Model curricula for journalism education for developing countries ...

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• Weaver, D. H., ed. The Global Journalist. Cresskill, NJ: Hampton Press, 1998.
Schedule of classes
Weekly selection of local, national and international study cases for class debates:
What are the relevant facts of the case What ethical issues are at stake What
values are in conflict Who are the main players What are the possible attitudes or
courses of action What are their possible consequences What is the best course of
action What should be done by the main players
Week 1
Review syllabus. Introduction to journalism ethics; philosophical background in
ethics. Class discussions: What is ethics Nature of journalism ethics — not just
right and wrong; principles of critical thinking and decision making.
Suggested readings:
Bassham (2005), Preface, Chapter 1 Introduction to Critical Thinking pp 1-26.
How would I defend this case Read and discuss Introduction and Chapter 1 of
Patterson (1998), pp. 1- 19.
Week 2
History of Journalism ethics. Bias, impartiality, Ethnic, racial and cultural identities.
Read Ward (2005). Biagi (1997). Write a two-page paper describing an ethical
decision you faced in your personal, academic or professional life. What kind of
decision did you reach How did you decide it
Week 3
Personal ethics and group ethics; Consequences of personal choices – moral
judgment; Define basic journalistic concepts in relation to Journalism Ethics: Truth,
Fairness, Integrity, Impartiality, Independence and Accountability
•What is the journalistic purpose or news value of this story
•What are my motivations in doing this story
•How does this decision fit my overall journalism values
Suggested readings: Baggini (2002). Introduction, Chapters 1 and 2 (pp 1-83).
Christians (1980). Bivins (1993) 4-16.
Week 4
Global ethics – universal values or relativism Individual and social values. Global
journalism ethics as an extension of journalism ethics; global values in the
newsroom; codes of ethics, codes of practice (international examples) – history and
evolution; what journalists believe. Alia (1996); Civard-Racinais (2003).