SPCH 396B: "ETHICS IN COMMUNICATION"

SYLLABUS

SPRING 1996

T Th - 11:00 am to 12:15

SP 224

Required Texts

• Johannesen, Richard L. "Ethics in Human Communication," third edition. Waveland Press Inc. Prospect Heights, Ill. 1990. Available in the Matador Bookstore.
  
  
• Jaksa, James A. and Pritchard, Michael S. "Communication Ethics: Methods of Analysis," second edition. Wadsworth Publishing Co. Belmont, CA. 1994. Available in the Matador Bookstore

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General Description

The primary objective of this course is for the student to develop a practical definition of ethics, and an understanding of the issues involved in making decisions in communication situations.

This course will provide:

• An overview of ethical concepts and issues
• A study of the complexity and use of language in the process of conceptual analysis
• An investigation into the dimensions of making ethical choices
• An examination of the practical application of ethics in personal and professional decision making

The format of the class will include lectures, class discussions, guest speakers, class presentations, as well as reading and writing assignments. Students will be responsible for attending class, participating in class discussions, and completing all class assignments.

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Course Structure and Requirements

CLASS ATTENDANCE: Students are expected to attend all class sessions. Absences are excused for reasons beyond the control of the student, or when a student makes prior arrangements with the professor. Every two unexcused absences will result in a one-third reduction in the student's final grade (for example, from a B to a B-). Tardiness is considered a disruption to class, and may also be considered in the final grade.

CLASS PARTICIPATION: The format of this class will include lectures, class discussions, reading and writing assignments, class presentations, and guest speakers. All students are expected to listen in class, complete reading and writing assignments prior to the beginning of the class period, and actively participate in class discussions.

TESTS: There will be no midterm exam given in this class. The final exam will be a two hour, in-class essay. A list of study questions will be distributed on the review day. Bring a blue book to class (the large size). Exams may be written or printed in pen or pencil. However, penmanship should be neat and easily read. Readable, but very messy exams will be marked down 20 points. Exams that cannot be read will receive zero points.

BOOK REPORT: Students will select a course-related book from either the attached reading list or from references listed in the class textbook, or select a book approved in advance by the professor, and write a minimum of a five page (typed, double-spaced) book report that presents: 1)An introduction summarizing the major points and concepts advanced in the book; 2)An analysis section evaluating the validity or strength of the author's arguments and/or position; 3)A discussion of how the student considers the content of the book to be related to their concept of "Ethics." By Thursday, February 9 each student will submit, in writing, the name of the author and title of the book selected for the book report.

CLASS PRESENTATIONS: Students will be responsible for three class presentations: 1)Ethics Axiom - Each student will present one axiom to the class at the beginning of one class during the semester. The axiom will either be written on the board by the beginning of the class period, or copies will be distributed to each class member. Presentation of the axiom will consist of a five minute (maximum) explanation of how the axiom relates to the student's concept of ethics. Axioms should relate to the notion of personal or professional conduct, character, or values associated with ethics. 2)Glossary Term - Each student will select a term from the field of ethics and present to the class (both verbally and in writing) the definition, context, and usage of the term. 3)Book Review - Each student will schedule and present a fifteen minute (maximum) synopsis and evaluation of the book read for their book report.

JOURNAL: Students will be expected to submit a personal "Ethics Journal." The Journal will be contained in a 1/2" three-ring binder, divided into sections that include: a) personal definition of ethics (assigned during the first week of class), b) personal code of ethics (the content of this will be discussed during the semester), c) lecture notes, d) speaker notes, e) ethics axioms, f) glossary terms, g) book report, and h) copies of at least five ethics-related newspaper or magazine articles selected from outside readings during the semester.

CLASS ETHICS: All students are responsible for understanding and following campus policies of academic honesty as described in the schedule of classes and the CSUN catalog. Comments made in class discussions should be responsible and thoughtful. If necessary, the professor will control the pace/dynamics of the class discussions. In short, in class discussions: don't pontificate, stay on the point, and respect the right of others to make comments (even if they are contrary to your point of view). Many of the ideas you will read, discuss, and write about will come from other people's writings. The main objective of the class is to explore and learn about their ideas, and develop an understanding of their knowledge. Hopefully, this will add to your knowledge base, and help you develop your own insights and wisdom. There is nothing wrong with copying what other people have written, as long as you show how it leads you to your own ideas, and you give them credit for their writings. Claiming for yourself other people's ideas or writings is plagiarism. This form of dishonesty is a very serious academic offense and will most likely result in an -F- in the course, and possibly, dismissal from the University.

