COM 302 Assignments
Term Paper:
The term paper should be on a media law issue relevant to this course. Typically the student will analyze a current case or a current issue. For example, a student might look at a case involving a reporter who has been subpoenaed to testify before a grand jury. In terms of case analysis, the student could explore whether or not the reporter was properly treated legally or if the case met with legal guidelines. In terms of issue analysis, the student could raise the question of whether or not there should be a federal shield law. Either approach (or a combination of the two) is valid. Topics must be approved by the instructor. Students will expected to describe and analyze the current state of their topic. This will raise both legal and ethical issues. Both dimensions should be explored with the legal dimension receiving the majority of the attention. You are encouraged to pick a topic of interest and to consult with the instructor early in the semester. Preliminary topics must be submitted by September 14th.
Another way to think about topics is to pose a question. Examples might be - should there be a federal shield law? Or, how should the U.S. Supreme Court decide the pending broadcast indecency case FCC v. Fox Television Stations? Then, using what you've learning in class and doing research on your topic, answer the question applying sound media law principles.
In terms of writing, these reports will be expected to meet the same standards as any research paper. In particular, quotations and any facts, figures, opinions, and so on (including charts, tables, diagrams etc.) which are not your own should be attributed to the specific sources in which they were found. You may use any standard reference method so long as you are consistent and thorough (e.g. APA, Turabian, Chicago etc.). The reports should be 8-10 pages in length, typed, double spaced, and should have appropriate margins and page numbers. You should also include a bibliography/footnotes page. As another reminder, your paper should be checked for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and general quality of writing, as these will affect your grade.
You must use at least six sources beyond the textbook for this class. Source material can be drawn from cases, journals, books, trade magazines, newspapers, industry sources, interviews, the Internet and various other materials. The use of popular literature should be used with caution.
Case Presentation:
Students will present a case in class. The presentation should follow the guidelines given in the "How to Brief Decisions" handout. Students should be thorough in their brief and presentation. The brief should be turned in on the day of presentation. Presentations should be no longer than 10-15 minutes. Students should also be prepared to answer questions about their case. Please bring one copy of the case for each student in the class plus your instructor. For Fall 2009 this would be 21 copies.
Team Case:
The class will be divided into four teams. Two team will argue the plaintiff's case, the others the defendant's case. We will be using a copyright case that has yet to be determined. Packets for each team describing the case will be handed out at a later date. The case will be argued in class with each side presenting its arguments. A separate handout gives further details on this aspect of the case.