Module Title:Media Law
Credits: 10
NFQ Level:8
Module Delivered In No Programmes
Teaching & Learning Strategies: The learning outcomes detailed above will be achieved through the following teaching methodologies: • Lectures - communication of knowledge and ideas from the lecturer to the student. • Tutorials - will enable the students to discuss the material critically and thoroughly by teasing out difficult points; solving problems; debating controversial topics etc. in an intimate and supportive environment • Problem Solving Exercises – students will work as part of a team and will work together to resolve various contract scenarios. • Class Discussion/Debate - Students will be encouraged to actively participate in the class sessions which will develop their analytical and communication skills. • E-Learning – It is envisaged that the module will be supported with on-line learning materials. • Self-Directed Independent Learning – the emphasis on independent learning will develop a strong and autonomous work and learning practices.
Module Aim: The aim of this module is to guide the learner through a course of study, which should enable him/her gain knowledge of the principle theories of law which impact on the field of media and to examine the role of the media in a constitutional democracy, thereby assisting the student to develop the analytical skills required to apply their legal knowledge to various scenarios.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Critically assess how the law regulates the operation of the traditional and new media in Ireland.
LO2 Be able to analyse and discuss the various fundamental rights which impact upon the field of media, in particular the Right to Privacy and Freedom of Expression.
LO3 Demonstrate an ability to analyse the relationship between the courts and the media.
LO4 Illustrate an understanding of the constituent elements of defamation and the available defences to defamation actions.
LO5 Identify and distinguish between the various types of intellectual property and appreciate the legal issues involved when dealing with such property in the context of both traditional media and the emerging new media.
LO6 Display understanding of the relevance of Data Protection and Freedom of Information legislation to the field of Media.
LO7 Select and apply their knowledge to avoid and/or solve legal problems in practice.
LO8 Explore and research the personal, social, cultural, legal and ethical concerns in relation to the ownership, control and regulation of the media and express such concerns.
LO9 Evaluate the relevance of censorship in both the traditional media and a globalised new-media environment.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Introduction to theories of Freedom of Expression and the Media
• Deontological & Instrumental approaches • Freedom of Expression as a fundamental value • The Pursuit of Truth • Market Place of Ideas • Speech and democracy • Expression and autonomy • The European Convention on Human Rights
The Media and the Constitution (Fundamental Rights)
• Freedom of Expression • Right to a Good Name • Right to a Fair trial • Right to Privacy/proposed reform • ‘Public Order and Morality’ Restriction
Censorship of the Media
• Blasphemy • Incitement of Hatred • Obscenity, pornography • The internet and new media-What controls? • Office for Internet Safety • Internet Service Providers Code of Practice and Ethics
Intellectual Property
• Copyright Act 1963 as amended by Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000; • SI No. 59 EU(Copyright and Related Rights) Regulations 2012 • Internet Piracy and the international debate-SOPA(Stop Online Piracy Act), PIPA (Protect Intellectual Privacy Act), Wikipedia
Media and the Courts (Open Justice)
• Exclusion of the Media from Court • Reporting Restrictions • Contempt of Court o Defences o Procedure • Injunctions o Ireland o Super injunctions (UK)
Defamation
• Defamation Act 2009 • Balancing Reputation with Freedom of Expression • The internet and new media/twitter/Facebook etc. — extent of controls on ISP/users
Data Protection & Freedom of Information
• Data Protection Act 1988 as amended by the Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2003 - Protection of privacy of individuals with regard to personal data • Freedom of Information Act 1997, as amended by the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Act 2003 -- Information held by Public Bodies
Regulation of Broadcasting and the Press in Ireland
• The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland • The Press Council and Ombudsman • The Codes of Practice • Protection of journalistic sources
Media ownership
• Competition o Mergers o Licencing
The Media and Politics
• Impartiality • Advertising • Restrictions
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Other Critical Research Essay(s). This will assess the student’s ability to use analytical and research skills gained to apply knowledge of statute, codes, case law and commentary to a relevant established or evolving area of the law relating to media through research, critical analysis and reasoning. Students will be expected to demonstrate an ability to argue for both sides of a given hypothesis or problem. The student will be required to research the law relating to the topic and to produce a written submission supporting their arguments. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 40.00 n/a
No Project
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formal Exam 3 Hours Exam 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 60.00 End-of-Semester

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture 30 Weeks per Stage 3.00
Estimated Learner Hours 30 Weeks per Stage 3.67
Total Hours 200.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture Every Week 1.50
Total Hours 1.50