). Belmont, California: Wadsworth. Pp33. ISBN 0-53456235-3
2. Chinyere4, Okunna (1995) Ethics of Mass Communcation. Enugu: New
Generation Books.
3. William4, L. Rivers and Wilbur, Schram (1969) Responsibility in Mass
Communication. New York: Harper and Row
Week 8: Morally Offensive Content: Freedom and Responsibility
Objective
The objective is to adequately equip students with some morally offensive contents,
especially some issues relating with moral limits.
Description
First Hour
Society’s Surveillance of Offensive Materials
Pornography, Indecency and Moral Responsibility
Offensive Speech
Taste and Shocking or Disturbing Visuals
Second Hour
The Lingering Legacy of Blasphemy
The Case For Moral Limits
The case against Moral Limits
The Search for Standards
Study Questions
1. What constitutes offensive materials?
2. How could a journalist reconcile the conflict between his role to inform the
public and societal restraint on offensive materials
3. Mention four examples of offensive materials that you will not publish as a
journalist
4. What is the moral limits of your community on nudity?
5. Differentiate between blasphemy and offensive speech
Reading List
1. Day1, A. Loius (2003) Ethics in Media Communication: Cases and
Controversies (4th ed.). Belmont, California: Wadsworth. Pp33. ISBN 0-53456235-3
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2. Chinyere4, Okunna (1995) Ethics of Mass Communcation. Enugu: New
Generation Books.
3. Clement2, James (1980) Mass Media Codes of Ethics and Councils: A
Comparative International Study of Profession Standards. Paris: UNESCO.
Week 9: The Media and Antisocial Behaviour
Objective
The aim of this topic is to look at the way the media affects antisocial behaviours,
especially as it relates with civilization.
First Hour
The Influence of the Media on (Antisocial) Behaviour
Second Hour
The Media and Civility
Media Content and Juveniles: Special Ethical Concerns
Study Questions
1. Critically analyze the ways the media promote antisocial behaviours amongst
youth in our society.
2. In what ways does the media promote
3. What ethical principles should be developed to guard against antisocial
behaviours in our society
4. Do you think the Nigeria media ethics is standardized enough to checking
antisocial behaviours
5. Critically analyze the five antisocial behaviours in the Nigerian society
Reading List
1. Day1, A. Loius (2003) Ethics in Media Communication: Cases and
Controversies (4th ed.). Belmont, California: Wadsworth. Pp33. ISBN 0-53456235-3
2. Chinyere4, Okunna (1995) Ethics of Mass Communcation. Enugu: New
Generation Books.
3. John2, C. Merrill and Ralph, D. Barney (eds.) (1975) Ethics and the Press. New
York: Hastings House.
4. Clement1, James (1980) Mass Media Codes of Ethics and Councils: A
Comparative International Study of Profession Standards. Paris: UNESCO.
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Week 10: Media Practitioners and Social Injustice
Objective
This week topic aims at examining social injustice in our society and the ways the
media affects social injustice in the society.
Description
First Hour
The Principles of Formal Justice
Views on Media Practitioners and Social Justice
Second Hour
Ethics and Media Stereotypes in the Media
Economic Pressures and Social Responsibility
Study Questions
1. What is formal justice? Explain the various principles of formal justice
2. Evaluate the positions of media practitioners on social justice.
3. What is social responsibility
4. Do you think organizations in Nigeria are strictly adhering to the social
responsibility ethics in Nigeria.
5. Explain the ethical challenges facing commercial sponsorship in Nigeria
Reading List
1. Day1, A. Loius (2003) Ethics in Media Communication: Cases and
Controversies (4th ed.). Belmont, California: Wadsworth. Pp33. ISBN 0-53456235-3
2. Chinyere4, Okunna (1995) Ethics of Mass Communcation. Enugu: New
Generation Books.