COURSE OUTLINE: A faithful attempt will be made to adhere to the Class Schedule. However, the professor reserves the right to reschedule, add or replace topics based on the tenor of the class and availability of scheduled speakers. If deviations from the class schedule is deemed necessary, students will be given advanced notice, if possible. Also, while the speakers listed have committed to the dates shown, unforseen circumstances may result in a speaker being replaced and/or rescheduled.

WITHDRAWL: The last day to withdraw from this course is Friday, February 9. After this date, you must have a serious and compelling reason (medical or employment related) and will be required to obtain the approval of the professor, the Department Chair, and the School's Associate Dean.

GRADING: Your final grade for the class will be determined based on the following factors: Class Participation: Class Discussions 20% 100 pts. Class Presentations : Ethics Axiom 5% 25 pts. Glossary Term 5% 25 pts. Book Review 10% 50 pts. Written Assignments: Book Report 20% 100 pts. Ethics Journal 15% 75 pts. Exams: Final Exam 25% 125 pts. Total: 100% 500 pts.

ATTENDANCE: While perfect attendance will not add points to the final grade, every two unexcused absences will result in a one-third grade reduction in the student's final grade (for example, from a B to a B-). See "Attendance" above. Excessive tardiness may also lower your final grade by one-third increments.

WORK QUALITY: Written assignments that are turned in with prolific errors in typing, spelling, grammar, etc. will result in a loss of points for that assignment. Attention to detail counts!

LATE ASSIGNMENTS: Missing a scheduled class presentation, without an excused absence and being rescheduled, will result in a loss of points for that assignment. Late book reports or journals will loose fifteen (15) points for each day beyond the deadline. Ethics Journals will not be accepted after May 10.

FINAL GRADES: A 90% - 100% 445 - 500 pts. B 80% - 89% 395 - 444 pts. C 70% - 79% 345 - 394 pts. D 60% - 69% 295 - 344 pts. F Below 60% less than 294 pts. Plus and minus grades will only be given when lack of attendance or class participation, or tardiness warrants such deductions.

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COURSE OUTLINE

Date Topic/Activity Assignment

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1/30 INTRODUCTION TO "ETHICS IN COMMUNICATION"
(Review subject matter, Syllabus, class organization) Assign Dates for Axioms and Book Reports
I. INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS

2/1 A. The Value and Function of Ethics in our Lives Jaksa, pp. 1-34
One page assignment due 2/7 -> "Personal Definition of Ethics"

2/6 B. Ethical Responsibility in Human Communication Johannesen, pp. 1-20
+ "Personal Definition of Ethics" Due

2/8 1. Ethics and Human Nature Johannesen, pp. 41-56
+ Book Report Titles Due

2/13 2. Ethics and Society Johannesen, pp. 21-39
(Politics, Press and Professional Responsibility) Johannesen, pp. 211-216
Johannesen, pp. 253-262

2/15 3. Ethical Models of Environmental Risk ---
Guest Speaker: Dr. Tom Hatfield

2/20 4. Simulation - "Win as much as you can" ---

II. THE LANGUAGE OF ETHICS
2/22 A. Thinking and Communicating with Concepts Handout - Emmet, pp. 71-108

2/27 1. Techniques of Conceptual Analysis Handout

2/29 2. Concepts of Values and Principles Handout - Emmet 109-151

3/5 B. Ethical Reasoning Jaksa, pp. 92-123

3/7 1. Principles of Ethics and Reason ---
Guest Speaker: Eric Forbes

3/12 2. The Principle of Veracity Jaksa, pp. 124-143
Johannesen, pp. 203-205

3/14 3. Freedom of Choice Handout - Emmet 199-227
III. ETHICS IN COMMUNICATION

3/19 A. Words that Hurt! The Ethics of communicating Johannesen, pp. 216-220
with people of "other" persuasions. Handout - "Words That Hurt"
Guest Speaker: Dr. Jim Hasenauer
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3/21 B. Ethical Values in Communication Jaksa, pp. 63-80

