Unit outline_

MECO2605: Media, Law and Ethics

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit will introduce students to the area of media, law and ethics through discussion of key legal, ethical, and cultural issues relevant to journalism and the professional fields of public communication. Students will be given an introductory survey of the main ethical theories in Western thought to establish a framework within which to examine specific ethical issues that relate to media. They will also be introduced to those aspects of the law that impinge on the work of media professionals.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Media and Communications
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
18 credit points at 1000 level in Media and Communications
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
MECO3603 or MECO2604
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Dominic Knight, dominic.knight@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Dominic Knight, dominic.knight@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Saba Vasefi, saba.vasefi@sydney.edu.au
Uzma Aleem, uzma.aleem@sydney.edu.au
Simon Levett, simon.levett@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Written exam Formal exam
Formal exam conducted on paper (Date and time to be set by Exam Office)
35% Formal exam period 1.5 hours AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Written work Essay
Online submission of essay to Canvas
45% Mid-semester break
Due date: 10 Apr 2026 at 23:59
2000 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Presentation Comment piece + presentation
Online submission of comment piece to Canvas + In-class presentation
10% Multiple weeks 800 words + 7 minute presentation AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Written work Comment piece
n/a
10% Multiple weeks n/a AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Out-of-class quiz Early Feedback Task Early Feedback Task
Early Feedback Task
0% Week 03
Due date: 13 Mar 2026 at 23:59
Short Online Quiz AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
early feedback task = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Permissible AI use in Research Essay:

AI can assist in gathering information, exploring different perspectives, and refining ideas for your research essay. It can help identify credible sources and summarise key points. However, the actual writing and analysis must be your own. AI should support, not replace, your critical thinking and creativity.

 

Assessment criteria

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIdentification and analysis of ethical issues in the case

• Identifies the key issues relevant to the case
• Analyses how the issues apply to the case

This area will be used by the assessor to leave comments related to this criterion.

15 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeApplication and analysis of ethical or regulatory/legal frameworks

• Correctly identifies relevant ethical or regulatory/legal frameworks
• Identifies proposed reforms to those frameworks where relevant
• Identifies and explains relevant parts of those frameworks

This area will be used by the assessor to leave comments related to this criterion.

20 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeStrength and clarity of argument

• Considers arguments and counter-arguments
• Logical flow

This area will be used by the assessor to leave comments related to this criterion.

20 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWide use of source material to support argument and analysis

• Includes a range of relevant academic and media sources to support analysis and argument.
• Cites at least 3 items from the unit's Reading Guide.
• Provides cropped images as visual evidence for in-text citations

This area will be used by the assessor to leave comments related to this criterion.

25 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWriting and conventions

• Writing is original (low similarity rate on Turnitin), clear and concise
• Adheres to word limit
• Meets referencing requirements (including highlighting citations and references of unit readings in red, and providing supporting images)

This area will be used by the assessor to leave comments related to this criterion.

20 pts

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction, unit overview Lecture (2 hr)  
Week 02 Introduction to media ethics Lecture (2 hr)  
Ethics and law issues from the perspective of media users Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 03 Introduction to media law Lecture (2 hr)  
Workshop on assignment requirements and academic honesty Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 04 The Public interest - Principles in practice Lecture (2 hr)  
Student presentations: Media ethics Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 05 Responsibility and accountability: Law and regulation Lecture (2 hr)  
Student presentations: Media law Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 06 Codes of ethics and self regulation Lecture (2 hr)  
Student presentations: The public interest Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 07 Contempt Lecture (2 hr)  
Student presentations: Responsibility and accountability Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 08 Defamation Lecture (2 hr)  
Student presentations: Codes of ethics and self regulation Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 09 Privacy Lecture (2 hr)  
Student presentations: Contempt Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 10 Vilification, hate speech and limits of free speech Lecture (2 hr)  
Student presentations: Defamation Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 11 Copyright and IP Lecture (2 hr)  
Student presentations: Privacy Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 12 Commercial media cultures and objectivity Lecture (2 hr)  
Student presentations: Vilification, hate speech and limits of free speech Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 13 The future of media law and ethics? Lecture (2 hr)  
Student presentations: Copyright and IP Tutorial (1 hr)  

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Recognise and identify legal and ethical issues for media practitioners
  • LO2. Possess basic legal literacy, sufficiently to know where and when to seek further advice
  • LO3. Identify and draw on ethical theories and principles to think through ethical dilemmas for the media
  • LO4. Understand concerns, key thinkers and key legal and ethical frameworks for reflective, responsible and professional public communicators.
  • LO5. Work collaboratively to resolve legal and ethical concerns in specific case studies.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

N/A

Disclaimer

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