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The Media School

Minor in Media Law and Ethics (Minors)

Students on Summer 2021, Fall 2021, or Spring 2022 requirements MDLWETMIN

The Media Law and Ethics minor studies the intersections of social institutions and practices with issues of professional and individual responsibility. The laws and regulations that govern the organization, content and ownership of media outlets profoundly impact on the shape of our society. Students preparing for careers across the public and private sectors need to understand the historical and contemporary context for a variety of policy debates. This knowledge will help them develop their own ideas about proper conduct and just behavior. This minor incorporates courses on professional ethics and conduct that conform to the national standards set by the American Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication as well as the Public Relations Society of America.

Requirements

The minor requires at least 15 credit hours, including the requirements listed below.
  1. Introduction to Media. One (1) course:
    • MSCH-C 101 Media
  2. Introduction to Media Law and Ethics. One (1) course:
    • MSCH-C 207 Introduction to Media Industry and Management
  3. Advanced Media Law and Ethics Electives. Three (3) courses:
    • MSCH-J 300 Communications Law
    • MSCH-J 407 Current Issues in Media Law
    • MSCH-J 409 Media Management
    • MSCH-L 317 Media Ethics and Professional Responsibility
    • MSCH-L 322 Media Policymaking
    • MSCH-M 310 Disruptors: Internet Industries
    • MSCH-M 322 Internet Ecosystems
    • MSCH-M 330 Production Management
    • MSCH-M 332 Media Law for Producers
    • MSCH-M 413 Global Media Issues
    • MSCH-M 421 Media Economics
    • MSCH-T 311 History of Electronic Media
    • MSCH-T 427 International Media Networks
  4. Minor GPA, Hours, and Minimum Grade Requirements.
    1. Minor GPA. A GPA of at least 2.000 for all courses taken in the minor—including those where a grade lower than C- is earned—is required.
    2. Minor Minimum Grade. Except for the GPA requirement, a grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the minor.
    3. Minor Upper Division Credit Hours. At least 9 credit hours in the minor must be completed at the 300–499 level.
    4. Minor Residency. At least 9 credit hours in the minor must be completed in courses taken through the Indiana University Bloomington campus or an IU-administered or IU co-sponsored Overseas Study program.

Minor Area Courses

Unless otherwise noted below, the following courses are considered in the academic program and will count toward academic program requirements as appropriate:

  • Any course at the 100–499 level with the MSCH subject area prefix—as well as any other subject areas that are deemed functionally equivalent
  • Any course contained on the course lists for the academic program requirements at the time the course is taken—as well as any other courses that are deemed functionally equivalent—except for those listed only under Addenda Requirements
  • Any course directed to a non-Addenda requirement through an approved exception
Exclusions

The following courses cannot be applied toward minor requirements:

  • CMCL-C 121
  • CMCL-C 122
  • CMCL-C 228
  • CMCL-C 339
  • CMCL-C 427
  • CMCL-C 430

This program of study cannot be combined with the following:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (JOURBAJ)
  • Bachelor of Arts in Media (MEDIABA)
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts in Cinematic Arts (CINEARTBFA)
  • Bachelor of Science in Game Design (GAMEDSGNBS)
  • Certificate in Journalism (JOURUGACR1)

Exceptions to and substitutions for minor requirements may be made with the approval of the unit's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.