3. Kieran4, Matheu (ed.) (1989) Media Ethics. London: Routledge. Pp 20-50 ISBN
0-415-16838-4
4. Belsey4, Andrew and Chadwick, Ruth (eds.) (1992) Ethical Issues in Journalsim
and the Media. London: Routledge.
Week 11: The Core of Professional Ethical Norms (PEN)
Objective
Students should at the end of this session know the different ethical standard guarding
each specializations of mass communication.
FIRST HOUR
Ethics of Journalism
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Ethics of Advertising
Second Hour
Ethics of Broadcasting
Ethics of Public Relations
Ethics of Film and Video Making
Study Questions
1. Identify 5 principal ethics guiding broadcasting in Nigeria
2. Assess the adherence of the film and video ethics in Nigeria
3. Justify the statement Ethics of Journalism- the Pivot of Mass Communication
Ethics
4. Critically analyze the ethics of adverting
5. Identify 5 ethics guiding broadcasting in Nigeria
Reading List
1. Day1, A. Loius (2003) Ethics in Media Communication: Cases and
Controversies (4th ed.). Belmont, California: Wadsworth. Pp33. ISBN 0-53456235-3
2. Chinyere4, Okunna (1995) Ethics of Mass Communcation. Enugu: New
Generation Books.
Week 12: A Critical Analysis of Codes of Media Ethics (COME)
Objective
This session will take deep look into various codes behind media ethics.
Description
First Hour
Codes of Ethics
Personal Codes versus Public Codes
Moral Basis of Codes
Significance of Codes of Ethics
Second Hour
Building and Framing Codes of Conduct
Right –Based Elements of Codes
FunctionaList – Based Elements of Codes
Study questions
1. What do you understand by code of ethics?
2. How is personal codes different from public codes
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3. Explain the moral basis of codes.
4. What impact does code of ethics have on our society?
5. Relate the right based and the functionaList based elements of codes.
Reading List
1. Day1, A. Loius (2003) Ethics in Media Communication: Cases and
Controversies (4th ed.). Belmont, California: Wadsworth. Pp33. ISBN 0-53456235-3
2. Chinyere4, Okunna (1995) Ethics of Mass Communcation. Enugu: New
Generation Books.
3. Mark2, Simmons (1990) Conduct and Character: Readings in Moral Theory.
Belmont, California: Wadsworth.
4. Thomas4, W. Cooper (1989) Communication Ethics and Global Change. New
York: Longman.
5. John1, C. Merrill and Ralph, D. Barney (eds.) (1975) Ethics and the Press. New
York: Hastings House.
Week 13: Codes of Media Ethics in Nigeria.
Objective
We shall be taking a look at the generally accepted different codes of media ethics in
Nigeria.
First Hour
Advertising Codes of Ethics
Code of Ethics for Broadcasters
Code of Ethics for Public Relations – a look at NIPR
Second Hour
Code of Ethics for Journalists – a look at the Nigerian Press Council
Code of Ethics for Filmmakers – a look at NFVCB
Ombudsman and Media Advocate and Monitoring Groups in Nigeria
Study Question
1. Mention five advertising codes of ethics
2. Examine the adherence of broadcasters to the broadcasters code of ethics
3. Do you think the ombudsman and media advocate and monitoring group has
been effective in Nigeria?
4. The Nigerian film makers have been adhering the to their codes of ethics, what
is your take?
5. Criticize one of the code of ethics of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations
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Reading List
1. Day1, A. Loius (2003) Ethics in Media Communication: Cases and
Controversies (4th ed.). Belmont, California: Wadsworth. Pp33. ISBN 0-53456235-3
2. Chinyere4, Okunna (1995) Ethics of Mass Communcation. Enugu: New
Generation Books.
WEEK 14: A Comparative and Cross –National Analysis of Media Councils and
Similar Bodies with their Codes of Ethics
OBJECTIVE
This topic aims to familiarize students with divergent countries media councils and
their accepted code of ethics.
