Main Content

Schedule

Introduction: Welcome to the Course
Readings
  • Explore the online course, carefully reviewing the syllabus, assignments, and course policies.
    • Be sure you understand the requirements and expectations for the course.
    • And, especially, note the dates of assignments and exams.
  • Introductory lesson commentary
Assignments
  • Familiarize yourself with the course content and structure.
  • Submit Internet Search and Conversations Tool.
  • Post an introduction about yourself on the Class Introductions discussion forum.
  • Submit Assignment Practice.
  • Complete the Plagiarism Quiz.
    Note: This will not count toward your final grade, but no assignment will be accepted until you pass the quiz. So to avoid any late penalty, make sure you pass the Plagiarism Quiz before turning in the first assignment.
Lesson 1: The American Legal System
Readings
  • Chapter 1
  • Lesson 1 commentary
Assignments
  • Exploring State and Federal Courts
Lesson 2: Contemporary First Amendment Issues
Readings
  • Chapter 2
  • Chapter 4, pp. 87–95
  • Lesson 2 commentary
Assignments
  • Constitutional Tests Exercise
  • Video Game Law Hypo Analysis
Lesson 3: Safeguarding Reputation: Law of Defamation
Readings
  • Chapter 5
  • Lesson 3 commentary
Assignments
  • Libel Hypo Analysis
  • Hustler v. Falwell Oral Argument Analysis Paper
Lesson 4: Invasion of Privacy
Readings
  • Chapter 6
  • Chapter 9, pp. 278–285
  • Lesson 4 commentary
Assignments
  • Invasion of Privacy Hypo Analysis
  • Privacy Protection Laws Exercise
  • Social Network Privacy Policy Exercise
Lesson 5: Newsgathering and the Law
Readings
  • Chapter 14
  • Lesson 5 commentary
Assignments
  • Complete Midterm.
Lesson 6: Free Press/Fair Trial
Readings
  • Chapter 13
  • Lesson 6 commentary
Assignments
  • Courtroom Closure Hypo Analysis
  • Cameras in the Court Comparison
  • Op-Ed on Tweeting in Courtrooms
Lesson 7: Obscenity Law
Readings
  • Chapter 10
  • Lesson 7 commentary
Assignments
  • Compare/Contrast Feminist Scholars' Views
  • "Sexting" Research Essay
Lesson 8: Broadcasting Regulation
Readings
  • Chapter 8
  • Lesson 8 commentary
Assignments
  • Parents Television Council Website Exercise
  • Indecency Essay
  • Scarcity Rationale Essay
Lesson 9: Commercial Speech and the Regulation of Advertising
Readings
  • Chapter 11
  • Lesson 9 commentary
Assignments
  • Endorsement Ad Exercise
  • Puffery Exercise
  • Central Hudson Test Essay
Lesson 10: Intellectual Property
Readings
  • Chapter 7
  • Lesson 10 commentary
Assignments
  • Complete Final Exam.

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