RTV704 - Media Issues

Outline information
Semester
Schools offering this subject
Last revision date 2023-10-02 00:20:43.007
Last review date 2023-12-04 00:15:04.572

Subject Title
Media Issues

Subject Description
"Specialists in the field of communication must have sound ethical and aesthetic senses and an understanding of the social, political and economic worlds in which they live if they are going to make sound and reasoned judgments on the content of a message"
(Philosophy of the School of Communication Arts, Seneca College)

The purpose of this subject, MEDIA ISSUES, is to examine some of the serious issues that will face a person working in the media. The general areas of concern are government and industry regulations and policies, advertising ethics, media ethics, entertainment trends, news reporting trends and journalism coverage, Canadian identity, media as business and media ownership and? making tough decisions. The issues are complex and not easy to handle under the daily or even hourly pressure to meet deadlines for listeners, viewers or readers. A well developed ethical approach often determines how a person handles these questions. Even though many of the issues and questions discussed in Media Issues do NOT have a solution, students will learn that understanding the various viewpoints and arguments will help them make good decisions.

Credit Status
Journalism Diploma Program
Radio Broadcasting Diploma Program
Television Broadcasting Diploma Program

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a knowledge of the major issues affecting today?s media and an understanding of the fundamentals of media ethics.
2. Demonstrate through in-class presentations, knowledge of the main and secondary issues facing those who work in the media.
3. Using established debating techniques, take part in a formal debate on current issues affecting media industries.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.