Description
First Hour
Code of Ethics of Australian Journalists Association
Code of Broadcast News Ethics in Canada
Arab (Egypt) Charter of Work and Code of Ethics in the Press
New Press Code of Indian
Canons of Journalism in Japan
Second Hour
The Rules of the Swedish Newspaper Publishers’ Association on Text Advertising
UK National Union of Journalists Code of Ethics
American Society of Newspaper Editors’ Canons of Journalism
Study Question
1. Compare the Nigeria broadcaster’s code of ethics and the Canadian code of
broadcast news ethics
2. Highlight 6 Canons of Journalism in Japan
3. Criticize the new press code of Indian
4. What effect do you think the Nigeria journalist codes of ethics have on the new
freedom of information act?
5. State 6 similarities between the United Kingdom’s union of Journalist code of
ethics and code of ethics approved by the Nigeria Press Council.
Reading List
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1. Day1, A. Loius (2003) Ethics in Media Communication: Cases and
Controversies (4th ed.). Belmont, California: Wadsworth. Pp33. ISBN 0-53456235-3
2. Chinyere4, Okunna (1995) Ethics of Mass Communcation. Enugu: New
Generation Books.
WEEK 15: Revision
Objective
This week basically focuses at reviewing all the topics done in then past 14 weeks,
hence allowing students to ask questions on topics they have challenges with.
Revision Questions
1) Mass media are themselves manufacturing companies. What do they produce;
who are the main actors in the companies; and how does their operation relate to
ethics?
2) The ends, in journalism, do not always justify the means. Discuss this with the
appropriate theories of ethics and two illustrations.
3) Explain how the basic principles of moral values relate to the practices of
Public Relations and Journalism.
4) Describe how ethics, as one of the basic roots of human conducts, relates to
societal norms.
5) How do the Nigerian societal norms influence the codes of ethics of either
Journalism or Advertising in Nigeria?
6) There is no ethics without moral judgment and ethical dilemmas. Explain this
proposition in relation to journalistic routine of making choices between two
competing values, using three appropriate illustrations.
7) From a duty based perspective, two wrongs don’t make a right. Use two
appropriate illustrations in Journalism to argue for or against this observation.
8) What is the significance of ethics in advertising practice in Nigeria?
9) Identify and explain major ways of ensuring ethics in advertising in Nigeria
through codes of advertising practice.
10) Explain in details the concepts of absolutism and universalism in the duty based
theories of ethics.
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11) Explain and illustrate the contradictions of these concepts to the values of public
interest and confidentiality in Journalism.
Reading List
1. Mark2, Simmons (1990) Conduct and Character: Readings in Moral Theory.
Belmont, California: Wadsworth.
2. Thomas4, W. Cooper (1989) Communication Ethics and Global Change. New
York: Longman.
3. John2, C. Merrill and Ralph, D. Barney (eds.) (1975) Ethics and the Press. New
York: Hastings House.
4. Clement4, James (1980) Mass Media Codes of Ethics and Councils: A
Comparative International Study of Profession Standards. Paris: UNESCO.
5. William4, L. Rivers and Wilbur, Schram (1969) Responsibility in Mass
Communication. New York: Harper and Row
6. Lee4, L. Thayer (ed.) (1989) Ethics, Morality and the Media. New York:
Hastings House.
7. Day1, A. Loius (2003) Ethics in Media Communication: Cases and
Controversies (4th ed.). Belmont, California: Wadsworth. Pp33. ISBN 0-53456235-3
8. Kieran4, Matheu (ed.). (1989) Media Ethics. London: Routledge.
9. Belsey4, Andrew and Chadwick, Ruth (eds.) (1992) Ethical Issues in Journalsim
and the Media. London: Routledge.
10. Frost4, Chris (2007) Journalism Ethics and Regulation (2nd Ed.).
Longman.
Key:
1. Available in the University Library
2. Available in local bookshops
3. Available on the web
4. Personal collection
5. Departmental library
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London;
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