Media ethics & governance

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/media-ethics-governance

Introduction

### Course Review: Media Ethics & Governance on Coursera **Overview:** In an era where the media plays a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and societal values, understanding the ethical implications of media practices is more crucial than ever. The "Media Ethics & Governance" course on Coursera addresses this need by diving deep into the fundamental theories and concepts surrounding media ethics. This insightful course will provide learners with a robust framework to navigate the ethical dilemmas faced by media professionals in today's rapidly evolving landscape. **Course Structure and Content:** This course is well-structured and divided into three comprehensive modules that build upon each other to provide a cohesive learning experience. 1. **Theoretical Building Blocks of Communication Ethics:** The course kicks off by introducing students to essential ethical theories such as Consequentialism and Utilitarianism. By examining these theories, participants will be equipped with the foundational knowledge necessary to approach ethical dilemmas from multiple perspectives. The emphasis on understanding various ethical viewpoints ensures that learners can reflect thoughtfully on decisions that may impact individuals and society. 2. **Media Governance:** In the second module, the focus shifts to the concepts of Media Governance. This section delves into the frameworks that dictate the functioning of media within societal and economic contexts. By tracing the historical roots of governance models, learners will gain insight into the complex interplay between regulation, ideology, and media behavior. This understanding is critical, as it helps reinforce the responsibilities media organizations and professionals hold within society. 3. **Communication Ethics in Practice:** The final module is perhaps the most engaging, as it allows learners to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world ethical issues. Through an ethical decision-making scheme, students will tackle common dilemmas faced in diverse media sectors—ranging from journalism to advertising and big data. This practical application not only reinforces learning but also empowers students to develop well-substantiated arguments for ethical decision-making in their respective fields. **Why You Should Enroll:** - **Comprehensive Understanding:** If you're a media professional, student, or simply someone interested in the ethical implications of media practice, this course offers a thorough understanding of the issues at stake. - **Expert Guidance:** The course draws on established theories and practices, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking authoritative insights into media ethics and governance. - **Practical Application:** The hands-on approach in the final module encourages the application of theoretical knowledge, essential for developing critical thinking skills that are indispensable in the media landscape. - **Flexibility and Accessibility:** As an online course on Coursera, it provides the flexibility to learn at your own pace, making it ideal for busy professionals or students. **Conclusion:** In conclusion, the "Media Ethics & Governance" course on Coursera is a highly recommended choice for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of media ethics and decision-making. It prepares learners to navigate the complexities of media governance while providing the tools to tackle ethical dilemmas adeptly. By completing this course, you'll not only enrich your own knowledge but also contribute positively to the media landscape—a critical endeavor in today’s information-driven society. Whether you're a budding journalist, a seasoned media executive, or simply passionate about ethical media practices, this course will transform your perspective and make you a more informed participant in the media arena.

Syllabus

Theoretical building blocks of Communication Ethics

In this section, we discuss several ethical theories and perspectives, such as Consequentialism and Utilitarianism. These theories serve as building blocks for the rest of the course: when you understand the most important aspects of each perspective, you are able to use the various perspectives to consider ethical dilemmas from different angles.

In this part of the course we will discuss the developments of ideas on media governance. Media Governance refers to the entire system of rules and regulation and informal societal, ideological and economical processes that influence the behavior of our media. We will start with some basic models and then give an overview of the (historical) roots of modern governance models.

In this section, we put our knowledge from the previous two modules to practice. With the use of an ethical decision making scheme, you can apply your knowledge of ethical theories to come to a well-substantiated argumentation for ethical decision making. In addition, you will learn about common ethical issues for professionals in a variety of media-related fields (e.g., media entertainment, advertising, journalism, big-data, and research).