Research Paper
Research Paper will cover a contemporary journalism or media ethics issue. You must select one of the five topics below for the Final Research Paper.
? Counting the Costs: Ethical Issues Associated with Protecting Sources
? Follow Me: Holding Bloggers Ethically Responsible
? "Give Us Privacy": Ethical Treatment of Families of Criminals in News Reports
? In the Eye of the Beholder: The Ethical Pitfalls of Images and Video in News Reports
? Words that Hurt: An Ethical Basis of Libel
After choosing a topic, write a research paper that includes the following:
? Explain the ethical significance of the topic.
? Discuss each of the concepts and/or areas of ethics that are relevant to the topic.
? Identify and discuss at least two real-world situations in relation to the topic.
? Discuss the implications of the issue on the field of journalism.
? Write an overall opinion of the issues discussed in relation to the impact on individuals, groups, and society.
The paper must be at least eight pages in length (excluding title and reference pages) and formatted according to APA style. You must use at least five scholarly resources (at least two of which can be found in the Ashford Online Library) other than the textbook to support your claims. Cite your sources within the text of your paper and on the reference page. For information regarding APA, including samples and tutorials, visit the Ashford Writing Center
The Final Research Paper:
? Must be at least eight double-spaced pages in length, and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
? Must include a title page with the following:
? Title of paper
? Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.
? Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
? Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.
? Must use at least five scholarly resources, including a minimum of two from the Ashford Online Library.
? Must document all sources in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
? Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.Outcomes
Students will:
? Evaluate why a free press is important for the public good, and how the survival of society itself could depend on correct, reliable information.
? Explain the role of bloggers and citizen reporters on the Internet and their need for ethical standards.
? Develop a statement of "Ethical Considerations and Code of Conduct" for a theoretical news station.
Citizen Reporting
Blogging and citizen reporting have become increasingly prominent on the Internet. For an insightful article on citizen journalism, see "Your Guide to Citizen Journalism" The world of online reporting raises questions on ethical standards. Considering what you have learned about ethical standards for professional journalists, respond to the following questions:
Should citizen journalists/bloggers be held to the same ethical standards as professionals? Why or why not? What risks are involved in citizen journalists/bloggers not following a code of ethics?
Your post should be at least 250-300 words in length. Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Respond to at least two of your classmates' posts by Day 7.
Dangers to a Free Press
Why is it important to have a free press in society? Of the ethical issues we have considered in this course (censorship / protecting confidential sources / right to privacy/ bias or opinion in news stories) which poses the greatest danger to journalists and a free press?
Your post should be at least 250-300 words in length. Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references.