HUM 203: Digital Law & Case Studies in Ethics

Overview

HUM 203 explores the legal and ethical issues that arise while gathering and transmitting information using digital technology. You will explore in detail two areas of utmost concern, libel and invasion of privacy, as well as shield laws, malice, generic video, rules governing access to sources, and privacy issues that arise when using digital technology. The course also explores digital copyright law in detail.

The course project entails writing a comprehensive handbook on legal concepts and ethical guidelines for those using digital media. You will interact frequently with other students in Forum discussions. Online readings and other Internet resources will complement what you learn as the course progresses.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Recognize and avoid legal problems while gathering and communicating information using digital technology.
• Differentiate between legal and ethical constraints.
• Create a personal code of ethics that helps govern information gathering behavior and dissemination.
• Work with a variety of information sources with confidence arising from knowledge of the basic laws governing digital communication.

Required Texts
HUM 203 texts are available from the JIU/MBS bookstore