BCPW210
Ethics and Legal Issues in Writing and Publishing
Writers, editors, and publishers face a minefield of ethical and legal issues. Ethical topics in this course include bias, conflict of interest, and deception. Legal topics include libel, copyright, and the right to privacy. We’ll pay attention to how all of this plays out over the Internet.
You’ll be able to contribute to lively discussions on all of these issues and complete written assignments to test your knowledge.
This course is available at the following time(s) and location(s):
| Section | Session(s) | Date/time* | Campus | Instructor(s) | Cost** | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCPW210-VA11371 | 4 | Tuesdays Nov 19–Dec 10, 2013 6–9 pm |
Van | Claudia Cornwall | $370 | Register |
| BCPW210-VA11411 | 4 | Evenings Spring 2014 6–9 pm |
Van | Claudia Cornwall | $370 | Begins Fall 2013 |
* This course involves 12 instructional hours.
** Members of the Editors' Association of Canada are eligible for a 10 percent discount. Please contact us to confirm your membership and register. You may not combine discounts.
What will I learn?
By the end of the course, you will be able to do the following:
- Recognize ethical dilemmas for writers and publishers and understand the ethical principles that can help us sort through them
- Understand and use professional codes of conduct
- Identify industry norms and practices
- Understand the basics of copyright and libel law, as well as the legal terms that apply to writing and publishing
- Identify and use resources that can help you solve ethical and legal problems
- Construct and evaluate ethical arguments that pertain to the issues discussed in the course
- Communicate clearly and effectively about these issues
- Apply your basic knowledge of legal terms to the understanding of book and periodical contracts
- Avoid basic copyright and libel pitfalls
How will I learn?
- Lectures
- Class discussions
- In-class exercises
- Independent take-home assignments
- Reading
How will I be evaluated?
Your grade will be based on the following:
- Participation
- One take-home quiz
- Two short papers, one of which will be peer-evaluated
Textbooks and learning materials
Malcolm, Janet; The Journalist and the Murderer (paperback), Random House, 1990. ISBN 0-679-73183-0