Ethical and Legal Issues in Publishing

Subject 106-526 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: 2 contact hours/week, 8 additional hours/week. Total of 10 hours per week.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Ms Jenny Lee

Contact

Jenny Lee
jenny.lee@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject addresses ethical issues and legal constraints involved in publishing for print and digital media. It reviews existing ethical codes and the mechanisms established to police them, as well as offering an overview of how publishing practices are shaped by legislative provisions relating to intellectual property, privacy protection, defamation and respect for cultural differences. The focus of the subject is on encouraging students to engage in situational analysis of the ethical and legal considerations affecting the selection and editorial treatment of material for print and online publication.
Objectives:
  • be familiar with standard publishing industry practices and codes of conduct as they pertain to print and digital publishing;
  • develop a strong understanding of the respective roles of editors, publishers and legal professionals in dealing with ethical and legal issues;
  • understand the impact on publishing practice of laws pertaining to copyright and intellectual property, privacy, defamation and respecting cultural differences;
  • be familiar with the issues involved in recent high-profile cases where standards have been breached; and
  • demonstrate an ability to apply such knowledge to their own editorial and publishing practice.
Assessment: A written assignment of 1500 words 30% (due mid semester); a second written assignment of 3500 words 70% (due end of semester).
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • have high-level written and oral communication skills through contribution to class discussions and the completion of assignments;
  • have a capacity for effective teamwork through group discussions;
  • have acquired skills in cultural and ethical understanding of the cultural role of books and readings and the responsibilities of publishers;
  • have acquired skills in research through the preparation of class papers and assignments, including the use of online as well as print-based materials;
  • have acquired skills in time management and planning through managing workloads for recommended reading, tutorial presentations and assessment requirements;
  • have a capacity for critical thinking through the use of readings and discussion to develop an understanding of the considerations that underpin law and ethics;
  • have a capacity for theoretical analysis through engagement with a range of texts that offer different perspectives on publishing as a component of the wider field of cultural practices.
Notes: This subject is only available to students enrolled in the Publishing and Communications program. Students in cognate postgraduate coursework programs may study the subject with the permission of the program co-ordinator
Related Course(s): Master of Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing
Master of Publishing and Communications
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Editing and Communications)

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