3/26 C. Ethical Issues in Communication Johannesen, pp. 105-138

3/28 1. Interpersonal Communication Johannesen, pp. 57-77
- Dialogical Perspectives Johannesen, pp. 139-149

4/2,4 Spring Recess (no class)


4/9 2. Ethics and Public Relations ---
Guest Speaker: Dr. Maureen Rubin

4/11 3. Ethics of Persuasion Johannesen, pp. 89-103
Johannesen, pp. 193-200
+ Book Reports Due

4/16 D. Ethics and Information Technology Johannesen pp. 265-278
[note: Class will meet in the CHHS Macintosh Computer Lab - PS 488}

4/18 1. Ethics and Media Technology
[note: Class will meet in the CHHS Macintosh Computer Lab - PS 488}

4/23 2. Privacy and Disclosure - The Ethics of Health Care Information
Guest Speaker: Dr. Brian Malec

4/25 E. Research Ethics
Guest Speaker: Dr. Susan Hall

4/30 F. Communication in Organizations Johannesen pp. 151-168
Johannesen pp. 279-289
5/2 F Book Report Presentations


5/7 F Book Report Presentations


5/9 IV. THEORY AND PRACTICE OF ETHICS Johannesen pp. 177-190
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5/14 F SUMMARY DISCUSSIONS
+ Journals Due

5/16 F REVIEW DAY Journals Returned


5/23 F FINAL EXAM: Time 10:15 - 12:15
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SELECTED READINGS

Ackerman, Robert W. and Raymond A. Bauer. "Corporate Social Responsiveness: The Modern Dilemma." Reston Publishing, Reston, Va. 1976.

Asuncion-Lande, Nobleza C. (ed.). "Ethical Perspectives and Critical Issues in Intercultural Communication." The Speech Communication Association, Falls Church, VA. 1980.

Bayles, Michael D. "Professional Ethics." Wadsworth Publishing Co., Belmont, CA. 1982.

Blanchard, Kenneth and Norman Vincent Peale. "The Power of Ethical Management." Ballantine Books, New York. 1988.

Bok, Sissela. "Lying: Moral Choice in Public Life and Private Life." Vintage Books, New York. 1979.

Bosmajian, Haig. "The Language of Oppression." university Press of America, Lanham, Md. 1983.
Brandt, Richard. "Ethical Theory." Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J. 1959.

Brentano, Franz. "The Foundations and Construction of Ethics." Humanities Press, New York. 1973.

Brown, Les. "Justice, Morality, and Education: A New Focus in Ethics in Education." St. Martin's Press, New York. 1985.

Callahan, Daniel and Bruce Jennings (ed.). "Ethics, the Social Sciences, and Policy Analysis." Plenum Press, New York. 1983.

Castaneda, H.N. "Thinking and Doing." D. Reidel, Dordrecht. 1975.

Christians, Clifford G., Kim B. Rotzell and Mark Fackler. "Media Ethics: Cases and Moral Reasoning." Longman Press, New York. 1983.

Crawford, Nelson Antrim. "The Ethics of Journalism." Greenwood Press, New York. 1956.

Dieterich, Daniel (ed.). "Teaching About Doublespeak." National Council of Teachers of English, Urbana, Ill. 1976.

Dworkin, Gerald (ed.). "Determinism, Free Will and Moral Responsibility." Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J. 1970.

Fink, Conrad C. "Media Ethics: In the Newsroom and Beyond." McGraw-Hill, New York. 1988.

Frankena, William E. "Ethics." 2nd edition. Prentice-Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, N.J. 1973.

Freedman, Monroe H. "Lawyers' Ethics in an adversary System." Bobbs-Merrill Co., Indianapolis, Ind. 1975.

Goldman, Alan H. "The Moral Foundations of Professional Ethics." Rowman and Littlefield, Totowa, N.J. 1980.

Kane, R. "Free Will and Values." State University of New York Press, Albany, N.Y. 1985.

Kipnis, Kenneth. "Legal Ethics." Prentice-Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, N.J. 1986.

Kolenda, Konstantin (ed.). "Organizations and Ethical Individualism," Praeger Publishers, New York. 1988.