Skip to main content
NounStudy
Back to Course Catalog
MAC411Social Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Media Law & Ethics

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of media law and ethics within the Nigerian context. It explores the legal and ethical frameworks that govern media practice, covering topics such as defamation, sedition, privacy, copyright, and contempt of court. Students will examine the Nigerian Constitution, relevant media laws, and ethical codes to understand their rights and responsibilities as media professionals. The course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complex legal and ethical landscape of the media industry.

Generate AI Study Notes

Transform this course into personalized study materials with AI

208h
Study Time
13
Weeks
16h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Media LawEthicsDefamationCopyrightRegulation

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Law and Ethics

2

Nigerian Constitution

3

Media Regulation

4

Defamation

5

Sedition

6

Copyright

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Journalist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Editor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Media Lawyer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Public Relations Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Communications Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Print MediaBroadcast MediaOnline MediaPublic RelationsAdvertising

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Mass Media and the Imperative of Law and Ethics

8h

Unit 1: Understanding Law

4 study hours
  • •Define law and ethics.
  • •Discuss the origin of law.
  • •Explain the significance of law.

Unit 2: Understanding Ethics

4 study hours
  • •Define ethics.
  • •Differentiate between law and ethics.
  • •Explain the importance of ethics to society.
Week
2

Module 1: Mass Media and the Imperative of Law and Ethics

4h

Unit 3: Mass Media Roles within the Scope of Law and Ethics

4 study hours
  • •Define mass media.
  • •State the various forms of mass media.
  • •Enumerate the roles of mass media in the society.
Week
3

Module 2: Nigerian Constitution and Media Regulation

4h

Unit 1: Origin and Status of Legal System in Nigeria

4 study hours
  • •Analyse the nature of Nigerian legal system.
  • •State the factors that shape the nature of Nigerian legal system.
  • •Describe the legal profession.
  • •Explain the institutions of law.
Week
4

Module 2: Nigerian Constitution and Media Regulation

4h

Unit 2: Constitutional Provisions on the Nigerian Media

4 study hours
  • •Identify the sections of Nigerian constitution that make provision for media practice in Nigeria.
  • •List various acts and decree that were promulgated to affect the operations of mass media in Nigeria.
  • •Evaluate the relationship between the media and the law.
Week
5

Module 2: Nigerian Constitution and Media Regulation

4h

Unit 3: Press Freedom

4 study hours
  • •Define freedom.
  • •Trace the origin of press freedom in Nigeria.
  • •Explain the current situation of press freedom.
Week
6

Module 2: Nigerian Constitution and Media Regulation

4h

Unit 4: State Security and the Mass Media

4 study hours
  • •Define state security.
  • •Identify the organ(s) that provide state security.
  • •State the relationship between state security and national security.
  • •Explain the roles of the media in safeguarding state security.
Week
7

Module 3: Media Laws: Reputation and Dignity of Persons

4h

Unit 1: Defamation

4 study hours
  • •Define and explain in detail the law of defamation.
  • •Explain the two major forms of defamation.
  • •Identify the essential elements of defamation (requirements for proof of defamation).
  • •Highlight the defenses against defamation.
  • •Enumerate the remedies for defamation.
Week
8

Module 3: Media Laws: Reputation and Dignity of Persons

4h

Unit 2: Sedition

4 study hours
  • •Define sedition.
  • •List essential elements of sedition.
  • •Highlight defenses against sedition.
Week
9

Module 3: Media Laws: Reputation and Dignity of Persons

4h

Unit 3: Privacy

4 study hours
  • •Define privacy.
  • •List the four popular areas or aspects of privacy.
  • •Highlight the likely defenses for a suit on the infringement on an individual's privacy.
Week
10

Module 3: Media Laws: Reputation and Dignity of Persons

4h

Unit 4: Obscene, Indecent and Harmful Publications

4 study hours
  • •Define harmful, obscene and indecent publications.
  • •State the laws against harmful, obscene and indecent publications.
  • •Enumerate the implications of harmful, obscene and indecent publications.
Week
11

Module 4: Media Laws: Intellectual and Institutional

4h

Unit 1: Copyright

4 study hours
  • •Explain clearly the concept of copyright.
  • •Identify the ownership of copyright and the situations in which it can be transmitted.
  • •Discuss the subjects and conditions for copyright.
  • •Enumerate what constitutes an infringement of copyright.
  • •Identify the remedies available for infringement of copyright.
Week
12

Module 4: Media Laws: Intellectual and Institutional

4h

Unit 2: New Media

4 study hours
  • •Explain the various aspects of the new media.
  • •Enumerate regulations against indecent publication on the Internet.
  • •State the implications of publishing defamatory materials on the Internet.
  • •Write on copyright infringement on author's work on the Internet.
Week
13

Module 4: Media Laws: Intellectual and Institutional

4h

Unit 3: Protection of News Sources or Whistle Blowers

4 study hours
  • •Identify sources of news for news media.
  • •Explain the importance of protecting the identity of news sources (whistle-blowers).
  • •Cite cases to present the different positions of the law on protection of news sources.
  • •Enlighten journalists on how to deal with sources that require confidentiality.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all unit objectives and summaries.

2

Study key definitions and legal concepts thoroughly.

3

Practice applying ethical theories to case studies.

4

Familiarize yourself with relevant sections of the Nigerian Constitution.

5

Understand the functions and powers of regulatory bodies.

6

Create flashcards for important legal terms and cases.

7

Participate actively in online forums and discussions.

8

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and their solutions.

9

Focus on understanding the practical implications of media laws and ethics.

10

Create concept maps linking different modules and units.

11

Practice analyzing ethical dilemmas from different perspectives.

12

Allocate sufficient time for revision and practice questions.

13

Join study groups to discuss and clarify difficult concepts.

14

Prioritize topics based on their weight in the final examination.

15

Get enough rest and maintain a healthy lifestyle during the exam period.

Related Courses

Other courses in Social Sciences that complement your learning

INR462

Africa In Regional And Global Security

Units
HCM434

Lodging Facilities Management

2 Units
DES415

International Organizations and Development (I)

2 Units
View All Social Sciences Courses